Issues and concerns of microscopic calibration process at different network levels : case study of Pacific Motorway

Calibration process in micro-simulation is an extremely complicated phenomenon. The difficulties are more prevalent if the process encompasses fitting aggregate and disaggregate parameters e.g. travel time and headway. The current practice in calibration is more at aggregate level, for example travel time comparison. Such practices are popular to assess network performance. Though these applications are significant there is another stream of micro-simulated calibration, at disaggregate level. This study will focus on such microcalibration exercise-key to better comprehend motorway traffic risk level, management of variable speed limit (VSL) and ramp metering (RM) techniques. Selected section of Pacific Motorway in Brisbane will be used as a case study. The discussion will primarily incorporate the critical issues encountered during parameter adjustment exercise (e.g. vehicular, driving behaviour) with reference to key traffic performance indicators like speed, lane distribution and headway; at specific motorway points. The endeavour is to highlight the utility and implications of such disaggregate level simulation for improved traffic prediction studies. The aspects of calibrating for points in comparison to that for whole of the network will also be briefly addressed to examine the critical issues such as the suitability of local calibration at global scale. The paper will be of interest to transport professionals in Australia/New Zealand where micro-simulation in particular at point level, is still comparatively a less explored territory in motorway management

Problems and prospects of non-motorized public transport integration in developing cities

The benefits and costs of the paid category of non-motorized public transport (NMPT) –especially three wheeler cycle rickshaws – have long been a major transport planning problem in many developing cities. Policy measures to restrict or eliminate non-motorized vehicles, especially NMPTs, from urban arterials and other feeder networks have already been implemented in developing cities as diverse as Delhi, Bangkok, Jakarta, Manila, Surabaya, Beijing and Bogotá. Over the last few years, the government of Bangladesh has implemented policies to phase out non-motorized transport, particularly rickshaws, from the major traffic spines of Dhaka City. The acceptability, rationality and implication of such ‘solutions’ are widely argued in Bangladesh, as well as internationally. The argument is severe in Dhaka, the case study of this research, considering social acceptability, economic response, fuel free eco-friendly characteristics and magnitude of role of rickshaw in sustaining the traffic and mobility needs of citizens. Therefore, rather than simply pursuing policies to eliminate NMPT, a better approach may be to integrate motorized and non-motorized vehicles as complementary rather than competitive forces in meeting the comprehensive demand of Dhaka’s transport. With the backdrop and given the international significance of the problem, this paper will delineate a preliminary framework for the future place of the NMPT-rickshaw and explore the problems as well as opportunities for its sustainable co-existence in a mixed mode transport stream that best meets the network performance needs of Dhaka

Digital Paradigm in Medical Libraries of Bangladesh with Special Reference to icddr,b Library: Key Observations and Future Directions

Medical libraries are facing new challenges and opportunities due to dynamic changes in the digital era for offering excellent services to health scientists and professionals. The usage of information and communication technology (ICT) has become increasingly important in various fields, including the healthcare industry. Medical libraries, in particular, have also witnessed a significant transformation in terms of their functions and services due to the adoption of the digital revolution. This article aims to investigate the usage of ICT in the selected medical libraries in Bangladesh, with a special reference to the icddr,b Library. In this connection, a comparative study is made based on six major medical libraries of Bangladesh. These libraries are compared in terms of ICT use for providing library services through library websites. Collected data are analyzed in quantitative as well as qualitative methods to explore better results. Results are shown in the form of tables and figures. This paper gives a snapshot of ICT use in medical libraries of Bangladesh

Bone Grafts in Jaw Cysts- Hydroxyapatite & Allogenic Bone A Comparative Study

Background: Auto bone is the gold standard in bone grafting. However, the morbidity and additional surgical time associated with its collection, as well as the limited supply, have stimulated the search for substitutes. Allograft is more limited than autograft because it yields more variable clinical results. Composite synthetic grafts offer an alternative because Hydroxyapatite is chemically identical to the inorganic matrix of living bones and it can be processed synthetically. The intent was to evaluate these two graft materials for clinical use and to provide an insight on the different grafting strategies to enhance bone formation. Objective: To find out the bone healing process and the prognostic value for the patient using hydroxyapatite alloplastic material and allogenic bone graft. Method: Total 28 patients were included in the study after the clinical and radiological evaluation where 14 cases were treated with allogenic-bone graft and rest 14 cases were treated with hydroxyapatite alloplastic material after enucleation of the cystic lesion in random manner. The integration of hydroxyapatite and allogenic bone was assessed with postoperative lesion diameter, trabecular pattern, histopathological and scintigraphic examination of the successful graft cases. Statistical analysis was carried out by ‘unpaired T test' and ‘Chi square' test. Result: The radiological, histopathological and scintigraphical outcome of the patients treated with hydroxyaptite granule bone graft were clinically and statistically superior in comparison with those who were treated with allogenic bone graft. Conclusion: This safe and osteoconductive hydroxyapatite appears suitable for filling bone defects and bone cavities, showing less resorption and a rapid osseous integration. Key words: Hydroxyapatite; allogenic bone; scintigraphy; radiology; histopathology.DOI: 10.3329/bsmmuj.v2i1.3707 BSMMU J 2009; 2(1): 25-3

Fish feed in Bangladesh: Where are the women?

Peer Revie

Nonformal Education in Improving Quality of Life of Underprivileged Children

This study explores the role of Non-formal Primary Education (NFPE) in improving the quality of the life of underprivileged children in Bangladesh considering their economic, health, environmental issues and life skills. It uses a mixed method approach of research where three NGOs which run NFPE programs were selected purposefully. Data were derived from six NGO officers, nine teachers, ninety students and eighteen guardians by using two sets of questionnaires for NGO officers and teachers, an interview schedule for guardians and 9 focus group discussions with the students. The findings show that there is no income generating program initiated by the organizations for the learners along with education. So, the scope of their income has reduced. But their daily life behavior and skills have improved. Besides, their awareness on health and environmental issues have increased. The findings lead to some recommendations which will give insights to policy makers and professionals engaged in this field

Reconstruction of Mandibular Defect by Free Re-Vascularized Fibula Graft: A Case Report

Background: In maxillofacial surgery tumor ablation often causes continuity defect of mandible which results anatomical and functional morbidity of the patient. The reconstruction of the mandibular defect is mandatory to restore the oral function and speech. Various methods of immediate reconstruction are implemented by different authors time to time including autogenous non vascularized bone graft, allogenic bone graft , auto frozen mandible or reconstruction plates and others. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages including donor site morbidity, failure and others. The purpose of the present case report is to establish micorvascular free fiblula is as a better option to other methods in immediate reconstruction of mandibular continuity defect. Objective: Anatomical, functional and esthetic rehabilitation of patients after mandibular resection Method: Revascularization of free fibula graft by microvascular anastomosis of paroneal artery with facial artery at the segmental defect site of mandible. Result: Remarkable contour, cosmesis and early functional rehabilatation of the patient. Conclusion: Microvascular reconstruction with fibula is the better option for defect correction and early rehabilitation in patients with mandibular continuity defect. Key words: Mandible, defect; reconstruction; microvascular technique; fibula graftDOI: 10.3329/bsmmuj.v1i1.3698 BSMMU J 2008; 1(1): 35-3