International Islamic University Chittagong

This research investigated the influence of information literacy on the creative skills of medical students through the mediation of lifelong learning. A cross-sectional survey was conducted for data collection among medical students, recruited through a stratified convenient sampling procedure, of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The questionnaire was personally administered by visiting each college with written permission. A total of 473 survey responses were collected and analysed using the partial least squares structural equation modelling. The results revealed that the information literacy of medical students had a direct and indirect but positive influence on their creative skills. Lifelong learning not had a direct but positive effect on creative skills but also mediated the relationship between information literacy and creative skills. The empirical evidence for how information literacy influences creative skills through the mediated role of lifelong learning may inform policy and practice for information literacy instructions. These results may help academicians and information specialists to initiate a credited or integrated course on information literacy in the curriculum of medical students not only in Pakistan but also in other developing countries. This research would be a worthwhile contribution to the existing research on information literacy as the mediated role of lifelong learning between information literacy and creative skills has never been examined so far.

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is increasing rapidly worldwide and is a major concern nowadays. Considering the growing number of children with disability, there is not enough school for the training of children diagnosed with ASD. However, schools providing the training, can not provide the best training due to a lack of skilled manpower and efficient knowledge. Besides, most schools do not properly follow the required protocols for the training program. One of the widely used protocols is the Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills (ABLLS). According to the ABLLS, for evaluating an individual, an Initial Assessment is made and then an Individual Education Plan (IEP) is created. The evaluation system is not automated. Nobody knows how much time is needed to determine the improvement of functional behavior. In this work, we have proposed a model using Multiple Linear Regression and KNN classification machine learning algorithms to determine the Autism level of a child from the initial assessment dataset. By analyzing the dataset, we have shown improvement in ASD-diagnosed children. We have run the K-means clustering algorithm to determine which group of children needs more support and which group of children needs less support. For the level detection part, our model has shown high accuracy for both real and synthetic datasets.

In this paper, numerical investigations have been performed on intricate double stratification impact with a radiative mixed convective nanofluid over a cylinder. Double stratifications comprise heat transfer used in many practical applications like power station engineering, ground-water reservoirs, thermal stratification of reservoirs, and rivers, density stratification of atmosphere, oceans, different heterogeneous mixtures, and manufacturing processing. Characteristics of heat and mass transfer have also been considered. The developing mathematical expression for momentum, energy transportation, and nano-concentration involving Brownian motion and thermophoresis inspiration are considered. The modeled equations are formulated into ordinary differential equations by applying a suitable similarity approach, which is then tackled numerically via MATLAB. Graphical illustrations of dimensionless velocity, energy, and volumetric concentration distribution are drawn against a few values of appropriate parameters. Results elucidate that enhancement occurs in the concentration profile, whereas decrement is noted for the temperature field for different values of thermophoresis and thermal stratification parameters. Our results elucidate good agreement as compared with the previously published one. The higher value of Hartmann number indicates a higher coefficient of friction.

This paper introduces an improved quadratic DC-DC boost converter to provide an ultra-high level voltage gain with the switched-capacitor cell based structure. The proposed converter has the ability to excel the output voltage gain to the ultra-high level without any voltage doubler circuit. Hence, the total number of components is less compared to the conventional topologies. The proposed converter offers reduced voltage stress on the capacitors, diodes, and semiconductor switches while generating a high voltage gain effect with a low duty cycle. In addition, the continuous source current (CSC) and input-to-output side ground-sharing features are also available for renewable energy applications. The steady-state and comparative performance analysis with similar topologies and power loss calculations are presented in this paper. Furthermore, the simulation results extracted from the Matlab/Simulink are compared and analyzed with the conventional topology. Finally, the experiments are carried out by designing a 150 W laboratory prototype where the peak efficiency is found 90% while delivering 80 W power to the load side.

In the published publication [...]

Established and well-known employers in Bangladesh often complain that suitable candidates are not available for employment in their organizations, despite the millions of unemployed graduates in the country. This bears clear witness that graduates in Bangladesh are mostly unable to fulfill the needs and expectations of established and well-known employers. Employing a qualitative research approach, this article explores the desired employability skills and graduates’ work readiness from the perspective of established and well-known employers in Bangladesh. The study identified the desired skills and traits as ‘communication’ ‘teamwork and collaboration’, ‘problem solving’, ‘computer literacy and technical skill’, ‘honesty and integrity’, ‘hardworking and willingness to take on extra work’, ‘achievement orientation’, ‘adaptability’, ‘time management’, ‘leadership’, ‘personality’ and ‘academic results and knowledge’. The study also revealed that graduates mostly lack the necessary skills as envisaged by Bangladeshi employers. As employers have outright authority in the selection of graduates, it is suggested that universities work together with industries to develop the skills and traits they demand. This is the first study, to the authors’ knowledge, to explore employability skills and graduates’ work readiness from the perspective of established and well-known employers in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh, a lower-middle-income country in South Asia, has achieved a significant reduction in child mortality over the last three decades from 151 to 40 per 1000 live births. However, child mortality is still considered high, which may be attributed to a lack of awareness among mothers regarding the risk factors, particularly their perceptions of intimate partner violence (IPV). To investigate the effect of demographic and socioeconomic factors of women on child mortality, this study extracted data from the cross-sectional survey of Bangladesh Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) 2019. The data were analyzed using a Poisson regression model to assess women’s perceptions and exposure to physical violence in the last three years preceding the survey and their impact on the risk of child mortality. The results indicated that approximately 26% of the participants justified domestic violence under certain circumstances. Moreover, the prevalence of child mortality was higher among those who thought that IPV is acceptable than among those who considered such violence to be unjustified. Among women who are strongly averse to partner violence, the risk of child mortality was significantly lower in those who had higher levels of education, higher household income, internet usage experience, first child at 20 years or later, frequent access to mass media, and one or two children ever born. Moreover, child mortality rates also varied across geographical areas, with children from Sylhet and Mymenshing being the most vulnerable. The data indicates women’s intolerable attitudes toward partner violence not only improve their status but also increase the survival chances of their young children.

Even though power conversion efficiency has already reached 25.8%, poor stability is one of the major challenges hindering the commercialization of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Several initiatives, such as structural modification and fabrication techniques by numerous ways, have been employed by researchers around the world to achieve the desired level of stability. The goal of this review is to address the recent improvements in PSCs in terms of structural modification and fabrication procedures. Perovskite films are used to provide a broad range of stability and to lose up to 20% of their initial performance. A thorough comprehension of the effect of the fabrication process on the device's stability is considered to be crucial in order to provide the foundation for future attempts. We summarize several commonly used fabrication techniques-spin coating, doctor blade, sequential deposition, hybrid chemical vapor, and alternating layer-by-layer. The evolution of device structure from regular to inverted, HTL free, and ETL including the changes in material utilization from organic to inorganic, as well as the perovskite material are presented in a systematic manner. We also aimed to gain insight into the functioning stability of PSCs, as well as practical information on how to increase their operational longevity through sensible device fabrication and materials processing, to promote PSC commercialization at the end.

A paradigm shift in power systems is observed due to the massive integration of renewable energy sources (RESs) as distributed generators. Mainly, solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and wind generators are extensively integrated with the modern power system to facilitate green efforts in the electrical energy sector. However, integrating these RESs destabilizes the frequency of the modern power system. Hitherto, the frequency control has not drawn sufficient attention due to the reduced inertia and complex control of power electronic converters associated with renewable energy conversion systems. Thus, this article provides a critical summary on the frequency control of solar PV and wind-integrated systems. The frequency control issues with advanced techniques, including inertia emulation, de-loading, and grid-forming, are summarized. Moreover, several cutting-edge devices in frequency control are outlined. The advantages and disadvantages of different approaches to control the frequency of high-level RESs integrated systems are well documented. The possible improvements of existing approaches are outlined. The key research areas are identified, and future research directions are mentioned so that cutting-edge technologies can be adopted, making the review article unique compared to the existing reviews. The article could be an excellent foundation and guidance for industry personnel, researchers, and academicians.

The glycosides of two flavonoids, naringin and naringenin, are found in various citrus fruits, bergamots, tomatoes, and other fruits. These phytochemicals are associated with multiple biological functions, including neuroprotective, antioxidant, anticancer, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiadipogenic, and cardioprotective effects. The higher glutathione/oxidized glutathione ratio in 3-NP-induced rats is attributed to the ability of naringin to reduce hydroxyl radical, hydroperoxide, and nitrite. However, although progress has been made in treating these diseases, there are still global concerns about how to obtain a solution. Thus, natural compounds can provide a promising strategy for treating many neurological conditions. Possible therapeutics for neurodegenerative disorders include naringin and naringenin polyphenols. New experimental evidence shows that these polyphenols exert a wide range of pharmacological activity; particular attention was paid to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, as well as other neurological conditions such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and chronic hyperglycemic peripheral neuropathy. Several preliminary investigations have shown promising evidence of neuroprotection. The main objective of this review was to reflect on developments in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of naringin and naringenin as potential neuroprotective medications. Furthermore, the configuration relationships between naringin and naringenin are discussed, as well as their plant sources and extraction methods.

The main objective of this study was to examine the quality of water in the large reservoir of the Dhaka city lake and to determine whether it would be economically acceptable to purify this water for later use and to make it usable. The water quality parameters investigated are pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, hardness, alkalinity, total dissolved solids, total suspended solids, chloride, sulfate, phosphate, nitrite, nitrate, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, and dissolved oxygen. The study has been done targeting three specific locations on Dhanmondi Lake, where crowds are comparatively the highest. This implies that there is a significant likelihood of pollution as well. The results of our 13-month study show that the quality of Dhanmondi lake water is somewhat higher than the international standard and some is at a tolerable level determined by the Bangladesh Department of Environment.

The Recency, Frequency, and Monetary model, also known as the RFM model, is a popular and widely used business model for determining beneficial client segments and analyzing profit. It is also recommended and frequently used in superstores to identify customer segments and increase profit margins. Later, the Length, Recency, Frequency, and Monetary model, also known as the LRFM model, was introduced as an improved version of the RFM model to identify more relevant and exact consumer groups for profit maximization. Superstores have a varying number of different products. In RFM and LRFM models, the relationship between profit and purchased quantity has never been investigated. Therefore, this paper proposed an efficient customer segmentation model, namely LRFMV (Length, Recency, Frequency, Monetary and Volume) and studied the profit-quantity relationship. A new dimension V (volume) has been added to the existing LRFM model to show a direct profit-quantity relationship in customer segmentation. The V stands for volume, which is derived by calculating the average number of products purchased by a frequent superstore client in a single day. The data obtained from feature extraction of the LRMFV model is then clustered by using conventional K-means, K-Medoids, and Mini Batch K-means methods. The results obtained from the three algorithms are compared, and the K-means algorithm is chosen for the superstore dataset of the proposed LRFMV model. All clusters created using these three algorithms are evaluated in the LRFMV model, and a close relationship between profit and volume is observed. A clear profit-quantity relationship of items has yet not been seen in any prior study on the RFM and LRFM models. Grouping customers aiming at profit maximization existed previously, but there was no clear and direct depiction of profit and quantity of sold items. This study applied unsupervised machine learning to investigate the patterns, trends, and correlations between volume and profit. The traits of all the clusters are analyzed by the Customer-Classification Matrix. The LRFMV values, larger or less than the overall average for each cluster, are identified as their traits. The performance of the proposed LRFMV model is compared with the legacy RFM and LRFM customer segmentation models. The outcome shows that the LRFMV model creates precise customer segments with the same number of customers while maintaining a greater profit.

In this article, ab initio calculations of unexplored Ti2PB2, Zr2PbB2, and Nb2AB2 [A = P, S] were performed wherein Ti2PB2 along with its 211 boride phase Ti2PB was predicted for the first time. The stability was confirmed by calculating the formation energy, phonon dispersion curve, and elastic stiffness constants. The obtained elastic constants, elastic moduli, and Vickers hardness values of Ti2PB2, Zr2PbB2, and Nb2AB2 [A = P, S] were found to be significantly larger than those of their counterparts 211 borides and carbides. The studied compounds are brittle, like most MAX and MAB phases. The electronic band structure and density of states revealed the metallic nature of the titled borides. Several thermal parameters were explored, certifying the suitability of Ti2PB2, Zr2PbB2, and Nb2AB2 [A = P, S] to be used as efficient thermal barrier coating materials. The response of Ti2PB2, Zr2PbB2, and Nb2AB2 [A = P, S] to the incident photon was studied by computing the dielectric constant (real and imaginary parts), refractive index, absorption coefficient, photoconductivity, reflectivity, and energy loss function. In this work, we have explored the physical basis of the improved thermomechanical properties of 212 MAX phase borides compared to their existing carbide and boride counterparts.

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.

In every society, there exist disadvantaged groups who have failed constantly to take part in the development of the economy and reap the benefits of economic growth as well. Along with economic and social factors, environmental factors are also accountable in making inclusion a challenge for the marginalized group. Contaminated drinking water, inappropriate sanitation systems, and pollution are the factors that affect health and wellbeing of the poor class by affecting their productivity. Thus, the lack of a clean environment leads the poor section towards further poverty and income inequality. Since the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development emphasizes three components to achieve sustainable development, namely economic, social, and environmental, this study inspects the role of macroeconomic policies in ensuring an inclusive clean environment in developing countries. Moreover, it considers the composite effect of fiscal policy and monetary policy on environmental inclusion by including interactive terms. This investigation uses FE-2SLS on a panel of 51 developing countries for the period of 1995–2019 to analyse the impact of macroeconomic policies on environmental inclusion. The study provides empirical evidence that fiscal and monetary policy has the potential to ensure an inclusive clean environment in developing countries. The findings imply that the macroeconomic policy actions depend on each other. Furthermore, governments in developing regions are required to cut nondeveloping expenditures and use expansionary monetary policy to promote green growth.