Bangladesh National Research Articles

Lateral Load and Design Disparity between BNBC1993 and BNBC2020

Building codes are the minimal requirements for design and construction to assure a safe and resilient structure. A building code recognized as the Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC) is existent in Bangladesh (BD), just like in other developing nations. It's now a difficult task to comply with the code because of the extensive update after two decades. The main goal of this work is to compare the analytical and design requirements for lateral loads between BNBC2020 and BNBC1993. To do so, a large number of structural models are assessed using ETABS following the considered code procedure at different locations in the country. It also compares the lateral load parameters such as zone coefficient, wind velocity, building period, story shear, base shear, drift, deflection, reinforcement ratio etc. The parametric comparison of the outcomes has demonstrated that BNBC2020 is more conservative and boosts the safety factor against lateral loads. Engineers will be able to comprehend the differences in lateral load between these codes after perusing this study.

Knowledge and Self-Management Practice Among Diabetic Patients from the Urban Areas in Bangladesh

This study aims to determine the knowledge of self-management, prognosis, and the quality of daily life among adult patients with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes in Bangladesh. Settings and Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2021 to August 2021 on diabetic patients from Dhaka City and Rangpur City in Bangladesh. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information from the respondents of this study. The data was collected via a phone interview by the researchers of this study. The data was analyzed using Python (Version 3.8), Pandas, ResearchPy (A Python package for research data analysis), and Microsoft Excel 2019. We found that 85% of the participants were aware of Bangladesh National Diabetes Management Guidelines and its recommendations, and males were better informed about diabetes and its management than females. Most participants (68.32%) experienced an onset of diabetic symptoms around 50-60 years of age, and 34.65% of participants were unaware of the type of diabetes they had. 91% were satisfied with the prognosis of their diabetes. However, the frequency of check-ups for hyperglycemia from serum was insufficient (less than once annually) despite the national guidelines’ recommendation for quarterly check-ups. Participants were more eager to check for diabetes-associated symptoms (more than 3 times a year among 80.53%) rather than checking the serum hyperglycemia. Female participants were lenient to take physical exercise to self-manage diabetes. The healthcare centers across Bangladesh need to make the information provided by Bangladesh National Diabetes Management Guidelines more reader-friendly for all socio-economic groups. Broader movements are needed to make patients feel more interested to learning, practicing, and following the guidelines.

Long-Term Efficacy of Insecticidal Wall Painting for Controlling Visceral Leishmaniasis Vectors in Bangladesh.

The success of the visceral leishmaniasis (VL) elimination program largely depends on cost-effective vector control measures. Our goal was to investigate the longevity of the efficacy of insecticidal wall painting (IWP), a new vector control tool, compared with a routine indoor residual spraying (IRS) program for reducing the VL vector density in Bangladesh. This study is the extension of our recent IWP study for VL vector management in Bangladesh, which was undertaken in seven highly VL endemic villages of the Mymensingh district with a 12-month follow-up. In this 24-months follow-up study, we collected sand flies additionally at 15, 18, 21, and 24 months since the interventions from the IWP and control (where the program did routine IRS) clusters to examine the longevity of the efficacy of IWP on sand fly density reduction and mortality. The difference-in-differences regression models were used to estimate the effect of IWP on sand fly reduction against Program IRS. The IWP showed excellent performance in reducing sand fly density and increasing sand fly mortality compared with Program IRS. The effect of IWP for controlling sand flies was statistically significant for up to at least 24 months. The mean female Phlebotomus argentipes density reduction ranged from -56% to -83%, and the P. argentipes sand fly mortality ranged from 81% to 99.5% during the 24-month follow-up period. Considering the duration of the efficacy of IWP for controlling VL vectors, Bangladesh National Kala-azar Elimination Program may consider IWP as the best alternative to IRS for the subsequent phases of the program.

A compartmental model for COVID-19 to assess effects of non-pharmaceutical interventions with emphasis on contact-based quarantine

Relative to the number of casualties, COVID-19 ranks among the ten most devastating plagues in history. The pandemic hit the South Asian nation of Bangladesh in early March 2020 and has greatly impacted the socio-economic status of the country. In this article, we propose a compartmental model for COVID-19 dynamics, introducing a separate class for quarantined susceptibles, synonymous to isolation of individuals who have been exposed and are suspected of being infected. The current model assumes a perfect quarantine based on contact with infectious individuals. Numerical simulation is conducted to investigate the efficiency of disease control by segregating suspected individuals and other non-pharmaceutical interventions. In addition, we assort quantitatively the importance of parameters that influence the dynamics of the system. Fitting the system to the early phase of COVID-19 outbreaks in Bangladesh, by taking into account the cumulative number of cases with the data of the first 17-week period, the basic reproduction number is estimated as 1.69.

Spatial distribution of air quality in Netrokona district town, Bangladesh

Air pollution is one of the significant environmental concerning issues in Bangladesh. It has been getting worse at a district level over the past few decades. The main objective of this study was to observe the concentration of Particulate Matter (PM) in Netrokona district town depending on the different uses of land represents. This research was carried out with the assistance of a portable Air Quality Monitor in a total of sixty different places throughout the Netrokona district town. It was revealed that, on average, locations in the district town of Netrokona had particulate matter concentrations (60.97, 99.63, 130.12 µg/m3) respectively. Moreover, averaged PM₂.₅ was 1.53 times fold than Bangladesh's National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) level. On the basis of PM₂.₅ concentration, the study demonstrated that three of the most polluted places were located in commercial areas, whereas two of the least polluted places were in sensitive areas. According to estimates, the ratio of PM₂.₅/PM₁₀ was found 76.76%, while the ratio of PM₁/ PM₂.₅ was 61.17%. This research ranks land uses by average PM₂.₅ concentration: mixed area> commercial area> road intersection area> residential area> village area> industrial area> sensitive area.

Costs of services and funding gap of the Bangladesh National Tuberculosis Control Programme 2016-2022: An ingredient based approach.

Bangladesh National Tuberculosis (TB) Control Programme (NTP) has deployed improved diagnostic technologies which may drive up the programme costs. We aimed to estimate the supply-side costs associated with the delivery of the NTP and the funding gap between the cost of implementation and available funding for the Bangladesh NTP. An ingredient-based costing approach was applied using WHO's OneHealth Tool software. We considered 2016, as the base year and projected cost estimates up to 2022 using information on NTP planned activities. Data were collected through consultative meetings with experts and officials/managers, review of documents and databases, and visits to five purposively selected TB healthcare facilities. The estimated costs were compared with the funds allocated to the NTP between 2018 and 2022 to estimate the funding gap. The estimated total cost of NTP was US$ 49.22 million in 2016, which would increase to US$ 146.93 million in 2022. Human resources (41.1%) and medicines and investigations/ supplies (38.0%) were the major two cost components. Unit costs were highest for treating extensively drug-resistant TB at US$ 7,422.4 in 2016. Between 2018-2022, NTP would incur US$ 536.8 million, which is US$ 235.18 million higher than the current allocation for NTP. Our results indicated a funding gap associated with the NTP in each of the years between 2018-2022. Policy planners should advocate for additional funding to ensure smooth delivery of TB services in the upcoming years. The cost estimates of TB services can also be used for planning and budgeting for delivering TB services in similar country contexts.

Different orientations of shear wall in a reinforced concrete structure to control drift and deflection

While Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, adapts to more and more high-rise buildings and skyscrapers, concerns remain about their design efficiency and ability to withstand shear loads from seismic movements. In this study, several orientations and placements of shear walls in a regular G +15 story reinforced concrete building were assessed to observe the nature of the structure subjected to earthquake seismic loads by adopting the Equivalent Static Analysis. CSi ETABS 2019 was utilized to analyze the story shear, drift, displacement, stiffness, torsional irregularity and compared against eight separate models with different shear wall placements. The significance of this study lies in its contribution to the area of designing earthquake-resistant structures with appropriate shear wall locations following the recent Bangladesh National Building Code 2020 (Seismic criteria as per ASCE 7-05). Results reveal that shear walls placed symmetrically and along the shorter span for the selected structural plan have shown less lateral drift and displacement than structures with other shear wall orientations.

On the Politics of Viruses and Visibility

On the Politics of Viruses and Visibility

Multi-Sectoral Involvement in the National Action Plan on Anti-Microbial Resistance in Bangladesh: A Qualitative Study

Background To combat anti-microbial resistance in Bangladesh, a national action plan is designed with the involvement of multiple sectors. Methods Sixteen participants were interviewed virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Semi-structured, pre-tested questionnaires were used for data collection using the Key-Informant Interview (KII) technique. Qualitative and quantitative analysis was carried out of relevant information. Results Bangladesh has no specific monitoring body for antibiotic prescription, and professionals do not follow national guidelines. Most healthcare settings don't have any protocol for Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), and monitoring facilities. The main factor of Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR) is the availability and accessibility of antibiotics and the dealers who supply antibiotics. Patients consume antibiotics without consulting any qualified doctor. The COVID-19 pandemic and the occurrence of AMR have escalated the use of antibiotics. Abuse of antibiotics in the animal industry is a worrying trend. The Bangladesh National Action Plan 2017 on AMR (BNAP), however, persuaded the top court to issue a ruling restricting the sale of antibiotics without a prescription and to establish an antibiotic surveillance system across the nation. The BNAP on AMR policy has been more effectively implemented thanks to multi-sectoral cooperation. Conclusion To monitor current facilities and spot trends in antibiotic resistance, a multi-sectoral regulatory organization specifically focused on AMR is desperately needed.

Rickshaw Paintings of Bangladesh: Representation of Reality, Evolution of Art and Preservation

Rickshaw painting is one of the popular art forms of Bangladesh. It is also a symbol of Bangladeshi culture. But with the passage of time the subject of rickshaw pictures has changed. For various reasons, various topics and events have taken place in the rickshaw painting. This research has tried to investigate the past and present of the rickshaw painting, content of the rickshaw painting and its variations and some factors that have affected the rickshaw painting most over the time. In order to know all these issues, 14 rickshaw painters living in different regions of the country were interviewed to collect primary data and the rickshaw paintings stored in the Bangladesh National Museum were reviewed and thematically analyzed. Also the help of various books, journals, magazines, newspapers and other published information has been taken to achieve research objectives. This research reveals that apart from the topics discussed at different times, rickshaw paintings are being made considering the political and social context more. The research results also show that various types of contemporary events, morals, sermons, scenes and some popular topics have appeared again and again in rickshaw paintings. Various problems of rickshaw filming have been identified in this study. One of the problems is the industrialization and commercialization of rickshaw paintings. As a result the whole rickshaw painting industry is under serious threat. The study unveils that many rickshaws are now using digital banners instead of traditional rickshaw painting. Rickshaw painting is soon going to be included in the world immeasurable cultural heritage list from our own heritage. Therefore more research is needed to protect and preserve this industry. The research makes a contribution in understanding the content, evolution and problems of folk art of Bangladesh.

Characterization of Road Traffic Air and Noise Pollution at Mymensingh City

The study aimed to investigate the concentration of atmospheric particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10), carbon monoxide (CO) and sound level from traffic areas in Mymensingh city. Airveda air quality monitor, Testo 317-3 and sound level meter were used to measure the concentration of particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10), CO and sound level, respectively. Samples were collected from twenty-one locations for consecutive seven days. The PM2.5 concentration fluctuated from 63 µgm-3 to 231.14 µgm-3 where the average concentrations were 99.85 µgm-3, 109.54 µgm-3 and 114.70 µgm-3 during morning, noon and afternoon, respectively. The highest PM2.5 was found at Bypass Mor (231.14 µgm-3) during the afternoon whereas the lowest concentration was observed at Notun Bazar (63 µgm-3) during noon. The PM10 concentration varied from 94.57 µgm-3 to 614.57 µgm-3 and the average concentration of PM10 was 163.78 µgm-3, 205.04 µgm-3 and 157.14 µgm-3 during morning, noon and afternoon, respectively. The lowest concentration was found at Trishal bus stand (94.57 µgm-3) during the morning. The CO concentration ranged from 1.28 ppm to 84.86 ppm whereas the mean values were 16.23 ppm, 24.80 ppm, and 17.35 ppm during morning, noon and evening, respectively. The highest concentration was found at Bridge Mor (84.86 ppm) during noon whereas the lowest concentration was found at Kewatkhali (1.28 ppm) during afternoon. The sound levels varied from 46.6 dB to 123.6 dB whereas the mean values were 76.80 dB, 81.41 dB and 91.08 dB during morning, noon and evening, respectively. The highest sound level was found at Burapeer Mazar (102.22 dB) whereas the lowest sound occurred at Jobbar Mor (49.91 dB). Considering the concentration of particulate matter, CO and sound level, it is concluded that these values were higher than the values observed in most of the European cities and also exceeded the Bangladesh National Ambient Air Quality Standard.

Rickshaw Paintings of Bangladesh: Representation of Reality, Evolution of Art and Preservation

Rickshaw painting is one of the popular art forms of Bangladesh. It is also a symbol of Bangladeshi culture. But with the passage of time the subject of rickshaw pictures has changed. For various reasons, various topics and events have taken place in the rickshaw painting. This research has tried to investigate the past and present of the rickshaw painting, content of the rickshaw painting and its variations and some factors that have affected the rickshaw painting most over the time. In order to know all these issues, 14 rickshaw painters living in different regions of the country were interviewed to collect primary data and the rickshaw paintings stored in the Bangladesh National Museum were reviewed and thematically analyzed. Also the help of various books, journals, magazines, newspapers and other published information has been taken to achieve research objectives. This research reveals that apart from the topics discussed at different times, rickshaw paintings are being made considering the political and social context more. The research results also show that various types of contemporary events, morals, sermons, scenes and some popular topics have appeared again and again in rickshaw paintings. Various problems of rickshaw filming have been identified in this study. One of the problems is the industrialization and commercialization of rickshaw paintings. As a result the whole rickshaw painting industry is under serious threat. The study unveils that many rickshaws are now using digital banners instead of traditional rickshaw painting. Rickshaw painting is soon going to be included in the world immeasurable cultural heritage list from our own heritage. Therefore more research is needed to protect and preserve this industry. The research makes a contribution in understanding the content, evolution and problems of folk art of Bangladesh.

Enhancing Community Engagement and Outreach: Strategies for Information Dissemination at the Bangladesh National Museum

Museums, traditional custodians of cultural heritage, are adapting to the digital age. The Bangladesh National Museum faces the challenge of effectively disseminating information to engage with an evolving, diverse audience. This research explores strategies for enhancing community engagement and outreach through innovative information dissemination. Using a mixed-methods approach, including surveys and interviews with museum visitors, staff, and community members, this study captures quantitative and qualitative data. It emphasizes contemporary roles, such as inclusivity, accessibility, and relevance. Findings offer insights into current community engagement and information dissemination at the Bangladesh National Museum. Recommendations, informed by visitor perspectives and global best practices, empower the museum to navigate the digital era while preserving its core role as a cultural steward and educator. By enhancing information dissemination, the museum can bridge cultural understanding, foster lifelong learning, and contribute to sustainable societal development.

Clinical and Laboratory Profile of Dengue Cases in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Bangladesh: An Archival Research

Background: Given the increase in the dengue fever incidence in recent years in Bangladesh, and the absence of specific treatment, it is essential to examine the risk factors that contribute to its severity in Bangladesh. As such a study had never been undertaken, the aim of this research is to determine the percentage of patients with dengue severe form and the risk factors associated with this adverse disease progression. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in 2020 and involved the archival records of 257 patients whose Clinical Record Forms (CRFs) indicated that they had contracted dengue fever (as confirmed by their laboratory findings) during the July−September 2019 dengue outbreak in Dhaka. In accordance with Bangladesh's National Dengue Guidelines, individuals in whom severe plasma leakage, severe bleeding requiring intervention, and/or severe organ involvement was noted, were classified as having had severe dengue form. Results: Severe dengue fever affected approximately 50% of the sample population of this study. Multivariate regression model indicated that its prevalence was greater among females (OR = 2.07, 95% CI = 1.16−3.74), as well as patients with joint pain (OR = 2.31, 95% CI = 1.34−3.99), bleeding history (OR = 2.71, 95% CI = 1.40−5.24), and a platelet count < 10,000/cumm (OR = 4.18, 95% CI = 1.41−12.41). Conclusion: In the analyzed sample, dengue fever typically manifested as body aches, vomiting, and headache, as was more likely to progress to the severe form if a patient was female, had a history of bleeding, and had a platelet count below 10,000/cumm. These findings could help physicians manage severe dengue fever more promptly and effectively.

Comparison of Wind Load among Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC) and Other International Codes

Comparison of Wind Load among Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC) and Other International Codes

The integrity of the antimicrobial supply chain in Bangladesh: assessing the regulatory environment and contextual challenges.

Most low- and middle-income countries lack theregulatory capacity to contain substandard and falsified (SF) medicines. Innovations for strengthening regulatory systems are needed to protect public health. We assessed the integrity of the antimicrobial supply chain in Bangladesh. We employed qualitative methods comprising policy content analysis, and literature and database reviews. Using a framework modified from the World Health Organization's and the United States Pharmacopoeia's, the Bangladesh National Drug Policy (BNDP), was evaluated forprovisions on medicinesquality assurance mechanisms. We used newspaper, peer-reviewed, and post-marketing surveillance reports to assess prevalence of SF antimicrobials. The BNDP contains provisions for quality assurance. Newspaper reports identified circulation of substandard antimicrobials. We identified only six peer-review studies testing antimicrobial product quality with three studies reporting out-of-specifications products. We suggest three strategies for strengthening the regulatory system: community-based surveillance, task shifting, and technology-enabled consumer participation.

In-plane cyclic response of unreinforced masonry walls retrofitted with ferrocement

Unreinforced masonries are weak against seismic loads which necessitates their retrofitting. Ferrocement is widely used as it is cheaper than alternative methods of retrofitting. Some crucial parameters can significantly affect the performance of such retrofitted structures under cyclic loading conditions, such as: aspect ratio, difference of wire mesh arrangements & pattern of retrofitting. To quantify the impact of these parameters, this study has implemented two variations of each parameter. This study conducts experimental investigations of the ferrocement retrofitted unreinforced masonry walls (URM) and evaluation of their properties such as energy dissipation, stiffness degradation, hysteretic damping, ductility, and load deformation responses. Results show notable increase in strength after ferrocement retrofitting of URM walls. Retrofitting of URM walls with inexpensive material such as ferrocement is gaining popularity, our research is guided towards finding the in-plane cyclic load characteristics of such method of retrofitting. Sample walls were prepared in two categories: (1) Long walls (aspect ratio 0.57) and (2) Short walls (aspect ratio 1). A total of ten clay masonry walls (five for each category) were constructed with reinforced concrete base slab. The first variable parameter for the tests was ferrocement coating difference. Some sample walls were retrofitted completely even the base slab & wall panel connection point while on some walls the ferrocement lamination was only applied on the wall panels. Steel wire mesh’s opening size is another crucial variable test parameter. Two different wire mesh opening sizes: (1) 3.2 × 3.6 mm and (2) 8.5 × 8.5 mm were used on the walls. One control specimen with no retrofitting for both short and long walls were prepared for test comparison purpose. Laterally reversed cyclic loads and vertical loads both were applied to the sample walls during tests. Improvements in hysteretic damping, stiffness, energy dissipation and ductility were scrutinized in particular. Finally, a comparison was drawn between the test findings and allowable load provisions prescribed in the Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC) 1993.

Preventive Measures and Management Systems against Diseases and Abnormalities of Indian Peafowl in Bangladesh National Zoo

The wild and domesticated peafowls are prone to many bacterial, viral and parasitic infectious diseases. Various factors are contributing to infections in peafowls. However, there is very little published data on preventive measures and management systems against disease conditions and abnormalities of Indian peafowl. Therefore, we aim to identify the disease conditions and different abnormalities as well as its management in captivity. The research was done from April 2015 to December 2018 in Bangladesh National Zoo (BNZ) by direct interacting, observing, using structured questionnaire and taking data from record book. Vaccine against ND, fowl pox and avian influenza were used for Indian peafowl in BNZ for combating against those diseases. Without this medication against parasitic infestation was started from 4 month of age and later continued regularly six months’ interval. Some vitamin mineral and nutrients substances also used regularly for preventing several abnormalities and diseases. Routine checkup was also found to prevent diseases, abnormalities. A well management system has developed in relation with feeds, feeding system, and habitats for making protection against abnormalities, diseases and predators of Indian peafowl. The house was made with good protection system for entering predators and also the visitors which help to protect predation and disturbing of visitors. Without this cleaning regularly, proper drainage system, controlling for entering predators and enough spaces in houses also help in protection against abnormalities, diseases and predators. Feeds and feeding system was also found very good like regular fresh feed supply, balanced feed supply and nutrias feed supply all the year round to their peafowl’s. Without this properly brooding of peachicks also, help to prevent many diseases as well as express good growth performance. A veterinary hospital in the BNZ premises provides regular monitoring of their health status and suggests good quality management practices for all animals including Indian peafowl.

Proposal of Resilient Housing Features for the Disaster Affected Community of Bangladesh

Thinking resiliency in terms of housing features for post disaster housing reconstruction (PDHR) is a paramount initiative after a disaster. Therefore, the aim of this research is to ascertain the demands of the disaster victims and propose a wind-resistant, resilient housing prototype that would be affordable. Based on a three-month survey of the region severely damaged by Cyclone SIDR in Bangladesh, this research argues that PDHR’s planning features are significantly short of the victims’ choice, need, and demand, forcing them to quickly modify or transform the reconstructed houses. Based on the survey, a prototype covering an area of 37.21 sq. m (400 sq. ft) with a hybrid construction technique and a cost model are proposed that will be a resilient solution against cyclones and other natural hazards. Additionally, the proposed house was modeled using finite elements, and its findings are within the International Building Code’s allowable limits. In conclusion, this paper proposes some guidelines to strengthen Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC) that would enable to build a resilient housing society in the disaster-prone areas.

Evaluation of herbal ingredients used in an ethno-polyherbal formulation for treating menorrhagia and dysmenorrhea in Bangladesh

BackgroundGlobally, gynecological complications such as menorrhagia and dysmenorrhea lack attention. A female folk medicine practitioner (FMP) residing in the Thakurgaon district of Bangladesh, uses a phytomedicine that has explicitly been prescribed for many years to treat abnormal uterine bleeding accompanying severe lower abdominal pain. ObjectiveWe aim to corroborate original ethno-phytomedicine data that was prescribed for menorrhagia and dysmenorrhea treatment, by studying the evidence-based therapeutic efficacy of medicinal plants and the potential role of gut microbiota in relevant phytopharmacology. MethodsFirst, we documented the process of the phytomedicine preparation by visiting the folk practitioner with her Prior Informed Consent and completed the plant's taxonomic identification from Bangladesh National Herbarium. This was followed by the study of relevant literature available on PubMed and Google Scholar databases to elucidate the scientific efficacy of the herbal ingredients used in the phytomedicine preparation. ResultsThe plant species Phyllanthus reticulatus, Piper nigrum, and Acacia catechu was used as ingredients in the phytomedicine preparation, which has been corroborated by phytochemical and pharmacological data, as well as previous ethnopharmacological uses. The accumulated information aids to hypothesize that a phytochemical, catechin in Acacia catechu and Piper nigrum might act as β-glucuronidase and aromatase inhibitor to balance estrogen levels of patients with menorrhagia and dysmenorrhea. ConclusionAs traditional phytomedicines are suffering from a lack of standardization parameters compared to modern synthetic drugs, the implementation of advanced technologies and emerging scientific strategies can significantly impact the scientific validity, quality, and standardization of traditional herbal medicines. The present study suggests further biological research towards a more updated standardized phytomedicine formulation that can effectively treat menorrhagia and dysmenorrhea.