A large scale hearing loss screen reveals an extensive unexplored genetic landscape for auditory dysfunction

The developmental and physiological complexity of the auditory system is likely reflected in the underlying set of genes involved in auditory function. In humans, over 150 non-syndromic loci have been identified, and there are more than 400 human genetic syndromes with a hearing loss component. Over 100 non-syndromic hearing loss genes have been identified in mouse and human, but we remain ignorant of the full extent of the genetic landscape involved in auditory dysfunction. As part of the International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium, we undertook a hearing loss screen in a cohort of 3006 mouse knockout strains. In total, we identify 67 candidate hearing loss genes. We detect known hearing loss genes, but the vast majority, 52, of the candidate genes were novel. Our analysis reveals a large and unexplored genetic landscape involved with auditory function

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the education of medical, dental and non-medical healthcare professionals in Bangladesh : findings and connotation

Lockdown measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic had an appreciable impact on the education of all medical, dental, and non-medical healthcare professional (HCP) students. These included the closure of universities necessitating a rapid move to e-learning and new approaches to practical’s. However initially, there was a lack of knowledge and expertise regarding e-learning approaches and the affordability of internet bundles and equipment. We initially con-ducted two pilot studies to assess such current challenges, replaced by a two-stage approach including a full investigation involving 32 private and public universities during the early stages of the pandemic followed by a later study assessing the current environment brought about by the forced changes. Top challenges at the start of the pandemic included a lack of familiarity with e-learning approaches, cost of the internet, lack of IT equipment and the quality of the classes. Universities offered support to staff and students to a varying degree to address identified challenges. Since then, e-learning approaches have widened the possibilities for teaching and learning at convenient times. However, challenges remain. In conclusion, there were considerable challenges at the start of them pandemic. Several key issues have been addressed with hybrid learning here to stay. Remaining challenges include a lack of ICT equipment. However, new innovations will continue

Inclusive climate and the performance of employees from Muslim diaspora in the Western organisations

This exploratory study focuses on the impact of inclusive organisational climate on the members of Muslim Diaspora in the Western workforce. There are theories and evidence that view increasing diversity in the workforce as a positive rather than a negative phenomenon. This is one of the few research papers that exclusively focuses on the implications of inclusive management practices for Muslim employees in the Western organisations. Evidence from the Muslim employees working in different industrial sectors in Australia, New Zealand, USA and Canada have been used to explore the positive outcomes of inclusive organisational climate propositioned by the growing Muslim community in the Western workplace. This qualitative study presents the findings from 30 interviews with purposively selected Muslim employees working in Western economies. Recursive abstraction and thematic approach have been used to analyse the data. The findings supported the popular assumption that inclusive organisational environment positively influences the desired employee outcomes among the Muslim employees that may lead to the attainment of various organisational goals. The findings also revealed that Muslim workers in the Western workplace feel more comfortable and included in a work climate where co-workers from different backgrounds or orientation are interested and encouraged to discuss their faith, values and practices openly instead of carefully avoiding such conversation in the social interaction. Inclusiveness, to the Western workers with Muslim identity is more about the interaction and behaviour of their co-workers at a personal level and less about the organisational system level mechanisms. Social exchange theory underpins the phenomenon explored in this study. Implications have been drawn for managers and human resource experts in Western organisations

Smokeless tobacco and public health in Bangladesh

Despite the high prevalence of smokeless tobacco (SLT) use among adults in Bangladesh, SLT was not included in the Tobacco Control Law till 2013. Information on SLT use among Bangladeshi people is inadequate for policymaking and implementing effective control measures. With the aim to identify the prevalence and trends of different SLT products, health and economic impacts, manufacture, and sale of and policies related to SLT in Bangladesh, we carried out a literature review, which involved literature search, data extraction, and synthesis. Evidence suggests that in Bangladesh, SLTs range from unprocessed to processed or manufactured products including Sada Pata, Zarda, Gul, and Khoinee. Over 27% of Bangladeshi adults aged 15 years and older use SLT in one form or other. SLT use is associated with age, sex, education, and socioeconomic status. SLT consumption has reportedly been associated with increased prevalence of heart diseases, stroke, and oral cancer and led to around 320,000 disability adjusted life years lost in Bangladesh in 2010. No cessation service is available for SLT users in public facilities. Compared to cigarettes, taxation on SLT remains low in Bangladesh. The amendment made in Tobacco Control Law in 2013 requires graphic health warnings to cover 50% of SLT packaging, ban on advertisement of SLT products, and restriction to sale to minors. However, implementation of the law is weak. As the use of SLT is culturally accepted in Bangladesh, culturally appropriate public awareness program is required to curb SLT use along with increased tax and cessation services

WOMEN EMPOWERMENT IN DIFFERENT HOUSEHOLD ISSUES OF BANGLADESH

During the last few decades, developing countries in the world has been going through an intensive transformation process related to change in demographic and in the use of human capital. These changes have important implications for women empowerment which they tend to systematically alter the marginal utility of consumption over the life cycle. Considering this view, this cross sectional study was aimed to find out the level of women empowerment in purposively selected areas of Bangladesh. A total 206 married women were interviewed face to face using structured questionnaire. To assess the level of women empowerment, a series of questions were asked with a view to assessing the level of participation in different household and family matters. On the basis of 18 variables, a composite level of women empowerment was assessed by Principal Component Analysis (PCA) using computer simulation and categorized into three groups. It was found that 40 % had poor level of empowerment, 19 % had fair and 41 had good level of women empowerment. Bi-variate analysis revealed that level of women empowerment was found to be high among the respondents living in urban areas, less number of children, religion Islam, higher level of education of husband and wife, working status of husband and wife, monthly family income and living in pucca house condition (p<0.05). However, no statistically significant association was found between current age of husband and wife, age at marriage and spousal age difference (p>0.05). Though the study had some limitations, but the study finding would be helpful for policymakers concerning implementing the programme for empowering women through different intervention programmes