Browsing by Author "Aziz, Md. Abdul"

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A Study on Turbulence and MHD Turbulence
(University of Rajshahi, 2009) Aziz, Md. Abdul; Sarker, M. Shamsul Alam; Azad, M. Abul Kalam
Turbulent motions are very common in nature. The theory of turbulent motion has received considerable attention in recent developments of high-speed jet aircraft, plasma physics and chemical engineering. The formation of a turbulent boundary layer is one of the most frequently encountered phenomena in high-speed aerodynamics. Turbulence occurs nearly everywhere; in the oceans, in the atmosphere, in rivers even in stars and galaxies. It occurs when an airplane hits an air pocket. Much like there are currents in the ocean, there are currents in the air. Winds disturbed by thunderstorms or mountains are just one of the many causes of turbulence. In turbulent flow, the motion of the fluid is steady so far as the temporal mean values of velocities and the pressures are concerned where as actually both velocities and the pressures are irregularly fluctuating. The velocity and pressure distributions in turbulent flows as well as the energy losses are determined mainly by turbulent fluctuations. The essential characteristic of turbulent flows is that the turbulent fluctuations are random in nature. It is common experience that the flow observed in nature such as rivers and winds usually differ from stream flow or laminar flow of a viscous fluid. The mean motion of such flows does not satisfy the Navier-Stokes equations for a viscous fluid. Such flows, which occur at high Reynolds numbers, are often termed turbulent flows. Atmospheric scientists define "turbulence" as "a state of fluid flow in which the instantaneous velocities exhibit irregular and apparently random fluctuations." Those "irregular fluctuations" of the flow create the bumps. With sufficient disturbances the result is known as turbulence. The instability of laminar flow at a high Reynolds numbers, are causes disruption of the laminar pattern of fluid motion. In fluid dynamics, turbulence or turbulent flow is a fluid regime characterized by chaotic, stochastic property changes. Turbulence is one of those few things that many don't understand. It's not a hard concept at all. At least, the technical people understand the meaning of turbulence. The use of the word "Turbulence" to characterize a certain type of flow, namely, the counterpart of streamline motion 1s comparatively recent. Reynolds,0. [112] made the first systematic experimental investigation of turbulent flow. The turbulent motion of fluid was described by Reynolds [112], one of the pioneers in the study of turbulent flows as "sinuous motion" because fluid particles in turbulent flow appeared to follow sinusoidal or irregular paths. The word "Turbulence" means: agitation, commotion, disturbance etc. Turbulence is rather a familiar notion; yet it is not easy to define in such a way as to cover the detailed characteristic comprehended in it and to make the definition agree with the modern view of it held by professionals in this field of applied science. Taylor and Vonkarman [146) suggested that, "Turbulence is an irregular motion which in general makes its appearance in fluids, gaseous or liquid, when they flow past solid surface or even when neighboring streams of the same fluid flow past or over one another". According to this definition, the flow has to satisfy the condition of irregularity. But this irregularity is a very important feature. Because of irregularity, it is impossible to describe the motion in all details as a function of time and space co-ordinates. But fortunately turbulent motion is irregular in the sense that it is possible to describe it by laws of probability. It appears possible to indicate distinct average values of various quantities, such as velocity, pressure, temperature, etc and this is very important. It is not sufficient just to say that turbulence is an irregular motion yet we do not have clear-cut definition of turbulence. In 1975, Hinze [51] gave the definition, "Turbulent fluid motion is an irregular condition of flow in which various quantities show a random variation with time and space co-ordinates, so that statistically distinct average values can be discerned". Turbulence is a form of movement which is characterized by an irregular or agitated motion. Both liquids and gases can exhibit turbulence, and a number of factors can contribute to the formation of turbulence. The addition "with time and space co-ordinates" is necessary; it is not sufficient to define turbulent motion as irregular in time alone. For instance, the case in which a given quantity of a fluid is moved bodily in an irregular way; the motion of each part of the fluid is then irregular with respect to time to a stationary observer, but not to an observer moving with the fluid. Nor is turbulent motion, a motion that is irregular in space alone, became a steady flow with an irregular flow pattern might then come under the definition of turbulence.
Adverse Impacts of Social Networking Sites on Academic Result: Investigation, Cause Identification and Solution
(Scopus, 2019) Tamal, Maruf Ahmed; Antora, Maharunnasha; Aziz, Md. Abdul; Miah, Pabel
Social networking sites (SNS) have become more prevalent over the previous decade. Interactive design and addictive characteristics have made SNS an almost indispensable part of life, particularly among university learners. Previous studies have shown that excessive use of SNS adversely affects learners' academic success as well as mental health. However, still now, there is a lack of clear evidence of the actual rationalization behind these adverse effects. Concurrently, any significant preventive measures are not yet introduced to counter the excessive use of SNS, particularly for students. To bridge this gap, considering a view of 1862 students (male = 1183, female = 659), the current study investigates how and in which way spending time in SNS negatively influences students’ academic performance. Correlation and regression analyses showed that there is a powerful negative correlation between students’ spending time in social media (STISM) and their educational outcome. Simultaneously, our investigation indicates that classroom standing social media use and late night social media use result in poor educational outcome of the students. Based on the findings of the investigation, an Android based application framework called SMT (Social Media Tracker) is designed and partially implemented to minimize the engagement between students and SNS.
ANALYSIS OF MODELING RESULTS FOR RIVER BANK PROTECTION OF THE MOST VULNERABLE PART OF TAZUMUDDIN UPAZILA UNDER BHOLA DISTRICT
(R&D Wing, MIST, 2009-12) Aziz, Md. Abdul; Alam, Rubayat; Mahamud, Upal; Haque Khan, Zahirul
Bhola is the largest Island of Bangladesh situated in the south central region (latitude approximately from 430000N to 525000N and longitude 555000E to 590000E) of Bangladesh in the highly dynamic Meghna Estuary. In recent years the erosion along eastern shoreline of Bhola Island has become a serious issue. Attempts are taken to establish the base line condition to simulate the natural phenomena. Baseline condition for Tazumuddin Upazilla (under Bhola district) has been developed based on hydrodynamic and morphological modelling and historical data of bank line shifting, thalweg line shifting, bathymetric data, char movement etc. To calibrate and validate the model water levels and discharge are successfully calibrated. From modeling result, erosion/deposition pattern at and outside the protective works, new vulnerable areas due to revetment have been identified. Hydrodynamic (HD) simulations during ebb tide the maximum depth integrated near bank velocity is found within the range of 1.5-3.0 m/s along the riverbank of Tazumuddin and 1.0-1.5 m/s along the riverbank of Lalmohan. Morphological simulation shows the channel is further extended towards the south-east part. Further computational simulation showed that channel in front of Tazumuddin become deeper and it is extended more towards the south-east direction. From bathymetry survey data in May, 05 it is found that there is a tendency to deepen the channel in front of Tazumuddin where protective work was suggested and the deep channel is further extended towards south-east direction like simulation result. So it can be concluded that simulation result and real condition near Tazumuddin follows the same trend of channel development.
Antidiabetic Potential of Commonly Available Fruit Plants in Bangladesh: Updates on Prospective Phytochemicals and Their Reported MoAs
(Scopus, 22-12-08) Alam, Safaet; Hasan, Anik Dhar Muhib; Richi, Fahmida Tasnim; Emon, Nazim Uddin; Aziz, Md. Abdul; Mamun, Abdullah Al; Chowdhury, Md. Nafees Rahman; Hossain, Md. Jamal; Kim, Jin Kyu; Kim, Bonglee; Hasib, Md. Sadman; Zihad, S. M. Neamul Kabir; Haque, Mohammad Rashedul; Mohamed, Isa Naina; Rashid, Mohammad A.
Diabetes mellitus is a life-threatening disorder affecting people of all ages and adversely disrupts their daily functions. Despite the availability of numerous synthetic-antidiabetic medications and insulin, the demand for the development of novel antidiabetic medications is increasing due to the adverse effects and growth of resistance to commercial drugs in the long-term usage. Hence, antidiabetic phytochemicals isolated from fruit plants can be a very nifty option to develop life-saving novel antidiabetic therapeutics, employing several pathways and MoAs (mechanism of actions). This review focuses on the antidiabetic potential of commonly available Bangladeshi fruits and other plant parts, such as seeds, fruit peals, leaves, and roots, along with isolated phytochemicals from these phytosources based on lab findings and mechanism of actions. Several fruits, such as orange, lemon, amla, tamarind, and others, can produce remarkable antidiabetic actions and can be dietary alternatives to antidiabetic therapies. Besides, isolated phytochemicals from these plants, such as swertisin, quercetin, rutin, naringenin, and other prospective phytochemicals, also demonstrated their candidacy for further exploration to be established as antidiabetic leads. Thus, it can be considered that fruits are one of the most valuable gifts of plants packed with a wide spectrum of bioactive phytochemicals and are widely consumed as dietary items and medicinal therapies in different civilizations and cultures. This review will provide a better understanding of diabetes management by consuming fruits and other plant parts as well as deliver innovative hints for the researchers to develop novel drugs from these plant parts and/or their phytochemicals.
Assessment of Quality Management System and Intervention of Lean Six Sigma Tools in a Ready Made Garments (RMG) Factory
(Department of Mechanical and Production Engineering, 2021-03-30) Nafiz, Afsan; Aziz, Md. Abdul
Quality Management Systems have become an integral part of modern manufacturing processes. Lean Manufacturing approach, Six Sigma Methodologies and the various tools of Lean Six Sigma approaches are increasingly being applied to improve and sustain the production process. Pareto Charts, Cause and Effect Diagram, 5 Whys Analysis, Control Charts, etc. are some of the most popular tools that modern industries are implementing in order to maximize their production rate and minimize waste and non-value-added activities. Implementation of Advanced Control Charts is one the innovative means of determining the status quo of the production line and to recognize the trends associated with a particular production line. But in the current perspective of the manufacturing industries of Bangladesh, this invaluable process control tool is not being used to full effect. Also, the root cause analysis tools like Cause-and-Effect Diagram, 5 Whys Analysis, etc. are scarcely used in the industries, leading to fewer effective measures being taken to mitigate major defects and problems. In this study, initially we reviewed a number of advanced control chart, in order to find the most suitable one for implementation in the manufacturing industries of Bangladesh. Then a P-chart was implemented in the sewing department of a renowned RMG industry of Bangladesh to determine the defect rate and trend. After that various quality control tool like Pareto Chart, Cause and Effect Diagram and 5 Whys Analysis were implemented to find out the root causes of the defects and to provide some effective corrective action plan. Finally, a questionnaire survey was undertaken among the industry leaders to determine the best suitable lean six sigma tool for implementation in the RMG industries of Bangladesh.
Genotypic and Phenotypic Characterization of Some Selected and Standard Clones of Tea [Camellia Sinensis (L) O. Kuntze]
(University of Rajshahi, 2013) Aziz, Md. Abdul; Hossain, M. Monzur
Present investigation was under taken with a view to study and evaluates the extent of genetic variation present among 12 selected tea genotypes. This study also includes the analyses of major biochemical and nutritional components present in the selected tea genotype. In addition, the extent of genetic diversity was also assessed with RAPD markers among the 12 tea genotypes. The 12 tea genotypes selected for this study were MZ/39, E/4, D/13, B2×T1, Br/2/97, SDL/1, BT2, Ph/9/4, Ph/9/25, Ph/9/40, BS-67 and BT5 collected from the germplasm repository of Bangladesh Tea Research Institute (BTRI). All the field experiments were conducted in the experimental field of BTRI at Srimongal in Moulvibazar district, Bangladesh. The laboratory experiments were conducted in the Plant Breeding and Gene Engineering Laboratory of the Department of Botany, University of Rajshahi. In order to study the extent of variability, 15 quantitative characters viz., angle of the first branch, height, length and breadth of the plucking surface, length, breadth, length and breadth ratio, and leaf angle of the fifth leaf, pluck able shoot length, fresh weight, dry weight and fresh and dry weight ratio of pluck able shoots, leaf area and shoot density of pluck able shoots, and pluck able shoot yield/plant were used as parameters. The data on these characters were statistically analyzed to calculate the variability, coefficients of variability, heritability, genetic advance as % of mean, principal component of variation, correlation coefficient, path coefficient analysis and genetic diversity. The results of this study reveal that the presences of wide range of variations for almost all the quantitative characters were found. In the present study, the highest genotypic component of variation (GCV) was observed for pluck able shoot yield/plant followed by leaf area of the pluck able shoot, leaf angle of the fifth leaf and shoot density. These results suggest that the greater extent of variability in most of the characters was genetic in nature which are less affected by environment and hence could be improved through selection. Heritability estimates in broad sense were relatively high for almost all the characters studied. In the present study high heritability estimates for leaf breadth, leaf angle, leaf length and breadth ratio and the length of the fifth leaf, dry weight, leaf area and fresh weight of pluck able shoots, and angle of the first branch were found associated with high genetic advance as percentage of mean, which suggested that the scope of improvement of these characters through selection. Out of 14 quantitative characters, five yield contributing characters viz., height of the plucking surface, length of the plucking surface, breadth of the plucking surface, angle of the first branch and shoot density selected through Ridge regression were subjected for correlation coefficient and path coefficient analysis. Correlation coefficient analysis showed that the pluck able shoot yield/plant was positively and significantly correlated with height, length, breadth of the plucking surface and shoot density. Path coefficient analysis using genotypic correlation reveals that height and length of plucking surface and shoot density had direct positive influence on leaf yield. These characters also showed significant positive correlation with yield. Therefore, selection on the basis of these characters should get preference for future improvement of pluck able shoot yield. The results of principal component analysis (PCA) reveal that the first two principal components accounted for 46.92% of the total variance. Genetic diversity among the 12 genotypes as determined using multivariate analysis shows that the 12 tea genotypes could be grouped into two different clusters (C1 and C2). The maximum numbers of genotypes were included in Cluster 1. The evaluation of the tea quality through organoleptic test reveals the significant difference in total tea quality tasting score among the 12 genotypes. According to the tasters’ quality score, all genotypes could be categorized as good (above average) quality except Ph/9/40 which was categorized as average. The results on antioxidant activity reveal that the amount of total phenolic compounds was significantly different among the tea genotypes. Among the 12 genotypes, the highest amount of phenolics was found in BT5. The content of phenolics in the leaf extracts correlates with the antioxidant activity. The total antioxidant capacity determined as equivalent to ascorbic acid of the methanolic extract of fresh leaves of 12 tea genotypes were also significantly different among which BT5 performed the highest antioxidant capacity. The DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) assay of free radical scavenging activity of the methanolic extract of leaf compared with butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) at 519 nm shows that the highest antioxidant activity (IC50 value of 39 μg/ml) in BT5 genotype. The biochemical and nutritional components viz., gallic acid, theobromine, theophylline, caffeine, epigallocatechin, catechin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin gallet, gallocatechin gallet, epicatechin gallet and catechin gallet were analyzed in methanolic leaf extracts of 12 different tea genotypes through HPLC. The results reveal that among the 12 genotypes, Ph/9/25 showed the highest percentage of gallic acid, whereas no gallic acid was found in the genotypes D/13, B2×T1 and BS-67. The tea genotypes MZ/39, E/4, Ph/9/25 and Ph/9/40 showed the highest amount of total alkaloid content (theophylline, theobromine and caffeine). The highest amount caffeine content was recorded in Ph/9/40 followed by MZ/39 and Ph/9/25. The caffeine content was the lowest in BS-67. On the other hand, among all the genotypes, total catechin content was the highest in D/13 followed by E/4 and MZ/39. Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) assay was performed to estimate the genetic diversity among the twelve tea genotypes.The genomic DNA amplified with ten decamer primers (OPA-7, OPA-9, OPA-10, OPB-10, OPB-13, OPC-9, OPC-17, OPD-3, OPD8 and OPD-15) showed total 83 distinct score able bands of which 64 (77.18%) bands were polymorphic. The highest percentage polymorphic loci were found in OPC9 and e the lowest loci (60%) in OPA9. The highest genetic distance was found between the Ph/9/25 and MZ/39 whereas the lowest genetic distance was found in SDL/1 and MZ/39. By The consensus phylogenetic dendogram generated using PAST (PAleontological STatistics) programme based on genetic distances segregated the twelve tea genotype into three different groups as clusters. Genotype E/4, D/13, MZ/39 and SDL/1 formed group A cluster, genotype B2×T1, BT2 and BT5 made group B cluster and Br2/97, Ph/9/4 and genotype Ph/9/40 grouped in C cluster. The result indicates the genetic diversity among the tea genotypes and RAPD marker could be used for improvement of tea cultivars.
Heart Disease Prediction Based on External Factors
(International Journal of Advanced Computer Science and Applications, 2019) Tamal, Maruf Ahmed; Islam, Md Saiful; Ahmmed, Md Jisan; Aziz, Md. Abdul; Miah, Pabel; Rezaul, Karim Mohammed
Technology has immensely changed the world over the last decade. As a consequence, the life of the people is undergoing multiple changes that directly have positive and negative effects on health. Less physical activity and a lot of virtual involvements are pushing people into various health-related issues and heart disease is one of them. Currently, it has gained a great deal of attention among various life-threatening diseases. Heart disease can be detected or diagnosed by different medical tests by considering various internal factors. However, this type of approach is not only time-consuming but also expensive. Concurrently, there are very few studies conducted on heart disease prediction based on external factors. To bridge this gap, we proposed a heart disease prediction model based on the machine learning approach which enables predicting heart disease with 95% accuracy. To acquire the best result, 6 distinct machine learning classifiers (Decision Tree, Random Forest, Naive Bayes, Support Vector Machine, Quadratic Discriminant, and Logistic Regression) were used. At the same time, sklearn.ensemble. Extra Trees Classifier has been used to extract relevant features to improve predictive accuracy and control over-fitting. Findings reveal that Support Vector Machine (SVM) outperforms the others with greater accuracy (95%)
Impacts of pathogenic mutations and XmnI polymorphism on the severity of haemoglobin E β-thalassaemia patients in Bangladesh
(© University of Dhaka, 2025-07-07) Aziz, Md. Abdul
Background: Haemoglobin E β-thalassaemia is a common blood disorder in South Asia, especially Bangladesh. The disorder can range from mild and asymptomatic anemia to life-threatening anemia. Patients with asymptomatic anemia do not require blood transfusions in their lifetime. Mild Hb E beta thalassaemia patients require occasional blood transfusions. However, patients with life-threatening anemia need frequent blood transfusions. The presence of XmnI polymorphism with specific mutation led to a delay of blood transfusions, higher haemoglobin levels, better response to hydroxyurea treatment, and milder phenotypic presentation among Hb E β thalassaemia patients. Aims: The aim of this study is to examine how the HBB gene mutations and the XmnI polymorphism affect the severity and transfusion needs of haemoglobin E β thalassaemia patients. Methodology: In this study, a total of 360 Hb E β-thalassaemia patients were included. The seven common HBB mutations in Bangladesh were detected by amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS) method, and rare/novel mutations were detected by Sanger sequencing. Moreover, XmnI (PdmI) restriction site was detected by XmnI (PdmI) restriction enzyme digestion. Results: Among the subjects in this research, 62.5% (n=225) were regular transfusion dependent, 22.8% (n=82) were occasionally transfusion-dependent, 8.1% (n=29) were one-time transfusion patients, and 6.7% (n=24) were transfusion-independent patients. This study identified a total of thirteen pathogenic mutations among the 360 Hb E β thalassaemia patients. The most common mutation was IVS 1-5 (G>C), accounting for 57.8% (n=208) of cases, followed by Fr 41/42(-CTTT) 12.2% (n=44), codon 30 (G>C) 8.3% (n=30), Fr 8/9 (+G) 7.5% (n=27), codon 16 (-C) 3.9% (n=14), and codon 15 (G>A) 2.8% (n=10). The study also identified six rare mutations, including -90(C>T) 3.1% (n=11), IVS-I-130(G>A) 3.1% (n=11), IVS II-654 (C>T) 0.6% (n=2), and -30 (T>C) 0.3% (n=1), codon 14/15 (+G) 0.3% (n=1) and -29 (A>G) 0.3% (n=1). Of these, -29 (A>G) had not been reported previously in Bangladesh. Page | v This study found that those with codon 16 (-C) mutation required regular transfusions, while those with codon 30 (G>C) mutations had the least transfusion dependency (6.7%). Patients with codon 30 (G>C) mutations had the highest response to hydroxyurea therapy (76.7% (n=23)) (p=0.051), while patients with Codon 16 (-C) mutations had the lowest response (0% (n=14)) (p=0.057). Codon 16 (-C) mutation was associated with the least HbF (mean ± SD= 24.8±7.7%), while codon 30 (G>C) mutation was associated with the highest HbF (mean ± SD= 41.9±16.10%). Regarding XmnI polymorphism, Codon 16 (-C) mutation was associated with the highest wild type (-/-) (n=11) genotype (p=0.153), while codon 30 (G>C) mutation was associated with the highest homozygous mutated (+/+) (n=11) and the least wild type (-/-) (n=4) of XmnI polymorphism genotype (p=0.157). Conclusion: The outcomes of this study will be useful for developing treatment strategies involving HU therapy and for managing Hb E β-thalassemia patients in Bagladesh.
In-Depth Investigation of Different Segmentation Techniques on Local Fish Images
(Daffodil International University, 2019-12) Aziz, Md. Abdul
Over the year’s pictures are one of the major information sharing outlets. Nowadays Image segmentation is used to identifying the objects as well as boundaries in the images. Due to the advancement of computer vision technology I try to investigate different image segmentation techniques on local fish images. There are several algorithms proposed for segmenting an image. In this paper five segmentation techniques for local fishes are discussed, they are Otsu Method for Thresholding Algorithm, Histogram based Algorithm, K-means Segmentation Algorithm, Edge Detection Algorithm, Region Growing Algorithm. The results revealed that the Otsu Method for Thresholding Algorithm has achieved a very good result comparing with other techniques. A fish dataset consisting of real-world images was tested. More than 90% accuracy has been achieved, which appears to be good and promising by comparing the performances obtained with the relevant works recently reported.
Linux system and network administration
(Daffodil International University, 2018-05) Aziz, Md. Abdul
Linux is, in simplest terms, an operating system. It is the software on a computer that enables applications and the computer operator to access the devices on the computer to perform desired functions. The operating system (OS) relays instructions from an application to, for instance, the computer's processor. The processor performs the instructed task then sends the results back to the application via the operating system. The medium or large size organizations need a server system to maintain their complex IT infrastructure. Peer-to-peer networks make problematic in the way of security and resource sharing for medium or large size organization. As the server is little expensive, here I try to design a cost effective server system of this type of organization. This system provides almost all the service need by an organization to maintain their infrastructure. This system increases reliability and network security for their network. The organization which wants to adopt this system can easily use this system for its reliability rather than other systems present in the market. This design is implemented using VMware Workstation 10.0 and CentOS 6.5. After implementation of all service, this system is tested in different stages and it works successfully as a prototype. In the future I need to improve centralize login system to get better performance for windows users.
Procurement effectiveness in Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) under IDA and GoB funded projects
(BRAC University, 2014-12) Aziz, Md. Abdul; Islam, Dr. Md. Zohurul
In 1999, WB and ADB conducted joint review of the country portfolio procurement performance and prepared an action plan for government on public procurement. The World Bank in agreement with the Government of Bangladesh (GoB) has prepared the Country Procurement Assessment Report (CPAR) in 2002 and identified several deficiencies in the procurement system of the GoB. As per recommendations of the CPAR, the GoB established a procurement policy unit within the Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED) under planning ministry. GoB then issued “The Public Procurement Regulations 2003” in September 2003 for streamlining the process and to ensure unified procurement systems for government’s departments as well as autonomous, semi-autonomous bodies and corporations. In July’ 2006 GoB then enacted “The Public Procurement Act, 2006” (PPA 2006) and consequently in January’ 2008 issued “The Public Procurement Rules, 2008” (PPR 2008) to ensure transparency and accountability in the procurement of goods, works and services using public funds. On the other hand, the world bank guidelines are used for the procurement under IDA financed project. The objectives of the research was to study the effectiveness of the procurement course of actions in LGED under IDA and GoB funded projects as well as to find out the factors affecting procurement management systems and to suggest for further enhancement of the procurement process. The methodology of this research was a combination of literature review, questionnaire survey, key informants interview and secondary data collection from project offices. The major literatures that reviewed are world bank procurement guidelines, PPA 2006, PPR 2008, website documents, different procurement journals and reports. The questionnaire survey data were collected from 30 different levels LGED officials as well as from 8 contractors and 2 consultants. The major findings in this research are; Tender Notices floated as per Rule 61 (4) of PPR 2008 keeping sufficient time for the preparation and submission of tenders from the date of advertisement on the basis of official estimated costs. 93% and 87% of TER approved within specified timeframe for GoB funded IRIDP project and IDA financed RTIP II project respectively. The main reasons for time extension is due to fund flow crisis, shortage of labour, price hike of construction materials and natural calamities delay works. The main causes for contract variation are scope of work change, faulty estimate preparation and design variation. Barriers for proper contract implementation are; lack of commitment both PEs and contractors, lack of knowledge on procurement processing for the PE’s staffs, massive tender documents, lack of Procurement Effectiveness in LGED Page vi training and development, political influences, lack of knowledge of the contractors and their staffs, attitudal problems, fund flow crisis and so on related issues. 100% respondents commented that introduction of e-procurement system increased efficiency and decreased malpractices in the procurement process. It is observed that IDA financed RTIP II project is better performing than GoB funded IRIDP project because of better fund flow, extensive monitoring & supervision systems, application of donor’s compliances and so on related issues. Major suggestions provided by the researcher for effective implementation of the procurement process are; Publication of user friendly simplified tender documents, Strict applications of the procurement rules and regulations, Estimate should be prepared more cautiously to avoid variation order preparation, Time extension should be discouraged by applying liquidated damages, Ensuring training and development both for PE’s staffs as well as for contractor’s concern personnel for adapting them in effective procurement practices, Ensuring governance and internal control for making it more effective, Introducing reward system for better performance and punishment for poor performance for effective implementation of the contracts, Ensuring extensive use of e-procurement systems to increase efficiency, transparency and quick processing.
Pyroptosis: in Diabetic Nephropathy
(Clinica Chimica Acta, Elsevier, 2021-12) Mamun, Abdullah Al; Mimi, Anjuman Ara; Wu, Yanqing; Zaeem, Muhammad; Aziz, Md. Abdul; Suchi, Suzia Aktar; Alyafeai, Eman; Munir, Fahad; Xiao, Jian
Diabetic nephropathy (DN), a sterile inflammatory disease, is a serious complication of diabetes mellitus. However, recent evidence indicates that pyroptosis, a new term for pro-inflammatory cell death featured by gasdermin D (GSDMD)-stimulated plasma membrane pore generation, cell expansion and rapid lysis with the extensive secretion of pro-inflammatory factors, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and −18 (IL-18) may be involved in DN. Caspase-1-induced canonical and caspase-4/5/11-induced non-canonical inflammasome-signaling pathways are mainly believed to participate in pyroptosis-mediated cell death. Further research has uncovered that activation of the caspase-3/8 signaling pathway may also activate pyroptosis. Accumulating evidence has shown that NLRP3 inflammasome activation plays a critical role in promoting the pathogenesis of DN. In addition, current studies have suggested that pyroptosis-induced cell death promotes several diabetic complications that include DN. Our present study briefs the cellular mechanisms of pyroptosis-related signaling pathways and their impact on the promotion of DN. In this review, several investigational compounds suppressing pyroptosis-mediated cell death are explored as promising therapeutics in DN.
Role of Gut Microbiome in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Its Therapeutic Regulation
(Daffodil International University, 2022-07-18) Taniya, Masuma Afrin; Chung, Hea-Jong; Mamun, Abdullah Al; Alam, Safaet; Aziz, Md. Abdul; Emon, Nazim Uddin; Islam, Md. Minarul; Hong, Seong-T shool; Podder, Bristy Rani; Mimi, Anjuman Ara; Suchi, Suzia Aktar; Xiao, Jian
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological disorder that affects normal brain development. The recent finding of the microbiota–gut–brain axis indicates the bidirectional connection between our gut and brain, demonstrating that gut microbiota can influence many neurological disorders such as autism. Most autistic patients suffer from gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. Many studies have shown that early colonization, mode of delivery, and antibiotic usage significantly affect the gut microbiome and the onset of autism. Microbial fermentation of plant-based fiber can produce different types of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) that may have a beneficial or detrimental effect on the gut and neurological development of autistic patients. Several comprehensive studies of the gut microbiome and microbiota–gut–brain axis help to understand the mechanism that leads to the onset of neurological disorders and find possible treatments for autism. This review integrates the findings of recent years on the gut microbiota and ASD association, mainly focusing on the characterization of specific microbiota that leads to ASD and addressing potential therapeutic interventions to restore a healthy balance of gut microbiome composition that can treat autism-associated symptoms.
Role of Pyroptosis in Cancer and Its Therapeutic Regulation
(European Journal of Pharmacology, Elsevier, 2021-11-05) Al Mamun, Abdullah; Mimi, Anjuman Ara; Aziz, Md. Abdul; Zaeem, Muhammad; Ahmed, Tanvir; Munir, Fahad; Xiao, Jian
Pyroptosis is mainly considered a gasdermin-regulated cell death mechanism characterized by cellular lysis and the release of several pro-inflammatory factors. Nowadays, pyro ptosis has notably been gained extensive attention from clinicians and researchers. However, current studies report that down regulation of pyro ptosis-mediated cell death plays a significant role in developing multiple cancers. Increasing studies also suggest that pyro ptosis can impact all stages of carcinogenesis. Inducing pyrophoric cellular death could be a promising therapeutic option for managing and regulating multiple cancers in the near future. Our current review highlights the molecular and morphological features of pyro ptosis and its potential roles in various cancers. In addition, we have also highlighted the biological characteristics and significances of GSDMD and GSDME and their critical functions in cancer progression, management and regulation.