Different Areas Of Dhaka City Research Articles

Estimation of Potassium Bromate- an Alarming Carcinogen in Commercial Bread Samples Around Dhaka City

The primary goal of this study was to determine the presence of potassium bromate in bread samples both qualitatively and quantitatively, as well as to investigate the composition of the bread (moisture, ash, and sugar contents). Thirty different commercial bread samples from different areas of Dhaka city were collected for analysis. The ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometric technique was employed in this study to estimate potassium bromate in bread samples. It was based on the redox interaction of bromate and promethazine hydrocloride in an acidic medium which generate a red-pink coloration with maximum absorbance at 515nm. The amount of potassium bromate was found in the range of 1.24 to 24.91µg/g. Moisture and ash content were found to be 15.37 to 29.8% and 1.75 to 2.94%, respectively. The total sugar content was determined by the ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometric method by the modified phenol-sulfuric acid test and the maximum absorbance was obtained at 489 nm. Total sugar content was found in different types of white bread samples ranging from 3.33 to 11.31g per 100g. The average recovery (n=5) of potassium bromate was 91.58 ± 5.61% at a dosage of 10 μg/mL. Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 72(1): 1-6, 2024 (January)

Microbiological assessment and detection of drug resistant bacterial isolates in some vended fresh fruit juice samples in Dhaka city, Bangladesh

The consumption of fruit juices may affect both positively and negatively the health status of the consumers. When processed under a hygienic condition it could improve consumers' health by preventing various types of diseases. On the contrary, in absence of good manufacturing practices considering the nutritional affluence of fruit juices makes the product good middling for microbial growth and vehicle of foodborne pathogens. The current study was undertaken to determine the microbiological traits of the vended fruit juices collected from different areas of Dhaka city, Bangladesh. A total of twenty juice samples particularly of four categories such as lemon, sugarcane, malta and watermelon were analyzed for the detection of total viable bacterial load, coliforms, and some other pathogenic bacteria. In these samples, total viable bacteria were within the array between 104 -107CFU/mL. Total coliforms (both Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp.) were found in 50% of the samples, alarmingly all exceeding the standard bacteriological limits (1.0×104 CFU/mL) recommended for fruit juices. Among the pathogenic bacteria Salmonella spp. and Vibrio spp. were detected. All these bacterial isolates were detected through standard cultural, microscopic and biochemical tests. A varying degree of drug resistance among the isolates was observed against Amoxycillin, Ampicillin, Azithromycin, Erythromycin, Imipenem and Vancomycin. Overall, the study indicated that the quality of vendor fresh juices was not up to the mark. That’s why there is a continuous need for the microbiological assessment of these popular ready-to-drink products otherwise they may create potential health hazards.

Unused and expired drug disposal practice and awareness among undergraduate students from pharmacy and other disciplines: Bangladesh perspective

Background: Most medicine users are not aware of the safe disposal of unused or expired medicines. The aim of this study was to know the current knowledge of the disposal practices of unused and expired medicines among the undergraduate pharmacy and other disciplines studying in universities located in different areas of Dhaka city, Bangladesh. Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional survey, conducted through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. Returned questionnaires were double-checked for accuracy. Results: A total of 250 valid questionnaires were returned with a response rate of 100%. Respondents were mainly divided into two categories: pharmacy students (n=150; 60%) and general students (n=100; 40%). Two third of the general students (66%; n=98) and pharmacy students (65.3%; n=66) showed an almost similar response to keeping medicines at home. Overall, the highest common leftover medicines were analgesics (n=181; 27.6%) followed by gastric agents 174 (26.6%). Alarmingly, 85 (34%) respondents usually threw their leftover medicines in the dustbin, however, only very few portions of health science students (8%) have donated their unused medicines to welfare and friends. About 58% of respondents from other disciplines agreed that the necessity of pharmacists counselling people about proper medication disposal is highly required. Conclusion: Gaps exist in everyday drug disposal practices, therefore cost-effective pharmaceutical waste management programmes supported by government regulatory authorities and media campaigns are needed. Healthcare practitioners and community pharmacists should offer training to educate patients on standard medicine disposal practices. Findings from this study are hoped to assist in creating awareness about appropriate drug disposal practices in households and trigger interest and attention among policymakers about formulating relevant regulations.

Correlation of Serum Parathyroid Hormone and Calcium Level among Pre- and Post-menopausal Women

Background: Postmenopausal women are prone to osteoporosis due to estrogen deficiency.
 Objective: The purpose of the present study was to assess the correlation between serum parathyroid hormone level and serum calcium level among pre- and post-menopausal women.
 Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Physiology at Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh during the period of January 2012 to December 2012. Women were selected from different areas of Dhaka city. Among them, postmenopausal women with age ranging from 50 to 60 years were taken as group A and apparently healthy premenopausal women with age ranging from 20 to 30 years were included as group B for comparison. Serum calcium and parathyroid hormone levels were estimated to assess the hormonal status in both groups.
 Results: A total number of seventy (70) postmenopausal women with age ranging from 50 to 60 years and duration of menopause was more than one year. Thirty (30) apparently healthy premenopausal women with age ranging from 20 to 30 years with regular menstrual cycle. Correlation between parathyroid hormone with serum calcium was analyzed. In group A, serum parathyroid hormone showed negative correlation with serum Calcium (r= -0.161, p= 0.184) which was statistically non-significant relationship. In group B, serum parathyroid showed positive correlation with serum calcium (r=+0.232, p=0.218) which was statistically non-significant relationship.
 Conclusion: In conclusion serum calcium is lower and serum parathyroid hormone is higher in postmenopausal women.
 Journal of Current and Advance Medical Research, January 2022;9(1):16-20

User’s Perception of Application-Based-Ride-Sharing-Services in Dhaka City: A Study on Uber

22nd November 2016, a historic date on the horizon of the transportation system of Bangladesh. ‘Uber’ Bangladesh has launched its operation in Dhaka, the capital city. Uber is a growing - application-based ride-sharing service and popular transportation media, known worldwide as of late. Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet, people living in these three big cities have been availing of this innovative ride-sharing service. This study attempts to interpret the context of consumer behavior of this service i.e., why people do prefer Uber services over other existing public transport and post evaluation of that service offered by Uber. A short-range questionnaire survey has been undertaken. Secondary sources of data were also collected for literature. For this study, 100 respondents were surveyed following the purposive sampling method in different areas of Dhaka city. The equal Male-Female ratio of data size has been maintained. Data were analyzed using the SPSS-16 version maintaining the standard of research ethics and validity. The perception of users has been found positive towards this ride-sharing service. 77% of respondents said they are happy availing service from Uber and 23% of them are unhappy with the Uber service. Data concludes that the sense of being unhappy derived from some service problems like high costing for short distances, accidents, and lack of commitment of Uber drivers. To attain the goal of ‘Sustainable Cities and Communities’ of SDG-11 further includes the target of ‘providing access to the affordable and sustainable transport system for all by 2030’, this sort of innovation in the transportation sector is sure of blessing for this ‘Mega City’ like Dhaka as well as for Bangladesh. It will help step forward on the ladder of Development for the country.

The Relationship between Hormonal Contraceptives and Metabolic Syndrome

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MS) in women using hormonal contraceptives (HCs) are common health hazards all over the world than that of contraceptives non users. Objective: To observe the relationship of hormonal contraceptives with metabolic syndrome. Method: This cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, during the period from January to 31 December, 2011. Two hundred women age ranged 20-35 years using hormonal contraceptives were included in this study group. The study group was subdivided into oral contraceptive users (Group B) and injectable contraceptive users (Group C). All the women using hormonal contraceptive were selected from Model clinic and Medicine ward in DMC and also from different areas of Dhaka city. Results: In this study, the BMI value in both oral and injectable contraceptives users were significantly (P<0.001) higher than that of contraceptive non users. Within the study groups, the BMI in oral and injectable contraceptives users for 1-5 years were significantly lower (P<0.001) than that of oral contraceptive users for 6-10 years. The waist circumference (WC) in all oral and injectable contraceptives users for 1-5 years and 6-10 years were significantly (P<0.001) higher than that of contraceptive non users. Conclusion: Percentage of distribution of subjects having metabolic syndrome was higher in women using hormonal contraceptives and increase duration of hormonal contraceptives use progressively increase the level of parameters of metabolic syndrome. So, it may be concluded that women using hormonal contraceptives are more prone to develop metabolic syndrome.

The Role of Social Media Marketing on Overall Brand Equity in the Telecommunication Sector in Bangladesh

The objective of this study is to investigate the role of social media marketing (SMM) on overall brand equity (OBE) via value co-creation (VC) in the telecommunication sector in Bangladesh. Moreover, brand love is tested as a moderator of SMM and VC. A structured questionnaire was distributed to collect survey data from 241 mobile subscribers using a systematic sampling method from different areas of Dhaka city in Bangladesh. The hypotheses were examined using structural equation modeling (SEM). The findings have shown that social media marketing has a substantial direct influence on value co-creation which has also a significant direct influence on OBE. Findings have indicated that VC is partially mediated the relationship between SMM and OBE. The results have asserted that SMM significantly influences OBE. Furthermore, the results have affirmed that brand love act as a moderator to strengthen the relationships between SMM and VC.

Isolation of Multi-Drug Resistant Potential Pathogenic Bacteria From Blow Fly Collected From Different Areas of Dhaka City

The research work was conducted for isolation and identification of potential pathogenic bacteria from blow fly (Calliphora spp.) and to investigate their antibiotic susceptibility. For this purpose, 20 blow flies were collected from 4 selected areas (Curzon Hall, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Fruit Store and Fish Market) of Dhaka city. A total of 40 samples (20 from external surface and 20 from alimentary gut homogenates) were prepared from the blow flies. Among the total 20 flies, 3(15%) were collected from Curzon Hall and 5(12.5%) isolates were obtained from them; 6(30%) flies were collected from DMCH which had 11(27.5%) isolates; 5(25%) flies were collected from fruit stores and 10(25%) isolates were collected from there; 6(30%) flies were collected from fish market and 14(35%) isolates were collected from there. The isolated bacteria were presumptively identified as Escherichia coli, 12 (30%); Salmonella spp., 8 (20%); Shigella spp., 4(10%); Enterobacter spp., 3 (7.5%); Klebsiella spp., 2 (5%); Bacillus spp., 7 (17.5%) and Staphylococcus spp., 4 (10%) in number which were based on morphology as observed under microscope as well as cultural and biochemical properties. All of these isolates were resistant to various antibiotics. Bacterial susceptibility showed that E. coli isolates were highly resistant (66.6%) to Penicillin, Salmonella spp. mostly resistant (62.5%) to Penicillin and Tetracycline. Klebsiella spp. Isolates were 100% resistant to Penicillin and 100% sensitive to Ciprofloxacin, Imipenem and Tetracycline. In case of Shigella spp. and Enterobacter spp., 75% and 100% isolates were resistant to Penicillin respectively. Among the Staphylococcus spp. isolates, 75% were resistant to Ampicillin and Penicillin. In case of Bacillus spp. isolates, 57.2% were resistant to Penicillin and 100% sensitive to Imipenem. Antibiotic resistance of these species affect our human health also. This study demonstrated the potential of blow flies as a vector of various pathogenic microorganisms and a mode of transmission of antibiotic resistance. Bangladesh J. Zool. 49 (2): 205-214, 2021

Evaluation of Rainwater Quality in Different Areas of Dhaka City

Since rainwater harvesting system was assessed to be potential in residential, industrial, educational and other institutions so the study was focused on the rainwater quality of samples collected from rooftop surface runoff of different locations of Dhaka city which is the 2nd most polluted city of the world. Locations were based upon residential, commercial, industrial zone within the area, motorized vehicles use, population, construction works etc. The rooftops were taken mainly of concrete made rooftops and within a single area 03 locations were chosen and a sample of rainwater was collected from a tin made rooftop within that area. The main purpose of this assessment was to compare the rainwater quality of different locations with the drinking water quality standards of Bangladesh and World Health Organization (WHO) in order to observe whether the water needs of further treatment or not for potable use. The samples were checked of physical (Turbidity) and chemical (pH, Electric Conductivity, Total Dissolved Solids, Nitrate, Nitrite, Sulfate, Chloride & Fluoride) characteristics of water quality. In terms of pH, Nitrate and Fluoride values, there were significant imbalance with the standards and thus required treatment for potable use. And other parameters were within the standards.

Variations of prothrombin time among ABO blood groups in healthy adults

Background and objectives: ABO blood group distribution defers with racial and geographic variations. They are related with diseases like cardiovascular diseases, cerebral thromboembolism. Prothrombin time may varies among ABO blood group system which may increase the future risk of thrombosis. The present study is to assess prothrombin time among ABO blood groups in healthy adults. Materials and methods: A prospective type of analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka from July 2019 to June 2020. After obtaining ethical clearance, a total 190 healthy adults were selected from different areas of Dhaka city based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, with age ranging from 18-45 years. The subjects were interviewed and detailed history regarding personal, family, medical and drug were taken. Prior to sample collection, informed written consent was taken from the participants. Individuals of blood group A was selected as group A, blood group B as group B, blood group AB as group AB and blood group O as group O. Prothrombin time was measured in the Department of Hematology and BMT Unit, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka. Blood grouping was done in the Department of Physiology, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka.For statistical analysis, One way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni test were considered using SPSS 25.0 version. Results: In this study, blood group B was most common (33.2%). Prothrombin time was lower in blood group A (12.93±0.30 sec), B (12.92±0.61 sec), AB (12.98±0.54 sec) than blood group O (13.08±0.39 sec) which was not statistically significant. Conclusion: It can be concluded that blood group A, B, AB individuals may have more chance of thrombosis due to lower prothrombin time than blood group O individuals.

Social Conditions of the Innovative Use of Smartphone: A Qualitative Investigation among Young Users in Dhaka

Concerns about the adverse impacts of using smartphones are common in the literature. However, there is insufficient research on whether users make innovative use of the device. If they do, what is the nature of the creative use of smartphone? What are the social conditions that facilitate the innovative use of the smart device? This study seeks to answer these questions by investigating the use of smartphone among teenagers in Dhaka. The respondents of this research are purposively selected from the secondary schools located in five different areas of Dhaka city. Snowballing technique was used to identify the forty-four avid users. Findings of the study show that respondents employ innovative strategies of escaping supervision: Installing software, e.g., AppsLock, Gallery Lock, and CM Security; using password; and blocking parents and relatives on social media—“totally black-listed.” They also read books using Gutenberg Apps and go online to learn how to wear hijab “smartly.” Advance users heavily use smartphone to learn software programming, prepare science projects, and do photography for presenting at art exhibitions. Most importantly, the study identified three facilitating conditions of the creative use of smartphone: Friends, events, and parents. These social conditions constitute an ecosystem that facilitates the innovative dispositions of the young users of smartphones.

Understanding of Professional Ethics Among a Sample of Medical Practitioners in Bangladesh

Background: Ethical practice not only protects the rights of patients but is also a safeguard of medical practitioners. But, practicing medical ethics among the Bangladeshi health care professionals are not at a satisfactory level. Objectives: The study was aimed to assess the level of understanding regarding medical ethics among the health care professionals. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among registered 400 doctors of tertiary care hospitals and general practitioners in Dhaka City during June 2016 to January 2017. A non-probability sampling method was used for selecting the medical colleges, hospitals, institutions, medical university and general practitioners from the different areas of Dhaka city. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection assuring confidentiality and anonymity. Ethical approval was obtained from the National Research Ethics Committee (NREC) of Bangladesh Medical Research Council (BMRC) and from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of the American University of Sovereign Nations (AUSN). The collected data were analysed through SPSS software, windows, version 21 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) and R programming language. Results: Of the 400 respondents, 68.0% were male. Mean (±SD) age of them was 30 (±6.5) years. About 93.0% respondents had only a MBBS degree and 65.0% were medical officers. About 38.0% respondents have below 5 years of clinical experience. Highest number of respondents got ethical information from book, second highest from lectures and then general text. About 32.0% respondents got ethical knowledge from one source. About 97.0% respondents agreed that medical ethics should be included in both undergraduate and postgraduate medical studies and 90.0% of them know only about theHippocratic Oath. Very few of them knew the Nuremberg Code (16.0%) and Helsinki Declaration (16.0%).Only 27.0% participants said that they never face any ethical problems in their clinical practice. About 75.0% reported that ethical practice is important in workplace. About 35.0% respondents have a very little knowledge and 46.0% have average knowledge on ethical law. Conclusion: Findings of the study indicate that ethical knowledge of the respondents is not satisfactory although they realise that it is important in clinical practice and should include both undergraduate and graduate medical studies. Also need to develop practice in the workplace by law and legislations according to the guidelines of Bangladesh Medical & Dental Council (BMDC) and Bangladesh Medical Association (BMA). Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2020; 46(3): 168-175

ABO Blood Groups and Their Relationship with Coagulation Factor VIII in Healthy Adults

Background: ABO blood group distribution defers with racial and geographic variations. They are related to diseases like cardiovascular diseases, cerebral thromboembolism. ABO blood group system may influence coagulation factor VIII which may increase the future risk of thrombosis. Aim: To assess the relation of ABO blood group with coagulation factor VIII in healthy adults. Material and Methods: A prospective type of analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka from July 2019 to June 2020. After obtaining ethical clearance, a total of 190 healthy adults were selected from different areas of Dhaka city based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, with ages ranging from 18 - 45 years. The subjects were interviewed and detailed history regarding personal, family, medical and drug were taken. Prior to sample collection, informed written consent was taken from the participants. Individuals of blood group A were selected as group A, blood group B as group B, blood group AB as group AB and blood group O as group O. Coagulation factor VIII was measured in the Department of Hematology and BMT Unit, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka. Blood grouping was done in the Department of Physiology, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka. Statistical Analysis: For statistical analysis, ONE way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni test were considered using SPSS 25.0 version. Results: In this study, blood group B was most common (33.2%). Coagulation factor VIII was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in blood group A (105.76% ± 11.82%), B (112.00% ± 15.02%), AB (109.80% ± 11.93%) than blood group O (82.00% ± 12.86%). No significant difference was observed among A, B and AB blood groups regarding coagulation factor VIII. Conclusions: It can be concluded that blood group A, B, AB individuals may have more chance of thrombosis due to significantly higher coagulation factor VIII than blood group O individuals.

The Assessment of Platelet Indices Levels in Patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Background: The prevalence of anxiety disorders is increasing in the world. Studies revealed that generalized anxiety disorder may lead to change in platelet size, volume and functions. Thus, the changes in platelet indices may increase the future risk of thrombotic diseases in patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Aim: To evaluate platelet indices (total count of platelet, mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width, plateletcrit) levels in patients with generalized anxiety disorder. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in the Department of Physiology, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka from July 2019 to June 2020. After obtaining ethical clearance, a total of 144 individuals were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria with ages ranging from 18 - 50 years. Group A was the study group selected from Out Patient Department of Psychiatry of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, diagnosed by an experienced psychiatrist. Group B was the control group who were apparently healthy adults selected from different areas of Dhaka city. The subjects were interviewed and detailed history regarding personal, family, medical and drug history were taken. Prior to sample collection, informed written consent was taken from the participants. Platelet indices (total count of platelet, mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width, plateletcrit) were measured in the Department of Laboratory Medicine, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka. Statistical Analysis: For statistical analysis, the Unpaired Student’s “t” test was considered using SPSS 25.0 version. Results: Mean platelet volume of generalized anxiety disorder patients was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than the control group. Platelet distribution width and plateletcrit were higher in the study group than the control group. Conclusion: It can be concluded that generalized anxiety disorder patients may have more chance of thrombotic diseases due to significantly higher mean platelet volume and higher platelet distribution width, plateletcrit than healthy adults.

A Comprehensive Study on Availability of Anti-cancer drugs in Dhaka City, Bangladesh

With the increasing rate of people being affected by cancer in Bangladesh, the disease has become a national concern. Anti-cancer drugs play a significant and crucial role in cancer treatment regimen. Inadequate access to essential anti-cancer medicines may impose serious public health problems in Bangladesh. The present study gives an insight on the availability of eleven WHO enlisted essential anticancer drugs that are commonly prescribed for the top five prevalent cancer types (Breast, Oesophagus, Lung, Cervix, Lips and Oral cavity) in Bangladesh. Expert advice on which essential anti-cancer medicines are commonly prescribed were gathered from oncologists of three medical college hospitals (Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) and National Institute of Cancer Research and Hospital (NICRH). The study was conducted among a total of 151 pharmaceutical drug stores including 119 retail, 27 model and 5 hospital pharmacies. The sample size of 151 pharmacies was calculated for 4547 pharmacies in Dhaka district with 95% confidence interval and 8% margin of error. It was found that 74% of the pharmacy stores surveyed kept no anti-cancer drugs at all. There is a significant negative relationship between price and availability of oncology medicine for which Pearson’s correlation co-efficient ‘r’ is found to be -0.739 (p=0.01). This means that high priced medicines are less available. Pharmacy stores keep anti-cancer drugs from both local (81.9%) and foreign (18.1%) pharmaceutical companies. In order to evaluate sales performance of pharmacies in context of oncology drugs, monthly number of cancer patients buying medicines from these pharmacies has been studied as well. It has been found that supply of anti-cancer drugs by pharmaceutical companies among medicine stores is not homogenous. Availability and sales rate of oncology products in some pharmacies situated within the same area is way more than others and the number of customer (cancer patient) varies by wide margins. A comparative analysis on availability rate of model versus retail pharmacies in different areas of Dhaka city has been carried out. Retail pharmacies near cancer-care hospitals tend to keep more anti-cancer medicines compared to those situated away from cancer-care hospitals.&#x0D; Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 23(2): 155-166, 2020

Prevalence and Antibiogram Profiling of Rotten Fruits from Different Areas of Dhaka City, Bangladesh

Fruits are highly nutritious, sources of vitamins, minerals, fibers etc. and these are part of our daily diet. However, during cultivation, harvesting, transportation, handling fruits get contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms which leads to severe problems to community. Owning to this point, in current research, bacteriological analysis was performed on Sofeda, Pineapple, Grape, Banana, Apple, Orange, Guava, papaya, Jujube and Starfruit. Total 50 samples were randomly collected from market and street vendors of Dhaka city. Higher numbers of rotten fruits were present in wholesale markets. 35 strains were isolated which included Salmonella spp., Acinetobacter spp., Klebsiella spp., Vibrio cholerae, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Staphylocoous aureus and E. coli. They were identified using biochemical test and antibiogram for selective isolates. In case of drug resistance of isolates, majority exhibited resistance against Erythromycin, Vancomycin and Amoxycillin and showing sensitivity against Ciprofloxacin and Ceftriaxone. It was observed in the current study that 100% isolates were resistant against Erythromycin, followed by Amoxycillin 90.63% and vancomycin 86.25%, where only 35.27% isolates were resistant against Ciprofloxacin. In case of sensitivity 64.73% isolates were sensitive against Ciprofloxacin followed by Ceftriaxone 66.25%.

Prevalence and detail morphological identification of helminths of murine rodents in Dhaka city, Bangladesh.

Rodents are common pests that transmit various deadly pathogens to humans. Here we have studied the helminth parasites of rodents from different ecological niches in Dhaka city, Bangladesh. The gastrointestinal helminths were investigated from a total of 70 rodents, namely Bandicota bengalensis (20), Rattus rattus (15), Rattus norvegicus (25) and Mus musculus (10). The rodents were live-captured from houses in the slum areas (20), stationary shops (20), residential buildings (15) and rice fields (15). The overall prevalence of helminth infection was 71.43%. The highest prevalence was found in R. norvegicus (84%), followed by B. bengalensis (75%), R. rattus (66.66%) and M. musculus (40%). Among different areas of Dhaka city, the highest prevalence recorded in slum areas (85%). Out of 50 rodents, 36 (72%) had mixed endoparasitic infection whereas only 14 (28%) rodents had single infection. The prevalence of endoparasitic infection in male (66%) rodents was higher than that of female (34%). The parasites detected from the rodents were Heterakis spumosa (60%), Hymenolepis diminuta (47.14%), Moniliformis moniliformis (42.85%), Taenia taeniaeformis (35%) and Gongylonema neoplasticum (34.28%). To the best of our knowledge, G. neoplasticum is going to be reported for the first time from rodents in Bangladesh. Except H. spumosa, all the parasites recovered have public health significance. Therefore, proper attention needs to be paid for the prevention of rodent borne zoonosis through the control of rodents.

Factors affecting consumers’ purchase intention for counterfeit luxury goods in Bangladesh

The purpose of study is to examine the factors behind the purchase intention for counterfeit luxury goods in Bangladesh using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). This research also sought to measure the effect of product attribute, brand image, level of income, price, and gender regarding the purchase intention for counterfeit luxury goods. Data were gathered from a sample of 242 individual respondents living in different areas of Dhaka city who had experience of purchasing various counterfeit luxury goods. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain survey data through a personal interview. Descriptive statistics, reliability statistics, one-way ANOVA, and multiple regression analysis have been used to analyze the collected data. The results show that among five factors, only three of them, such as product attribute, brand images and level of income, are more influential predictors in purchase intention for counterfeit luxury items than price and gender. The findings of the study show a better understanding based on a developing country on how these factors affect purchasing intention of counterfeit luxury items. Thus, the study intends to identify different socio-demographic and behavioral predictors in terms of counterfeiting luxury goods. The result depicts that comparing to original products, Bangladeshi consumers are more prone to use counterfeit luxury items to maintain social values and status. Finally, limitations and managerial implications of the study, along with future research avenues, have been discussed.

Study on Ambient Particulate Matter (PM2.5) with Different Mode of Transportation in Dhaka City, Bangladesh

Air pollution is considered a threat to the environment in developing countries. This study aims to quantify the concentration of PM2.5 in relation to the mode of transportation in the different areas of Dhaka city. For this, the concentration of PM2.5 was measured in ambient air with Ecotech Mini 2.5 Sampler and traffic volume survey was conducted in 12 sites across the city on August 2017. The study found that PM2.5 concentrations in mixed and motorized areas were on average higher than non-motorized and vehicle-free area. The maximum concentration of PM2.5 was found in Mirpur-10 (172.2 µg/m3) while minimum concentration was in B.C. das street (40 µg/m3). This study concluded that increasing the number of vehicles is one of the major sources of pollution of air in Dhaka city. Hence, well-developed public transportation service instead of the private car may contribute to reducing the air pollution in Dhaka city.

FACTORS AFFECTING THE HOLISTIC PERCEPTION OF UBER IN DHAKA CITY TRANSPORTATION

In recent years, Bangladesh has undergone through tremendous changes in transport sector. Because of the increased demand of mobile application-based transportation, Uber has introduced ridesharing service in Bangladesh. The main purpose of this study is to understand the overall perception regarding this new services provided by Uber in Dhaka city. In view of its importance, the present study tries to identify the factors affecting the perception of consumers, drivers and car owners of Uber. This study is conducted by surveying 100 Uber riders, 60 drivers (30 motorcycle drivers and 30 car drivers) and 20 Uber car owners from different areas of Dhaka city. Data have been analyzed using multiple regression analysis. The result of this study is expected to benefit the ride sharing service providers and to help them understand the variables influencing consumers and drivers’ perceived value. Besides, future researchers can deal with different variables to study the factors affecting the holistic perception of Uber in Dhaka.