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Visual impairment, which means that a person’s eyesight cannot be corrected to the normal level, is the curse. If individuals are partially blind, they have limited vision and may have blurry vision or an inability to distinguish the shapes of objects. Complete blindness means individuals cannot see at all. Worldwide there has a large visually impaired population, and a large part is in developing and emerging countries. Vision difficulty always makes a person’s life hard, and poorness adds a new dimension. Technology is advancing and aids, like all other sectors, visually impaired individuals in performing daily activities, including walking to travel distances. Most of the technologies are costly and difficult to bear for poor visually impaired individuals, especially people in emerging and developing countries. This research aims to develop a cost-effective technology to aid visually impaired individuals. We implemented the system using a microcontroller, sonar sensor, micro coin vibration motor, and light-depending resistor as the main components. The results demonstrate that the developed technology can aid visually impaired individuals and add new facilities if there have hearing disabilities. The developed cost-effective technology, therefore, provides the best solution for a large number of visually impaired individuals.

Aims: The application of a huge number of chemical fertilizers for crop production alters the sustainability of the environment and creates pollution. This problem can be minimized by the application of Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria (PGPB). Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria (PGPB) are beneficial bacteria that promote plant growth and development through a variety of mechanisms. Therefore, a pot experiment was conducted at the department of Soil Science, BSMRAU to investigate the effect of different PGPB isolates on growth, nutrient content, and uptake by rice. Materials and Methods: The experiment was carried out following a completely randomized design (CRD) with four replicates. Twenty bacterial isolates were used as treatments with a control treatment. Thirty-five days old seedlings of rice were inoculated with different bacterial isolates for thirty minutes and planted in a plastic pot. Broth culture was applied at one-month intervals and crops were harvested 65 days after planting. Results: Experimental results disclose that application of PGPB isolates resulted in a significant increase in plant height, SPAD value, root length, root volume, straw fresh weight, straw dry weight, root fresh weight, root dry weight, nutrient content and uptake by the rice plant compare to control. The highest values of most of the parameters were recorded from the plant inoculated with the isolate BU Ls 28. Conclusion: The present study suggests that the use of PGPB isolate BU Ls 28 might be used as a suitable inoculant for rice production due to the ability of this isolate to promote plant growth.

Aims: Under the intensive agriculture system, it is crucial to maintain the soil fertility for the sustainability of crop production. Therefore, the study was conducted in the experimental field of the Department of Soil Science of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University (BSMRAU), Gazipur to investigate the effect of different manures in combination with synthetic inorganic fertilizers on growth, yield and yield contributing characters of BARI Mistimorich 1 (Capsicum annuum L.), a variety of sweet pepper. Nutrient content of capsicum and soil fertility status were also assessed. Materials and Methods: The field trial was established following a randomized complete block design (RCBD) having four replicates. Treatments of the field trial included T1= 100% recommended dose of chemical fertilizers (RDCF), T2= 10t/ha cowdung (CD) + IPNS based chemical fertilizers (CF), T3=10t/ha poultry manure (PM) + IPNS based chemical fertilizers (CF) and T4= 10t/ha vermicompost (VC) + IPNS based chemical fertilizers (CF). Results: Experimental results reveal that application of organic manures in combination with chemical fertilizers produced significantly higher plant height, plant weight, number of branches per plant, number of flowers per plant, number of fruits per plant, fruit weight, fruit length, fruit diameter, total yield and nutrient content and uptake in sweet pepper. Organic manures (CD, PM and VC) in combination with chemical fertilizers ensured higher nutrient uptake when compared with the sole application of inorganic fertilizers. Among the treatments, vermicompost treated plots gave the higher yield of sweet pepper and improved the post-harvest soil nutrient status. Conclusion: Vermicompost was found to be suitable as substitute of other organic manures for the production of capsicum.

The field experiment was conducted in the Charlands of Bangladesh during November 2021 to March 2022 to find the crop production and soil properties status. A randomized complete block design was followed with six treatments and three replications. The organic amendments were quick compost, standard organic fertilizers, poultry manure and biochar @ 3t/ha. A positive change was found for the application of manures compared to control plot with the crop production and soil fertility status from our experimental findings. The yield per plant of pumpkin was ranged from 27.24 to 85.61 kg and BCR 1.06 to 3.40. The fresh tuber yield of sweet potato was varied from 39.29 to 94.00 t/ha and BCR 1.20 to 3.54. Soil pH was varying from 6.74 to 7.36, OC from 0.69 to 1.82%, total N from 0.074 to 0.145%, available P from 7.49 to 17.66mg/kg, available S from 9.55 to 17.81mg/kg and Zn from 0.536 to 1.134mg/kg. Biochar treated plot showed the best result compered to others. Organic amendments should be recommended in the farmer’s field for better crop production and soil fertility status.

The experiment was conducted at the farmer’s fields of three Charlands in Bangladesh during November 2019 to July 2020 for establishing new technologies for enhancement of productivity through innovative soil management practices. The experiments were established in a randomized complete block design using six treatments and three replications. Treatments of the experiments were T1 = FP (Farmers’ Practice) (Control), T2 = RF (Recommended Fertilizer) + Vermicompost (3t/ha), T3 = RF (Recommended Fertilizer) + Quick Compost (3t/ha), T4 = RF (Recommended Fertilizer) + Standard Organic Fertilizers (3t/ha), T5 = RF (Recommended Fertilizer) + Poultry Manure (3t/ha) and T6 = RF (Recommended Fertilizer) + Biochar (3t/ha). The soil status in all selected Charlands were very low to optimum. Results of the experiment showed that application of organic fertilizers along with inorganic fertilizers produced significant (p

Background: While considerable progress has been made in reducing undernutrition in Bangladesh, regional disparities are known to exist, and certain population subgroups may lag behind. Objective: To characterize nutritional status among school-age children in a historically marginalized population of Bangladesh. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional assessment of children attending 14 nongovernmental organization-operated schools serving the tea estate population in Kulaura Upazila, Sylhet Division. We randomly selected 168 children from a population of 418 whose parents attended school-organized Parent–Teacher Association meetings. Parents provided consent and data on household food consumption in the past week, foods consumed by children in the past 24 hours, and household food insecurity. We drew venous blood from assenting children for the analysis of hemoglobin and plasma retinol, C-reactive protein, and α1-acid glycoprotein. Children were classified as stunted, underweight, or thin based on comparisons with the World Health Organization standards for height-for-age, weight-for-age, or body mass index-for-age, respectively. Results: Food insecurity was highly prevalent, with ∼85% of households affected. Roughly half of children had low dietary diversity. Prevalence estimates for stunting, underweight, and thinness were 32%, 50%, and 49%, respectively. Approximately 60% of children had a hemoglobin concentration Conclusions: A heightened focus on tracking progress in underserved populations and appropriately targeted programming will be critical as Bangladesh seeks to accelerate progress toward global development goals for nutrition.

This experiment considers the seven different stages of textile dyeing effluents on tomato crop production in order to diminish the excess effluent treatment plant (ETP) cost and farmers net input cost. Seven different stages waste water (WW) with ground water (control) were collected and analyzed for physiochemical as well as heavy metals properties. T8 (mixed effluent) crossed the limit of agricultural standard for almost all physiological parameters such as TDS, TSS, EC, BOD, COD affording the highest value. T8 also delivered the highest cl- and heavy metals like Cd, Ni, Cr followed by T4 (2nd wash after bath drain) < T7 (Fixing treatment water). As a consequence, these provided comparatively higher enrichment factor (EF), pollution load index (PLI) and sodium absorption ratio (SAR) to transform fresh soil into “severe” and “slightly to moderate” saline. Correlation matrix demonstrated that EF and PLI of heavy metals (except Cd, Ni) were negatively related to yield, while positively related to SAR and fruit abortion. Although T6 (2nd wash after soaping) performed better in respect to growth, yield, yield attributes and nutrient use efficiency, principal component analysis (PCA) expressed that T2 (2nd wash after scouring and bleaching) and T3 (enzyme treated water) also belong to T6 and T1 group (ground water). Therefore, T2, T3 and T6 could be used to vegetable crop production up to some extent and to reduce ETP and agricultural input cost.

Wheat growth, development and yield are severely affected by a wide range of abiotic stresses, and salt stress is a vital and increasing abiotic stress. Salicylic acid (SA) is a phenolic phytohormone involved in plant physiological processes. Hence, we have conducted an experiment to explore the roles of exogenous SA in mitigating salt stress in two wheat genotypes. There were eight treatments comprising (i) control, (ii) 0.5 mM SA, (iii) 1.0 mM SA, (iv) 1.5 mM SA, (v) salinity (12 dS m−1), (vi) salinity + 0.5 mM SA, (vii) salinity + 1.0 mM SA and (viii) salinity + 1.5 mM SA with two wheat genotypes viz G 200-4 and BARI gom-25. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design with five replications. During the vegetative stage, salt stress significantly reduced the relative water content (RWC), photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance and growth characteristics of both wheat genotypes, while the exogenous application of SA in salt-stressed plants significantly improved the RWC, gas exchange activities and growth performance of both the genotypes. The leaf chlorophyll content was also degraded due to salinity treatment, although it was mitigated by the exogenous application of SA. The imposition of salt significantly reduced the number of days required for maturity, yield-contributing characteristics and the yield of both the wheat genotypes. Salt stress also significantly increased Na+ concentrations and the Na+/K+ ratio, while the K+ concentrations was decreased significantly in both the wheat genotypes. However, the exogenous application of SA in salt-stressed plants significantly reduced the salt stress effects and increased the growth and yield of wheat genotypes by enhancing RWC, gas exchange activities and photosynthetic pigments and maintaining lower Na+ concentrations and a Na+/K+ ratio. Therefore, the findings of this study suggested that the exogenous application of SA improved the salt tolerance of both wheat genotypes.

The study was carried out in Charlands of Bangladesh to evaluate the livelihood strategies and crop production status of Charlands dwellers. Total 150 beneficiaries were selected randomly as sample of the study. Socioeconomic data were collected during May to June 2019 using a predetermined interview schedule. People in Charlands of Bangladesh mainly live at the mercy of limited social services, poor income, insecure shelter and illiteracy. Cropping intensity of the Charlands was found very low (145 to 162%) due to limited cultivability of land for long time inundation. Rice, maize, jute, vegetable were the major crops cultivated in the Charlands based on the area coverage. Crop production is less due to unfertile Charlands. Majority of the Charland farmers possessed moderate knowledge on crop management practice having favorable attitude towards the same. Soil management practices were mainly performed using chemical fertilizers ignoring use of organic manures.

Background Bangladesh has experienced remarkable transformation in demographic, health, and nutritional status of the population. The changes have exposed the population to a number of challenges, the detrimental effect of which on health and nutrition is likely to be increased by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We provide an overview of health and nutritional challenges in Bangladesh in relation to demographic transition and the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods We identified and reviewed recent reports, published articles, and pertinent gray literature on nutrition and food security in Bangladesh to provide historical and contextual information. Results The review identifies the progress as well as existing burden regarding nutrition and food security in Bangladesh and highlights the challenges in the coming days in regard to population growth and the COVID-19 pandemic. The country is on track to reduce all forms of childhood undernutrition, while the proportion of nutrition-related noncommunicable diseases is rising owing to changes in dietary intake, low physical activity, and sedentary lifestyle. Conclusions Despite remarkable progress, health and nutritional status of the population in Bangladesh faces challenges, particularly in relation to demographic transition and compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, which require concerted attention from policymakers as well as stakeholders.

Wheat is affected by various biotic and abiotic stresses, especially salinity, which reduces the growth and yield drastically. With this view, an experiment was conducted to observe genotypic differences in agro-morphological, yield, and biochemical responses to salinity. Experimental variables consisted of five salt-tolerant genotypes (G 13, G 20-1, G 9, G 22, G 20-2), one susceptible genotype (G 24) and one standard check variety (BARI ghom 25), which assigned to four levels of salinity with electrical conductivities 0, 4, 8 and 12 dS m−1. Irrespective of genotypes, salinity stress significantly decreased the yield and yield attributes. However, maximum total tillers plant−1, effective tillers plant−1, number of grains spike−1, and grain yield plant−1 was found in salt tolerant genotype G 20-2, followed by genotypes G 13, G 20-1, and the lowest was observed in salt-susceptible genotype G 24. The lowest reduction percentage of yield and yield attributes were also observed in salt tolerant genotype G 20-2 followed by genotypes G 13, G 20-2, and the maximum reduction percentage was found in salt-susceptible genotype G 24. Results showed that the highest amount of proline, glycinebetaine, soluble sugar and soluble protein content were observed in salt-tolerant genotype G 20-2, followed by genotypes G 13, G 20-1, and the minimum was found in salt-susceptible genotype G 24. On the other hand, the lowest hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and melondealdehyde (MDA) accumulation was detected in the same salt-tolerant genotype G 20-2, followed by G 13, G 20-1, and the maximum was observed in salt-susceptible genotype G 24. Therefore, higher accumulations of compatible solute in the tolerant genotypes reduce the oxidative stress, and provide the higher yield.

ObjectiveTo assess the prevalence of and factors associated with depression among adolescent boys and girls.DesignWe conducted a nationwide cross-sectional study.SettingThis study was carried out in 82 randomly selected clusters (57 rural, 15 non-slum urban and 10 slums) from eight divisions of Bangladesh.ParticipantsWe interviewed 4907 adolescent boys and 4949 adolescent girls.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe primary outcome measure was ‘any depression’ and the secondary outcome measures were types of depression: no or minimal, mild, moderate, moderately severe and severe.ResultsThe overall prevalence of no or minimal, mild, moderate, moderately severe and severe depression was 75.5%, 17.9%, 5,4%, 1.1% and 0.1%, respectively. Across most of the sociodemographic, lifestyle and anthropometric strata, the prevalence of any depression was higher among adolescent girls. In both sexes, depression was associated with higher age, higher maternal education, paternal occupation e.g., business, absence of a 6–9-year-old member in the household, food insecurity, household consumption of unfortified oil, household use of non-iodised salt, insufficient physical activity (adjusted odds ratio, AOR: 1.24 for boys, 1.44 for girls) and increased television viewing time e.g., ≥121 minute/day (AOR: 1.95 for boys, 1.99 for girls). Only among boys, depression was also associated with higher paternal education e.g., complete secondary and above (AOR: 1.42), absence of another adolescent member in the household (AOR: 1.34), household use of solid biomass fuel (AOR: 1.39), use of any tobacco products (AOR: 2.17), and consumption of processed food (AOR: 1.24). Only among girls, non-slum urban residence, Muslim religion, and household size ≤4 were also associated with depression.ConclusionThe prevalence of depression among adolescent boys and girls is high in Bangladesh. In most sociodemographic, lifestyle and anthropometric strata, the prevalence is higher among girls. In this age group, depression is associated with a number of sociodemographic and lyfestyle factors. The government of Bangladesh should consider these findings while integrating adolescent mental health in the existing and future programmes.

ObjectiveWe aimed to estimate the gender-specific prevalence and associated factors of hypertension among elderly people in Bangladesh.Design and methodWe analysed data from the food security and nutrition surveillance round 2018–2019. The multistage cluster sampling method was used to select the study population. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg and/or having a history of hypertension. We carried out the descriptive analysis, bivariate and multivariable logistic regression to report the weighted prevalence of hypertension as well as crude and adjusted ORs with 95% CI. A p valueSettingThe study was conducted in 82 clusters (57 rural, 15 non-slum urban and 10 slums) in all eight administrative divisions of Bangladesh.ParticipantsA total of 2482 males and 2335 females aged ≥60 years were included in this analysis.ResultsThe weighted prevalence of hypertension was 42% and 56% among males and females, respectively. The prevalence was higher among females across all sociodemographic, behavioural and clinical strata. Factors associated with higher odds of hypertension (adjusted OR (AOR) (95% CI) for males and females, respectively) were age ≥70 years (1.32 (1.09, 1.60) and 1.40 (1.15, 1.71)); insufficient physical activity (1.50 (1.25, 1.81) and 1.38 (1.15, 1.67)); higher waist circumference (2.76 (2.22, 3.43) and 2.20 (1.82, 2.67)); and self-reported diabetes (1.36 (1.02, 1.82) and 1.82 (1.35, 2.45)). Additionally, living in slums decreased (0.71 (0.52, 0.96)) and education >10 years increased odds of hypertension (1.83 (1.38, 2.44)) among males.ConclusionIn Bangladesh, half of the elderly persons were hypertensive, with a higher prevalence in females. In both sexes, odds of hypertension was higher among persons with older age (≥70 years), insufficient physical activity, higher waist circumference and self-reported diabetes. The Ministry of Health of Bangladesh should consider these findings while designing and implementing health programmes for elderly population.

OBJECTIVES: Bangladesh has a paucity of information about the dietary practices of adult men. In the recently completed round of the national nutrition surveillance (NNS 2018–2019), we explored the dietary practices of adult men and factors associated with insufficient dietary diversity (IDD) and insufficient intake of fruits and vegetables. METHODS: In the NNS, between October 2018 and 2019, we collected data from from 82 clusters (57 rural, 15 non-slum urban, and 10 slums) selected using multistage cluster sampling. In these clusters we interviewed and took physical measurements of 4904 20–59 years old men (3471 in rural, 832 in urban, and 601 in slum). We used minimum dietary diversity for women (MDD-W) questionnaire to collect dietary data. IDD was defined as consumption of

OBJECTIVES: Non-communicable diseases (NCD) and their risk factors have become a major public health problem worldwide. Understanding NCD risk factors among adolescents is important as many risk behaviors start in this period. In the recently completed round of national nutrition surveillance (NNS 2018–2019), we assessed the prevalence of NCD risk factors among adolescents and the factors associated with the co-presence of multiple risk factors. METHODS: This study was conducted in 82 randomly selected clusters (57 rural, 15 non-slums urban and 10 slums) from Bangladesh. We interviewed 4761 adolescent boys and 4808 adolescent girls for selected NCD risk factors using the World Health Organization (WHO) STEPS questionnaire. We also measured the height and weight of adolescents. RESULTS: The prevalence of insufficient fruits and vegetables intake, inadequate physical activity, any tobacco use, overweight and obesity in adolescent boys and girls was 90.8% and 93.6%, 33.4% and 51.9%, 4.5% and 0.9%, and 7.7% and 11.3%, respectively. The prevalence of one, two and three NCD risk factors among adolescent boys and girls was 55.5% and 42.5%, 35.1% and 48.8%, and 3.5% and 5.9%, respectively. Co-presence of two or more risk factors was higher among adolescent girls and early adolescent girls. For adolescent boys, area of residence (non-slum urban: AOR 2.8, P

ObjectivesInsufficient physical activity (IPA) is a crucial risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The elderly population has a higher likelihood of suffering from NCDs. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of and factors associated with IPA among the elderly people in Bangladesh.MethodsWe analysed data from the Bangladesh Food Security and Nutrition Surveillance round 2018–2019, collected from 82 rural, non-slum urban and slum clusters selected using multistage cluster sampling. IPA was defined as ResultsThe weighted prevalence of IPA among elderly people was 38.4%, with a slightly higher prevalence in women (39.7% vs 37.3%). Factors associated with higher prevalence of IPA in both sexes were—higher age, living in non-slum urban areas, unemployed or homemaker, not currently married, sedentary behaviour and self-reported hypertension. Further, >10 years of education, inadequate fruits and vegetable consumption, self-reported asthma and higher waist circumference among men; and higher household income and self-reported diabetes among women were associated with a higher prevalence of IPA.ConclusionsIPA is highly prevalent among Bangladeshi elderly men and women. Sedentary behaviour, inadequate fruits and vegetable consumption and higher waist circumference were the modifiable factors of IPA. Evidence from this study can guide the development of appropriate interventions to promote healthy ageing in Bangladesh.

Background: Knee osteoarthritis is a notable issue in senior citizens and is a burning problem worldwide. There are so many risk factors related to knee osteoarthritis but women's sex, age, and obesity are significant. The aim and objective of this study were to estimate the prevalence of knee osteoarthritis among women in the age group of 46 to 65 years and the effect of age and body mass index (BMI) on knee osteoarthritis.Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted at outpatient department (OPD) in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, a tertiary level hospital, among females of Mymensingh, a divisional city of Bangladesh in the age group of 46 to 65 years. Purposive sampling technique used to select study subjects. A total of 100 females participated in this study in one month (July 2019-August 2019).Results: 100 participants were enlisted in the study, in the age group of 46 to 55 years 39 (39%) and 56 to 65 years 61 (61%). Total 65 (65%) participants were affected with knee osteoarthritis. Among them, 19 (29.2%) participants were in the age group of 46-55 years and 46 (70.8%) participants were in the age group of 55-65 years, thus in the advanced age group, knee osteoarthritis is remarkably more. Participants affected with knee osteoarthritis with BMI ≥25 were significantly more affected 45 (69.2%) compared with participants with normal BMI 20 (30.2%).Conclusions: Knee osteoarthritis is significantly associated with advanced age and obesity. Advanced age and overweight were strongly associated with osteoarthritis in our population. Therefore, weight reduction and preventive measures can decrease the burden and will help in minimizing morbidity associated with OA.

OBJECTIVES: Though Bangladesh is passing through demographic, epidemiologic and nutritional transitions, national estimates on nutrition and health status of the elderly population are largely unknown. We aimed to determine the status of selected health and nutrition indicators among the elderly population in Bangladesh. METHODS: For the first time in Bangladesh, we included elderly population (≥60 years old females and males) as a separate population group in the national food security and nutrition surveillance round 2018–2019. We collected data on dietary diversity, nutritional status, behavioral risk factors of non-communicable diseases, blood pressure, and self-reported chronic diseases from 4,818 elderly people (48% female) living in 82 clusters (57 rural, 15 non-slums urban, and 10 slums) randomly selected from eight administrative division of Bangladesh. RESULTS: Majority (59% in rural, 53% in non-slum urban, and 69% in slums) of elderly people were consuming an inadequately diverse (4 or less food groups out of 10) diet. Overall, 89% of elderly people were malnourished (20%) or at risk of malnutrition (69%). The highest prevalence of malnutrition was in Mymensingh division (37%) followed by Sylhet division (27%). The prevalence of obesity was 5%, 16%, and 11%, in rural, non-slum urban, and slums, respectively. The national prevalence of smoking, smokeless tobacco consumption, physical inactivity was 18%, 52%, and 38%, respectively. There was a high burden of hypertension (49% in rural, 53% in non-slum urban, and 39% in slums). Overall, 16% of elderly people had heart diseases, 14% had chronic respiratory diseases, 3% had kidney diseases, 9% had diabetes, 8% had stroke, 0.5% had cancer and 1.4% had mental health problems. CONCLUSIONS: The government of Bangladesh should design and implement health and nutrition programs among the elderly population. The regional differences in the prevalence of health and nutrition indicators should be considered while designing such programs. FUNDING SOURCES: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Bangladesh

Medium-term changes in the labile nutrient pool of microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and nitrogen (MBN) resulting from organic manure application in rice (Oryza sativa L.)-based triple cropping systems have been poorly studied. Therefore, the effects of organic materials on the soil physico-chemical properties and microbial biomass in rice fields were investigated at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Bangladesh, from April 2010 to December 2012. Five treatments (control, cow dung, poultry manure, rice straw, and chemical fertilizer) were laid out in a randomized complete block design with four replications. The organic residues (2 t C ha-1) were applied 7 days before transplanting and were combined with inorganic fertilizers, following integrated plant nutrition systems. This paper presents the results from the last of the five consecutive rice growing seasons. All of the organic residues increased the pH, and organic C, N, P, and K contents of the soil. However, poultry manure was more efficient in increasing soil fertility than cow dung and rice straw, resulting in a significant increase in P from 22 mg·kg-1 to 63 mg·kg-1 at crop harvest. All of the organic residues also increased the soil water holding capacity and decreased bulk density. Furthermore, poultry manure resulted in significantly higher microbial biomass C (432 mg·kg-1; P < 0.05) and N (31.60 mg·kg-1; P < 0.05) levels in the soil at crop harvest, followed by cow dung and rice straw. These findings indicate that the regular application of organic residues and manures will help to enhance soil fertility and production sustainability.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently developed a non-laboratory based cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk chart considering the parameters age, sex, current smoking status, systolic blood pressure, and body mass index. Using the chart, we estimated the 10-years CVD risk among the Bangladeshi population aged 40–74 years. We analyzed data from a nationally representative survey conducted in 2018–19. The survey enrolled participants from 82 clusters (57 rural, 15 non-slum urban, and 10 slums) selected by multistage cluster sampling. Using the non-laboratory-based CVD risk chart of the World Health Organization (WHO), we categorized the participants into 5 risk groups: very low ( = 30%) risk. We performed descriptive analyses to report the distribution of CVD risk and carried out univariable and multivariable logistic regression to identify factors associated with elevated CVD risk (> = 10% CVD risk). Of the 7,381 participants, 46.0% were female. The median age (IQR) was 59.0 (48.0–64.7) years. Overall, the prevalence of very low, low, moderate, high, and very high CVD risk was 34.7%, 37.8%, 25.9%, 1.6%, and 0.1%, respectively. Elevated CVD risk (> = 10%) was associated with poor education, currently unmarried, insufficient physical inactivity, smokeless tobacco use, and self-reported diabetes in both sexes, higher household income, and higher sedentary time among males, and slum-dwelling and non-Muslim religions among females. One in every four Bangladeshi adults had elevated levels of CVD risk, and males are at higher risk of occurring CVD events. Non-laboratory-based risk prediction charts can be effectively used in low resource settings. The government of Bangladesh and other developing countries should train the primary health care workers on the use of WHO non-laboratory-based CVD risk charts, especially in settings where laboratory tests are not available.

Rice–fallow–rice, the dominant cropping system in Bangladesh, has received little attention regarding soil organic carbon (SOC) changes through organic amendments. Understanding the contributions of organic amendments in C sequestration is important for carbon budgeting. This study determined the effect of organic amendments on CO2 emission to the atmosphere and C sequestration in soil. A series of field experiments in five consecutive rice seasons were conducted during 2010–2012 at the research farm of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Bangladesh, using five treatments – control, cow dung (CD), poultry manure (PM), rice straw (RS) and soil test-based fertilizer (STB). The carbon application rate from CD, PM and RS was 2 t C ha−1 season−1. Carbon dioxide production from rice fields was measured through NaOH absorption followed by HCl titration. The difference in the amount of cumulative CO2 evolution and SOC accretion between the control and organic treatments gave apparen...

Nanodiamond particles were covalently bonded on silica microparticles and the resulting material was nicely decorated with a thin layer of oxidized nanodiamonds. This new nano-on-micro hybrid material was packed into a column and successfully evaluated in hydrophilic interaction chromatography.

OBJECTIVES: Bangladesh is experiencing triple burden of malnutrition among adolescents, which may be associated with inadequate dietary diversity (IDD). In the recently completed round of the national nutrition surveillance (NNS 2018–2019), we explored the prevalence of IDD and its determinants among adolescent girls and boys. METHODS: A total of 4808 adolescent girls and 4761 adolescent boys were interviewed. We used minimum dietary diversity for women (MDD-W) questionnaire to collect dietary data. IDD was defined as consumption of

OBJECTIVES: Double burden of malnutrition (DBM), referred as the coexistence of undernutrition and overnutrition, is an evolving public health concern. There is a paucity of data about DBM among elderly people in Bangladesh. In the recently completed round of the national nutrition surveillance (NNS 2018–2019), we assessed the prevalence and determinants of DBM among elderly people. METHODS: In the NNS, we collected data from 30,005 persons in 6 population groups from 82 clusters (57 rural, 15 non-slum urban, and 10 slums) selected using multistage cluster sampling. We collected socio-demographic, life-style and anthropometric data from 4817 respondents aged >60 years. Underweight was defined as body mass index (BMI)

OBJECTIVES: The World Health Organization (WHO) set a target of 15% relative reduction of the prevalence of insufficient physical activity (IPA) by 2025 among adolescents and adults globally. In Bangladesh, there is no national estimates of the prevalence of IPA among adolescents. In the recently completed round of the national nutrition surveillance (NNS 2018–2019), we aimed to estimate the prevalence and risk factors associated with IPA among adolescent girls and boys. METHODS: NNS was conducted in 57 rural, 15 urban and 10 slum clusters selected using multistage cluster sampling. In these clusters, we collected data from 4732 adolescent girls and 4761 adolescent boys. We used Global Physical Activity Questionnaire to collect physical activity (PA) data. The WHO recommended cut off points for IPA (5–17 years: 6 hours of sitting per day were associated with IPA. Place of residence, consumption of fruits and vegetables, education and paternal occupation were associated with IPA only among the boys. On the other hand, maternal and paternal education and overweight/obesity were associated with IPA only among the girls. CONCLUSIONS: One in every two adolescent girls and one in every three adolescent boys do not meet the WHO recommended level of PA in Bangladesh. This study identified several modifiable factors associated with IPA among adolescent boys and girls and these factors should be addressed through comprehensive public health interventions in order to improve adolescent health in Bangladesh. FUNDING SOURCES: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Bangladesh.

Background Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in children is the most serious form of malnutrition and is associated with very high rates of morbidity and mortality. For sustainable SAM management, United Nations recommends integration of community based management of acute malnutrition (CMAM) into the health system. The objective of the study was to assess the preparedness of the health system to implement CMAM in Bangladesh. Methods The assessment was undertaken during January to May 2014 by conducting document review, key informant interviews, and direct observation. A total of 38 key informant interviews were conducted among government policy makers and program managers (n = 4), nutrition experts (n = 2), health and nutrition implementing partners (n = 2), development partner (n = 1), government health system staff (n = 5), government front line field workers (n = 22), and community members (n = 2). The assessment was based on: workforce, service delivery, financing, governance, information system, medical supplies, and the broad socio-political context. Results The government of Bangladesh has developed inpatient and outpatient guidelines for the management of SAM. There are cadres of community health workers of government and non-government actors who can be adequately trained to conduct CMAM. Inpatient management of SAM is available in 288 facilities across the country. However, only 2.7% doctors and 3.3% auxiliary staff are trained on facility based management of SAM. In functional facilities, uninterrupted supply of medicines and therapeutic diet are not available. There is resistance and disagreement among nutrition stakeholders regarding import or local production of ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF). Nutrition coordination is fragile and there is no functional supra-ministerial coordination platform for multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder nutrition. Conclusion There is an enabling environment for CMAM intervention in Bangladesh although health system strengthening is needed considering the barriers that have been identified. Training of facility based health staff, government community workers, and ensuring uninterrupted supply of medicines and logistics to the functional facilities should be the immediate priorities. Availability of ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) is a critical component of CMAM and government should promote in-country production of RUTF for effective integration of CMAM into the health system in Bangladesh. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12913-018-3087-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Background Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a mixed disorder with the highly irregular course, inconsistent response to treatment and has no well-known mechanism for the pathophysiology. Major causes of depression are genetic, neurobiological, and environmental. However, over the past few years, altered serum levels of macro-minerals (MM) and trace elements (TE) have been recognized as major causative factors to the pathogenesis of many mental disorders. The purpose of this study was to determine the serum levels of MM (calcium and magnesium) and TE (copper, iron, manganese, selenium, and zinc) in MDD patients and find out their associations with depression risk. Methods This prospective case-control study recruited 247 patients and 248 healthy volunteers matched by age and sex. The serum levels of MM and TE were analyzed by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Statistical analysis was performed with independent sample t-tests and Pearson’s correlation test. Results We found significantly decreased concentrations of calcium and magnesium, iron, manganese, selenium, and zinc in MDD patients compared with control subjects (p

2012년 통계청 자료에 의하면 한국에 체류하는 외국인은 약 160만명이고, 그 중 방글라데시 노동자는 약 4.7%(한국고용정보원, EPS, 2012)라고 한다. 본 논문의 연구를 위하여 김해(100명), 마산(60명), 인천(40명)에 거주하고 있는 방글라데시 이주 노동자 약 200명에 대하여 설문조사를 실시하였다. 이 연구의 목적은 그들의 직업만족도와 삶의 만족도 사이에는 어떤 관련성이 있는지, 그들의 한국에서의 삶의 만족도를 높이기 위한 방안은 무엇인지에 대하여 알아보고자 하는 것이다. 연구 결과 직업 만족도의 α 값은 0.71, 삶의 만족도에 대한 α 값은 0.72 이었다. 직업만족도에 대한 설문은 Paul E. Spector(1985)가 고안한 것을 사용하였으며, 삶의 만족도에 대한 설문은 Thomas M. Krapu외 4인이 연구한 것을 사용하였다. 연구 결과 방글라데시 이주 노동자의 직업만족도와 삶의 만족도 사이에는 강한 관련성이 있으며, 그들이 느끼는 삶의 만족도는 매우 낮았다. 이를 높이기 위해서는 정부와 시민단체들의 적극적인 지원이 필요하다고 분석되었다.

ObjectiveUsing data from the national micronutrients survey 2011–2012, the present study explored the status of subclinical vitamin A nutrition and the underlying determinants in the Bangladeshi population.DesignA nationwide cross-sectional study.SettingsThe survey covered 150 clusters; fifty in each of rural, urban and slum strata.SubjectsThree population groups: (i) pre-school age children (6–59 months; PSAC); (ii) school age children (6–14 years; SAC); and (iii) non-pregnant non-lactating women (15–49 years; NPNLW).ResultsNational prevalence of subclinical vitamin A deficiency was 20·5, 20·8 and 5·3 % in PSAC, SAC and NPNLW, respectively. Slum populations had higher prevalence compared with urban (PSAC: 38·1 v. 21·2 %, Pv. 22·1 %, P=0·004; NPNLW: 6·8 v. 4·7 %, P=0·01). Dietary vitamin A met up to 27·1–46·0 % of daily needs; plant-source vitamin A constituted 73–87 % of the intakes. Multivariable regression analyses showed that higher consumption of animal foods was associated with higher retinol status in PSAC (β=0·27; Pβ=0·08, P=0·004) and PSAC (β=0·11, P=0·04). Increased intake of leafy vegetables was associated with lower retinol status in SAC (β=−0·08, P=0·02). Vitamin A supplementation in PSAC did not significantly influence serum retinol within one year post-supplementation (P>0·05 for differences in β between v. 3–6 months, 6–9 months and 9–12 months).ConclusionsPrevalence of subclinical vitamin A deficiency was high in children in Bangladesh. Intakes of animal-source foods and leafy vegetables were associated with higher and lower retinol status, respectively. Increased food diversity through animal-source foods is required.

Bangladesh is a country with a high burden of micronutrient malnutrition. Stunting affects 41 % of children aged under 5 years. Zn is one of the key micronutrients that is associated with stunting. The present study, as part of the national micronutrient survey 2011–2012, revealed for the first time the nationally representative prevalence of Zn deficiency and determined the associations of the condition. A cross-sectional ‘nationwide’ survey was conducted in pre-school-age children (6–59 months; PSAC) and non-pregnant non-lactating women (15–49 years; NPNLW). Multistage random sampling was done in 150 clusters; fifty in each of the rural, urban and slum strata. Data were analysed on 662 PSAC and 1073 NPNLW. Serum Zn was assayed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Zn deficiency was defined as serum Zn of P = 0·007), Hb (β = 0·10; P = 0·005), intake of animal-source Zn (β = 0·096; P = 0·02) and asset score (β = 0·11; P = 0·03) were positively associated with serum Zn in NPNLW. Residence in an urban area (β = 0·33; P = 0·03) and intake of plant-origin Zn (β = −0·13; P = 0·038) determined higher and lower status of Zn in PSAC, respectively. Zn deficiency was highly prevalent in Bangladesh, and it was principally related to inadequate quality of diet. To improve Zn nutrition, Bangladesh needs to strengthen research and programmes related to Zn biofortification, fortification and phytate-reducing technologies in the food system in the short and medium term. In addition, promotion of animal-source Zn for all is important in the long run.

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) have either chiral or achiral form, and synthesized chiral SWNTs include both left- and right-handed structures in equal amounts. Recently, a racemic mixture ...