bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Telemedicina oftalmológica penitenciaria
Authors: Oleñik Memmel Andrea R. , Codas Manuel , Balbuena Araceli , Benegas Alejandra , Acosta Arturo , Llano Heyne José María , Zapata Miguel Angel
Published: September 2024

Objetivo: Describir los resultados preliminares de la aplicación de un sistema de telemedicina de la Fundación Retina Paraguay para la detección y el manejo de patologías oculares en población penitenciaria.Materiales y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo donde se analizó el resultado preliminar de una campaña de detección de patologías oculares organizada por la Fundación Retina Paraguay en internos de seis diferentes instituciones penitenciarias de Paraguay durante 2023. Mediante un retinógrafo no midriático se registraron imágenes del fondo del ojo en cada interno. Se utilizó el software de OptRetina® (Barcelona, España), mediante el cual las imágenes se enviaban a especialistas para su evaluación, para la detección de potenciales patologías y para determinar quiénes debían derivarse, emitiendo el correspondiente informe.Resultados: Se evaluaron a 365 personas, se detectaron patologías y se indicó la derivación en 143 casos (39%). El 42% de las alteraciones era cataratas, seguidas por vasculopatías retinales hipertensivas (23%), alteraciones del nervio óptico compatiblescon glaucoma (18%) y signos compatibles con retinopatía diabética (11%).
Conclusión: Mediante un sistema de telemedicina se logró realizar la detección de patologías oftálmicas en personas ingresadas en instituciones penitenciarias en Paraguay.
Agudeza visual en ojos con alto astigmatismo en Salta, Argentina
Authors: Danza Rubén D. , Szeps Abel , Iribarren Rafael , Lanca Carla C.
Published: September 2024

Objetivo: Identificar los factores que afectan a la agudeza visual no corregida (AVNC) en ojos con astigmatismo alto.Método: Este estudio clínico se realizó en una clínica oftalmológica de la región noroeste de la Argentina. La población de estudio consistió en todos los pacientes consecutivos de entre 10 y 40 años de edad con astigmatismo bilateral superior a 2 dioptrías (D) en al menos un ojo. El protocolo incluyó pruebas de agudeza visual con y sin corrección y estenopeica, queratometría, diámetro pupilar escotópico, refracción subjetiva y refracción objetiva con cicloplejía.Resultados: Un total de 405 pacientes fueron incluidos en el estudio. Su edad media era de 22,04 ± 10,62 años y el 52,3% eran mujeres (n=212). El equivalente esférico medio fue de -1,53 ± 1,79 D y la pupila escotópica media fue de 5,4 ± 0,3 mm. En el análisis de regresión logística lineal múltiple, excluyendo a los ambliopes, una peor AV estenopeica (Odds ratio[OR]: 8,19; intervalos de confianza del 95% [CI]: 4,76 a 14,07; p<0,001) y un mayor tamaño de la pupila escotópica se asociaron significativamente con una peor AVC. La presencia de ambliopía se asoció con un mayor diámetro pupilar (OR:4,37; IC 95%: 1,60 a 11,97; p=0,004).Conclusiones: Este estudio reveló que el tamaño pupilar afecta a la AVNC en ojos astigmáticos de sujetos que viven en un entorno rural. Por lo tanto, son necesarios más estudios para comprender si la corrección del astigmatismo debe tener en cuenta el tamaño de la pupila, la AV estenopeica y la AVNC.
Atrofia óptica por enfermedad de Rosai-Dorfman
Authors: Arriaga María Alejandra , Antonelli Juan Ignacio , Pineda Cintia , Cabral Lorenzo María Cecilia , Sarotto Lidia
Published: September 2024

Un hombre de 59 años consultó por disminución de la agudeza visual y pérdida auditiva progresiva. Tenía antecedentes de hipertensión, diabetes mal controlada y cirugía de pólipos nasales. El examen oftalmológico mostró agudeza visual muy reducida en ambos ojos, presión ocular normal y papilas pálidas. Los estudios revelaron escotomas generalizados, disminución de la capa de fibras nerviosas y células ganglionares, rinorrea, anosmia e insuficiencia ventilatoria. La rinoscopía identificó una lesión papilomatosa en ambas fosas nasales y la tomografía computada mostró densidades de partes blandas en varios senos paranasales.
La resonancia magnética evidenció tejido difuso en las fosas nasales y senos paranasales con engrosamiento paquimeníngeo cerca de los nervios ópticos. La biopsia rino-sinusal confirmó el diagnóstico de Rosai-Dorfman, una enfermedad rara caracterizada por la proliferación benigna de histiocitos en ganglios linfáticos y tejidos extraganglionares. Esta condición puede manifestarse con linfadenopatía masiva, fiebre y síntomas sistémicos. A nivel ocular puede causar afectación de estructuras adyacentes —como nervios ópticos— lo que provoca pérdida visual. El PET-CT mostró actividad metabólica en el esqueleto sugiriendo enfermedad activa. Debido a la rareza y gravedad de la enfermedad de Rosai-Dorfman, el equipo multidisciplinario consideró cirugía descompresiva junto con tratamiento sistémico antiinflamatorio e inmunomodulador para abordar la progresión de esta condición.
Trastornos del espectro de la neuromielitis óptica
Authors: Andreotti Paula Daniela , Deibe Laura Muriel , Quintela Torchitti Victoria , Picardo Camila , Acquaro Andrés Leonel , Ortega Carlos Miguel
Published: September 2024

En este trabajo se desarrollará un caso clínico relacionado con los trastornos del espectro de la neuromielitis óptica. La sospecha inicia ante la presentación peculiar y atípica en una paciente femenina joven que manifiesta como única sintomatología visión borrosa y disminución de agudeza visual posterior a un esfuerzo físico. El examen oftalmológico restante resultó dentro de los parámetros considerados normales, por lo que se solicitaron estudios complementarios que en la resonancia magnética evidenciaron lesiones compatibles con enfermedad desmielinizante y alteraciones campimétricas bilaterales. Frente a estos hallazgos, se inició el tratamiento correspondiente con pulsos de corticoides intravenosos. Ante la falla a la primera línea de tratamiento se indicó inmediatamente plasmaféresis, con la que se obtuvo una pronta mejoría evidenciada en la agudeza visual.
Se hace hincapié en la importancia de un diagnóstico temprano para prevenir recaídas con secuelas de gravedad.
Monitoring and adjustments of combustion parameters in reheating furnaces using a digital tool
Authors: Cançado Kássio N. , Rocha Ana Carolina , Rapalo Rafaela , Pomaro Paula , Soares Lism
Published: September 2024

Improving the energy efficiency of a reheating furnace is not a simple task because it involves a large number of parameters that, most of the time, are connected in a complex way. To be feasible, the evaluation of such a vast number of variables must be supported by digital tools that are embedded with artificial intelligence. The SMS group has developed a digital tool that effectively supports operators and engineers in enhancing energy efficiency within the reheating furnaces of hot rolling mills. This paper presents a quick study case of the use of Viridis Performance, an application of Viridis Energy & Sustainability Suite, in the analysis and correction of the deviations in the air-gas ratio of a reheating furnace. In this study, a production period of 8 hours was evaluated, during which the air-gas ratio presented a significant deviation. Analysis showed that the probable cause of the deviation was a production stoppage where the furnace control was set to manual mode. A reduction potential of 0.26 Gcal/h and a 13 kg/h decrease in CO2 emissions were identified. Viridis Performance would support the process by guiding the decisions of the operator in a way that energy losses would be avoided or minimized. The potential economic savings were also quantified. This task is performed in the system by Viridis Moneybox, which is another application of Viridis Energy & Sustainability Suite. The results showed potential savings of 13 US $/h. In addition to the gains and savings outlined in this study, the utilization of Viridis Performance encompasses numerous other advantages, such as enhanced operational standardization and improved process capability, to name just a few.
Penggunaan Metolose 90-SH100 Sebagai Basis Gel Ekstrak Etanol Herba Pegagan (Centella Asiatica L.) Untuk Penyembuh Luka Terbuka pada Tikus
Authors: Alatas Fikri
Published: September 2024

Turunan selulosa banyak digunakan sebagai basis gel karena  biokompatibilitasnya, viskositasnya yang bervariasi, dan kemampuannya dalam menyerap eksudat luka. Metolose 90SH-100 adalah salah satu turunan selulosa yang memiliki viskositas 100.000 cPs. Penelitian ini bertujuan memformulasi sediaan gel ekstrak ektanol herba pegagan (Centella asiatica L.) dengan menggunakan basis Metolose 90SH-100, menguji stabilitas fisik dan mengetahui efektivitasnya sebagai penyembuh luka terbuka pada tikus. Ekstrak etanol herba pegagan disiapkan dengan teknik maserasi. Formula gel ekstrak pegagan 5% dibuat dengan variasi konsentrasi Metolose 90SH-100 berturut-turut 4% (F1), 5% (F2), dan 6% (F3). Evaluasi fisiki meliputi organoleptik, pH, viskositas, dan daya sebar. Formula terbaik diuji stabilitas fisiknya selama 28 hari dan efektivitasnya sebagai penyembuh luka terbuka pada tikus. Gel ekstrak etanol herba pegagan 5% dengan konsentrasi Metolose 90SH-100 4% (F1) memiliki sifat fisik terbaik. Viskositas, pH dan daya sebar F1 stabil selama 28 hari penyimpanan pada suhu ruang dalam kondisi wadah tertutup.  Hasil pengujian efektivitas penyembuh luka terbuka pada tikus menunjukkan kelompok uji (gel ekstrak etanol pegagan 5%) memiliki kecepatan penyembuhan luka terbuka lebih cepat daripada kelompok kontrol (basis gel) (P<0,05). Kecepatan penyembuhan luka kelompok uji setara dengan kelompok pembanding (povidone-iodine 10%) (Pâ‰¥0,05).
UPAYA MENINGKATKAN PRESTASI BELAJAR MELALUI MEDIA AUDIO VISUAL GERAK KELAS V SEKOLAH DASAR SANTO. PETRUS MEDAN
Authors: Pasaribu Maria Nur Setia , Sihotang Din Oloan
Published: September 2024

Through two cycles of Classroom Action Research (CAR), this study assesses the use of audio-visual materials to enhance the learning achievement of fifth-grade students at St. Elementary School. Data were collected using pretests and posttests. In the first cycle, students had an average score of 59, classified as "developing." However, following the utilization of audio-visual materials, including PowerPoint presentations and films, the average score rose to 91 in the second cycle, an increase of 32 points, and was classified as "very good." Apart from improving academic performance, the utilization of audio-visual materials also increased student engagement. These materials provide visual and auditory stimuli, aiding comprehension and fostering participation and conversation in the classroom. The utility of audio-visual multimedia opens doors for more dynamic and effective learning approaches.
IMPLEMENTASI TEAMS GAMES TOURNAMENT MODEL MENINGKATKAN MOTIVASI BELAJAR SISWA DI SD ST. ANTONIUS BANGUN MULIA MEDAN
Authors: Pasaribu Sandiolan Alexsius , Sihotang Din Oloan
Published: September 2024

This study investigates the effectiveness of implementing the Teams Games Tournament (TGT) model in enhancing students' motivation in the subject of Catholic Education for Grade V B at SD St. Antonius Bangun Mulia Medan during the academic year 2023/2024. The research adopts an action research approach with two cycles, where the first cycle showed students' motivation levels at a "Moderate" level (64%), while the second cycle exhibited a significant increase to a "High" level (82%). The findings reveal that consistently applying the TGT model enhances students' motivation. This motivation improvement is achieved through group interactions and educational games that create an enjoyable and interactive classroom atmosphere. The study recommends schools to implement the TGT model from the beginning of the semester to allow students time to adapt and experience the benefits of this teaching method, thereby sustaining student motivation throughout the learning process.
Strengthening Moderate Islamic Religiousness in Habib Husein Ja'far's Digital Da'wah
Authors: Akhwanudin Mohammad Khafid , Kholilurrohman Muhammad , Fitriani Tiara Bela , Afiantiy Dwi Nur , Amelia Shilfa , Purwanto Genta Haru
Published: September 2024

This qualitative research aims to identify the value of strengthening moderate Islamic religiosity in digital da'wah delivered by Habib Ja'far. Indicators of religious moderation in Indonesia as an analysis theory. Habib Ja'far's da'wah content in the Jeda Nulis channel entitled "Avenger: Endgame" is the primary data of this research.  The data was obtained using observation techniques. This study concludes that there is a value of strengthening moderate Islamic diversity in Habib Husein Ja'far's digital da'wah, including the value of nationalism in the teachings of hubbul wathon, the value of anti-radicalism in the teachings of hablumminannas, the value of tolerance in the teachings of respecting plurality as sunnatullah, the value of accommodating local cultural wisdom. This study shows that the mainstreaming of religious moderation can be disseminated through da'wah content in the digital space. This study has not identified the obstacles of digital da'wah in the internalisation of the formation of moderate Islamic religiosity by Habib Husein Ja'far.
Growth Performance of Non-Food Grains Under the Crop Diversification Program (CDP) in Bangladesh
Authors: Barmon Basanta Kumar , Sattar Abdus
Published: September 2024

The present study attempts to estimate the growth performance of non-food grains such as pluses, oilseed, potato, mustard, groundnut and linseed in Bangladesh. The objectives of the study were to estimate the growth rates of acreage and production of these crops before the crop diversification program (CDP) period and during the CDP period using time series data from 1974/75 to 2007/08. The exponential growth rate model and analysis of variance (ANOVA) model were used in this study. The findings of the study indicated that the growth of area for the crops of pulses, oilseed and potato increased before pre-CDP periods and decreased for the crops of mustard, groundnut and linseed. However, the growth of production increased in pre-CDP periods for the all crops. On the other hand, only the crop area for potato increased during CDP period. The stability test between the periods showed that the growth performance of areas for the crops of pulse, oilseed, mustard, groundnut and linseed were better during crop diversification period than pre-crop diversification period. In case of potato, both the growth performance of area and production were better in pre-CDP periods than during CDP periods.
The Moderating Role of Personality Variables on Role Stressor - Job Satisfaction Relationship
Authors: Haider Yasmeen , Supriya M. V.
Published: September 2024

The present study was designed to determine whether need motivation, locus of control and self efficacy influence the relationship between role stressors and job satisfaction relationship. The basic premise is that there will be significant differences in the nature and magnitude of the moderating effect of these variables across the career stages. Results of moderated multiple regression analysis on data gathered from the Indian Administrative Service(IAS), Tamil Nadu Cadre revealed that the nature and the magnitude of the moderating effect varied across early, mid and late career stages
Prospect of Implementing Total Quality Management Approach in Commercial Banks of Bangladesh
Authors: Barua Bikash
Published: September 2024

Total Quality Management (TQM) drives an organization towards better performance through developing a concrete organizational system. In this paper, the objective is to identify the prospect of TQM implementation in the commercial banks of Bangladesh. The implementation of Total Quality Management in banking services all over the world is surveyed through literature review, both from theoretical and practical perspectives. The concepts of quality through the terms of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (MBNQA) are determined. Then the implementation of Total Quality Management in the banking sector is investigated. While investigating the implementation, several criteria were established according to MBNQA standard under different categories such as leadership, strategic planning, customer focus, information and analysis, human resources focus, and process management. Primary data on performance and TQM implementation categories were collected through questionnaire survey among the mangers and upper level personnel in different commercial banks. Data collected from survey is processed through regression analysis where a relationship is attempted to establish between performance of bank, namely Return on Equity (ROE), with the implementation categories. From the results, it is found that banks although have not adopted the TQM system formally but are carrying out some of the necessary activities that are required for implementing the program. Banks have established a very good information system and a very good personnel practice system. Moreover, leadership of management, customer focus, and strategic planning are also at a good level. However, the banks are at moderate level with respect to process management. So, there is a very good prospect for commercial banks of Bangladesh to implement TQM program.
An Assessment of the Impact of Green Messages on the Audience of Dhaka City
Authors: Islam Mohammed Sohel , Hossain Md. Munir , Hassan Rumman
Published: September 2024

Previous research has shown the impact of various message formats on consumer behavior. Much work has been done to ascertain the impact of the various types of appeals (rational, fear, and guilt), and degree of customer involvement on consumer responses to various messages. This research represents a robust study conducted on the impact of messages pertaining to a greener environment on the population of Dhaka City. A structured questionnaire was sent out to 400 respondents within the periphery of Dhaka City. It has been observed that the dependent variable, consumer attitude towards green messages, is related to the different appeals of the messages that they are exposed to. In addition, it has also been found that consumers attitude towards green messages is influenced by their degree of involvement pertaining to various environmental issues.
The Most Important New Literacy?: Overcoming Seemingly Impossible Obstacles to Make ‘Education for All’ and Related UNESCO Goals and Policies a Reality in the 21st Century
Authors: Richards Cameron
Published: September 2024

Aspirations to achieve UNESCO’s millennium goals by 2015 increasingly seem to many people as an ever remote possibility and even an impossible or utopian dream. With reference to the particular policy commitment of ‘Education For All’, this paper will explore two related questions. Firstly, it poses the question of whether UNESCO is projection of goals such as education for all by 2015 or indeed any date is really an impossible notion? Secondly, if we accept the proposition that a dramatic change in the global human condition should be and can be possible in practice and not just as utopian projection, then what is needed to overcome negative self-fulfilling prophecies of failure to achieve the ‘right direction’ of knowledge and action? In response to these two questions, the paper pursues a thought experiment which in practice as well as in principle refuses to accept the inevitability of the present reality that there is an ever-widening knowledge as well as economic gap between modern, rich and developed countries and traditional, poor and developing societies.
In the Lineage of the King: Conversion, Identity and Why the Rajbanshi in Bangladesh Claim to be Kshatriya
Authors: Wilson Dr. Margot
Published: September 2024

Claims to Kshatriya status by lower caste or tribal groups are by no means restricted in time and place to the Rajbanshi. Nevertheless, Rajbanshi claims provide a characteristic example of the colonial, caste and academic dialogues about conversion, elite emulation, ethnicity, and identity development which surround the processes defined as Hinduization and Sanskritization by weber and Srinivas. This paper relies on ethnographic research in a Rajbanshi community in northwest Bangladesh to augment and illustrate discussion points from that literature.
Impact of Overall Country Image and Product Country Image on International Supplier Performance
Authors: Uddin Jashim , Parvin Shehely
Published: September 2024

Extant COO studies have not yet investigated impact of multiple COO cues on supplier performance from the perspective of B2B buyers. Purchasing managers’ international procurement decisions are likely to be based on multiple country criteria. This study seeks to understand the relative impact of overall country image and product country image on international suppliers’ performance from B2B perspective. Data were collected using a web-based structured questionnaire. Conceptual model was developed with the constructs taken from the extant COO literature. Structural equation modeling was used as the data analysis technique. Statistical analysis found that overall country image is a valid second order construct. Study results show that overall country image influences product country image and higher product country image leads to higher international supplier performance. This study revealed that superior supplier image directly depends on product country image but indirectly depends on country’s development level.
Landslide in Chattogram City: Spatial Vulnerability and Risk Mitigations Options
Authors: Siddiqui Md. Rezwan
Published: September 2024

Landslides have been among the most alarming disasters in the hilly regions of Bangladesh for the past few years. This hazard has become an unprecedented cause of human and economic losses. This paper attempts a spatial vulnerability analysis of landslides in the hilly regions of Bangladesh using hotspots, cluster and time-series analysis. It also discusses the risk mitigation options practiced by the inhabitants of landslide vulnerable areas of Chattogram City. Deadly landslides are found to be concentrated in South-eastern hilly towns and cities of Bangladesh. Larger clusters of landslides are found in Chattogram City, Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar cities, followed by Bandarban,Chattogram university area and Rangamati. Landslide hotspots are especially prominent in Chattogram city and Bandarban districts. Both landslide incidents and fatality have been increasing with highest number deaths of 162 in 2012. From the late 90s, the rate of landslide occurrences began to increase sharply at an average annual growth rate of 132.75 percent. Landslides are found prominently in urban settings. Growing rural-urban migration of low -income population leads to occupation of hills, unplanned urban growth and risks. Poor economic condition, lack of awareness and education, poorly built structures are some sources of vulnerability. There is severe lack of awareness, motivation and training about personal and community preparations and interventions to reduce landslide vulnerability. Most vulnerable populations know very little about techniques of avoiding landslide risk, prevention and mitigation options. They are only aware of emergency evacuation during heavy rainfall and are dependent extremely on external assistance and relief.
CSRD Practices in Banking Industry of Bangladesh: A Bird’s-eye View
Authors: Rab Naharin Binte , Hossain Tanjila
Published: September 2024

The arena of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has been in limelight since the anti-capitalist movement grew momentum in the 1970s and 80s. In 2008, Bangladesh Bank (BB) issued CSR guidelines for banks and financial institutions. Literature reports academic interest in CSR disclosure in banking industry since 2009. This paper looks into disclosure practices in the full population (n=30, Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) enlisted banks) of the industry. The year 2013-2014 is taken as study period because the first deadline for Phase III of Green Banking Guideline by BB was 31 December, 2013 which eventually ended on 30 June, 2015 with extension. The authors attempted to see the extent of implications of Green Banking Policy on Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure (CSRD) practices by the banking industry as a whole instead of by a sample. The authors report improvement in CSR, albeit little.
Social, Economic and Environmental Sustainability: The Implications to Develop Sustainable Tourism in Bangladesh
Authors: Mondal Md. Sanaul Haque
Published: September 2024

Bangladesh is a country with both natural and cultural resources that can be developed as tourist destinations. The country has enormous prospects in tourism industry, but this industry is not well managed. This study aimed to analyze the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) of tourism industry in Bangladesh from a sustainability perspective to explore the potential implications of developing sustainable tourism. A qualitative case study design was undertaken for this paper. This study applied the core concept of sustainability for the data analysis. Data were collected by conducting semi-structured interviews with 20 tourism- related key professionals and tourists. Using a qualitative content analysis technique, we find that the country has immense opportunities to create jobs for youths, promote local culture, encourage local entrepreneurships, and above all increase economic benefits through developing sustainable tourism, which can also contribute to achieving the targets of Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
Factors Affecting the Satisfaction and Dissatisfaction of Bankers: A Study of a Private Commercial Bank in Bangladesh
Authors: Mishkat M. M. Baset Oli
Published: September 2024

Human resource is the only competitive tool that can be protected from imitation by competitors. Highly satisfied employees contribute in acquiring competitive advantage. Contribution Factor and Return Factor explain the satisfaction level of a banker. Not only compensation package (Return Factor) but also good-to-work surroundings (Contribution Factor) can increase the satisfaction level of an employee. Employers must consider the two factors to create a pleasant working environment which will result in a bunch of satisfied and motivated employees who can become the source of competitive advantage for the organization.
Covid19 - Consumption Nexus: A Bangladesh Scenario
Authors: Reza Nayeema , Kabir Shahriar
Published: September 2024

The article explores the nature of the impact of Covid19 on house-hold consumption of Dhaka city. By doing a survey of 200 residents, and graphically analyzing the survey data, the study identifies that Covid19 caused income loss, drop in consumption, shifts of consumption preference towards healthcare and online usage, and inclination to cashless transaction and online purchase. Thus, the study suggests that Covid19 impacts on consumption ability as well as consumer preference for consumption category, mode of payment, and method of purchase.
Analyzing the Effectiveness of Access to Information (a2i) Program in Promoting Women Empowerment in Selected Areas of Bangladesh: A Case Study of Shimulia Union Parishad and Muksudpur Union Parishad, Dhaka District
Authors: Wasata Ruhun
Published: September 2024

Access to Information (a2i) is a Government led nationwide program with 4,547 Union Digital Centers (UDCs) at every Union with two (one female and one male) entrepreneurships. With the aim of investigating to what extent ‘a2i’ is effective in promoting women empowerment through women entrepreneurship, this paper analyzed primary data collected from Shimulia Union Parishad (UP) and Muksudpur UP, Dhaka, Bangladesh. This paper indicates that the socioeconomic barriers are causing a2i program to have a less profound impact on promoting women empowerment through women entrepreneurship. With different recommendations from program level and policy level, this paper proposes that the design, redesign, and implementation of the a2i program should have a flexible characteristic so that it can address the socioeconomic challenges from within the scope of the program.
Living with Recurrent Flooding Risks in Bangladesh: Understanding Household Perception of Riverine Flood Disaster Risks and its Determinants
Authors: Mondal Md. Sanaul Haque
Published: September 2024

Riverine people are often affected by floods because of their proximity to the riverbank. Numerous studies were conducted on the physical characteristics of floods; however, there is still inadequate knowledge on the perception of flood risk of riverine households in Bangladesh. The present study explores the risk perception of riverine households to recurrent flood disaster and its associated determinants. Using systematic random sampling technique, 377 members from 377 households (one person from each household) were interviewed from the right bank of the Teesta River, Bangladesh. The results revealed that the sex of respondents, household’s income, house location, and extents of damage to the houses significantly influenced respondent’s ris perception. ale and female had a different perception of flood risk. Respondents whose houses were destroyed completely were found to be more fatalists to report their concern about the future flood. The majority of the respondents underestimated the likelihood of future flood occurrence. The findings of this study offer important implications for the risk managers to provide training to the riverine people to raise their awareness and perception about flood risk.
High-Performance Work Systems in the Australian Higher Education Sector: A Critical Review and Abstract Future Research Agenda
Authors: Khan Sardana Islam , Tarafder Tasmiha
Published: September 2024

The advocates of the configurational perspective view high-performance work systems (HPWS) as a complementary bundle of strategically driven and contextually specified human resource management practices that leads to employee and organisational performance through positive attitudinal outcomes. A study of the contemporary context could better configure the HPWS bundle for any industry undergoing significant transitions. Australia's higher education (HE) sector has observed significant changes since 2009 that have potentially redefined how human resource (HR) management practices interact and counteract within the system. No study to date has explored these changes and their impact on the HPWS configurations in the Australian HE industry. This study explores the changes in the Australian HE sector in recent years and identifies their strategic HR implications through a systematic review of the literature. The result will benefit the key decision-makers to configure the bundle of HPWS by confirming the external and internal fit within the transitional context of the Australian HE sector. Future researchers can use the proposed framework to design empirical studies in similar contexts.
"Protective Mimicry": Forster's Literary Imitation of 'Divide and Rule' in A Passage to India
Authors: Zeenat Afrin
Published: September 2024

Critical response to E. M. Forster's A Passage to India remains diverse. While some commend Forster's depiction of the India, others express their misgivings at his portrayal of Indians attributing his delineation of the Indians, their behaviors, their religions and customs, even the geographical landscape to be in the Orientalist tradition. While looking at the historical bases of A Passage to India, this paper establishes that being conscious of the British administration's policy of 'divide and rule,' Forster undertakes a similar exercise of widening the gulf between the Hindus and Muslims. Forster's 'knowledge' of the political conditions in India and Europe, the differences between the two communities and his imperial anxieties pertaining to the future of the British Empire shapes his representation of Hindus and Muslims as two distinct 'types,' as a form of literary mimicry of the British policy of 'divide and rule.' This paper also argues that A Passage to India's importance as a seminal colonial text in India has helped reinforce this difference in the Indian consciousness and continues to foment communal riots in the country even ninety years after its publication
The Enchantress of Florence: Fabulous Blather
Authors: Idris Farhad B.
Published: September 2024

Salman Rushdie's The Enchantress of Florence glances at history on a grand scale. This, his ninth novel, offers a comparative view of two worlds: Mughal India and Medici Italy. The two dynasties ruled at about the same time—the Mughals in India from the sixteenth through the eighteenth century, the Medici in Florence from the fourteenth through the eighteenth century. Rushdie fabricates a link between the two through an account of a Mughal princess—sister of Babar, the founder of the dynasty—who shows up in Florence and sways men in power through her sheer beauty. At a later time, a golden-haired man claiming to be the son of the princess arrives in Akbar's court and tells the emperor the story of the princess. He calls himself "Mogor dell' Amore" or "a Mughal born out of wedlock" (Rushdie's emphasis) (91). The story he tells will make or break his fortune. Either it will earn him the status of a Mughal or it will lead to his ignominious exit from the court or a worse fate.
Introducing Poetry in the Language Classroom to Help Develop Learner's Speaking
Authors: Ainy Salma
Published: September 2024

This paper aims at discussing the pros and cons of using poetical works or poetry in the language classroom. There is an attempt made to justify the use of poetry in language teaching by throwing some light on the existing debate surrounding the issue. It will also try to demonstrate how poetry may be effectively used in the class to help develop a learner's speaking ability through discussion activities.
Government and Housing for the Poor Policy and Implementation in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Mahbubur
Published: September 2024

The national constitution of Bangladesh recognised that housing is a basic need, and hence it is primarily the responsibility of the government. The 1993 National Housing Policy too guaranteed everybody's right to decent housing. However, in reality the poor are marginalised, and suffer from lack of resources and the bias of policymakers. The meagre housing sector allocation in the National Plans is mostly spent to build government offices and staff houses. Forced eviction is rampant while the most needy of the urban destitute poor is deprived of basic needs. The paper discusses urban housing in Bangladesh and shows that successive administrations have neglected the poor despite all policies, studies and government documents that stressed their particular needs. It exposes the gap between the policy and practice, and highlights the housing rights violation going on. It also notes that the city of Dhaka suffers the most, and suggests remedies.
About Jahaz-bhais and Jahazbahens: The Politics of a Transnational Family in Amitav Ghosh's Sea of Poppies
Authors: Bhattacharya Sajalkumar
Published: September 2024

Primarily concerned with the South Asian diaspora in the different regions of the world, Amitav Ghosh has set himself the task of narrating an anti-Hegelian history of the world, incorporating hitherto left-out narratives of ordinary people and their attempts to resist the hegemony of the nation through their own stories and search for identity. Interestingly, it is because of this preoccupation with individuals and his postcolonial instinct to foreground their stories that the family has assumed such a central position in all of Ghosh's narratives. For Ghosh, family stories are always important because it is through them that history is experienced. The familial space in Ghosh, however, is not a passive site. Rather, it offers the individual a space that situates his identity away from the confines of the 'restrictively imagined collectivity' of the nation. It is an imagined space where bonds of personal love replace the troubled terrain of the nation with all its discontents. At the same time, this familial space is in no way unproblematic since it too involves power. It is a space to create, expand and protect subjectivities. But most importantly, in the fictional world of Ghosh, it is this nature of home that enables it to be relocated transnationally, beyond the 'shadow lines' of the borders of the home country, in different foreign physical spaces. Ghosh's basic point seems to be that home is everywhere; it only needs to be reinvented. Ghosh's characters are able to combat the diasporic angst through their successful engagement in an irresistible quest for the family in transnational locations. My paper aims to explore Ghosh's latest novel Sea of Poppies from this perspective.
The Role of Sisterhood Penitentiaries in the Reclamation of Fallen Women in NineteenthCentury Britain
Authors: Samaddar Ramit
Published: September 2024

This article focuses on the role played by sisterhood penitentiaries in the rehabilitation of 'fallen women' in nineteenth-century Britain. Beginning with a brief outline of the disciplinary rules implemented by these remedial institutions, it moves on to investigate the backgrounds of the penitents, the relationship between the sisters and the penitentiary wardens, the 'advantages' reaped by the penitents during their penitentiary sojourn, the schemes of reformation followed by the sisters, their solidarity with the penitents across the conventions of class, sexuality and morality, and the criticism of the reclamation system by some leading female activists of the day. By probing into such issues, this paper offers fresh perspectives on the socio-cultural relevance of female-managed penitentiaries during the reign of Queen Victoria.
History as Aesthetics in the African Novel: a Reading of Kane's Ambiguous Adventure
Authors: Afolayan Sola
Published: September 2024

Introduction: VOL 3, 2012 Sola Afolayan University of Ado Ekiti African literature is as unique as the African people themselves. This is because, among other reasons, there is no way it can be interpreted outside the people and their past experiences. This is why it seems as if every African novel is a piece of history. Hyppolyte Taine, the father of historical determinism in literary criticism, has postulated that the best critical outfit which can evaluate the works of literature will first consider the history that is behind the author of the work, stressing that: It was perceived that a work of literature is not a mere play of imagination, a solitary caprice of a heated brain, but a transcript of contemporary manners, a type of a certain kind of mind. It was concluded that one might retrace from the moment of literature the style of man's feelings and thought for centuries back (1971:602)
Homologizing Accident: Notes on Warhol’s Car Crashes
Authors: Sarkar Abhishek
Published: September 2024

This paper focuses on some paintings by Andy Warhol depicting car crashes to demonstrate how he uses them not only to underscore the commodity fetishism of contemporary capitalism but also subversively to undermine such traits in contemporary American culture. It also explores the connection between the ambivalence reﬂected in the paintings and Warhol’s sexuality. In the process, it connects the paintings to the category Susan Sontag has famously categorized as “Camp” and Warhol’s own facetiousness and love of surfaces and mixed modes as well as gimmick and parody.
The House on Mango Street: Searching for Identity
Authors: Sultana Rajia
Published: September 2024

This paper studies a Chicana adolescent Esperanza Cordero’s search for a “self” that she believes is essential to come out from the prevailing suppression she observes as a woman and as a Mexican-American. She realizes that to achieve her goal she has to establish herself in the society to eradicate her dependency on anyone. In her quest she has found some symbols that gradually helped her to construct her identity. Her imaginary house where she wishes to be alone to nurture her innate ability of writing is her first step toward her identity. Her name given after her grandmother and the sad past of the namesake is another symbol through which she searches for self-definition. Three skinny trees out of Esperanza’s window come as a metaphor of her own position in her father’s house and clear her perception about belonging and existence. Esperanza’s meeting with three sisters from Mexico serves as a turning point of her life. Their prophesy about Esperanza’s future enhances her search and ensures that she is in the right track. The three sisters appear as a fairy godmother for Esperanza and guide her toward her search. Through this “self” searching journey, Esperanza matures as a woman and as a writer.
Is blended learning the future of higher education?: Stakeholders’ Perspectives from Bangladesh
Authors: Haque Muhammed Shahriar , Joher Umme Hani M.
Published: September 2024

Government higher education is extremely cheap in Bangladesh, in comparison to private education. To cover the cost of private higher education, graduate students of private universities who work and study at the same time, face an uphill struggle in finding the right balance. In dire circumstances, they are forced to make a critical life changing choice— either to completely become immersed in work, or leave and pursue fulltime higher studies. In such a situation, blended learning can apparently be the answer, as this will enable graduate students to work and study at the same time. However, as hardly any research has been carried out in this field in Bangladesh up until 2018, it seems too naive to jump to conclusions. This paper specifically looks at the implication of blended learning from the perspectives of stakeholders like students pursuing graduate studies, academics, employers, and housewives. Data was gathered from 10 private universities, six corporate sectors, and dropout housewives, and analysedby employing two theories (Social-constructivism and Dual coding) and multimodal model of blended learning (enriched virtual model and flipped classroom). Findings proved to be interesting. The implementation of online classes on the one hand may help learners to balance the work and study equilibrium, as well as decrease dropouts from higher education, on the other hand would be quite costly due to virtual infrastructural development and teacher training.
Dionysus Meets the Caribbean: A Study of London Notting Hill Carnival in the Light of Samuel Selvon’s The Lonely Londoners
Authors: Saba Anika
Published: September 2024

Samuel Selvon’s iconic novel The Lonely Londoners (1956) captures the struggles of black Caribbean immigrants in the eponymous megacity. The setting of his novel is around the neighborhood of Notting Hill which has become synonymous with the Notting Hill Carnival that takes place in London every summer. This extravaganza, though has financial benefits for its participants, is an opportunity of social inclusion for the immigrants and subversion of British authority. This paper will trace the historical background of the London Notting Hill Carnival and the role of its main organizers, the Caribbean immigrants, in the light of Selvon’s novel which is based on fictional representations of this marginalized group. In doing so, the paper will refer to Richard Lehan’s argument of how the marginalized embody the Dionysian spirit in urban spaces, and Friedrich Nietzsche’s philosophical explanation of the age-old conflict between rationality and sensuality symbolized by the Apollonian and Dionysian myths in Western tradition. The purpose of this paper is to show how the black Caribbean immigrants of Selvon’s work embody the spirit of Dionysius in this modern-day Bacchanalia which takes place on the streets of London, and in extension, make an argument for the contribution of all marginalized immigrants in the repressed but vital spirit of Dionysus in the city.
Edna’s “Moments of Being” and “Wild Zone” of Female Sexuality: A Gynocritical Study of Kate Chopin’s The Awakening
Authors: Ferdoush Jannatul
Published: September 2024

This paper studies Kate Chopin’s reinterpretation of female sexuality and personal autonomy in The Awakening through the lens of Elaine Showalter’s Gynocriticism. It argues that Edna’s struggle with the traditional idea of female sexual abstention, self-sacrifice, and silence symbolizes her insatiable desire to redefine female identity. The articulation of her overt sexuality in the novella offers a new gateway of understanding a ‘female self ’. Edna’s physical autonomy awakens her to a subversive, compelling, dynamic and liberating “wild” female self within. Edna in her journey into the untamed zone of sexuality through “moments of being” catches a glimpse of the forbidden trajectory of self-knowledge. She yearns to reach her selfhood through these utterly individual moments of awareness, intense power, beauty and personal significance. The unfolding of her female interiority reveals a strong connection between wildness of female eros and creativity. Chopin identifies this so called evil, unrestraint sexuality as an elixir of woman empowerment. Edna’s wandering into her sexual wilderness embodies a new female archetype who writes her own story of resistance and power through her body. Edna’s gradual alienation from androcentric idea of chastity, marriage, motherhood, her celebration of female body, and the final rejection of ‘happy-ever-after reality’ evoke a volcanic eruption of a new femininity in the female literary tradition.
A Panoptical Analysis of Kurtz and Jack
Authors: Afrin Tanzina
Published: September 2024

This article offers a Panoptical reading of the characters Kurtz and Jack of Heart of Darkness (Conrad, 1902/2006) and Lord of the Flies (Golding, 1954) respectively. It discusses how the circumstantial detachment from human civilization and seclusion of these characters led them to their moral degradation. In his writing “Discipline and Punish” (2001, 2004), Michele Foucault proposes that European civilization is a Panoptical one, i.e., resembling a prison. He suggests that through the means of knowledge, power, surveillance, fear and physical domination, an authoritative figure can subjugate the weaker ones. A close reading of the characters of Kurtz and Jack discloses how they have exercised power to exploit the natives or the weak by using the means of surveillance and panoptic vision and other terms proposed by Foucault. Though, both the texts deal with the theme of the exercise of power differently- Kurtz uses his knowledge and power to subjugate the natives of Congo whereas Jack and his disciples try to dominate the little children only to prove their authorities- the implication of Foucault’s terms in these texts is apparent. This research will be conducted through the use of several secondary sources mainly focusing on the terms used by Foucault.
Learning English as a Second Language: Bangladeshi English-major Learners within intra-cultural Power Relationship
Authors: Fatema Kaniz
Published: September 2024

Deficiencies in English-major learners’ academic participation lead to question whether intra-cultural power relationship is responsible for learning English as a second language. Here different kinds of influences within an English L2 society like Bangladesh have been investigated which was previously analysed by researchers from inter-cultural perspective. This paper aims at explaining the possible connection of power relations and influence of society by analysing the position of English language among Bangladeshi English-major learners as a program of higher education and its interrelation with the idea of knowledge. This process will show how an individual is bound to think about English language positively in the process of their growing up within intra-cultural power relationship. As learners are interviewed individually to express and share their views and experiences, classroom practitioners for tertiary level learners will get an internal reinforcement of learners in learning English as second language, and, as a part of reflective practice, they will be able to create situations for increasing learners’ academic participation.