Recognition of Bangladeshi Sign Language (BdSL) Words using Deep Convolutional Neural Networks (DCNNs)

In a world where effective communication is fundamental, individuals who are Deaf and Dumb (D&D) often face unique challenges due to their primary mode of communication—sign language. Despite the interpreters' invaluable roles, their lack of availability causes communication difficulties for the D&D individuals. This study explores whether the field of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) could be a potential solution. The primary objective is to assist D&D individuals with computer applications that could act as mediators to bridge the communication gap between them and the wider hearing population. To ensure their independent communication, we propose an automated system that could detect specific Bangla Sign Language (BdSL) words, addressing a critical gap in the sign language detection and recognition literature. Our approach leverages deep learning and transfer learning principles to convert webcam-captured hand gestures into textual representations in real-time. The model's development and assessment rest upon 992 images created by the authors, categorized into ten distinct classes representing various BdSL words. Our findings show the DenseNet201 and ResNet50-V2 models achieve promising training and testing accuracies of 99% and 93%, respectively. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2023-07-06-019 Full Text: PD

Preference uncertainty in contingent valuation

In this paper, the results of empirical studies that applied two widely used methods - numerical certainty scale (NCS) and polychotmous choice (PC) - for estimating preference uncertainty adjusted willingness to pay (WTP) in contingent valuation (CV), are summarized. For this review, a number of conclusions are reached. First, there is a lack of consensus about which method is more appropriate for measuring preference uncertainty. Second, although preference uncertainty information has been found useful in detecting the incidence of hypothetical bias in CV studies, a consensus about a standard certainty threshold (or treatment mechanism) at which hypothetical behaviour converges to real behaviour is yet to emerge. Third, insufficient empirical evidence exists about the causal relationship between preference uncertainty scores and the theoretically expected explanatory variables. Finally, the preference uncertainty adjusted PC and NCS models fail to provide a consistent and more efficient welfare estimate compared to the conventional dichotomous choice certainty model

Preference uncertainty in contingent valuation

In this paper, the results of empirical studies that applied two widely used methods - numerical certainty scale (NCS) and polychotmous choice (PC) - for estimating preference uncertainty adjusted willingness to pay (WTP) in contingent valuation (CV), are summarized. For this review, a number of conclusions are reached. First, there is a lack of consensus about which method is more appropriate for measuring preference uncertainty. Second, although preference uncertainty information has been found useful in detecting the incidence of hypothetical bias in CV studies, a consensus about a standard certainty threshold (or treatment mechanism) at which hypothetical behaviour converges to real behaviour is yet to emerge. Third, insufficient empirical evidence exists about the causal relationship between preference uncertainty scores and the theoretically expected explanatory variables. Finally, the preference uncertainty adjusted PC and NCS models fail to provide a consistent and more efficient welfare estimate compared to the conventional dichotomous choice certainty model.Preference uncertainty Contingent valuation Polychotomous choice Numerical certainty scale

Effect of nonpharmacological interventions on dietary practices, energy expenditure and biochemical parameters of hypercholesterolemic type 2 diabetic subjects

Nonpharmacological interventions play an important role in the management of diabetes and its complications. This study analyzed the effect of nonpharmacological interventions on dietary practices, energy expenditure and management outcome in terms of glycemic and lipidemic status of type 2 diabetic subjects with hypercholesterolemia. These interventions included dietary advice, leaflets, televised lectures, booklets, posters and a bimonthly publication in Bangla. Eighty newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic subjects (male: female ratio 47:33, age 46 ± 8 years) with hypercholesterolemia (fasting serum total cholesterol >200 mg/dl) were selected from BIRDEM by purposive sampling. The first interview was taken before any intervention while the second interview was taken after a minimum interval of 8 weeks. The daily intake of macro- and micro- nutrients was assessed by 24-hr recall method. Energy expenditure of the subjects was calculated by factorial method using physical activity level (WHO/FAO/UNU 1985). After intervention, the proportion of carbohydrate, protein and fat intake of the study subjects did not differ significantly compared to values before intervention. The daily intake of micronutrients also did not differ compared to those before intervention. No significant difference was found between pre and post intervention values of per day energy intake (kcal, 1621 ± 426 vs 1645 ± 623). Total energy expenditure after intervention was significantly higher (1649 ± 340) compared to before intervention (1519 ± 353, p<0.002). After intervention, fasting serum glucose level (7 ± 1.43 mmol/l), serum glucose 2 hrs after breakfast (11 ± 4.1 mmol/l) and total cholesterol (217 ± 35 mg/dl) were significantly reduced compared to before intervention values (9 ± 4, 16 ± 7, 231 ± 32 respectively; p=0.001 for FSG, p=0.001 for SGABF, p<0.001 for total cholesterol). Nonpharmacological intervention was found to be effective in improving the management of diabetes and its complications. Ibrahim Med. Coll. J. 2009; 3(2): 75-7

Original Article EFFECT OF NONPHARMACOLOGICAL INTERVENTIONS ON DIETARY PRACTICES, ENERGY EXPENDITURE AND BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIC TYPE 2 DIABETIC SUBJECTS

Nonpharmacological interventions play an important role in the management of diabetes and its complications. This study analyzed the effect of nonpharmacological interventions on dietary practices, energy expenditure and management outcome in terms of glycemic and lipidemic status of type 2 diabetic subjects with hypercholesterolemia. These interventions included dietary advice, leaflets, televised lectures, booklets, posters and a bimonthly publication in Bangla. Eighty newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic subjects (male: female ratio 47:33, age 46 ± 8 years) with hypercholesterolemia (fasting serum total cholesterol&gt;200 mg/dl) were selected from BIRDEM by purposive sampling. The first interview was taken before any intervention while the second interview was taken after a minimum interval of 8 weeks. The daily intake of macro- and micro- nutrients was assessed by 24hr recall method. Energy expenditure of the subjects was calculated by factorial method using physical activity level (WHO/FAO/UNU 1985). After intervention, the proportion of carbohydrate, protein and fat intake of the study subjects did not differ significantly compared to values before intervention. The daily intake of micronutrients also did not differ compared to those before intervention. No significant difference was found between pre and post intervention values of pe

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Hypercholesterolemic Type 2 Diabetic Subjects on Dyslipidemia

This study was undertaken to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of hypercholesterolemic type 2 diabetic subjects on dyslipidemia and to analyze the influence of some demographic and socioeconomic factors on the level of KAP.It was a descriptive cross-sectional survey. One hundred eleven newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic subjects (male 61%, female 39%, age 45±9 years, BMI 24±4.8 Kg/m2) with hypercholesterolemia (fasting plasma total cholesterol >200 mg/dl) were selected from the out patient department of BIRDEM by purposive sampling method. Data were collected by a pre-designed, pretested, interviewer-administered questionnaire. Three categories were defined on the basis of the score obtained by each subject namely low, medium and high as follows: knowledge-score 60%; attitude-score 80%; and practice-score 70% respectively. The levels of knowledge were low in 42%, medium in 35% and high in 23% of the study subjects. The corresponding attitude levels were low in 1%, medium in 31% and high in 68%, and the levels of practice were low in 80%, medium in 14% and high in 6% of the subjects. The knowledge score was higher in secondary and graduate (53.4±8.9%, and 54.9±10.1%) groups compared to illiterate-primary group (48.9±9.9%). Practice score of illiterate-primary group (34.5±16.8%) was lower than secondary and graduate (43.1±13.9% and 46.7±18.1%) groups, but they did not differ on attitude. The various income groups did not differ on knowledge. Attitude score of high-income group (78.7±8.4%) was better than low-income group (70.9±11.8%). Practice score in high-income group (44.7±16.0%) was better than medium income and low-income groups (31.3±14.5% and 28.6±15.0%). Knowledge and practice score in Bangladeshi hypercholesterolemic type 2 diabetic subjects are not satisfactory although they have fairly good attitude levels. Education and income status are the major determinants of knowledge, attitude and practice regarding dyslipidemia in diabetes. A coordinated policy is required to promote knowledge and attitude on healthy lifestyle and to translate those into practice. Ibrahim Med. Coll. J. 2011; 5(2): 37-4