bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
İran Duvar Resimlerinde ABD Temsili: Hafıza, Propaganda, Dönüşüm
Authors: Cihangir Demirbaş İlknur
Published: December 2024

Bugün duvar resimleri İran sokaklarında rastlaması oldukça sıradan olan ancak bir o kadar da dikkat çekici bir ayrıntıdır. Rejimin başlıca savunularının vurgulandığı propaganda amaçlı posterler ve duvar resimleri özellikle 1978/79 devrim süreciyle birlikte İran sokaklarının ayrılmaz bir ögesi haline gelmiştir. Bu bağlamda, İran İslam Devrimi’nin (Şubat 1979) peşi sıra cereyan eden ve 52 ABD’li diplomatın 444 gün süreyle alıkonulduğu (4 Kasım 1979- 21 Ocak 1981) ‘rehine krizi’nin ardından, ABD’nin eski Tahran Büyükelçilik binasını çevreleyen duvarlar da çeşitli duvar resimleriyle (mural paintings) donatılmıştır. Varlığını uzun yıllar ilk haliyle sürdüren bu resimler 2019 yılına gelindiğinde devrimin kırkıncı yılı münasebetiyle yeniden gözden geçirilerek değişikliğe uğratılmıştır. Bu çalışmada, mevcut değişiklik sonrasında elçilik binası duvarlarındaki resimlere yansımış olan ABD imajındaki farklılaşma eski ve yeni resimler odağında analiz edilmiştir. Sonuç olarak, eski duvar resimlerinde daha güçlü ve korku uyandıran bir ABD imajı betimlenirken yenilenen resimlerde ise güvenilmezliğini ve gaddarlığını sürdürmesine karşın İran’ın yenmeye muktedir olduğu bir ABD imajına yer verildiği gözlenmiştir. Duvar resimlerinde yer bulan kimi yeni görselleştirmeler yoluyla düşmana meydan okuyan İran imajının korunduğu ancak bu kez söz konusu kibirli düşmanın yenilmez olmadığının, bilakis defaatle hezimete uğratılmış ve uğratılabilir olduğunun da altının dikkatle çizildiği görülmektedir.
Star formation beyond galaxies: widespread in-situ formation of intra-cluster stars
Authors: Ahvazi Niusha , Sales Laura V. , Navarro Julio F. , Benson Andrew , Boselli Alessandro , D'Souza Richard
Published: December 2024

We study the fraction of the intra-cluster light (ICL) formed in-situ in the three most massive clusters of the TNG50 simulation, with virial masses ∼1014. We find that a significant fraction of ICL stars ( 8%- 28%) are born in-situ. This amounts to a total stellar mass comparable to the central galaxy itself. Contrary to simple expectations, only a sub-dominant fraction of these in-situ ICL stars are born in the central regions and later re-distributed to more energetic orbits during mergers. Instead, many in-situ ICL stars form directly hundreds of kiloparsecs away from the central galaxy, in clouds condensing out of the circum-cluster medium. The simulations predict a present-date diffuse star formation rate of $$1 M⊙/yr, with higher rates at higher redshifts. The diffuse star forming component of the ICL is filamentary in nature, extends for hundreds of kiloparsecs and traces the distribution of neutral gas in the cluster host halo. We discuss briefly how numerical details of the baryonic treatment in the simulation, in particular the density threshold for star formation and the equation of state, may play a role in this result. We conclude that a sensitivity of 1.6×10−19−2.6×10−18 erg s −1 cm −2 arcsec −2 in H α flux (beyond current observational capabilities) would be necessary to detect this diffuse star-forming component in galaxy clusters.
Illustration as a Teaching-Learning Tool in Histology Practical in Undergraduate Medical Education of Bangladesh: Teacher & Student Perspective
Authors: Ahmed Rukshana , Shamim Khondoker Manzare , Talukder Humayun Kabir
Published: December 2024

Objectives: This study was aimed to find out the perception of students and teachers regarding illustration as a teaching-learning tool in pistology practical class in undergraduate medical education of Bangladesh. Methods: The present study was a cross sectional descriptive one involving quantitative and qualitative methods. Data was collected from 10 medical colleges. 824 1st year MBBS students were enrolled in the survey. A semi-structured questionnaire having multiple response answers was used for obtaining information from the students and in-depth interviews were carried out with 21 teachers of Anatomy. Results: Students mentioned that use of illustration is interesting and helpful for proper understanding of histological structure. A majority of the respondents (66%) mentioned “schematic diagram as their choice of form of illustrations. The interviewee teachers agreed that illustration is very much useful for histology practical session. Conclusions: Illustration aids in better recognition of histological structure.
Bangladesh Journal of Anatomy July 2021, Vol. 19, No. 1, pp. 3-7
Prevalence and Antibiotic Resistance Patterns of Neonatal Bloodstream Pathogens in Tertiary Care Hospitals: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Saha Ritu , Saha Shamoli , Mahmuda Hasiba , Lutfor Afzalunnessa Binte
Published: December 2024

Background: Neonatal bloodstream infections (BSIs) are a leading cause of mortality in developing countries, necessitating effective treatment strategies.
Objective: This retrospective study investigated the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of bacterial pathogens causing neonatal BSIs in two tertiary hospitals in Dhaka, Bangladesh.  
Methodology: This is a retrospective study took place in Ad-din Women’s Medical College & Hospital, Dhaka & Rushmono specialized Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh in between the time period of July 2019 to December 2020. A total of 1825 blood samples were obtained from patients who were admitted at the Neonatal Intensive care unit of Ad-din Women’s Medical College & Hospital, Dhaka & Rushmono specialized Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh from July 2019 to December 2020. All the blood samples were processed for culture using a BACT/Alert blood culture machine. Further identification & antimicrobial susceptibility tests were performed using standard microbiological procedure.
Results: The analysis of 1825 blood samples obtained from neonatal intensive care facilities unveiled a bloodstream infection (BSI) rate of 17.2%. The predominant isolates identified were coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CONS) (10%) and Acinetobacter spp. (60%); these organisms are classified as Gram-positive and negative bacteria, respectively. The preponderance of infections was caused by Gram-positive organisms, specifically CONS, which evolved highly sensitive to imepenem, vancomycin, and linezolid but resistance to ampicillin, cephradine and erythromycin. Methicillin resistance is present in 31.5% of Staphylococcus aureus and nearly half (47%) of the CONS. Vancomycin resistance is present in one-tenth of the isolated Staphylococcus species. Acinetobacter spp. exhibited greater susceptibility to colistin (100%), meropenem (90.67%), piperacillin-tazobactum (92%), and amikacin (82.67%), but resistance to ampicillin (90%), cephradin (80%), cefuroxime (90%), and cefixime (61%). Proteus, Enterobacterieceae, including E. coli, Klebsiella, and Enterobacter, exhibited greater resistance to ampicillin, cephradin, and chloramphenicol while demonstrating greater sensitivity to meropenem (100%), piperacillin-tazobactum (95-98%), amikacin (80-82%), and gentamycin (76%-80%).
Conclusion: Major causative agents of neonatal blood stream infection were coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CONS) and Acinetobacter spp. Multidrug resistance among these bacteria was observed in the study ; which necessitate the implementation of antibiotic stewardship program to improve neonatal outcome.
Bangladesh Journal of Medical Microbiology, January 2024;18(1):22-29
Eradication of Rabies Virus by 2030: Bangladesh Perspective
Authors: Yusuf Md Abdullah , Ahmed Be-Nazir
Published: December 2024

Abstract Not Available
Bangladesh Journal of Medical Microbiology January 2024;18(1):1-2
Spatiotemporal Variation of Land Surface Temperature and Urban Heat Islands in Dhaka City: A Geospatial Approach
Authors: Kabir Md Humayun , Ryhan Md Abu
Published: December 2024

Rapid urban population growth and widespread urbanization are common occurrences in the modern world. They cause several negative repercussions among which Urban Heat Island (UHI) is the most widely recorded occurrence. The population of Dhaka city has increased by 12.64 million from 2011 to 2021 and the temperature by 0.57ᵒ C in the recent decade. Therefore, the city is facing increased public health-related problems associated with high temperatures, outbreaks of diseases, and scarcity of safe drinking water. Considering these matters, this study explores the spatiotemporal changes in Land Surface Temperature (LST) over the last twenty years and the present condition of heat islands. The city was found 3.9 °C warmer than the surrounding rural areas in 2022. The results also show recurring fluctuations in temperature together with a positive change in temperature during the study period. A year of high temperatures follows a gradual decrease in temperatures in the next two years, and a year of low temperatures follows several gradual increases in temperature. It is expected from the result that the upcoming two years (2023 and 2024) will be warmer than the last three years. The findings may provide insight into how LST and UHI fluctuate and aid in developing strategies to lessen their negative consequences.
The Dhaka University Journal of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Vol. 13(1), 2024, P 1-19
Establishing the Relationship between Spatial Distribution of Land Covers and Air Quality: A Case of Coastal Area of Bangladesh
Authors: Fahad Md Shakib Al , Ahmed Asib , Nafee K M
Published: December 2024

Employing a GIS-RS integrated approach, the research assesses the concentrations of air quality parameters including nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) across different land cover features in the south-central coastal area of Bangladesh over a six-year period. It also investigates the seasonal variation in air quality parameters. The study reveals that high level of CO and NO2 concentration was seen across built-up and agricultural areas. Across waterbodies high level of SO2 and AOD concentration was found. Further analysis reveals a consistent increase in NO2 concentration, especially in winter seasons with the lowest values at 0.000021 mol/m2 in 2019 and the highest at 0.000064 mol/m2 in 2023. Moreover, SO2 exhibits fluctuating patterns with highest level of concentration being observed in the winter seasons (i.e., 0.0001384 to 0.0005533) mol/m2. Similar pattern was observed in seasonal CO concentration levels, while AOD concentrations depicts a different picture with high level of concentration observed across monsoon seasons. The study addresses the knowledge gap of identifying high pollution concentration zones across land cover features in the study area. It also provides valuable insights into the seasonal variations of air quality parameters in the study area.
The Dhaka University Journal of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Vol. 13(1), 2024, P 69-89
An Asset-based Approach for Appraising the Risk-Management-Capacity of the Disaster-Prone Coastal Communities of Bangladesh
Authors: Murshed Sanzida
Published: December 2024

The current research employed a traditional asset-based approach to evaluate the risk-management-capacity of the disaster-prone coastal communities in Bangladesh. A comprehensive survey that includes human perception through household Interviews, Key Informant Interviews (KII), and Focus Group Discussions (FGD) was conducted within Patharghata Upazila, a coastal sub-district in Bangladesh. Through qualitative analysis of the survey dat a, a wide spectrum of natural, built, and social assets, utilized by the locals in their daily lives and influencing their risk management capacity in the events of disasters, was elucidated. This underscores the potential for risk mitigation within vulnerable coastal communities of Bangladesh by maximizing the utilization of available resources. Additionally, the research conducted an ordinal regression analysis, the outcome of which revealed the relative influence of the various aspects of coastal residents' living-standard on their risk managing capacity. The particular finding, household’s content with their access to basic necessities of life perceiving themselves as adequately prepared for potential disasters, underscores a positive correlation between households' wellbeing and their strength against disasters. The implications of these finding extend to the policymakers of Bangladesh, highlighting the need for investments in developing the living status of the coastal communities for fostering disaster resilience within the coastal region of the country.
The Dhaka University Journal of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Vol. 13(1), 2024, P 141-154
Fertility Trends in Bangladesh Employing Parity Progression Ratios
Authors: Hossain Md Mowazzem , Islam Md Nurul , Shah Md Asaduzzaman , Hossain Md Golam , Al Mamun Abu Syed Md , Mondal Md Nazrul Islam
Published: December 2024

Fertility trends in Bangladesh have long been a subject of study due to the country's significant demographic transitions over the past few decades. This study investigated cohort fertility rates and trends using information from the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Surveys (BDHSs) (BDHS 2011, BDHS 2014, and BDHS 2017-2018). The study utilizes parity progression ratios (PPRs) to examine the fertility distribution among all women and currently married women. Fertility patterns are investigated across various birth cohorts of women spanning seven age groups (15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, and 45-49), including the entirety of the reproductive age range (15-49 years). In the BDHS 2011, the cohort total fertility rate (TFRc) was 2.62 for all women and 2.73 for currently married women. In the BDHS 2014, the TFRc for all women decreased to 2.40, and for currently married women, it declined to 2.56. Finally, in the BDHS 2017-18, the TFR for all women decreased to 2.30, while for currently married women, it reached 2.45. Notably, TFRc exhibited a declining trend over the three surveys, with the TFR remaining constant at 2.30 from BDHS 2011 to BDHS 2017-18. It is worth mentioning that while the TFR and TFRc values are identical, the TFRc for currently married women in BDHS-2017-18 is slightly higher by 0.15 compared to all women (BDHS 2014). This research highlights significant shifts in cohort fertility levels in Bangladesh over time, offering valuable insights into fertility patterns among women of varying age groups within the reproductive span. The observed declines in both TFRc underscore Bangladesh’s evolving fertility dynamics. Policymakers should sustain declining fertility rates while balancing population control with development and regularly monitor trends to adapt policies to changing reproductive patterns.
International Journal of Statistical Sciences Vol. 24(2), November, 2024, pp 1-18
Assessing the Impact of Women’s Empowerment on their Nutritional Status in Bangladesh: A Multilevel Logistic Regression Analysis
Authors: Eva Mahmuda Khanom , Ema Nusrat Jahan , Al Mamun Abu Sayed Md , Hasan Md Mahmudul , Haque Md Ahshanul , Kundu Ramendra Nath , Bharati Premananda , Hossain Md Golam
Published: December 2024

Women’s empowerment is one of the ten ‘special initiatives’ of Bangladesh government. According to the Global Gender Gap Report 2022, Bangladesh ranks as the most gender-equal nation in South Asia. Understanding how Bangladeshi women are empowering themselves and its impact on their nutritional status is crucial, as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) include both gender equality and women's health. This study aims to investigate women’s empowerment in Bangladesh and its impacts on their nutritional status. A total number of 14,862 samples were extracted from Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) 2017-18 for this study. Women’s empowerment was measured using three indicators; (i) women’s participation to make decision on their healthcare, (ii) women’s participation to purchase households goods and (iii) person who usually decides to visit family and friends. The composite index of these three indicators was used as outcome variable for further statistical analysis.  The study revealed that 79.0%, 76.1% and 78.4% women participated to make decision on their healthcare, purchasing household goods and visit to relatives and friends respectively, resulting in 63.7% women being classified as empowered in Bangladesh. Predictors of women’s empowerment included: living location (division), type of residence, place of delivery, sex of household head, wealth index, respondents’ age, education, occupation, having bank account, total ever born children and decision in using contraception, and beating by husband. After controlling the effect of other factors, it was shown that empowered women were more likely to become over nourished than unempowered women. The study also found that a strikingly large proportion of women in Bangladesh remained unempowered. Some modifiable factors were found as predictors of women empowerment. Additionally, unempowered women were more likely to be undernourished.
International Journal of Statistical Sciences, Vol. 24(2), November, 2024, pp 19-34
Natural Disasters in Bangladesh: Impact Analysis through Input-Output Model
Authors: Haque Afsana , Jahan Sarwar
Published: December 2024

Flood, cyclone and storm surge, tornado, drought, river bank erosion are common natural hazards in Bangladesh. These hazards strike Bangladesh in regular interval and claim millions of lives, damage properties/assets and infrastructures, influence societal and daily life of people. The disaster caused by each hazard can be classified into direct damages, first-order losses and higher-order/induced losses. In Bangladesh disaster impact assessment are mainly confined with the estimation of direct damages and sometimes with the first-order losses. Assessment of induced losses are almost absent in the disaster related studies for Bangladesh. We argue that assessment of induced losses is necessary to determine individual and community vulnerability, and optimum level of disaster preparedness, mitigation and recovery. This paper demonstrates how Input- Output framework can be employed to analyze higher-order disaster impacts for Bangladesh.
Journal of Bangladesh Institute of Planners, Vol. 8, Dec 2015, pp. 15-21
A Study on Land Use Policies of Khulna Structure Plan 2000-2020 in the Light of Climate Change Induced Flood Scenario
Authors: Esraz Ul Zannat Md , Islam Ishrat
Published: December 2024

Khulna, the third largest metropolis of Bangladesh has been identified as one of the 15 most vulnerable coastal cities under climate change and it is believed that this scenario will be exacerbated with time by cyclone, saline water intrusion, submerging of low-lying areas, and tidal and urban floods, etc. The city accommodates around 1.3 million people. The poorly drained city is approximately 2.5m above mean sea level. Climate change effects, especially sea level rise and flooding which is a major concern for the development of the city, was not considered when the structure plan 2000-2020 was prepared. The first objective of the research is to analyze the land use policies under Structure Plan and second is to assess the potential flood damage using secondary data, namely Digital Elevation Model of Flood for 2020 and stage-damage functions for different major land uses with Geographic Information System grid-based approach. It was found that climate change would cause damage to property depending on type of land uses. Maximum damage estimated for residential sector is 49% and next to commercial and other sector (39%). Minimum damage is estimated to industrial sector after agriculture use. Proposed commercial land uses are recommended to review for relocation in flood free areas. This research would provide a better understating of the future flood risk and facilitate the decision makers to review the existing and proposed land uses for taking mitigation and prevention measures.
Journal of Bangladesh Institute of Planners, Vol. 8, Dec 2015, pp. 23-33
Vehicle Operating Cost and Environmental Cost for Delay at Major Railroad Intersections of Dhaka City Corporation Area
Authors: Kadir Swarna Bintay , Hasan Mohammed Hamidul , Sen Moumita , Mitra Suman Kumar
Published: December 2024

At-grade railroad intersections of Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, force a notable amount of motorized vehicles to wait. Often the engines of these vehicles remain turned on during a level crossing signal. The consequences of this incident are the consumption of extra fuel and continuous production of hazardous pollutants. The paper analyzes both the cost of additional fuel required and environmental pollution during a level crossing signal at the major railroad intersections of Dhaka city.
Journal of Bangladesh Institute of Planners, Vol. 8, Dec 2015, pp. 49-58
Real Estate Business and its Impact on Urban Growth: A Study on Jalma Union, Batiaghata Upazila, Khulna
Authors: Alam Md Ashraful , Rahman Md Mustafizur
Published: December 2024

Real estate business is now treated one of the main sources of revenue earnings from the developing sub-urban areas of Bangladesh. There is a high possibility that money will be invested in the real estate sector. Definitely real estate business generates the multiplier effect of invested money by creating formal and informal employment opportunities for different income groups. The real estate business is flourishing day by day in the fringe areas of Khulna city. Transformation is a continuous process. Resources, ecosystem biophysical environment, and land use on the surface of the earth undergo changes over time. This study shows that the land use pattern is changing rapidly and land price is being increased at a high rate without considering proper future development. The agricultural land and water bodies are being converted without plan degrading the land quality and damaging the biodiversity of the area. This study tried to find out land use transformation in one of the fringe areas of Khulna city during 1999 to 2014. The study has provided some findings about the changes in the diversity of development. The results of the analysis showed that the residential land use increased gradually during the study period and the agricultural land use decreased over the period. The real estate business of Khulna city plays an important role in the expansion of the city, but it cannot be considered a positive growth of urban area. That is why land use planning with proper policy guidelines are needed to addressee the emerging problems associated with real estate business and land use transformation in the fringe areas of the city.
Journal of Bangladesh Institute of Planners, Vol. 8, Dec 2015, pp. 85-92
Urbanization and Urban Growth Dynamics: A Study on Chittagong City
Authors: Samad Rokshana Binta , Chisty Kutub Uddin , Rahman Ataur
Published: December 2024

The process of urbanization is a universal phenomenon. All countries are prone to this because of increasing population and economic development. Urban growth refers to an increase in total urban population. The size of urban population growth in the next four decades, especially in developing countries will be massive. Thus rapid urban growth introduces new urbanization challenges when resource is limited. Urbanization has been globally recognized as an effective engine of economic growth and socio-cultural development. Rapid urban growth has created huge demands on urban utilities and services as well. The negative consequence of rapid urbanization has occurred massive scale urban environmental degradation. For this research Chittagong city corporation area has been selected as a study area. Pairwise ranking is used to rank a list of urban growth factors in priority order. Holden method has been used in this research for identifying the percentage of population growth and Percentage of unorganized urban growth which is related to urban sprawl. Urban growth pattern has been identified by some growth indicator methods such as Moran Coefficient, Shannon’s entropy, and Geary’s coefficient. All spatial and temporal data is collected from secondary source. GIS and Remote Sensing approach has been used for data exploration to indicate urban growth pattern and land use change. Understanding the urban growth pattern would help in addressing the present and future needs of a city. This will further help in preparation of effective planning and management strategies for controlled and systematic urban growth both at regional as well as local level.
Journal of Bangladesh Institute of Planners, Vol. 8, Dec 2015, pp. 167-174
Ecological Stress of Cities and its Impact on Urban Growth Management: A Study on Khulna City
Authors: Khan Md Shakil , Uddin Muhammad Salaha
Published: December 2024

The study was conducted to present the development stress on surrounding natural environment associated with rapid urban growth. At the beginning of the study, physical situation of urban expansion of Khulna city is revealed. The urban growth scenario is derived through satellite image analysis of different years on land use land cover (LULC) changes around the city. Image analysis is comprised of supervised classification methods to derive the final results of LULC change. Hereafter, the climatic structure is assessed (changes in Built-up footprint) in relation with changing nature of LULC as well as urban microclimatic conditions. A popular method to detect changing urban microclimatic condition is analysing the changes in the urban microclimatic temperature generally known as Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect. The changing nature of LULC and UHI expresses the emergence of increasing stress of urban areas on the surrounding natural environment. As a result in the study LULC and UHI is assessed to examine the ongoing increasing stress. The result shows the overall increase in the built-up area from the year 1989 to 2014 is about 75.74% (1802.382 acres). The water body cover is reduced up to 153.209 acres and a variation in the fallow land cover is 48.43% in the temporal variation of 25 years. The zonal variation in surface temperature varies 29.64° – 40.71° in the city area and 28.77° – 40.16° outer skirts of the city area with in the time span of 1989 to 2014. Finally, it is seen that the ecological footprint due to built-up footprint is also increasing from the year 1989 to 2014.
Journal of Bangladesh Institute of Planners, Vol. 8, Dec 2015, pp. 187-194
Approach to Rural Road Prioritization for Maintenance by LGED: A Case Study of Phultola Union, Khulna
Authors: Khan Md Al Arman , Sarker Md Kamrul Hasan , Esraz Ul Zannat Md
Published: December 2024

Rural roads are the last link of the transport network that fulfils demand of the product all over the country. Roads have to be maintained from time to time for ensuring serviceability. The study conducted on the Road Maintenance Branch of LGED. The objectives of the study are to investigate current road maintenance practice in LGED through interviews, questionnaires from the LGED staff and other people involved in road projects. It is found that building new roads cost lots of money, but without maintaining the roads properly, they deteriorate very quickly. The problems faced during the road maintenance are selection of road with priorities for maintenance where allocation of funding is very limited. They usually select roads for maintenance based on road IRI (International Roughness Index) value and hierarchy of roads. For example, maintain Upazila roads first which have higher IRI value then union roads. As a result, some village roads which are more important than Upazila roads are not maintained and other Upazila roads not in use for any traffic. According to LGED, per km road maintenance cost is about one third of the total road construction cost. So, it is not logical to allocate fund to those unimportant roads, where important roads are still not maintained. In this regard, four factors (road maintenance cost, road type, and settlement hierarchy and traffic volume) are considered for selection of priority road for maintenance. This may help to proper utilization of money. Settlement hierarchy is determined by centrality score, where fifteen settlements in Phultola Union are ranked based on demographic factors, service, facilities, public utilities, infrastructure and resource information. Road maintenance cost are calculated based on IRI value, where road repairing cost per km based on IRI value known to LGED officials is multiplied by total road length. The data is also analysed using a weight index method to obtain the result. From the result, it is found that 45% village road type A (Pucca) and 35% village road type B (Pucca) are given more weight than Union road.
Journal of Bangladesh Institute of Planners, Vol. 8, Dec 2015, pp. 209-220
Community Participatory Tools for Water Logging Vulnerability Assessment in Chittagong City Corporation Area
Authors: Islam Md Kamrul , Chowdhury Sudipta , Chisty Kutub Uddin , Rahman Ataur
Published: December 2024

Chittagong city is the second largest metropolitan city of Bangladesh comprising hills with natural landscape on the Bay of Bengal. Water logging is one of the most prominent natural hazards for the city. Heavier than usual rains at the time of May to August results in water logging in many areas of Chittagong. Water logging has been disrupting livelihoods of thousands of people in Chittagong during past two decades. Badurtola is one of the places that is faced with water logging almost every year. Badurtola is prone to water logging due to the vulnerable geographical settings, mismanagement of waste and improper drainage. This research tried to identify the social, physical, and economic vulnerabilities that are causing adverse environmental condition. Necessary data has been collected through different participatory tools, which includes social map, resource map, cause effect diagram, daily activity schedule, process map, Venn diagram, service opportunity map etc. The target groups of this research are the persons, who live in the slums as they are the mostly affected and also the other groups in the society. Major findings revealed the causes of water logging are due to the dumping of waste in the drain, mismanagement of drain and also for the narrow drainage due to encroachment of drain for construction. The study found that most vulnerable groups due to the water logging are children and office going people. Some recommendations are made in the paper on the basis of the opinion of the local people, such as facilitating drainage, provision of dustbins and waste collection system, cleaning of drains and widening of drains and proper management of the drains.
Journal of Bangladesh Institute of Planners, Vol. 8, Dec 2015, pp. 221-231
MOTHER HAS ARRIVED! Queer Kinship, Care Practices and Reconfigurations of (M)otherhood within Ballroom Culture
Authors: Solanes Valldaura Albert
Published: December 2024

This paper uses the documentary Paris is Burning as a case study to explore how ballroom culture allows us to reimagine the notions of motherhood and kinship, challenging the traditional nuclear family model that emerged with capitalism. By examining the chosen families within the ballroom community, the study reveals how these articulations consist in familial bonds based on mutual support and a shared identity and struggle. However, it also critically interrogates queer kinship structures for potentially replicating authoritarian heteronormative dynamics. Hence, the analysis delves into both the liberatory aspects and the constraints of queer kinship. To address these issues, the paper proposes an ethics of care, solidarity, and critical love by advocating for kinship models that emphasize empathy, support, and collective well-being. This proposal aims to foster more inclusive and equitable family structures that resist the power imbalances found in both traditional and alternative kinship systems.
Linking in With Recruiters: How Does LinkedIn Profile Information Impact Ratings of Potential Applicants?
Authors: Krome Lesly R. , Jackson Alexander T. , Miller Kaylee
Published: December 2024

Two studies were conducted manipulating LinkedIn applicant profiles to examine job-hopping bias. The LinkedIn member was shown to be 1) a job-hopper or not, 2) Black or White, and 3) male or female. Hiring professionals rated the applicant profiles on several dimensions. In Study 1 (N = 200), there was no effect of race or gender, but job-hoppers were rated as less qualified and committed to the organization and less likely to be hired. In Study 2 (N = 231), job-hoppers were additionally found to be less trustworthy and there was a significant interaction of race and job-hopper status.
Pratylenchus thornei Sher et Allen (Tylenchida: Pratylenchidae)’a Karşı Myristica fragrans Houtt (Magnoliales: Myristicaceae) Bitki Ekstraktının Nematisidal Etkinliğinin Laboratuvar Koşullarında Belirlenmesi
Authors: Kamçılar Fatma Gül , Saglam Altinkoy Didem
Published: December 2024

Dünyada ve Türkiye’de temel gıda ürünlerinin başında tahıllar ve baklagiller gelmektedir. Birim alandan yüksek verim elde etmek için yoğun çalışmalar yapılmaktadır. Tarım ürünlerinde verime etki eden önemli hastalık ve zararlılar bulunmaktadır. Pratylenchus spp. tahıl ve baklagillerde önemli verim kayıplarına neden olan zararlılardandır. Toprak kökenli zararlılar olduğundan mücadelesi de oldukça zordur. Günümüzde kullanılan kimyasalların tarımsal üretimin sürdürülebilirliği açısından bazı olumsuzlukları ortaya çıkarması ve insan sağlığını tehdit etmesi nedeniyle alternatif mücadele yöntemleri üzerine çalışmalar yoğunlaşmıştır. Bu alternatif yöntemlerin başında bitki ekstraktlarının kullanımı yer almaktadır. Doğada bulunan birçok bitki içermiş olduğu sekonder metabolitler gibi maddeler sayesinde zararlılara karşı biyopestisit olarak kullanılmaktadır. Bu çalışmada Pratylenchus thornei Sher et Allen (Tylenchida: Pratylenchidae)’a karşı Myristica fragrans Houtt (Magnoliales: Myristicaceae) bitki ekstraktının etkinliği laboratuvar koşullarında denenmiştir. Denemede M. fragrans ‘ın etanol ekstraktının 100, 250, 500, 1000 ve 2500 ppm dozları uygulanmış ve deneme 4 tekerrürlü ve 2 tekrarlı olarak yürütülmüştür. Denemeler 12 kuyucuklu petri kabında gerçekleştirilmiştir. 24, 48 ve 72 saat sonunda ölüm oranları belirlenmiştir. M.fragrans uçucu yağının analizi sonucunda ana bileşen %37.18 ile Sabinene belirlenmiştir. Bunu sırasıyla α-Pinene %29.93, 2-α-Pinene %19.00 ve dl-Limonene %3.31 oranlarında tespit edilmiştir. Deneme sonuçlarına göre 24 saat sonunda en düşük ölüm oranı % 4.93 ile 100 ppm’de belirlenmiştir. 2500 ppm’de %27.02 ve pozitif kontrol olan Abamectin etken maddeli nematisitte %85.81 olarak tespit edilmiştir. 48. saat sonunda en düşük ölüm oranı %14.14 ile 100 ppm’de belirlenmiştir. 2500 ppm’de %72.70 olan ölüm oranı Abamectin etken maddeli nematisitte %89.39 olarak tespit edilmiştir. 72. saat sonunda en düşük ölüm oranı %26.57 ile 100 ppm’de belirlenmiştir. 2500 ppm’de %75.33 olan ölüm oranı Abamectin etken maddeli nematisitte %92.50 olarak bulunmuştur. Elde edilen sonuçlara göre M. fragrans’ın etanol ekstraktının P. thornei’yi baskıladığı ve nematodun mücadelesinde kullanılma potansiyelinin olduğu belirlenmiştir.
Determination of Some Physico-Mechanical Properties and Critical Velocity of Opium Poppy Plant (Papaver somniferum L.) 'Ofis 1' (Blue)
Authors: Güngör Orhan , Akıncı İbrahim
Published: December 2024

Determination of some physico-mechanical properties of plant products are very important reference studies in terms of design, development and efficient use of tools and machines used in processes such as planting, harvesting, transportation, packaging, storage, product processing, etc. In this study, it was aimed to determine some physico-mechanical properties of the stalk and capsule of Ofis 1 (Blue) poppy plant, which has a significant production size in our country. According to the evaluated research findings, on the basis of average values, poppy capsule height was 37.99 mm, width was 35.82 mm, mass was 5.86 g, volume was 300.73 mm3, horizontal projection area was 18.66 cm², vertical projection area was 17.91 cm², critical velocity was 10.22 m s-1, natural angle of repose was 22.8o, and shell ratio was 43.93%. In the study, the poppy stalk was divided into three parts: upper, middle and lower regions. During the harvest period, the wet basis moisture value of the upper region was 7.69%, the moisture value of the middle region was 7.56%, the moisture value of the lower region was 8.03%, and the average moisture value of the poppy stalk was calculated as 7.76%. The average moisture value of poppy capsule at harvest time was determined as 7.69%. The number of plants per unit area in the poppy field was 30.8 pieces m-2, the number of capsules was 55.2 pieces m-2 and the capsule/plant ratio was 1.8. Average plant height was 119.7 cm. These values are the data that should be taken into consideration for table height and finger spacing in poppy harvesting machine designs. The majority of the plants per unit area (55.9%) are single capsule. As a result of mechanical tests, poppy stem shear force values were determined between 31.14 N-74.06 N and these values vary according to the thickness of the poppy plant stem. The average compression-crushing forces of poppy capsule were determined as 159.39 N and 110.46 N for vertical and horizontal positions, respectively. As a result of the research, Ofis 1 (Blue) poppy plant physico-mechanical properties and a resource that can be useful for the studies to be carried out in machine design studies for the cultivation and harvesting of poppy plants have been put forward.
Wartime Political Memory in Afghanistan’s Visual Culture
Authors: Ebtikar Munazza
Published: December 2024

Communities in northern Afghanistan, predominantly Persian-speaking and identifying as ethnically Tajik, remember past wars in everyday practice, material culture, and memorialization processes. Their conception of history connects them to a collective memory that intersects with wars and conflicts in present-day Afghanistan. It also informs how they have contested past governments and the present political climate at the local, national, and international levels. Their collective memory acts as a counterweight to dominant understandings of the past and a critique of a long history of exclusionary politics. Since the fall of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in 2021, they have brought their collective memory with them in exile. This article attempts to understand the current crisis in Afghanistan by centering visual culture as a guide to the social and political history and memory that inform the sentiments of these communities and one of the anti-Taliban opposition groups, the National Resistance Front.
On “taliban,” in Light of Recent Events
Authors: Hartung Jan–Peter
Published: December 2024

This article represents a critical intervention on the monosemantic use of the terms “taliban” and “talib” in light of the rise of the militant Islamic movement in Afghanistan (and subsequently also Pakistan), which has now established its central government over Afghanistan for the second time. Employing the tools of critical discourse analysis, first the role of investigative journalists and scholars of various academic disciplines in cementing this singular meaning of “taliban” is highlighted. It then outlines the manifold historical semantics of this oftentimes quite positively evaluated term across the Pashtun Borderland are outlined. The article also contains also the implicit plea that scholars need to refrain from having their academic work tainted by their own political proclivities and the rather short-lived interests of political decision-makers and thus to keep a much more open mind.
Erosion of Legitimacy: The Vicious Cycle of Disputed Elections and Poor Governance in Afghanistan
Authors: Kerami Kaweh
Published: December 2024

This article focuses on the interplay between disputed elections, political legitimacy, and effective governance in fragile contexts like Afghanistan, using the case of Panjshir Province to illustrate complex center-periphery dynamics. I draw evidence from the unsuccessful police operation (conducted by security forces deployed from the capital) against the fugitive Keramuddin Keram in Panjshir, which led to a standoff with armed residents, just a year before the collapse of the central government in August 2021. The reactions to the operation were part of a larger, much longer set of grievances that had come to define the relationship between Panjshir and Kabul. Panjshiri elites who once constituted one of the main pillars of power in the early post-2001 order, had increasingly found themselves marginalized, and their four attempts to win the presidency failed. I argue that the unsuccessful police operation is reflective of the way entrenched grievances intersect with the perceived (il)legitimacy of government in consequential ways. Drawing on interviews and observations from fieldwork (2019–2020) and the existing scholarly literature, this article problematizes arguments that reduce the challenges of subnational governance to push-and-pull between the central government and local elites. It draws attention instead to how disputed elections shape, animate and entrench local perceptions about the political system. It also calls into question the externally-led state and democracy-building trajectory, which overvalues the role of competitive elections in advancing the legitimacy of the client government.
Fermentation of cigar tobacco leaves with citrus flavonoids: changes in chemical, microbiological, and sensory properties
Authors: Hu Wanrong , Cai Wen , Jia Yun , Zhang Qianying , Zhang Zhengcheng , Wang Yue , Sun Chongde , Li Dongliang
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Fermentation plays a significant role in improving the quality of cigar tobacco leaves. Particularly, fermentation with characteristic additives has been identified as an effective approach to enhance the fermentation process. The objective of this study was to develop new additives and investigate their influence on cigar tobacco leaves.

Methods

The active ingredients extracted from three citrus species were obtained by ultrasonic-assisted extraction followed by solid phase purification. The effects of these ingredients as fermentation additives on the primary chemical components, microbial communities, and sensory quality of cigar tobacco leaves were subsequently analyzed.

Results

Results showed that: (1) Flavonoids were the main components of the prepared citrus extracts. (2) The addition of citrus extracts resulted in a reduced content of amino acids, oxalic acid, and unsaturated fatty acids in cigar tobacco leaves, while increasing the content of citric acid. Besides, the total amount of aroma substances in cigar tobacco leaves increased by 38.15% with the addition of citrus extracts, with notable enhancements in the levels of D-limonene, β-dihydroionone, dihydroactiniolactone, and other representative aroma components. (3) The addition of citrus extracts promoted the succession of the microbial community in cigar tobacco leaves and promoted the enrichment of Pseudomonas and Corynebacterium. (4) The addition of citrus extracts effectively reduced the irritation and improved the aroma richness of cigar tobacco leaves.

Discussion

In this study, the influence of citrus-derived active ingredients on cigar quality was systematically analyzed, providing a reference for the development of characteristic fermentation additives for cigars and the extension of cigar quality enhancement technologies.
Significant differences in knee kinematics of healthy subjects with high and low anterior tibial laxity
Authors: Chen Shiyang , Chen Shaohua , Kang Qingyang , Lin Fangzheng , Zheng Shuting , Liu Xixi , Guo Chunhong , Li Yongjin , Lin Dingkun , Zeng Xiaolong
Published: December 2024

Background

Anterior tibial laxity is considered to be a risk factor for knee injuries, including anterior cruciate ligament ruptures. The anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction also aims to restore anterior tibial laxity. While anterior tibial laxity is considered to be linked to dynamic knee stability, the mechanisms connecting anterior tibial laxity to these stability issues are not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the kinematic alterations between different anterior tibial laxity in healthy subjects. We hypothesized that anterior tibial laxity affects the anteroposterior tibial displacement during dynamic movements.

Methods

This study involved thirty-five healthy subjects. There were twenty males and fifteen females with an average age of 18.91 ± 0.78 years. Their knees were categorized into “Tight” (the smallest 50%) and “Lax” (the largest 50%) groups based on anterior tibial laxity measurements using a Kneelax3 arthrometer. Kinematic data were collected using a three-dimensional motion capture system when they performed level walking, upslope walking, and vertical jumping. The knee kinematics were recorded for statistical analysis. We used independent sample t-tests to analyze key kinematic differences between groups.

Results

The “Lax” group exhibited increased posterior tibial translation during upslope walking (5.4 ± 2.22 mm at swing max flexion, p = 0.018) and vertical jumping (8.5 ± 2.78 mm at propulsion max flexion, p = 0.003; 7.6 ± 3.17 mm at landing max flexion, p = 0.019) than the “Tight” group. Significant differences in tibial internal rotation were observed during initial contact of the gait cycle of level walking (1.9° ± 0.95°, p = 0.049) and upslope walking (2.1° ± 1.03°, p = 0.041) in the “Lax” group compared to the “Tight” group. No significant differences in adduction/abduction or medial/lateral tibial translation were found between groups.

Conclusion

The study revealed that high anterior tibial laxity resulted in increased posterior tibial translation and tibial internal rotation. High anterior tibial laxity resulted in dynamic instability of knees during motions, especially in high-demanding activities like upslope or vertical jumping. However, further research is needed to explore the clinical functional effects of knee laxity.
The value of metagenomic next-generation sequencing with blood samples for the diagnosis of disseminated tuberculosis
Authors: Ma Jing , Jiang Yongfang , He Yan , Zhou Huaying
Published: December 2024

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the clinical value of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) of blood samples for the identification of disseminated tuberculosis (DTB).

Methods

A total of 48 individuals suspected of DTB were enrolled. All patients underwent mNGS of peripheral blood and conventional microbiological tests. Patient characteristics were collected from their medical records.

Results

A total of 28 patients were diagnosed with DTB, whereas 20 patients were confirmed as non-DTB cases. In the DTB groups, 19 (67.9%) contained TB sequences, with specific reads of TB ranging from 1 to 219. The TB sequence was more detectable by mNGS in male patients, those with elevated PCT levels, those who are HIV positive, and those with a decreased CD4 T-cell count. The HIV-positive group shows higher TB mNGS reads (p = 0.012) and TB mNGS sensitivity (p = 0.05). The sensitivity of TB mNGS in blood samples was 80% for HIV-infected patients and 44.4% for non-HIV-infected individuals (p = 0.05). The non-HIV group had a higher prevalence of miliary tuberculosis (p = 0.018), and extrapulmonary tuberculosis was more prevalent in the HIV-positive group.

Conclusion

Our research has shown that the mNGS of blood samples has excellent sensitivity for the diagnosis of DTB. The TB sequence was more detectable by mNGS in patients with elevated PCT levels, those who are HIV positive, and those with a decreased CD4 T-cell count.