Debating Diversity in Provision of Universal Primary Education in Bangladesh

Multiple providers (including state, quasi-state and non-state ones) have contributed to raising initial enrolment and improving gender balance in Bangladesh. The critical question is how multiplicity and diversity of provision can contribute to achieving truly universal primary education with high completion rates and acceptable levels of learning. In this paper, these questions are addressed in the context of history and circumstances of educational development in Bangladesh, as the Government attempts to put into effect a new national education policy and design a five year (2011-15) national development plan

İki tarla bitkisinde Euphorbia hirta ve PEG 6000 ile oluşan engelleyici etkilerin karşılaştırması üzerine bir ön çalışma

Euphorbia hirta is commonly found in all tropical regions of the world, as invasive weed with an adverse effect on other plants. The current study features two important aspects: (i), Effects of E. hirta roots exudates (0, 50, 75 and 100% concentrations) (ii), Influence of PEG 6000 “Polyethylene glycol” (8, 16 and 40 g/l concentrations) on germination and growth criterion of Cicer arietinum (Chick pea) and Phaseolus vulgaris (French bean). In this regard osmotic potential of all the solutions have been balanced. It is observed that the root leachates of spurge weed significantly (p < 0.05) affected the germination rate while PEG has no positive or negative effect on growth activity. The growth parameters in both crops have altered by spurge weed and PEG solutions while highest inhibition was recorded in root length root exudates (3.5 cm) of C. arietinum which is in contrast to PEG (11.97 cm), this might be due to the presence of allelochemicals. The prescribed treatments also raised their pH values, where highest pH (7.9) obtained from 100% spurge weed induction which is relatively a stronger basic nature rather than neutral control samples. Comparative studies of both test crops shows that C. arietinum has appeared to be more influential than P. vulgaris. Two-way ANOVA has produced a significant difference (p < 0.05) between the effects of both treatments on germination and growth of test crops while within group (concentrations of each treatment) are weakly significant (p < 0.1) to each other. This would rather intimates that the inhibition has strongly emerged as an allelopathic response on Cicer arietinum and Phaseolus vulgaris plants by the induction of spurge weed (Euphorbia hirta) root exudates.Euphorbia hirta, diğer bitkiler üzerinde olumsuz etkiye sahip istilacı bir yabancı ot türü olarak dünyanın bütün tropikal bölgelerinde yaygın olarak bulunmaktadır. Yürütülen çalışmada, Phaseolus vulgaris L. (Fasulye) ve Cicer arietinum L. (Nohut) çimlenme ve büyüme kriteri üzerine (i) E. hirta'nın kök salgılarının etkileri (0, 50, 75 ve %100 konsantrasyon), (ii) PEG 6000'nin (8, 16 ve 40 g/l konsantrasyon) “Polietilen glikol” etkisi olmak üzere iki önemli husus bulunmaktadır. Bu bakımdan bütün solüsyonların osmotik potansiyeli dengelenmiştir. Sütleğen bitkisinin kök salgılarının çimlenme oranını önemli ölçüde (p <0.05) etkilediği, PEG'in ise büyüme aktivitesi üzerinde olumlu veya olumsuz bir etkisinin olmadığı gözlemlenmiştir. PEG solüsyonları ve sütleğen bitkisi her iki üründeki büyüme parametrelerini değiştirmiş, C. arietinum'un kök uzunluğunda PEG (11.97 cm)'in aksine en yüksek oranda inhibisyon kök salgıları uygulamasında (3.5 cm) kaydedilmiştir. Bu durum alelokimyasalların varlığından kaynaklanmış olabilir. En yüksek pH (7.9) nötr kontrol örneklerine göre daha güçlü bir bazik yapısı olan %100 sütleğen otu indüksiyonundan elde edilmiş, yapılan uygulamalar ayrıca pH değerlerini de yükseltmiştir. Çalışmadaki her iki test bitkisi karşılaştırıldığında C. arietinum'un P. vulgaris'ten daha fazla etkilendiği görülmüştür. İki yönlü varyans analizine göre (Two-way ANOVA) her iki uygulamanın test bitkilerinin çimlenme ve büyümesi üzerindeki etkileri grup içerisinde (her bir uygulama konsantrasyonları) az oranda önemli olmasına rağmen (p <0.1) her iki uygulama arasında önemli bir fark (p <0.05) oluşturmuştur. Bu inhibisyonun sütleğen bitkisinin (Euphorbia hirta) kök salgılarının Cicer arietinum ve Phaseolus vulgaris bitkileri üzerine alelopatik etkisine karşı güçlü bir yanıt olarak ortaya çıktığı düşünülmektedir

Movie Tags Prediction and Segmentation Using Deep Learning

The sheer volume of movies generated these days requires an automated analytics for ef cient classi cation, query-based search, and extraction of desired information. These tasks can only be ef ciently performed by a machine learning based algorithm. We address the same issue in this paper by proposing a deep learning based technique for predicting the relevant tags for a movie and segmenting the movie with respect to the predicted tags. We construct a tag vocabulary and create the corresponding dataset in order to train a deep learning model. Subsequently, we propose an ef cient shot detection algorithm to nd the key frames in the movie. The extracted key frames are analyzed by the deep learning model to predict the top three tags for each frame. The tags are then assigned weighted scores and are ltered to generate a compact set of most relevant tags. This process also generates a corpus which is further used to segment a movie based on a selected tag. We present a rigorous analysis of the segmentation quality with respect to the number of tags selected for the segmentation. Our detailed experiments demonstrate that the proposed technique is not only ef cacious in predicting the most relevant tags for a movie, but also in segmenting the movie with respect to the selected tags with a high accuracy

Ethnic differences in Glycaemic control in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus living in Scotland

Background and Aims: Previous studies have investigated the association between ethnicity and processes of care and intermediate outcomes of diabetes, but there are limited population-based studies available. The aim of this study was to use population-based data to investigate the relationships between ethnicity and glycaemic control in men and women with diabetes mellitus living in Scotland.&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt; Methods: We used a 2008 extract from the population-based national electronic diabetes database of Scotland. The association between ethnicity with mean glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus was examined in a retrospective cohort study, including adjustment for a number of variables including age, sex, socioeconomic status, body mass index (BMI), prescribed treatment and duration of diabetes.&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt; Results: Complete data for analyses were available for 56,333 White Scottish adults, 2,535 Pakistanis, 857 Indians, 427 Chinese and 223 African-Caribbeans. All other ethnic groups had significantly (p&#60;0.05) greater proportions of people with suboptimal glycaemic control (HbA1c &#62;58 mmol/mol, 7.5%) compared to the White Scottish group, despite generally younger mean age and lower BMI. Fully adjusted odds ratios for suboptimal glycaemic control were significantly higher among Pakistanis and Indians (1.85, 95% CI: 1.68–2.04, and 1.62,95% CI: 1.38–1.89) respectively.&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt; Conclusions: Pakistanis and Indians with type 2 diabetes mellitus were more likely to have suboptimal glycaemic control than the white Scottish population. Further research on health services and self-management are needed to understand the association between ethnicity and glycaemic control to address ethnic disparities in glycaemic control.&lt;p&gt;&lt;/p&gt

A picture tells a thousand words: A content analysis of concussion-related images online.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Recently image-sharing social media platforms have become a popular medium for sharing health-related images and associated information. However within the field of sports medicine, and more specifically sports related concussion, the content of images and meta-data shared through these popular platforms have not been investigated. The aim of this study was to analyse the content of concussion-related images and its accompanying meta-data on image-sharing social media platforms. METHODS: We retrieved 300 images from Pinterest, Instagram and Flickr by using a standardised search strategy. All images were screened and duplicate images were removed. We excluded images if they were: non-static images; illustrations; animations; or screenshots. The content and characteristics of each image was evaluated using a customised coding scheme to determine major content themes, and images were referenced to the current international concussion management guidelines. RESULTS: From 300 potentially relevant images, 176 images were included for analysis; 70 from Pinterest, 63 from Flickr, and 43 from Instagram. Most images were of another person or a scene (64%), with the primary content depicting injured individuals (39%). The primary purposes of the images were to share a concussion-related incident (33%) and to dispense education (19%). For those images where it could be evaluated, the majority (91%) were found to reflect the Sports Concussion Assessment Tool 3 (SCAT3) guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: The ability to rapidly disseminate rich information though photos, images, and infographics to a wide-reaching audience suggests that image-sharing social media platforms could be used as an effective communication tool for sports concussion. Public health strategies could direct educative content to targeted populations via the use of image-sharing platforms. Further research is required to understand how image-sharing platforms can be used to effectively relay evidence-based information to patients and sports medicine clinicians

Military and Development in Bangladesh

SUMMARY This article traces the origins of the Bangladesh army back to the British East India Company's army and follows its development through the colonial period, looking at the consequences of the exclusion of Bengalis after 1857. It shows why the Bengali sections of the Pakistan army were brought to the point of revolt in the national liberation struggle of 1971, and examines the factors which inhibited the development of a people's army and people's war. The erosion of public support for the Mujib government and the 1971 takeover are discussed. It is concluded that though there were important grievances internal to the military, the economic situation was the most significant element in these events. Resume Militarisme et développement au Bangladesh Cet article attribue les origines de l'armée du Bangladesh à l'armée de la British East India Company et suit son développement au cours de la période coloniale, examinant les conséquences de l'exclusion des Bengalis, après 1857. Il démontre pourquoi les factions bengalis de l'armée pakistanaise furent au point de se révolter lors de la lutte de libération nationale de 1971, et examine les facteurs qui entravèrent le développement d'une armée populaire et d'une guerre populaire. L'érosion du soutien public pour le gouvernement Mujib et la prise de pouvoir de 1971, sont examinées. L'article conclut que, malgré l'existence de griefs considérables au sein même de l'armée, c'est à la situation économique qu'il convient d'attribuer le rôle prépondérant, dans ces événements. Resumen El militarismo y el desarrollo en Bangladesh En este artículo se investigan los orígenes del ejército de Bangladesh remontándose hasta el ejército de la Compañía británica de la India Oriental y sigue su evolución a través del período colonial, poniendo de relieve las consecuencias de la exclusión de los bengalíes después de 1857. Se indica por qué las secciones bengalíes del ejército de Pakistán casi llegaron al borde de la revuelta en la lucha de liberación nacional de 1971 y se examinan los factores que impidieron la creación de un ejército del pueblo y una guerra del pueblo. Se analizan la erosión del apoyo popular para el gobierno de Mujib y el golpe de estado de 1971. Se llega a la conclusión de que aunque existían importantes agravios internos hacia los militares, la situación económica fue el elemento más significativo de dichos acontecimientos

Perception and experiences of adolescent mothers and communities in caring for their preterm babies: findings from an in-depth study in rural Bangladesh.

BackgroundA significant concern for Bangladesh is the high prevalence of adolescent pregnancy and the associated negative consequences for mother and baby, including a teen-related increased risk of preterm birth (PTB). Bangladesh also has one of the highest incidences of PTB (19%). Despite these high numbers of adolescent pregnancies and PTB, little is reported about the experiences of adolescent mothers in caring for their preterm babies, and the interventions needed to support them. The aim of this study was to explore gaps and opportunities for improved care for preterm babies among adolescent mothers and communities in rural Bangladesh.MethodsWe conducted a qualitative study in rural villages of Baliakandi sub-district of Bangladesh. Data collection involved in-depth interviews with adolescent mothers of premature and term babies, adult mothers with premature babies, and family members (n = 36); focus groups with community members (n = 5); and key informant interviews with healthcare providers (n = 13). Adolescent mothers with term and adult mothers with PTBs were included to elicit similarities and differences in understanding and care practices of PTB. A thematic approach was used for data analysis.ResultsWe explored two major themes- perceptions and understanding of PTB; care practices and care-seeking for illnesses. We observed gaps and variations in understanding of preterm birth (length of gestation, appearance, causes, problems faced) and care practices (thermal management, feeding, weight monitoring) among all, but particularly among adolescents. Immediate natal and marital-kins were prominent in the narratives of adolescents as sources of informational and instrumental support. The use of multiple providers and delays in care-seeking from trained providers for sick preterm babies was noted, often modulated by the perception of severity of illness, cost, convenience, and quality of services. Health systems challenges included lack of equipment and trained staff in facilities to provide special care to preterm babies.ConclusionA combination of factors including local knowledge, socio-cultural practices and health systems challenges influenced knowledge of, and care for, preterm babies among adolescent and adult mothers. Strategies to improve birth outcomes will require increased awareness among adolescents, women, and families about PTB and improvement in quality of PTB services at health facilities

Lipid-soluble Vitamins A, D, and E in HIV-Infected Pregnant women in Tanzania.

There is limited published research examining lipid-soluble vitamins in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected pregnant women, particularly in resource-limited settings. This is an observational analysis of 1078 HIV-infected pregnant women enrolled in a trial of vitamin supplementation in Tanzania. Baseline data on sociodemographic and anthropometric characteristics, clinical signs and symptoms, and laboratory parameters were used to identify correlates of low plasma vitamin A (<0.7 micromol/l), vitamin D (<80 nmol/l) and vitamin E (<9.7 micromol/l) status. Binomial regression was used to estimate risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Approximately 35, 39 and 51% of the women had low levels of vitamins A, D and E, respectively. Severe anemia (hemoglobin <85 g/l; P<0.01), plasma vitamin E (P=0.02), selenium (P=0.01) and vitamin D (P=0.02) concentrations were significant correlates of low vitamin A status in multivariate models. Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) was independently related to low vitamin A status in a nonlinear manner (P=0.01). The correlates of low vitamin D status were CD8 cell count (P=0.01), high ESR (ESR >81 mm/h; P<0.01), gestational age at enrollment (nonlinear; P=0.03) and plasma vitamins A (P=0.02) and E (P=0.01). For low vitamin E status, the correlates were money spent on food per household per day (P<0.01), plasma vitamin A concentration (nonlinear; P<0.01) and a gestational age <16 weeks at enrollment (P<0.01). Low concentrations of lipid-soluble vitamins are widely prevalent among HIV-infected women in Tanzania and are correlated with other nutritional insufficiencies. Identifying HIV-infected persons at greater risk of poor nutritional status and infections may help inform design and implementation of appropriate interventions

Prevalence of childhood and early adolescence mental disorders among children attending primary health care centers in Mosul, Iraq: a cross-sectional study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Children and adolescents are more vulnerable to the affects of war and violence than adults. At the time of initiation of this study, nothing was known about the prevalence of childhood and early adolescence mental disorders. The aim of the present study is to measure the point prevalence of mental disorders among children of 1–15 years age in the city of Mosul, Iraq.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A cross-sectional study design was adopted. Four primary health care centers were chosen consecutively as a study setting. The subjects of the present study were mothers who came to the primary health care center for vaccination of their children. The chosen mothers were included by systematic sampling randomization. All children (aged 1–15) that each mother had were considered in the interview and examination.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Out of 3079 children assessed, 1152 have childhood mental disorders, giving a point prevalence of 37.4%, with a male to female ratio of to 1.22:1. The top 10 disorders among the examined children are post-traumatic stress disorder (10.5%), enuresis (6%), separation anxiety disorder (4.3%), specific phobia (3.3%) stuttering and refusal to attend school (3.2% each), learning and conduct disorders (2.5% each), stereotypic movement (2.3%) and feeding disorder in infancy or early childhood (2.0%). Overall, the highest prevalence of mental disorders was among children 10–15 years old (49.2%) while the lowest was among 1–5 year olds (29.1%). Boys are more affected than girls (40.2% and 33.2%, respectively).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Childhood mental disorders are a common condition highly prevalent amongst the children and early adolescents in Mosul. Data from the present study mirrors the size of the problem in local community. Several points deserve attention, the most important of which include giving care at the community level, educating the public on mental health, involving communities and families, monitoring community mental health indicators, and providing treatment at primary health care level.</p