Environmental Ethics and Sustainable Development: An Analysis of the Rampal Coal Power Plant in Bangladesh

Environmental ethics and sustainable development maintain a very close relationship with each other. Environmental ethics gives priority to the future generation, and sustainable development also says about development considering the next generation. In this essay, the Rampal coal power plant in Bangladesh has been analyzed, focusing on future generation's sustainability. From this essay, it is found that the environmental specialists and UNESCO argue to stop the project, but from the government is arguing, showing the logic that the project is not harmful to the environment and the project authority can manage the probable environmental degradation because of it. The author of this essay has also found a more persuasive argument against the project

Shrinkage, pretest and LASSO estimators in parametric and semiparametric linear models

The theory of pretest (Bancroft (1944)) and James-Stein (James and Stein (1961)) type shrinkage estimation has been quite well known for the last five decades though its application remains limited. In this dissertation, some contributions to different types of parametric and semiparametric linear models based on shrinkage and preliminary test estimation methods are made which improve on the maximum likelihood estimation method. The objective of this dissertation is to study the properties of improved estimators of the parameter of interest in parametric and semiparametric linear models and compare these estimators with the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Tibshirani (1996)) estimator. Chapter two contains a study of the properties of the shrinkage estimators of the parameters of interest in a Weibull regression model where the survival time may be subject to fixed censoring and the regression parameters are under linear restrictions. Asymptotic properties of the suggested estimators are established using the notion of asymptotic distributional risk. Bootstrapping procedures are used to develop confidence intervals. An extensive simulation study is conducted to assess the performance of the suggested estimators for moderate and large samples. In chapter three, we consider generalized linear models for binary and count data. Here, we propose James-Stein type shrinkage estimators, a pretest estimator and a Park and Hastie estimator. We demonstrate the relative performances of shrinkage and pretest estimators based on the asymptotic analysis of quadratic risk functions and it is found that the shrinkage estimators outperform the maximum likelihood estimator uniformly. On the other hand, the pretest estimator dominates the maximum likelihood estimator only in a small part of the parameter space, which is consistent with the theory. A Monte Carlo simulation study has been conducted to compare shrinkage, pretest and Park and Hastie type estimators with respect to the maximum likelihood estimator through relative efficiency. In chapter four, we consider a partial linear model where the vector of coefficients β in the linear part can be partitioned as (β 1, β2) where β1 is the coefficient vector for main effects and β2 is a vector for “nuisance” effects. In this situation, inference about β1 may benefit from moving the least squares estimate for the full model in the direction of the least squares estimate without the nuisance variables, or from dropping the nuisance variables if there is evidence that they do not provide useful information (pre-testing). We investigate the asymptotic properties of Stein-type and pretest semiparametric estimators under quadratic loss and show that, under general conditions, a Stein-type semiparametric estimator improves on the full model conventional semiparametric least squares estimator. The relative performance of the estimators is examined using asymptotic analysis of quadratic risk functions and it is found that the Stein-type estimator outperforms the full model estimator uniformly. On the other hand, the pretest estimator dominates the least squares estimator only in a small part of the parameter space, which is consistent with the theory. We also consider an absolute penalty type estimator for partial linear models and give a Monte Carlo simulation comparison of shrinkage, pretest and the absolute penalty type estimators

Signal Processing Combined with Machine Learning for Biomedical Applications

The Master’s thesis is comprised of four projects in the realm of machine learning and signal processing. The abstract of the thesis is divided into four parts and presented as follows, Abstract 1: A Kullback-Leibler Divergence-Based Predictor for Inter-Subject Associative BCI. Inherent inter-subject variability in sensorimotor brain dynamics hinders the transferability of brain-computer interface (BCI) model parameters across subjects. An individual training session is essential for effective BCI control to compensate for variability. We report a Kullback-Leibler Divergence (KLD)-based predictor for inter-subject associative BCI. An online dataset comprising left/right hand, both feet, and tongue motor imagery tasks was used to show correlation between the proposed inter-subject predictor and BCI performance. Linear regression between the KLD predictor and BCI performance showed a strong inverse correlation (r = -0.62). The KLD predictor can act as an indicator for generalized inter-subject associative BCI designs. Abstract 2: Multiclass Sensorimotor BCI Based on Simultaneous EEG and fNIRS. Hybrid BCI (hBCI) utilizes multiple data modalities to acquire brain signals during motor execution (ME) tasks. Studies have shown significant enhancements in the classification of binary class ME-hBCIs; however, four-class ME-hBCI classification is yet to be done using multiclass algorithms. We present a quad-class classification of ME-hBCI tasks from simultaneous EEG-fNIRS recordings. Appropriate features were extracted from EEG-fNIRS signals and combined for hybrid features and classified with support vector machine. Results showed a significant increase in hybrid accuracy over single modalities and show hybrid method’s performance enhancement capability. Abstract 3: Deep Learning for Improved Inter-Subject EEG-fNIRS Hybrid BCI Performance. Multimodality based hybrid BCI has become famous for performance improvement; however, the inherent inter-subject and inter-session variation between participants brain dynamics poses obstacles in achieving high performance. This work presents an inter-subject hBCI to classify right/left-hand MI tasks from simultaneous EEG-fNIRS recordings of 29 healthy subjects. State-of-art features were extracted from EEG-fNIRS signals and combined for hybrid features, and finally, classified using deep Long short-term memory classifier. Results showed an increase in the inter-subject performance for the hybrid system while making the system more robust to brain dynamics change and hints to the feasibility of EEG-fNIRS based inter-subject hBCI. Abstract 4: Microwave Based Glucose Concentration Classification by Machine Learning. Non-invasive blood sugar measurement attracts increased attention in recent years, given the increase in diabetes-related complications and inconvenience in the traditional ways using blood. This work utilized machine learning (ML) algorithms to classify glucose concentration (GC) from the measured broadband microwave scattering signals (S11). An N-type microwave adapter pair was utilized to measure the sweeping frequency scattering-parameter (S-parameter) of the glucose solutions with GC varying from 50-10,000 dg/dL. Dielectric parameters were retrieved from the measured wideband complex S-parameters based on the modified Debye dielectric dispersion model. Results indicate that the best algorithm can achieve a perfect classification accuracy and suggests an alternate way to develop a GC detection method using ML algorithms

Influence of Corporate Governance on Sustainability Disclosure in Bangladesh

This research aims to investigate the relationship between an organization’s corporate governance and sustainability disclosure in Bangladesh. The study further designates sustainability reporting disclosure practices. The study used content scrutiny of the yearly statement of 175 companies listed in Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) for the year 2018, applying determinants count procedure and ordinary least square (OLS) regression analysis. Findings revealed that the level of sustainability reported among the listed companies in Bangladesh is deficient. Board independence and audit independence have a positive relationship with sustainability reports, but the female members in the board, audit committee size, and corporate governance compliance index have a negative relationship with sustainability as reporting. The board size of the companies is not a significant determinant of sustainability reported. The use of content analysis method for the measurement of sustainability report considering the quantity and ignoring the quality of disclosure, data consideration for only one year may contain subjectivity matter from the researcher’s perspective. Future research should be conducted based on content analysis with a mixed method to increase the quality. The findings of this study guided the essentials for step-up and the pursuance of corporate governance on sustainability exposure. This study contributes to works of literature on the association of corporate governance with sustainability disclosure

Scenario of Corporate Governance Practices in Bangladesh: A Study on Dutch Bangla Bank Limited (DBBL)

The study addresses the scenario of corporate governance practices in listed companies with any stock exchange in Bangladesh. DBBL has been taken as a case and data has been collected from the secondary sources. The study reveled that the corporate governance compliance practices in DBBL with SEC notification is better than average practices by the companies listed in stock exchanges of Bangladesh. Comparatively DBBL has been strictly followed the SEC’s guidelines, Bangladesh Bank’s guidelines, others regulatory bodies’ guidelines and legal obligations. But this Bank has no separate code of corporate governance, code of conduct for the board, and no any written performance evaluation system of CEO. More initiatives can be taken for ensuring corporate governance compliance in every companies listed in any stock exchange to increase foreign direct investment, enhance confidence of stakeholders, and moreover ensure transparency, accountable, reliability and fairness. Keywords: Scenario, Corporate Governance, Butch-Bangla Bank Limited, Annual Report, Bangladesh

E-Banking Offences and Interrelated Laws in Bangladesh

“Electronic Banking” refers to the systems that enable bank customers’ access to accounts and general information on bank products and services through a personal computer (PC) or other intellectual devices. Internet facilities have been introduced in Bangladesh in June 1996 beginning a new era of automated banking and commerce. E-banking is the cornerstone and waves of the future banking services and security. Now most of the banks in Bangladesh are providing a number of E-Banking services and playing a pivotal role. E- Banking services is one of the great initiatives to bestow a part of modern world. It provides gigantic benefits to consumers in terms of case and cost of transactions, either through internet, telephone, mobile or other electronic delivery channels. For many consumers, electronic banking means 24-hours access to cash through an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) or Direct Deposit of paychecks into checking or savings accounts. But in present time E-Banking involves numerous types of transactions. E-Banking offences are earlier occurred in   Bangladesh. For the expansion and safeguard of transaction in country, here exist different types of laws. Laws look after the consumer's rights and liability with banking safety. Laws have been enacted in this field for interest of consumer and bank to ensure their function, duty and rights as so as liabilities. For personal and governmental safety there exist some rules and regulation and also those have some loopholes. This paper represents the painstaking scenario of e-banking services, offences and how laws cop and formulate a better e-banking environment in Bangladesh and tried to simplify future problems and ultimate possibilities to drawbacks them from E-Banking. Key words: e-banking offences, e-banking laws, e-banking in Bangladesh, Banglades

The engineering behaviour of the tropical clay soils of Dhaka, Bangladesh

This research has evaluated the engineering behaviour of the tropical clay soils of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Attempts have been made to show the relationship of mineralogy and fabric with engineering properties. The engineering behaviour has been investigated by comparing the soil properties in a natural and destructured state at the same void ratio. Consolidation behaviour of the soils are discussed, based on oedometer and triaxial tests. Undrained and drained mechanical behaviour have been evaluated from triaxial tests in terms of stress-strain curves, stress paths, bonding effects, critical state conditions, stiffness and yielding behaviour. A framework for the tropical clay soils of Dhaka is presented. The tropical clay soils of Dhaka are intermediate to high plasticity inorganic clay. These soils are mainly composed of illite,. kaolinite, chlorite and some non clay minerals mainly quartz and feldspar. It was observed that these sods showed a random open microfabric of silt and clay. There was also some evidence that aluminosilicates, iron compounds and silica formed bonds between and within the grains. An apparent preconsolidation pressure of 170 kPa to 250 kPa was estimated for the natural soils, which is likely to be due to the bonded structure of the soils. The compressibility of the soil is very low to medium. The consolidation results are consistent with the mineralogy of the soils. It is established that the tropical clay soils of Dhaka are bonded. Bonding has an influence on the development of stress-strain and stiffness of these soils. Under undrained shearing, samples initially showed peak positive values of excess pore water pressure followed by negative values at higher strains due to the tendency of the samples to dilate. No negative pore water pressures were observed at high confining pressures. Only a few samples at low confining pressures reach the critical state at very large strains approximately in excess of 20%. High confining pressure samples may not have reached the critical state due to the formation of distinct shear surfaces. A significant difference between the natural and destructured failure surfaces was observed due to the presence of bonds in the natural soils. Differences in failure type were observed between the natural and destructured soils of three boreholes. It was observed that stiffness values gradually decreased with increasing strain. For the natural soils, two yield points could be identified at low confining pressures below the final yield. It was also observed that bond breakdown would occur in isotropic compression for tests at high confining pressures. At the final yield, the soil looses almost all of its stiffness due to bonding. After final yield, a soil’s behaviour is controlled only by friction. It was observed that three zones of behaviour could be identified for these soils in the stress space

Variability of Rainfall by Some Others Climatic Phenomena in the Northern Part of Bangladesh

The main objectives of this study are to find the seasonal variations of rainfalls and it’s related some others climatic variables in the northern part of Bangladesh. Also a suitable panel regression model of rainfalls on these climatic variables is fitted. In this study, climatic data for different phenomena i.e. total monthly rainfall in millimeters, humidity in percentage, cloud covers in hour per day, average temperature per day in degree Celsius, bright sunshine in hour per day from 1981 to 2017 are collected from Bangladesh Meteorological Department. The selected explanatory variables humidity, temperature, cloud cover and bright sunshine are considered in this analysis. For the availability of data for all of these variables considered in this study, the weather stations of Bogura, Rajshahi and Rangpur are considered which are situated in the northern part of Bangladesh. Among these three cities, the overall average monthly rainfall is the highest in Rangpur with high variability and the lowest is in Rajshahi with low variability. For all these three cities seasonal effect of rainfall is the highest for the month of July, seasonal effect of sunshine is the highest for the month of March, and that of cloud cover is the highest for the month of July. But for humidity variable, the seasonal effects of Bogura and Rajshahi stations are the highest for the month of July but that for Rangpur station is in September. Since all of these time series data have seasonal variations and non-stationary so to run panel data regression model it is needed to be made transformation for getting stationary time series data. For rainfall data it is needed two times transformation to get stationary form. Firstly, using fourth root power transformation and the secondly make a twelve periods lag difference transformation to obtain stationary form. But for all other climatic variables only twelve periods lag difference transformation is sufficient for getting stationary form.  Insignificant Cook-Weisberg test statistic suggests the homoskedasticity and lowest variance inflating factor conferred the absent of multicollinearity among explanatory variables. A panel regression model is employed to check the effect of humidity, temperature, cloud cover and bright sunshine on rainfall which is conferred by Lagrange multipliers test statistic. Since hausman test statistic is insignificant hence the random effect panel regression model is considered. Coefficient of non-determination is 0.66, implies that about 34% variation of rainfall can be explained by these explanatory variables. Cloud cover, humidity and sunshine have significant positive effects on rainfall whereas average temperature has significant negative effect on rainfall. One can try to fit a dynamic panel regression model such as GMM with Arellano Bond correction or two steps analysis of panel data models for further study. Key Words: Rainfall, Variability, Hausman Test Statistic, Cook-Weisberg Test Statistic, Random Effect Panel Model

Picture of the Socio-Economic Development of Rural People of Bangladesh through Mobile Financial Services - a study on bkash

Mobile Banking is a remarkable tool of financial inclusions that has been applied to connect (combines) the unbanked and underprivileged people into formal financial channel. At present, Bangladesh adores the incredible success in mobile banking particularly in rural areas (where bank branch facility is not available) of which bKash holds the leading position. This study is based on the assumption of socio-economic development of rural people of Bangladesh through bKash. Type of the research is exploratory in nature and followed by a conclusive method. The findings revealed that bKash has generated the various positive socio-economic impact like create employment opportunities, encourage savings, easy to received foreign remittance, women financial empowerment, role to developing the SMEs & agricultural sector, increase the financial productivity of seasonal workers & businessmen, break-down the power of middlemen & easy to business transaction, increase the money mobilization, save non-monetary cost. Finally this impact uplifting the living standard of rural people and contribute to reduce vicious cycle of poverty in rural area of Bangladesh. Key words: Mobile Banking, Financial inclusion, Rural area, Socio-economic development, bKash

Value Stream Analysis of Dried Fish’s Supply Chain in Bangladesh

Drying of marine fish is very common in the entire coastal areas of Bangladesh and these dried fishes have demand both in domestic and international markets though the people involved early in the production chain (fishing and drying) add relatively high value and make little profit. In the current supply chain, producers have no influence over supply chain management, rather they are strongly managed and monopolized by giant traders, brokers, dealers, wholesalers and thereby, erodes profitability and preference of primary producers. We conducted a study mainly in Kuakata and Dhaka to examine the supply chain of dried fish between these two areas. Basically this Kuakata is famous for producing dried fish in Bangladesh. Dhaka is the capital of Bangladesh, as well as center of different business areas. We have used value stream mapping to analyze the supply chain of dried fish in Bangladesh. In our survey we have tried to identify different supply chain intermediaries and surviving problems in dried fish’s supply chain. At the final stage of our article we have projected our findings and mentioned some possible solutions. Keywords: Supply Chain Management, Value Stream Mapping and Value Stream Analysis, Dried fish, Banglades