Non-Party Caretaker Government in Bangladesh (1991-2001): Dilemma for Democracy?

The paper attempts to analyze the compatibility of Non-party Caretaker Government (NCG) with democracy in Bangladesh. Bangladesh, since her inception as an independent state from “internal colonialism” of Pakistan through a sanguinary war of liberation in 1971, has been practicing democracy. However, at different junctures of the country’s political history, the practice of democracy was impeded and eventually replaced by the military rule. Since early 1990s, Bangladesh entered to a new phase of democratic governance and opted for parliamentary democracy which still continues. Elections and democracy are intertwined and free and fair elections are quintessential for democratic governance. In Bangladesh, like many other developing countries, holding free and fair elections is a big challenge. With the acrimonious experiences of rigged elections under party governments in the past, Bangladesh in 1990 established a system of non-party caretaker government to ensure the holding of free and fair elections initially on consensus basis and later through an amendment (thirteenth) to the constitution which received many appreciations at the outset. However, after successfully working and conducting few parliamentary elections, the system ran into difficulties, and in the midst of political chaos and unhealthy competition for power among the political parties, the system of non-party caretaker government was scraped from the constitution (through the fifteenth amendment) which sparked serious debate and both contents and discontents in the political landscape of Bangladesh. Against this backdrop, the paper would analyze the working of three Non-party Caretaker Governments from 1991 to 2001 and argue that NCG seems to have become a dilemma for democracy in Bangladesh. Keywords: Caretaker government, non-party caretaker government, democracy, political party,   Bangladesh

Impact of RMG Sector on Standard of Living of Garment Workers in Bangladesh: Determinants and Workers’ Perception

The present study was conducted to assess the impact of RMG sector on standard of living of garment workers of Bangladesh and to discover the impact of RMG sector employees’ income, expenditure, savings, transportation, health, sanitation, child education after joining RMG sector. In this study questionnaire survey was conducted on 200 garments workers randomly from Mymensingh and Gazipur. The questionnaire related with workers family condition like age, educational level, experience, income, expenses, savings, transportation facilities, health, child education, sanitation and housing. Data were collected by using attitudinal scales viz. Likert scale. To examine impact between two categorical variables (dependent and independent) by using a non-parametric test i.e. chi-square test with the help of SPSS software. Findings of the study showed that the significant positive impact on income, expenditure, savings, child education, transportation, impact health, sanitation and housing. The problems of accommodation, transportation facilities, job insecurity, increasing family expenditure, lack of and savings appeared to be more prevalent among the workers. The remarkable problem revealed the female workers are physically harassed by their male colleagues or superiors. The study suggested some points which help to improve the workers’ standard of living with payments of workers’ wages in regular basis on right time and  right scale, child care with schooling system be introduced, regularly medical and medicine to be provided, improving the transportation service and ensure proper work environment.  It has been found that in spite of variety of problems, through employment generation in RMG sector, the garments workers are contributing in society that lead the growth of Bangladeshi economy. Keywords: RMG sector, Standard of Living, Garment worker

The effect of plasmodiophora brassicae infection, phosphonate and bion treatment on glucosinolate levels in broccoli

Broccoli (Brassica olerecea L. ssp. italica cv. Marathon) seedlings are a rich source of secondary metabolites including glucosinolates such as 4-methylsulfinylbutyl glucosinolate (glucoraphanin), the precursor of the chemo-protective isothiocyanate, sulforaphane. The aim of this thesis is to investigate the levels of glucosinolate in root and aerial tissues of broccoli following Plasmodiophora brassicae infection and potassium phosphonate and Bion (acibenzolar) treatment under glasshouse condition. Three inoculation techniques of P. brassicae in broccoli seedling were evaluated under glasshouse condition. Combination of spore extraction injected into the root zone and infected gall slurry amended in potting mix exhibited faster and effective disease development than any of the single inoculation method. Field infections of clubroot changed glucosinolate profiles in Brassica rapa ssp.chinensis cv. pak choy. Aliphatic glucosinolate levels were significantly lower in leaf and stem tissues of diseased plants, while indole glucosinolate levels were nearly three times higher in infected root tissues. In the glasshouse trial, the clubroot pathogen Plasmodiophora brassicae affected glucosinolate levels in both root and aerial tissues during primary, secondary and mature gall formation. Total aliphatic glucosinolate levels (glucoiberin, progoitrin, glucoraphanin, gluconapin) remained unchanged in aerial tissues but significantly increased (1.5 times) in root tissues during symptom development (28 days post inoculation). Among aliphatic glucosinolates, glucoraphanin significantly (P<0.05) increased after 28 days in root tissues and 14 days in aerial tissues. Progoitrin IV production also increased both in root and aerial tissues after 28 and 14 days respectively, compared to healthy plants. Total indole glucosinolates (4-hydroxy glucobrassicin, glucobrassicin and neoglucobrassicin) in root tissues increased 2.5 fold during symptom development to mature gall formation stage (21 to 42 days) and also significantly increased (P<0.05) in aerial tissues (1.25 to 2 fold) between primary infection and gall formation. Among indole glucosinolates, glucobrassicin in root tissues increased 8 times during symptom development. Glucosinolate levels and clubroot disease severity were affected by foliar application of potassium phosphonate or Bion. Aliphatic glucosinolate levels in root tissues remained unchanged until 42 days following chemical treatments in both inoculated and uninoculated plants. Combined chemical treatment with phosphonate plus Bion significantly suppressed (PcO.Ol) aliphatic glucosinolate levels in uninoculated plants, however it significantly increased levels in inoculated plants. Indole glucosinolate levels in inoculated root tissues were lower in phosphonate plus Bion treated plants. Bion, or combinations of phosphonate plus Bion, did not affect indole glucosinolate levels, but phosphonate alone significantly (PcO.OOl) increased indole glucosinolate levels in root tissues in uninoculated plants. Aliphatic and indole glucosinolate levels in aerial tissues was lower following chemical treatment in both inoculated or uninoculated plants. Only neoglucobrassicin significantly (PcO.OOl) increased in inoculated plants

PERSISTENCE OF AN INTRODUCED NON-INDIGENOUS ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAL FUNGUS, RHIZOPHAGUS IRREGULARIS AND THE IMPACT ON INDIGENOUS ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAL FUNGAL COMMUNITIES AND SUBSEQUENT GROWTH OF PULSE CROPS

The use of non-indigenous commercial arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi as bio-fertilizers is increasing worldwide without a clear understanding of the persistence and consequences on the indigenous AMF communities and crop productivity. To address this research gap, a three-year field incubation study using open-ended soil cores transplanted to four sites in Saskatchewan was initiated in 2011. A growth chamber study was also carried out in 2014 to examine the impact of AMF inoculants of different origins on the alteration of indigenous AMF communities and subsequent crop growth performance of lentil (Lens culinaris L.), chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), and field pea (Pisum sativum L.). Non-indigenous Rhizophagus irregularis inoculant was applied into soil cores in which field pea-wheat-field pea were subsequently grown in three consecutive cropping seasons (2011 to 2013). The 18S rRNA gene pyrosequencing data from trap roots of field pea revealed that a single application of the commercial inoculant persisted in roots competing with indigenous AMF over three crop seasons in two of the four sites and declined in the remaining two sites and was undetectable by the third cropping season. Inoculation resulted in a significant alteration of the resident AMF communities and suppression of some indigenous AMF taxa that were low in abundance (Septoglomus, Archaeospora, Diversispora and Entrophospora). Inoculation was one of the significant driving factors regulating the composition and diversity of indigenous AMF communities. Phylogenetic analysis using pyrosequencing was efficient in detecting and quantifying the relative abundance of AMF and discriminated between introduced and indigenous AMF taxa in roots. Locally isolated Semiarid Prairie Agricultural Research Centre (SPARC) AMF inoculant strain, F. mosseae B04 significantly enhanced shoot N and P uptake and biomass in pulse crops with minimum disturbance to resident AMF communities in roots compared to commercial inoculant strain, R. irregularis 4514535. Inoculation with Glomeromycota In-vitro Collection (GINCO) inoculant strain, F. mosseae DAOM 221475 also enhanced N uptake in chickpea; however, uptake of P and biomass response were variable between crops. Strong positive correlations existed between the relative abundance of major indigenous AMF taxa (Rhizophagus and Funneliformis) and shoot N, P uptake and biomass production of lentil, chickpea and pea. Growth performances were mediated by the influence of indigenous AMF taxa as a consequence of inoculation by inoculant that was locally isolated. Assessment of pyrosequencing data with pooled versus non-pooled replicated trap root samples (2011 and 2013 crop seasons) prior to DNA extraction showed that the relative abundance of major (highly abundant) indigenous AMF genera was similar in both sampling strategies. Abundance of minor (low abundant) AMF genera was significantly reduced and was undetectable in some root samples as a consequence of pooling replicates. Pooling replicates reduced the cost of analyses and reduced efforts significantly but it compromised estimates of AMF community composition and diversity. These results raised several questions such as 1) does inoculant anastomose genetically with different individual strains, 2) how does genetic manipulation impact rhizosphere microbial communities and subsequent plant growth and productivity, 3) what are the important determinants for the survival of introduced inoculants, 4) does inoculation have direct or indirect impact on growth performance, etc. All these relevant questions regarding the mechanism and nature of competition between indigenous and non-indigenous AMF taxa in different crops, soils, climates and subsequent crop productivity over long-term warrant further investigation

SERUM VITAMIN E, C AND A LEVEL IN LUNG CANCER: A CASE CONTROL STUDY

Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer death worldwide, causing approximately 1.2 million deaths per year. Lung cancer is prevalent in smokers. It is documented that smoking induces oxidative stress, which is thought to be associated with the aetiology of carcinogenesis. A case control cross sectional study was conducted on sixty lung cancer patients and sixty smokers as cohort control. Serum levels of antioxidant vitamin E, C and A among the case and control subjects were estimated. It was observed that vitamin E value among the study population did not alter (15.67±3.67μmol/L vs. 14.66±3.88μmol/L). It was within normal range. Conversely, there was significantly high serum concentrations of vitamin C and A in the lung cancer patients as compared to those in the smoker controls (48.26±6.81versus 16.65±4.46μmol/L; 2.76±0.32 versus 1.60±0.35μmol/L respectively)

QUALITY ASSURANCE AND ACCREDITATION MECHANISMS OF HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS: POLICY ISSUES AND CHALLENGES IN BANGLADESH

The Purposes of this study are to explore the existing quality status and analyze the gaps between existing practices and formal quality assurance and accreditation (QAA) systems, and to assess and tap the institutional learning and challenges of introducing QAA mechanism in Bangladesh. However, the intention is to explore the preparedness to introduce formal QAA mechanism and their implications on the institutional performance in the context of Bangladeshi Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The Mix method approach is applied here, where the primary data are collected from the university faculty members in order to determine the perceptions towards quality improvement initiatives in HEIs. The study revealed that HEIs in Bangladesh face a number of challenges in terms of formal quality assurance practices. The key variables brought from formal QA framework fell into six quality areas: leadership and institutional governance, curriculum, facilities, student, staff, and quality assurance process development. The study suggests that the main challenge lies with quality assurance process development to introduce formal QAA in HEIs. Existing quality status from this study shows that quality areas of student, curriculum and facilities remain above the average level of standard, but the quality areas of leadership and institutional governance, staff and quality assurance process development are below the average conditions. The findings would assist academicians to enhance quality assurance framework at national level as well as institutional level. However, the challenges the individual higher education institution would encounter to implement the formal QAA mechanism are addressed at length.  Article visualizations

Profitability Analysis of Small and Large Farms of Fisheries Sub-Sectors: A Case Study at Trishal Upazila in Mymensingh

The study intends to analysis of the socio-economic conditions of the sample farmers. This study also examined the costs returns and profitability of fish farming. The study was based on mainly primary data .In case of necessary secondary data were also used. A total of 30 pond fish farmers were randomly selected from two villages namely Dhanikhola and Boilor at Trishal Upazilla in Mymensingh district. In this study, both tabular and statistical techniqus were used for analysis of data. The finding of the study are : i ) Fish production and construction of ponds shared major parts of gross cost . In the study areas 77 percent  of the small farmers captured only 37 percent of the small farmers captured only 37 percent of total land holding and 23 percent of large farmers occupied about 63 percent of total land holding . Measures should be taken to increase pond fish production of the country. Extension worker and agriculture offices should take steps to encourage small farmers to produce more fish

Surface states and photoluminescence from porous silicon

Photoluminescence (PL) spectra of freshly electrochemically etched porous silicon layers anodized under various condition have been measured and analyzed according to quantum confinement (QC) model and surface state models. The results support the combination of QC and surface state models for visible PL from fresh PS layers. When you are citing the document, use the following link http://essuir.sumdu.edu.ua/handle/123456789/2788

MULTIPLE MICRONUTRIENT (ZINC, MAGNESIUM) THERAPY TO SEVERE MALNOURISHED CHILDREN: EFFECT ON GROWTH CATCH UP AND CLINICAL RECOVERY

Objective: to supplement zinc and magnesium to severe malnourished children aiming to improve catch up growth and clinical recovery. Design: It was a case control study conducted among one hundred severely malnourished children who were purposively enrolled from the nutritional unit of Dhaka Shishu Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh. The children were distributed in four groups each comprising twenty-five children having uniform morbidity. Along with the recovering diet and nutrient supplements, the interventional three groups received single zinc, single magnesium and combination of zinc and magnesium therapy. The control group received only the recovery diet and supplement. Increment of growth catch up and hospital stay time was measured and recoded. Setting: Nutritional unit of Dhaka Shishu Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Subjects: one hundred severe malnourished children. Results: It was resulted in that single zinc or magnesium and combination of zinc-magnesium therapy significantly (p&lt;0.05) improved the growth catch-up and clinical recovery of the malnourished children. Conclusions: Multiple Zn and Mg therapy was found to be more effective than the single Zn or Mg therapy in improving the growth catch-up and clinical recovery of the malnourished children

Health Beliefs and Motivating Factors to Buy Bottled Water: A Case Study of the University Students of Bangladesh

Year: October 12-14, 200