Bangladesh: An Umpired Democracy

This paper reveals that there has been a continuous political confrontation between two archrival political forces in Bangladesh since independence in 1971. In the course of the confrontation, the country has seemingly been divided into two forces: BAL forces and anti-BAL forces. The democratic development in this country since 1991 is a by-product of this confrontation. In 1991, because of the continued mistrust between the two confronting forces, a unique system of interim government (non-party caretaker government) was produced that kept working as a catalyst of power transfer in a democratic way from one government to another till 2008 election from 1991

Within-burst synchrony changes for coupled elliptic bursters

We study the appearance of a novel phenomenon for linearly coupled identical bursters: synchronized bursts where there are changes of spike synchrony within each burst. The examples we study are for normal form elliptic bursters where there is a periodic slow passage through a Bautin (codimension two degenerate Andronov-Hopf) bifurcation. This burster has a subcritical Andronov-Hopf bifurcation at the onset of repetitive spiking while end of burst occurs via a fold limit cycle bifurcation. We study synchronization behavior of two and three Bautin-type elliptic bursters for a linear direct coupling scheme. Burst synchronization is known to be prevalent behavior among such coupled bursters, while spike synchronization is more dependent on the details of the coupling. We note that higher order terms in the normal form that do not affect the behavior of a single burster can be responsible for changes in synchrony pattern; more precisely, we find within-burst synchrony changes associated with a turning point in the spiking frequency.Comment: 17 pages, 13 figures, 2 table

Determinants of Asian Democratisation (1981-2005)

As a culturally distinctive region, Asia was chosen as the sample for this study. This empirical study investigated what the major trends of democratisation were in Asia between 1981 and 2005: why some countries became democratic while other countries failed to follow suit during that period. The main research hypothesis was: “That is it was mainly economic development that drove democratisation in Asia between 1981 and 2005”. Although some studies have studied the impact of economic development on democratisation in Asia, their findings have been inconclusive and focuses sometimes different. [To investigate the research hypothesis, 24 Asian countries were selected…measurement tools used etc…] For this research work, statistical and case study methods were applied. The data used in the analyses were collected from established data sources e.g. Freedom House (Freedom in the World, n.d.) and United Nations Statistics Division (UN Stat, n.d.). Repeated Measures in Linear Mixed Modeling (LMM) were used to analyse the quantitative data. Three case studies supplemented the findings of statistical analyses. Historical information and institutional and legal facts were also used in the case studies. This study found that increases in the level of economic development along with its equitable distribution in society and positive roles of political actors increase the level of democratisation in Asia. Some pro-democratic political and social institutions, such as tradition of parliamentarianism, and international organisations, for example Bretton wood institutions, also led to democratisation. A low extent of national political divide was found to result in a considerably high level of democratisation in a country where confrontation between major political forces is the main feature of politics. This study also found that a partial democracy with Asian values, economic legitimacy, a lack of corruption and a “systematic control” over opposition politicians can survive, and is not prone to higher level of democratisation. The Taiwan case revealed that, amongst other factors, the role of political actors and economic equity along with economic development is also vital for democratisation. The Singapore case explained how a “hybrid regime” in a rich country outsmarts democratisation. The study of Bangladesh provides an idea about other elements, e.g. lower level of political confrontation, that push for higher levels of democratisation

Investigation of Tribological Properties of Hybrid HDPE Polymer Nano Composites

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a thermoplastic polymer, having various applications when used as a primary phase in polymer nanocomposites. However, pure HDPE is vulnerable to fail in tribological properties, particularly bearing applications. Pure HDPE is susceptible to failure in tribological applications owing to the absence of branches in its polymeric chains which make easy for the chain to slide past easily over one another. The high tendency of nanoparticle aggregation in the polymer matrix usually restricts the enhancement in nanocomposite properties. The inter-facial effect between the nanoparticles and the polymer matrix is a critical problem for all types of nanocomposites. Nanofillers (CaCO3/Nano clay) in this research project was developed by masterbatch melt compounding technique

PRESSURE DRIVEN WALL JET FLOW NEAR CHANNEL EXIT AT MODERATE REYNOLDS NUMBER

The wall jet flow driven by a pressure gradient near channel exit at Reynolds Number ranging from the order of 10 to 100, emerging from a two-dimensional channel is examined theoretically in this study. Poiseuille flow conditions are assumed to prevail far upstream from the exit. The problem is solved using the method of matched asymptotic expansions. The small parameter involved in the expansions is the inverse Reynolds number. The flow and pressure fields are obtained as composite expansions by matching the flow in the boundary-layer region near the free surface, flow in the outer layer region near the stationary plate, and the flow in the core region. The fluid is assumed to be Newtonian and it is found that the jet contracts downstream from the channel exit. The influence of inertia on the shape of free surface is emphasized and the boundary layer structure near the free surface is explored. To leading order, the problem is similar to the case of the free jet (Tillett 1968) with different boundary conditions. A similarity solution can be carried out using a similarity function which is then determined by solving a boundary-value problem, where the equation is integrated subject to the boundary conditions and a guessed value of the slope at the origin. The slope is adjusted until reasonable matching is achieved between the solution and the asymptotic condition far from the free surface. The level of contraction is essentially independent of inertia, but the contraction moves further downstream with increasing Reynolds number. The present work provides the correct conditions near exit, which are required to determine the jet structure further downstream. If the jet becomes thin far downstream, a boundary layer formulation can be used with the presently predicted boundary conditions for steady and possibly transient flows

Fog Collection on Plant Surfaces and Biomimetic Applications

Shortages of fresh water affect around one billion people world-wide; mostly in arid and semi-arid climates. Fog, in certain regions, may be an important source of water that is often overlooked. Inspired by the distinctive fog-collection mechanisms of certain plants surviving in these climatic conditions, biomimetic fog collectors are an innovation that could enable us to alleviate the water shortages. The influence of leaf shape, surface microstructure and hierarchical architecture, and wettability of plant and biomimetic samples on their fog-collection efficiency is analyzed. A pinnate leaf shape shows higher efficiency compared to perforate or simple leaf shapes as a result of a lower flow resistance of the fog droplets transported by air, as well as sufficient space on the surfaces for their deposition. Pinnate and perforate leaf shapes were prepared by experimental modification of simple leaves. Directed channels on the surfaces and a drip tip at the lower edge of leaf samples improve the transport of water. Adhesion of a thick water layer at the bottom edges of the samples without the drip tip results in the saturation of the surfaces and a lower efficiency. Microstructured surfaces show two to three times higher efficiency over smooth surfaces. A continuous fog droplet deposition, an effective water transport to the target and a very efficient fog collection is found in dry hydrophilized Hordeum vulgare (barley) awn with hierarchical architecture. A unique fog-collection ability is demonstrated by the structured trichomes of Ptilotus manglesii. Polymer fibers with microgrooved surface demonstrates a higher water transport (drainage efficiency) than different other fiber profiles with smooth surface, resulting in the increase of total fog collection. Numerical simulation supports the findings. Superhydrophilic surface property plays a major role to enhance the deposition efficiency as well as transport of water droplet, i.e., superhydrophilic meshes collect twice as much fog as hydrophobic meshes and five times as much fog as hydrophilic meshes. Therefore, fibers with a combination of optimized diameter and microgrooved superhydrophilic surface can enhance the efficiency. In conclusion, a new fiber design with a hierarchical architecture and superhydrophilic surface is proposed to develop optimized meshes for fog collection.Weltweit leiden rund eine Milliarde Menschen unter Frischwassermangel; vor allem in den ariden und semiariden Klimaten/Gebieten der Erde. Dabei kann Nebel, was oft übersehen wird, in bestimmten Regionen als eine wichtige Quelle für Wasser angesehen werden. Nebel-Sammelmechanismen, welche für einige, unter solchen klimatischen Bedingungen vorkommende, Pflanzen charakteristisch sind, können dabei eine Inspiration für biomimetische Nebelkollektoren darstellen. Diese sind eine Innovation, die es uns ermöglichen könnte die Wasserknappheit zu lindern. In dieser Studie werden die Einflüsse unterschiedlicher Blattformen, der Oberflächenmikrostruktur und hierarchischer Architektur, sowie der Benetzbarkeit von pflanzlichen und biomimetischen Proben auf ihre Nebelsammeleffizienz hin analysiert. Versuche mit unterschiedlich modifizierten Blattformen zeigen eine höhere Effizienz bei einer gefiederten Form im Vergleich zu einfachen oder perforierten Blattformen. Dies ist auf einen geringeren Strömungswiderstand, für die Nebeltröpfchen transportierende Luft, und die Größe, der zur Anlagerung geeigneten, Oberfläche zurückzuführen. Gerichtete Rillen auf den Oberflächen und eine Träufelspitze an der unteren Spitze der Blattproben verbessern den Abtransport von Wasser ebenfalls. Proben ohne diese Träufelspitze sammeln Wasser an der unteren Spitze, was zur Sättigung der Oberfläche und einer geringeren Effizienz führt. Mikrostrukturierte Oberflächen weisen eine zwei- bis dreimal höhere Effizienz als glatte Oberflächen auf. Eine trockene hydrophilisierte Granne von Hordeum vulgare (Gerste) hat eine hierarchische Architektur und weißt eine kontinuierliche Nebeltröpfchen Abscheidung, einen wirksamen Wassertransport und eine sehr effiziente Nebelsammlung auf. Eine einzigartige Nebelsammelfähigkeit durch strukturierte Trichome wird auch durch Ptilotus manglesii demonstriert. Polymerfasern mit mikrogerillter Oberfläche zeigen einen höheren Abtransport des Wassers (Entwässerungseffizienz) als verschiedene andere Faserprofile mit glatten Oberflächen, was zu einer Erhöhung der Effizienz führt. Numerische Simulationen unterstützen die Ergebnisse. Superhydrophile Oberflächeneigenschaften spielen eine wichtige Rolle, um die Abscheidungseffizienz zu verbessern sowie den Transport von Wassertropfen. Superhydrophile Netze beispielweise sammeln doppelt so viel Nebel wie hydrophobe Netze und fünfmal so viel Nebel wie hydrophile Netze. Daher können Fasern mit einer Kombination aus optimiertem Durchmesser und mikrogerillter superhydrophiler Oberfläche die Effizienz verbessern. Abschließend wird ein neues Faserdesign mit einer hierarchischen Architektur und superhydrophilen Oberflächenchemie vorgeschlagen, um optimierte Netze für die Nebelsammlung zu entwickeln

The impact of monetary policy on exchange rate dynamics of Bangladesh: a co integration approach

This paper estimates the impact of monetary policy on exchange rate of Bangladesh using co-integration method. Time series data are used to estimate the impact of monetary policy on exchange rate of Bangladesh. Money supply and exchange rate determination model states that money supply has positive relationship with exchange rate i.e. an expansionary monetary policy of a country depreciates its currency. The findings of this paper ensured the expected result of money supply and exchange rate determination model that broad money as a measure of monetary policy has significant positive impact on exchange rate determination. This is a common finding in the literatures of exchange rate determination. This study also shows that although broad money as a measure of monetary policy does not Granger cause official exchange rate, broad money, annual average inflation rate and current account balance Granger cause official exchange rate

Analysis of plasmid DNA from Pasteurella haemolytica and construction of cloning vectors

Pasteurella haemolytica, a Gram-negative bacterium, is the principal causative agent of pneumonic pasteurellosis in cattle and sheep. The presence of plasmids in various isolates of this species and their relationship to antibiotic resistance and to the health status of the source animal were investigated. Plasmids conferring resistance to ampicillin were analyzed and the plasmid-encoded p-lactamase enzymes characterized. A suitable plasmid was identified for the construction of shuttle cloning vectors for P. haemolytica. Thirty five typable and untypable isolates of P. haemolytica from cattle or sheep were screened for the presence of plasmids and for resistance to a range of antibiotics. Eight strains (four of serotype Al, three of serotype A2 and one untypable) contained plasmid DNA. Isolates of the same serotype had similar plasmid profiles, which were different from those of the other serotypes. All but one of the plasmid-bearing strains were isolated from pneumonic, or from animals in contact with pneumonic, cattle or sheep. In A2 and untypable strains, there was no obvious correlation between antibiotic resistance and the presence of a specific plasmid. In contrast, all plasmid-bearing Al strains exhibited ampicillin resistance, which was shown by transfer studies (transformation and conjugation) to be plasmid-mediated. Plasmid DNA prepared from ampicillin-resistant E. coli transformants was not routinely detected on ethidium-bromide-stained agarose gels, but could be amplified to detectable levels by treatment of cultures with chloramphenicol or by modifying the growth conditions. Terrific broth or broth supplemented with 1% yeast nitrogen base was found to be the best growth medium for plasmid amplification. All Apft plasmids had a similar size (~4. 3 kb), and one of them (pPH843) was highly amplifiable and more stable in E. coll compared to the other plasmids (pPH2, pPH33 and pPH821). An improved method was developed for the large-scale purification of covalently closed circular plasmid DNA molecules over a wide size range. The protocol used an alkaline-lysis procedure followed by acid-phenol extraction and included several modifications to previously reported methods. Two principal modifications were the replacement of NaCl by MgCl in the extraction buffer and vortexing instead of shaking the crude DNA suspensions to more efficiently remove chromosomal and other non-CCC plasmid DNA and to improve yield of purified CCC DNA forms. The Apft plasmids from P, haemolytica were identical by restriction enzyme analysis. Restriction analysis and hybridization data indicated that these plasmids were closely related to the prototype ROB-1 p-lactamase-encoding plasmid, originally isolated from Haemophilus influenzae, but a part of the DNA sequence <~0. 7 kb) from the Haemophilus plasmid was not present in the Pasteurella plasmid. This suggested that one plasmid had been derived from the other during the course of evolution. From substrate profiles and isoelectric focusing data, the p-lactamases encoded by the P. haemolytica plasmids were found to be indistinguishable from the ROB-1 0- lactamase. A restriction map of plasmid pPH843 was constructed and the putative Apft, oriV, and mob regions of the plasmid were located by deletion and fusion experiments. The plasmid was converted into a series of possible cloning vectors (pAKAlb, pAKA15-l, pAKA16, pAKA16-l and pAKA17) by insertion at different points in the plasmid of the lacZ alpha-peptide-coding gene and a multiple cloning site (for insertional inactivation of beta-galactosidase activity) from the E. coli vector pIC20H and an IncP mobilization function from plasmid RK2. Transconjugants obtained by transfer of the constructs from E, coli to P. haemolytlca were found to be unstable on subculture, although they were stable upon transfer to another E, coli strain. This indicated that P. haemolytlca might have a restriction/modification system which affected plasmid DNA previously propagated in E. coli