MICRO CLIMATIC HOUSE DESIGN: A WAY TO ADAPT TO CLIMATE CHANGE? THE CASE OF GHAR KUMARPUR VILLAGE IN BANGLADESH

Doubt on global warming is over in the presence of firm scientific evidence supporting this phenomenon. There is not enough room to indefinitely explore the discourses on climate change; rather it is the time to act together in local and global scale for the common future of this planet. This, then, raises the question of what actions should be taken by the communities within their respective nation states and larger multi-national and global associations. Especially, in the case of developing countries, which are worst affected being in the forefront of global climate change, actions at the community level becomes paramount. One of the poorest nations- Bangladesh is worst hit by the recurrent floods and cyclones that are caused by increased global warming. The recent cyclone Sidr, which caused around 3,000 deaths and several million dollars of property loss, is an example of the devastating consequences of climatic change. Coastal areas of this country are in danger and highly vulnerable to cyclones and floods. This paper is based on the study carried out on the south-western coastal areas adjacent to the Sundarbans and such adjacency makes them unique in relation to dependency on resources. Prime focus of this paper is on the micro-climatic design of houses in response to frequent cyclone and the ways they should be designed in a more sustainable way, with available resources affordable to the community habitants. In the end, this paper raises some general questions about urban design and climate change.global warming, climate change, micro-climatic design, urban design

THz band multipath measurements and analysis

Abstract. The THz band is now becoming the core interest for many researchers as it offers massive bandwidth and high transmission rates. It is expected to be a solution to ongoing spectrum scarcity in the wireless communication world. Wave propagating through a channel is affected by various phenomena, especially in the case of non-line-of-sight (NLOS) condition. In this thesis work, measurement results on several NLOS propagation mechanisms such as reflection, diffraction, and penetration have been reported in the terahertz band ranging from 0.1 THz to 3 THz. Here, the primary focus is to measure the possible NLOS multipath, such as reflected, diffracted, and penetrated paths or a combination of multiple NLOS components. The goal is to evaluate and analyze the feasibility of those multipath in order to estimate the possibility to establish a communication link via such paths. The measurements have been conducted by using TeraView TeraPulse 4000, a measurement device that is based on THz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS). Measurements were made under various NLOS propagation scenarios with several common indoor materials. Characteristics of the measured materials have also been reported. The results have been given as a function of frequency and measurement angles. Corresponding background theories and comparisons with the measurement results have also been investigated with subsequent analysis to check the relevance of the measurement results. The idea was to find possible multipath signals after various NLOS events while traveling through a channel and behavioural changes of the transmitted signal with the change of measurement scenarios. The measurement results agreed with the corresponding theories as expected. The THz band offers overall a decent NLOS wireless communication link between the receiver and transmitter at the lower angles

First record of important biological parameters of Badis badis: A small indigenous species in Bangladesh

A total of 286 Badis badis were collected from the Sutiyahali Reservoir in Mymensingh from January to December 2022, and their sex ratios, first sexual maturity, length-weight relationships and condition factors were evaluated. The weight and length of B. badis varied from 0.81 to 1.01g (0.89±0.30) and 4.08 to 4.60cm (4.36±0.31), respectively. Logistic curves depicting a sex ratio and 50% maturity (L50) estimated at 4.5cm for females and 4.05cm for males, as well as males reaching first sexual maturity with a shorter length than females. Regression coefficients in every month differ significantly (p<0.05), according to the regression equations. Each month, the values of the exponent b were less than 3 (b<3), with the highest value of b recorded in August (2.80) and the lowest value recorded in January (2.33). This led to a monthly negative allometric growth being seen. A strong positive relationship is evident from the coefficient of determination (r2) values, which ranged from 0.92-0.98 with an average of 0.961. During the study, the average condition factor (Kn) value for B. badis was found to be 1.02±0.13, which is a positive indicator of the fish's physical well-being. The condition factor values varied between 0.84 to 1.39, making it abundantly clear that B. badis are in good health and the waterbody is an ideal habitat for their survival. Relative condition factor (Kr) values, which varied between studies and ranged from 0.78 to 1.01, also exhibited a noteworthy difference (p<0.05). For its long-term management, the above findings will be very helpful

GENETSKA STRUKTURA POPULACIJA UGROŽENOG CIPRINIDA Labeo calbasu (HAMILTON, 1822) ISTRAŽENA POMOĆU MIKROSATELITSKIH MARKERA

The population genetic structure of kalibaus Labeo calbasu collected from four wild and a hatchery population was studied using microsatellite DNA marker analysis. Five heterologous microsatellite markers (Lr10, Lr21, Lr24, Lr26 and CcatG1) developed from rohu (Labeo rohita) and catla (Gibelion catla) were analyzed to test the genetic variability of kalibaus stocks. The number of alleles observed in the loci ranged from 2-10. The loci were found to be polymorphic (<P95) in all the populations. The average numbers of possessed alleles were higher by the four wild stocks than the hatchery stock. The average number of allele was the highest in the Jamuna population (5.8) and the least in the Hatchery population (4.8). The observed average heterozygosity (Ho) in the Jamuna population (0.776) was the highest followed by the Halda (0.667), the Haor (0.661) and the Padma (0.642) populations. Except loci Lr10 and Lr24 in the Halda and locus Lr10 in the Padma and Hatchery populations, significant deviations from Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium (HWE) were detected in all cases. The FST values and the Nm values indicated high level of differentiation and a low level of gene flow between the populations. The largest genetic distance value (D = 0.543) was measured between the Jamuna and the Hatchery populations while the least value (D =0.124) was observed between the Padma and the Halda populations. The estimated genetic population structure and potential applications of microsatellite markers may assist the proper management of kalibaus populations in the wild.Genetska struktura populacija ciprinida Labeo calbasu, prikupljena od četiri divlje i jedne uzgajane populacije, proučavana je koristeći mikrosatelitske markere. Pet heterogenih mikrosatelitskih markera (Lr10, Lr21, Lr24, Lr26 i CcatG1) sastavljenih za indijske ciprinide su proučavani da bi se istražila genetska varijabilnost L. calbasu populacija. Broj uočenih alela u lokusu se kretao od 2 do 10. U proučavanim populacijama lokusi su bili polimorfni (<P95). Prosječan broj alela je bio veći kod divljih nego kod uzgajanih populacija. Prosječan broj alela je bio najveći u Jamuna populaciji (5.8), te najmanji u uzgajanoj populaciji (4.8). Uočena prosječna heterozigotnost (Ho) u Jamuna populaciji (0.776) bila je najveća, slijedile su je populacije Halda (0.667), Haor (0.661) i Padma (0.642). Izuzev lokusa Lr10 i Lr24 u populaciji Halda i lokusa Lr10 u Padma populaciji i uzgajanoj populaciji, zabilježeno je značajno odstupanje od Hardy-Weinbergovog zakona ravnoteže (HWE) u svim slučajevima. Vrijednosti FST i Nm ukazuju na visok stupanj diferencijacije i nizak stupanj protoka gena između populacija. Najveća genetska udaljenost (D = 0.543) je izmjerena između populacije Jamuna i uzgajane populacije, dok je najmanja vrijednost (D = 0.124) uočena između populacija Padma i Halda. Procijenjena genetska struktura populacije i moguća upotreba mikrosatelitskih markera mogu pomoći pri upravljanju populacija L. calbasu u otvorenim vodama

Culture suitability of stinging catfish Heteropneustes fossilis in homestead tank: Selection of suitable stocking size

The present experiment was conducted for a period of 150 days to assess the effects of different stocking size on growth and production of stinging catfish (Heteropneustes fossilis) in three homestead cemented tanks (12×10×4 ft). Three different size groups of fish viz., 3.79±0.11, 3.09±0.13 and 2.53±0.18 cm was stocked at treatment T1, T2 and T3, respectively at a stocking density of 5000 individuals/tank each with three replications. Fish were feed twice daily with floating feed containing 35-40% protein at the rate of 15-10% for 1st 60 days, 8-6% for 2nd 60 days and 5-2.50% for rest of the culture period. The water quality parameters were within the suitable ranges for the fish culture. Mean weight gain (g) of stinging catfish was 49.03 ± 1.04, 36.72 ± 1.59 and 28.09 ± 0.41g, specific growth rate was 1.76 ± 0.02, 1.70 ± 0.04 and 1.66 ± 0.05 %/day in T1, T2 and T3, respectively. Food conversion ratio was 3.45 ± 0.82, 3.31 ± 0.10 and 3.30 ± 0.06 and survival rate were 90.67 ± 1.51, 88.20 ± 2.62 and 87.56 ± 1.26% in T1, T2 and T3, respectively. Higher stocking size also resulted in a significantly higher economic output in the form of benefit cost ratio (BCR) at T1 (2.13 ± 0.05) and the lowest at T3 (1.21 ± 0.03). The findings of the present study revealed that the highest weight gain and BCR was found in T1 which dictates that larger stocking size has a significant impact on better production

Hybrid CNN-SVD Based Prominent Feature Extraction and Selection for Grading Diabetic Retinopathy Using Extreme Learning Machine Algorithm

Funding Information: This work was supported in part by the National Research Foundation of Korea-Grant funded by the Government of Korea (Ministry of Science and ICT) under Grant NRF-2020R1A2B5B02002478, and in part by Sejong University through the Faculty Research Program under Grant 20212023Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Effects of dietary Cu nanoparticles on growth performance, physiology and bioaccumulation in Asian walking catfish (Clarias batrachus)

The present investigation was conducted to determine the optimal dietary Cu-NPs requirement of Asian walking catfish, Clarias batrachus (7.46 ± 0.15 cm; 5.28 ± 0.10 g) by feeding with diets supplemented with different concentrations of Cu-NPs (10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 mg/kg) and control group. Each experimental diet was hand-fed to triplicate groups of fish for 60 days in glass aquarium. Results showed that fish group fed with 20 mg/kg Cu-NPs in feed exhibited highest (P &lt; 0.05) growth performance and feed utilization compared to the control group. However, increased level of Cu-NPs from 30 to 50 mg/kg in feed significantly reduced the growth performance. Significantly higher protein and lipid were also recorded at 20 mg/kg Cu-NPs supplemented group. Haematological parameters, serum lipid and enzymatic profile were found to influence significantly with the addition of Cu-NPs in feed compared to the control group. Based on the polynomial regression analysis between FW, WG and SGRW against dietary Cu-NPs levels, the optimal dietary supplementation of Cu-NPs for C. batrachus were estimated to be ranged between 19.98 to 20.05 mg/kg per diet, respectively. Bioaccumulation of Cu was the highest in liver compared to muscle and serum, whereas the highest Cu accumulation was observed at 50 mg/kg Cu-NPs supplemented group. The findings of the present study will be helpful for formulating nutrient rich low cost catfish feed

Heavy metal contamination and risk assessment on ecological and public health in a tropical estuarine river

Heavy metals contamination of water is one of the most severe environmental and public health issues. The present study was conducted to assess the levels of lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in surface water of the Pasur River estuary in Bangladesh along with their health risk through the ingestion and dermal exposure. The decreasing order of studied metals was Cr &gt; Pb &gt;Cu &gt; Zn &gt; As &gt; Cd with the mean value of 0.050 &gt; 0.024 &gt; 0.021 &gt; 0.014 &gt; 0.012 &gt; 0.006 mg/L respectively. Pb, Cr, Cd and Zn concentration in water samples exceeded the safe limits of drinking water and thereby not safe for drinking. The multivariate analysis identified the common anthropogenic source and existence of studied metals. Heavy metal pollution index (HPI) and heavy metal evaluation index (HEI) indicated significant contamination of water. The HQ and HI through ingestion and dermal contact were &lt;1 except for the adult, whereas HQ (only for As) and HI value through ingestion was &gt;1 indicating an unacceptable risk of non-carcinogenic effects on public health. Carcinogenic risk through ingestion (CRing) indicated that consumption of water from Pasur River estuary may develop cancer risk of Cd. Therefore, strict rules and regulations must be adopted to reduce water contamination of this tidal river from anthropogenic sources for improving the health of this riverine ecosystem

ANCA-negative Churg-Strauss Syndrome

A rare and a disease of unknown etiology, Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) is a granulomatous necrotizing small vessel vasculitis characterized by the presence of asthma, sinusitis, and hypereosinophilia, which is initially described by Churg and Strauss in 1951. Because of its clinical and pathological features that overlap with those of the other anti-neutrophil antibody (ANCA)-associated systemic vasculitides (AASVs) and now the disease is classified as AASVs. The ANCA status may dictate the clinical phenotype. ANCA-positive patients are significantly more likely to have disease manifesta­tions associated with small-vessel vasculitis, including oecrotising glomemlonephritis, mononeuritis and purpura, whereas ANCA-negative cases predominantly likely to have cardiac and lung involvement. The objective of this case report is to point out the possibility of vasculitic rash in ANCA-negative CSS in a 35-year-old man and the disease rarely occurs in Bangladeshi population. We analyze the history, clinical examinations and relevant investigations related to the patient to establish the diagnosis in our department. The clinical scenario and biopsy help us to attain the diagnosis. But due to unavailability of patients' cohort we have limitations of comparison of ANCA status in Bangladeshi populations. Though ANCA-positive and ANCA-negative CSS differ phenotypically, primary therapy for both the conditions is systemic glucocorticoids. Additional immunosuppressive agents like cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mofetil, azathioprine, rituxin1ab are occasionally added in patients with more advanced or refractory disease

The Potential for Homestead Pond Polyculture of Tilapia and Carps in Coastal Bangladesh

A fishers’ women-led Participatory Action Research (PAR) was conducted in 30 homestead ponds to assess the potential for polyculture of Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and major carps Rohu (Labeo rohita) and Catla (Catla catla) in two coastal fishing villages of Bangladesh. Three treatments, namely T1 (Tilapia 200 fish per decimal; 1 decimal=40 m2), T2 (Tilapia 200+ Rohu 32+ Catla 8 fish per decimal) and T3 (Tilapia 200+ Rohu 8+ Catla 32 fish per decimal), each with 5 replicates, were tried in Hossainpur and Anipara villages. Formulated commercial Mega-feed was applied to the ponds twice daily at an initial rate of 10% body weight (bw)/day of Tilapia down to 4% bw/day throughout the culture period. The water quality parameters of ponds including transparency, salinity and dissolved oxygen significantly varied among treatments except temperature and pH and remained within optimum range for carp polyculture except salinity. The survival rate, harvesting weight and yield of Tilapia were significantly highest in T1 (85.63±05%, 258.59±18.76 g & 11073±805 kg/ha, respectively) in Anipara and lowest in T3 (75.63±0.37%, 136.97±10.63 g & 5180±406 kg/ha, respectively) in Hossainpur. The gross fish production was the significantly highest in T1 (11354±806 kg/ha) of Anipara and lowest in T1 (6325±227 kg/ha) of Hossainpur. Statistically, the highest net return (866,627±84874 BDT/ha) was found in T1 of Anipara and lowest in T3 (279,389±46104 BDT/ha) of Hossainpur with a significantly higher benefit-cost ratio (BCR) obtained in T1 (3.26±0.20) for Tilapia and lower in T3 (1.58±0.10) for polyculture Tilapia and carp of Hossainpur. Therefore, it may be concluded that Tilapia production in small homestead coastal ponds has a higher potential than its mix with carps in polyculture for generating food and supplemental income opportunity for coastal fishers’ women in Bangladesh