Micro-Finance for Women Empowerment: A Rural-Urban Analysis

This paper examined the micro-finance services towards empowerment of unprivileged women in the southwestern part of Bangladesh. A sample of 300 low profile unprivileged micro-finance service receiving women equally from rural and urban areas of Khulna district were surveyed during May, 2018. Data were collected on the usage and effectiveness of micro-finance services and were analyzed using STATA 12. Multiple regression model and descriptive statistics were used to interpret data. Economic empowerment, social empowerment, interpersonal empowerment and political empowerment were considered to measure women empowerment. The study found that proper use of microcredit, marital status of women, educational status of women and their husbands, personal income and their position in the family were the main determinants of women empowerment. Women empowerment score remained higher in urban areas than in rural areas. The availability of micro-finance services improved the status of unprivileged low profile suburban women in terms of income generation, saving mobilization, the creation of household assets and overall poverty reduction of rural women. Thus, microfinance has been a useful tool for women empowerment and economic development in both areas but more effective in urban areas.&nbsp

PENDAMPINGAN DALAM PEMBERDAYAAN TANAH WAKAF DESA PUTAT LOR

This community service is carried out in the form of Islamic philanthropy which focuses on legalizing and empowering waqf land. The legalized waqf land is in the form of non-productive waqf as well as several prayer rooms (musala) located in the area of Putat Lor village, Krajan, Gondanglegi, in Malang district. This waqf is trying to be assisted in the legalization process by carrying out the three-stage of "heir waqf" method. This method includes observing data on the heirs whom the land being handed over, validating the heirs’ agreement, and implementing the waqf pledge. This process is carried out within three weeks

Hierarchical Design Based Intrusion Detection System For Wireless Ad hoc Network

In recent years, wireless ad hoc sensor network becomes popular both in civil and military jobs. However, security is one of the significant challenges for sensor network because of their deployment in open and unprotected environment. As cryptographic mechanism is not enough to protect sensor network from external attacks, intrusion detection system needs to be introduced. Though intrusion prevention mechanism is one of the major and efficient methods against attacks, but there might be some attacks for which prevention method is not known. Besides preventing the system from some known attacks, intrusion detection system gather necessary information related to attack technique and help in the development of intrusion prevention system. In addition to reviewing the present attacks available in wireless sensor network this paper examines the current efforts to intrusion detection system against wireless sensor network. In this paper we propose a hierarchical architectural design based intrusion detection system that fits the current demands and restrictions of wireless ad hoc sensor network. In this proposed intrusion detection system architecture we followed clustering mechanism to build a four level hierarchical network which enhances network scalability to large geographical area and use both anomaly and misuse detection techniques for intrusion detection. We introduce policy based detection mechanism as well as intrusion response together with GSM cell concept for intrusion detection architecture.Comment: 16 pages, International Journal of Network Security & Its Applications (IJNSA), Vol.2, No.3, July 2010. arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:1111.1933 by other author

Effective role of the ‘loading’ dose of magnesium sulfate in the treatment of eclampsia

Background: Eclampsia is defined as the occurrence of one or more convulsions in association with the syndrome of preeclampsia. In Bangladesh, eclampsia is the 3rd major cause of maternal death. Magnesium sulfate is now the drug of choice for women with eclampsia for controlling convulsion with strong evidence that it is better than diazepam, phenytoin or lytic cocktail. Aim of the study was to find out the effective role of loading dose of magnesium sulfate in the treatment of the convulsion in eclampsia.Methods: Prospective comparative study. In the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH)" from January 2008 to December 2008. A total of 100 eclamptic patients who are eligible for magnesium sulfate therapy were purposively assigned to receive either only loading "dose or traditional dose for control of convulsion. Data was organized and the results were presented in tables, figures, diagram etc. by using SPSS-10 and MS-Excel 2016.Results: The mean (±SD) convulsion (fit) and delivery interval was 7.95±1.33. Regained consciousness was predominant 28(56.0%) patients after initiation of treatment. Maternal death was found 1 (2.00%). The cause of maternal mortality was due to renal failure. The mean (±SD) respiratory rate was 20.2±4.19min. Normal urine was found 43(86.0%). Normal knee jerks were found 45 (90.0%). No toxicity developed in any group assessed by the parameters like respiratory rate, urine volume and knee jerks.Conclusions: For the above reasons eclampsia can be treated effectively by only loading dose of Mgs04 in primary as well as tertiary level hospital which will significantly reduce the maternal morbidity and mortality

Structure-Electronic Property Relationships of 2D Ruddlesden-Popper Tin- And Lead-based Iodide Perovskites

Two-dimensional (2D) halide perovskites are receiving considerable attention for applications in photovoltaics, largely due to their versatile composition and superior environmental stability over three-dimensional (3D) perovskites, but show much lower power conversion efficiencies. Hence, further understanding of the structure-property relationships of these 2D materials is crucial for improving their photovoltaic performance. Here, we investigate by means of first-principles calculations the structural and electronic properties of 2D lead and tin Ruddlesden-Popper perovskites with general formula (BA)2An-1BnI3n+1, where BA is the butylammonium organic spacer, A is either methylammonium (MA) or formamidinium (FA) cations, B represents Sn or Pb atoms, and n is the number of layers (n = 1, 2, 3, and 4). We show that the band gap progressively increases as the number of layers decreases in both Sn- and Pb-based materials. Through substituting MA by FA cations, the band gap slightly opens in the Sn systems and narrows in the Pb systems. The electron and hole carriers show small effective masses, which are lower than those of the corresponding 3D perovskites, suggesting high carrier mobilities. The structural distortion associated with the orientation of the MA or FA cations in the inorganic layers is found to be the driving force for the induced Rashba spin-splitting bands in the systems with more than one layer. From band alignment diagrams, the transfer process of the charge carriers in the 2D perovskites is found to be from smaller to higher number of layers n for electrons and oppositely for holes, in excellent agreement with experimental studies. We also find that, when interfaced with 3D analogues, the 2D perovskites could function as hole transport materials.</p

Loss functions, utility functions and Bayesian sample size determination.

PhDThis thesis consists of two parts. The purpose of the first part of the research is to obtain Bayesian sample size determination (SSD) using loss or utility function with a linear cost function. A number of researchers have studied the Bayesian SSD problem. One group has considered utility (loss) functions and cost functions in the SSD problem and others not. Among the former most of the SSD problems are based on a symmetrical squared error (SE) loss function. On the other hand, in a situation when underestimation is more serious than overestimation or vice-versa, then an asymmetric loss function should be used. For such a loss function how many observations do we need to take to estimate the parameter under study? We consider different types of asymmetric loss functions and a linear cost function for sample size determination. For the purposes of comparison, firstly we discuss the SSD for a symmetric squared error loss function. Then we consider the SSD under different types of asymmetric loss functions found in the literature. We also introduce a new bounded asymmetric loss function and obtain SSD under this loss function. In addition, to estimate a parameter following a particular model, we present some theoretical results for the optimum SSD problem under a particular choice of loss function. We also develop computer programs to obtain the optimum SSD where the analytic results are not possible. In the two parameter exponential family it is difficult to estimate the parameters when both are unknown. The aim of the second part is to obtain an optimum decision for the two parameter exponential family under the two parameter conjugate utility function. In this case we discuss Lindley’s (1976) optimum decision for one 6 parameter exponential family under the conjugate utility function for the one parameter exponential family and then extend the results to the two parameter exponential family. We propose a two parameter conjugate utility function and then lay out the approximation procedure to make decisions on the two parameters. We also offer a few examples, normal distribution, trinomial distribution and inverse Gaussian distribution and provide the optimum decisions on both parameters of these distributions under the two parameter conjugate utility function

Tidal intrusion within a mega delta: an unstructured grid modelling approach

The finite volume community ocean model (FVCOM) has been applied to the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna (GBM) delta in the northern part of the Bay of Bengal in order to simulate tidal hydrodynamics and freshwater flow in a complex river system. The delta region is data-poor in observations of both bathymetry and water level; making it a challenge for accurate hydrodynamic models be configured for and validated in this area. This is the first 3D baroclinic model covering the whole GBM delta from deep water beyond the shelf break to 250 km inland, the limit of tidal penetration. This paper examines what controls tidal penetration from the open coast into an intricate system of river channels. A modelling approach is used to improve understanding of the hydrodynamics of the GBM delta system. Tidal penetration is controlled by a combination of bathymetry, channel geometry, bottom friction, and river flow. The simulated tides must be validated before this delta model is used further to investigate baroclinic processes, river salinity and future change in this area. The performance of FVCOM tidal model configuration is evaluated at a range of sites in order to assess its ability to capture water levels which vary over both a tidal and seasonal cycle. FVCOM is seen to capture the leading tidal constituents well at coastal tide gauge stations, with small root-mean-squared errors of 10 cm on average. Inland, the model compares favourably with twice daily observed water levels at thirteen stations where it is able to capture both tidal and annual timescales in the estuarine system. When the river discharge is particularly strong, the tidal range can be reduced as the tide and river are in direct competition. The bathymetry is found to be the most influential control on water levels within the delta, though tidal penetration can be significantly affected by the model's bottom roughness, and the inclusion of large river discharge. We discuss the generic problem of implementing a model in a data-poor region and the challenge of validating a hydrodynamic model from the open coast to narrow river channels

Fabrication and characterization of high speed resonant cavity enhanced Schottky photodiodes

Ankara : Department of Physics and Institute of Engineering and Science, Bilkent University, 1996.Thesis (Master's) -- Bilkent University, 1996.Includes bibliographical references leaves 75-78.High speed, high external quantum efficiency and narrow spectral linewidth make resonant cavity enhanced (RC E) Schottky photodetector a good candidate for telecommunication applications. In this thesis, we present our work for the design, fabrication and characterization of a RCE Schottky photodiode with high quantum efficiency and high speed. We present experimental results on a RCE photodiode having an operating wavelength of 900 nm. The absorption takes place in a thin InGaAs layer placed inside the GaAs cavity. The active region was grown above a highreflectivity GaAs/AIAs quarter-wavelength Bragg reflector. The top mirror consisted of a 200A thin Au layer which also acted as Schottky metal of the device. An external quantum efficiency of 55% was obtained from our devices. We demonstrate that the spectral response can be tailored by etching the top surface of the microcavity. Our high speed measurements yielded a FW HM of 30 ps, which is the record response for any RCE Schottky photodiode ever reported.Islam, M SaifulM.S

Assessment of Quality of Life in Dialysis and Non-Dialysis Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

INTRODUCTION: Chronic kidney disease is a general term for heterogeneous disorders affecting the structure and function of the kidney. The variation in disease expression is related partly to cause and pathology, severity, and rate of progression. Since the introduction of the conceptual model, definition, and staging of chronic kidney disease 10 years ago,1-4 guidelines have recommended a shift from kidney disease being recognized as a life threatening disorder affecting few people who need care by nephrologists, to a common disorder of varying severity that not only merits attention by general internists, but also needs a concerted public health approach for prevention, early detection, and management.4-6 Although guidelines had an important effect on clinical practice, research, and public health, they have also generated controversy. DEFINITIONS AND OUTCOMES: The definition of chronic kidney disease is based on the presence of kidney damage (i.e., albuminuria) or decreased kidney function (i.e., glomerular filtration rate [GFR] <60 mL/min per 1·73 m²) for 3 months or more, irrespective of clinical diagnosis.1,8-9 Because of the central role of GFR in the pathophysiology of complications, the disease is classified into five stages on the basis of GFR: more than 90 mL/min per 1·73 m²(stage 1), 60–89 mL/min per 1·73 m² (stage 2), 30–59 mL/min per 1·73 m² (stage 3), 15–29 mL/min per 1·73 m² (stage 4), and less than 15 mL/min per 1·73 m² (stage 5). Findings from experimental and clinical studies have suggested an important role for proteinuria in the pathogenesis of disease progression.10 Epidemiological studies have shown graded relations between increased albuminuria and mortality and kidney outcomes in diverse study populations, in addition to, and independent of, low GFR and risk factors for cardiovascular disease.11-16 Kidney failure is traditionally regarded as the most serious outcome of chronic kidney disease and symptoms are usually caused by complications of reduced kidney function. When symptoms are severe they can be treated only by dialysis and transplantation; kidney failure treated this way is known as end-stage renal disease. Kidney failure is defined as a GFR of less than 15 mL/min per 1·73 m², or the need for treatment with dialysis or transplantation. Other outcomes include complications of reduced GFR, such as increased risk of cardiovascular disease, acute kidney injury, infection, cognitive impairment, and impaired physical function.17-20 Complications can occur at any stage, which often lead to death with no progression to kidney failure, and can arise from adverse effects of interventions to prevent or treat the disease. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of the study is to assess quality of life in dialysis and nondialysis chronic kidney disease patients. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY: 1. To study the demographic details of patients with Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis Patients. 2. To study the Prevalence of symptoms in patients with Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis Patients. 3. Determine the quality of life ofpatients with Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis Patients by using Kidney Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire–Short Form (KDQOL-SFTM). DISCUSSION: Measuring the impact of CRF treatment on patients’ quality of life is being recognized as an important outcome measure. The main aim along with treatment in patients with chronic medical conditions, such as CRF, in particular, is to reduce disease burden and suffering caused by thedisease. This means to improve the overall wellbeing of the patient and to improve the individual’s quality of life. The Kidney Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire–Short Form (KDQOL-SFTM) has become themost widely used QOL measures for CRF patients. In this study Quality of Life compared using KDQOL-SFTM scores among patients with dialysis and different CKD stages to study the relationship between QOL and the risks of outcomes. A total of 200CRF patients participated in the study which included 74CRF patients on dialysis (CRF-D) and 126CRF patients not on dialysis (CRF-ND). Table no. 1, shows the gender wise distribution of Study population. Overall 59.4% were male patients greater in number than female 40.5% in CRF-D group, whereas CRF-ND comprised of 56.3% male patients and 43.6% of female. Table no. 2, shows theage wise distribution. In this most of the CRF-D patients were in the age group of more than 60 years (44.5%) followed by 51-60 years (25.6%),41-50 years (17.5%) and less than 40 years(12.1%).CRF-ND patients were more in the age group of more than 60 years (37.3%) followed by 51-60 years (24.6%),41-50 years (21.4%)and less than 40 years(16.6%). In both the groups, most of the participants were over 60 years. Table no. 3, shows the co-morbidities of the study population. Hypertension, Ischemic Heart Disease, Diabetes Mellitus, and Anaemia are the co-morbid diseases commonly found with the CKD patients. In this study most of the CRF-D patients have hypertension(93.2%), followed by anaemia (85.1%), Diabetes mellitus (79.7%), Ischemic Heart Disease (63.5%) and other diseases (36.4%). Most of the CRF-ND patients have hypertension(84.9%), followed by anaemia (77.7%), Diabetes Mellitus (73.8%), Ischemic Heart Disease (50.0%) and other diseases (37.3%). CONCLUSION: The proper measures of QOL in patients with renal disease are unknown. Measures include subjective and objective tools, and generic and diseasespecific scales. The past several years have witnessed an explosion in the number of studies and the populations of patients with CKD in which various aspects of HRQOL have been assessed. It is clear that the many QOL measures are intertwined. A challenge remains to make these domains clinically meaningful. Use of KDQOL-SFTM as a QOL assessment tool, may be valuable in the global assistance of these patients and allow timely health care intervention in the course of the disease. Our findings show that some symptom burden was higher in the non-dialysis group, compared to the dialysis group but most of the symptoms are did not reach statistical significance. Similarly, there was no significant change in the KDQOL-SFTM scores among patients with CRF patients on dialysis and CRF patients not on dialysis. Results obtained from the use of KDQOL-SFTM in CRF patients undergoing dialysis and not on dialysis supports the reliability of the instrument in study area population. Hence, KDQOL-SFTM would help physicians in routine monitoring of patient’s perception of their wellbeing as it forms an integral part to impart better patient care. A better understanding of HRQoL and its determinants would help to formulate individualized treatment strategies. There is a compelling need for further research to better define the spectrum of changes in symptom burden and physical performance among patients started on maintenance dialysis. Such research will crucially inform the discussion between clinicians and patients in the shared decision making process around the timing of dialysis initiation