Bangladeshi medicinal plants (BMP) have a history of traditional use in treating chronic inflammatory diseases, but a BMP bark’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects remain largely unexplored. This study assessed methanolic extracts’ antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties from the bark of 15 medicinal plant species native to Bangladesh. The methanol extracts of BMP bark were evaluated for their total antioxidant activity and ability to counteract inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Among the 15 bark extracts from BMP, Albizia odoratissima (A. odoratissima), Engelhardia spicata (E. spicata), and Shorea robusta (S. robusta) showed the highest total phenolic contents and total antioxidant capacity by effectively scavenging free radicals. In particular, these three bark extracts significantly reduced the mRNA expression of LPS-induced inflammatory cytokines and enzymes inducible by inflammation in macrophages. Also, the mRNA expression of NADPH oxidase 2 was significantly suppressed by the three bark extracts in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. These results suggest that out of the 15 bark extracts obtained from medicinal plants in Bangladesh, the extracts from A. odoratissima, E. spicata, and S. robusta exhibit substantial total antioxidant capacity by efficiently scavenging free radicals and also inhibit LPS-induced inflammation in macrophages.

Background: Reproductive management practices play crucial roles to maximize the reproductive performance of cows, and thus contribute to farm profitability. We aimed to assess the reproductive management of cows currently practiced in the dairy farms in an urban farming system. Methods: A total of 62 dairy farms were randomly selected considering all size of farms such as small (1-5 cattle), medium (6-20 cattle) and large farms (> 20 cattle) from selected areas of Dhaka city in Bangladesh. The reproductive managementrelated parameters viz. estrus detection, breeding method, pregnancy diagnosis, dry cow and parturition management, vaccination and treatment of reproductive problems etc. were obtained in a pre-defined questionnaire during the farm visit. Results: The visual observation method was only used (100.0%; 62/62) for estrus detection irrespective of size of the farms; while farmers observed cows for estrus 4-5 times a day, but only for 20-60 seconds each time. Regardless of farm size, 89.0% (55/62) farms used artificial insemination (AI) for breeding the cows. Intriguingly, all farms (100.0%) routinely checked the cows for pregnancy at 35-40 days post-breeding using rectal palpation technique by registered veterinarian. However, only 6.5% (4/62) farms practiced dry cow management. Notably, all farms (100.0%) provided nutritional supplements (Vit D, Ca and P) during late gestation. However, proper hygiene and cleanliness during parturition was not practiced in 77.4% (48/62) farms; even though 96.7% (60/62) farms treated cows by registered veterinarian for parturition-related problems. Conclusions: While farmers used AI service for breeding and timely check their cows for pregnancy; however, they need to increase observation time (30 minutes/ observation, twice in a day: early morning and early night) for estrus detection, consider dry cow management and ensure hygienic parturition for maximizing production.

PURPOSES : Derive a road pavement design method using Geocells, aim to derive a road pavement design and construction method suitable for the characteristics of the Bangladesh region METHODS : To assess long-term performance during road construction in Southeast Asia using Geocells, field tests and numerical analysis are conducted to verify stability. RESULTS : A total of 12 displacement measurements were conducted during the field tests, confirming an average load of 15.75 kN and an average displacement of 0.542mm. Inverse analysis was performed to obtain the properties of Geocell combined with compacted soil. The numerical analysis results confirmed that the insertion of Geocell provides better stability compared to the case with only compacted soil. CONCLUSIONS : Based on field tests and numerical analysis, a road design plan suitable for the Southeast Asian environment was proposed. A preliminary test section was selected in the Comilla region of Bangladesh, and test construction has been completed. Subsequent evaluations of the structural performance by soil layer in the test construction area will be conducted to develop a Geocell road pavement method, taking into consideration the characteristics of the Bangladesh region.

The impact of heat stress (HS) on reproductive performance and its problems in cows remains to be investigated in Bangladesh. The study was, therefore, aimed to evaluate the effect of HS on fertility and reproductive health problems of dairy cows in a selected area of Bangladesh. A total of 1,095 cows from 500 farms were included in this study. The climate-related data were recorded daily basis for every month in a year and temperature-humidity index (THI) values were calculated to determine the level of HS. Concurrently, data on fertility parameters [number of services per conception (NSC), conception rate (CR) and calving to the first service interval (CFSI)], and reproductive problems were collected through a pre-defined questionnaire. The results show that crossbred [Native x Holstein-Friesian, (HF)] cows were more vulnerable (p < 0.05) to a magnitude of HS effects considering physiological parameters of cows [age, body condition score (BCS), parity and milk yield]. Regarding fertility, HS had no effect on NSC, CR and CFSI in both native and crossbred cows (p > 0.05). The findings on the reproductive problems indicate that HS had significant influence on the prevalence of anestrus (χ2 = 21.814, p < 0.05) and retained placenta (χ2 = 24.632, p < 0.05) in cows. Of note, the prevalence of repeat breeding syndrome was 2.5 folds higher in stress condition than in no stress condition. Abortion and dystocia were not influenced by HS. In conclusion, HS does not influence the fertility parameters of cows studied; however, anestrus and retained placenta are likely to occur under HS conditions in cows.

Bangladesh enjoys an advantageous geographical position. It has been a transit station for businessmen from South Asia, Southeast Asia, Central Asia and even Europe since ancient times. It is located at the intersection of China Economic Circle, South Asia Economic Circle and ASEAN Economic Circle, and is an important country along the belt and road initiative. The “Belt and Road” initiative was supported by Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Since the “Belt and Road” initiative was put forward, China and Bangladesh have achieved remarkable results in policy communication, facility connectivity, smooth trade, capital financing and people-to-people communication. However, China and Bangladesh still face challenges in the political, security, economic and social fields to jointly build the “Belt and Road” initiative. In the new period, China and Bangladesh should strengthen political communication, promote the docking of China-Bangladesh development strategies, strengthen facility connectivity and industrial cooperation, promote cultural exchanges, promote the upgrading of cooperation between the two countries, and jointly build a high-quality “Belt and Road” initiative.

The English language textbook for classes XI-XII, currently in use nationwide in Bangladesh, has drawn numerous reactions from multiple corners of the country. Bangladeshi teachers, major stakeholders, have been noticeably concerned about the effectiveness of the design of the textbook based on their teaching experiences (Hani & Siddika, 2018). It is important to know their perceptions of the textbook, since their perceptions have a significant influence on students’ learning English through the textbook. The current study, therefore, seeks to provide information about the participant teachers and their teaching contexts in order to judge the value of the textbook design in terms of contents selection and organization. For that research purpose, interviews were conducted with 10 teachers who were, at the time of research, teaching the textbook at different colleges in a district of the country. Based on the data, the study discusses the teachers’ first-hand experience with the textbook, providing a revealing insight into how well it facilitates students’ learning in the classroom. Finally, implications are suggested that are expected to guide the design of the next applicable version of the textbook.

In this study, 11 plant extracts from Bangladesh were used to evaluate the total phenolic and flavonoid content, in vitro antioxidant activities using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazolin-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. Also, the inhibitory effect of nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line and the neuroprotective effect on H2O2-induced PC12 cells were tested. Our results revealed that Piper betle L. showed the highest total phenolic content (162.2 mg GAE/g extract) among the 11 plants from Bangladesh. Most plants showed strong radical scavenging effects and ferric reducing antioxidant power. Besides, Piper betle L. protected PC12 neuronal cells against H2O2 related oxidative stress in LPS-induced PC12 cells. Regarding the antiinflammatory effect, Piper betle L. significantly inhibited NO accumulation in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Our results provide evidence that Piper betle L. could be useful for the development of functional health foods.

In this study, the chronological development of the Corporate Governance Guidelines (CGG) and Corporate Governance Code (CGC) examined to identify how much the Code has evolved over time. A comparative analysis between the CGG-2012 and CGC-2018 has also been conducted in the study to outline the latest changes. The study is exploratory and literature review-based in nature. Contemporary literatures were analyzed along with comparison of the CGG-2012 and CGC-2018 issued by the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC). Data was collected from various secondary sources. The study points out that the BSEC has followed a six-year interval pattern in the further development and modification of the corporate governance codes in Bangladesh. Also, it has been found out that in terms of the number of conditions in the code, the CGC-2018 is about 75 percent enhanced than CGG-2012. Previously, CGG-2012 was enhanced by more than 150 percent over the first guideline in 2006. CGC-2018 has introduced some crucial governance issues that were not present in the code before but there remain some areas that are yet to be addressed in the best-practices recommendations.

중국과 방글라데시가 전략적인 협력관계를 맺은 후에, 양국의 관계는 빠른 속도로 성장해왔고 양국의 상호 협력도 강화되고 있다. 관광산업은 국가 간의 인문교류의 중요한 선두분야이다. 관광산업은 서로간의 이해, 문화교류 등을 통해 신뢰, 공동이익 창출, 상대 국민에 대한 긍정적 이미지 형성에 기여할 수 있고 지역간 교류, 인구이동, 물류, 자금이동 및 정보교류 등 많은 부분을 활성화시킬 수 있다. 중국과 방글라데시의 관광 산업협력은 많은 발전 가능성이 있으므로 향후 양국의 경제 및 무역의 새로운 성장점(New growth point)이 될 수 있다. 더불어 양국의 관광산 업협력으로 중국과 남아시아의 교류에도 크게 이바지할 수 있다. 본 논문은 중국-방글라데시 간 관광산업의 잠재력을 인지하여 양국의 관광산업협력 기반 및 장애요인을 파악했다. 그리고 이를 기반으로 양국의 관광산업 협력방안을 도출하였다.

소프트 파워는 국제 교류 및 지역 협력에서 중요한 역할을 하고 있다. 방글라데시·중국·인도·미얀마 지역은 지리적으로 보면 서로 인접되어 있으며 역사적으로왕래가빈번한다. 2013년중·인양국이방글라데시·중국·인도·미얀마 경제회랑 건설을 제의한 후에, 방글라데시와 미얀마가 이 제안에 적극적으로 호응하면서 4국 간의 교류는 더욱 밀접해진다. 방·중·인·미 경제회랑 지역은 중국 서남과 방글라데시·인도·미얀마를 연결하는 중요한 통로 될 것이고, 이를 통해 관련지역의 문화교류도 많아질 것이다. 하지만 4국 간에는 문화교류는 중국과 인도의 소프트 파워에 의해 불균형한 상태로 보인다. 중국·인도는 방글라데시·미얀마에 대해 문화 제품이 더 많이 수출하고 있고, 이는 많은 분야에서 방글라데시와 미얀마에게 영향을 주고 있다. 향후에 이 경제회랑은 문화교류 및 협력 가속화하는 배경 하에, 지속가능한 발전 체제를 구축해 나가야하며, 이를 통해 4국의 소프트 파워 영향력을 균형화시켜서 지역문화의 백화제방（百花齐放）를 달성할 것이다.

Frequent surveys and monitoring were conducted in the Southern part of Bangladesh to detect and identify the plant pathogenic virus that infecting agriculturally important vegetables during 2017-2018. A total of 28 fields of the survey area were closely monitored. The findings indicated that 21.94% of the plants developed typical virus disease like symptomps in the field. However, 28.21% infected plants were found in Patuakhali followed by Satkhira (23.11%), Khulna (19.33%) and Barguna (17.12%). The symptoms were mosaic, vein clearing, chlorosis, curling and ringspot. Twenty samples from the collections were randomly chosen on the basis of symptoms and subjected to Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) with the antiserum and symptomalogy were used for detection. Eight viruses namely Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), Okra yellow vein clearing mosaic virus (OYVCMV), Mungbean yellow mosaic virus (MYMV), Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), Pepper mottle virus (PMV), Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV), Watermelon mosaic virus (WMV) and Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) were detected on cucumber, okra, brinjal, mungbean, tomato, pepper, papaya, watermelon and pumpkin respectively.

The global apparel manufacturers have produced apparel and textiles to meet consumers’ needs. Recently, they have applied the sophisticated technologies and more effective organizational systems to improve the efficiencies in apparel product development and their applications have led to enhancement of consumers’ satisfaction (Kunz, Karpova, & Garner, 2016). In this study, we identified novel approaches of product innovation strategies including technological innovation and organizational effort which a representative mass-scale Bangladeshi apparel manufacturer, Ananta Group has practiced. For data collection, in-depth interviews were conducted with four managerial staffs who were managers and assistant managers working at the research and development (R&D), production, marketing and quality control departments in Ananta Group. The interviewees were male employees having degrees higher than bachelor’s degree in textile engineering. Their work experience years ranged from 5 to 15 years within their respective fields and their ages ranged from 28 to 55 years (m=40). Qualitative approach was used to analyze the data. It was found that Ananta Group has used innovative technologies such as advanced softwares, process systems and machineries in new product development and its organizational effort of running specialized teams of design, new product development, and marketing activities has enhanced technological innovation. These findings provide global apparel manufacturers with valuable information on how product innovation strategies for new apparel development are important and what technological approaches can be used to accomplish it.

Cryopreservation of oocytes by vitrification technique may contribute a lot in the field of reproductive biotechnology. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the effectiveness of two cryo-devices for vitrification of immature oocytes of indigenous zebu cows. Slaughter house derived immature cumulus-oocyte-complexes (COCs) of cows were vitrified using 15% dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) as cryoprotective agent (CPA) with 0.5 mol sucrose in TCM 199 supplemented with 20% FBS. Vitrification of COCs was completed after immediate plunging of COCs loaded cryotop or French mini straw into the liquid nitrogen (LN2). Then the COCs containing cryotop or French mini straws were warmed in 0.25 mol sucrose and 20% FBS supplemented TCM 199 followed by in vitro culture in 50 μl droplets of bicarbonate buffered TCM 199 supplemented with 10% FBS, pyruvate, FSH and oestradiol for 24 hrs at 39°C with 5% CO2 in humidified air. After maturation culture, oocytes were denuded and examined under inverted microscope for presence of polar body as the indication of maturation. Denuded oocytes were also stained by whole mount technique using 1% orcein to examine the maturation by presence of MII chromosomes. The in vitro maturation rate was significantly (p<0.05) higher in oocytes vitrified and warmed using crytop (47.1±6.9%) than that of French mini straw (15.9±12.5%). Moreover, in vitro maturation rate was significantly (p<0.05) highe r in control oocytes (not vitrified) (84.5±14.2%) than that of vitrified oocytes. In conclusion, cryotop is better than French mini straw as cryo-device for vitrification of bovine immature oocytes

Bemisia tabaci is a species complex consisting of at least 40 species which are morphologically indistinguishable. Althoughgenetic diversity of B. tabaci have been studied in many countries, its information is lack in Bangladesh. The COI sequencewas determined from 91 samples collected in Bangladesh and the phylogenetic relationship was constructed. Four crypticspecies (Asia I, Asia II-1, Asia II-5 and Asia II-10) were present in different regions. While both Asia I and Asia II-1was widely distributed in all around the country, Asia II-5 was central and southern regions, and Asia II-10 was onlyin the central region. Otherwise, our results showed that Asia II-5 had the highest haplotype and nucleotide diversity.Genetic groups of B. tabaci in Bangladesh were most similar with those of Thailand, Vietnam, Pakistan, China, and Indiabut did not show any aggressive cryptic species such as MED and MEAM-1.

The sweetpotato whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) is a serious pest and vector of various virus causing economic losses in a variety of vegetables in Bangladesh as well as worldwide. In the present study, the mtCOI sequence of B. tabaci was analysed using 70 samples collected from different host plants at 12 districts of Bangladesh. Phylogenetic analysis was shown genetic divergence of our samples was 0.12 – 13.97%. There was three independent clusters such as Asia I, Asia II-1 and Asia II-5 genetic groups. Sequence diversity among three groups was 13.97%, 15.07% and 9.67%. Geographic diversity, for example, Asia I distributed in Central and Northern parts, Asia II-5 Central and Southern parts but Asia II-1 were present everywhere in Bangladesh. There was no B and Q aggressive biotypes in Bangladesh. Most Asia I and II was distributed in southeastern countries including Thailand, Vietnam, Pakistan, China and India. Our results provide understanding of genetic diversity of B. tabaci in southeast area.

This study was carried out to evaluate the influencing factors that affect the reproductive performance of cows at the Monirampur upazila in Jessore district of Bangladesh. A total of 224 cows were brought to the upazila livestock hospital for artificial insemination (AI). The cows were inseminated between 12 to 18 hours from the onset of estrus and data was obtained from the owner. Out of 224 cows, 133 became pregnant and 91 were non pregnant. In this study, the overall pregnancy rate was 59.29%. Among the age variability, the highest pregnancy rate (70.27%) was at the age of 4 years old. In case of breed variation, the highest pregnancy rate was observed in local breed (69.07%) compared with other crossbred cows. Hence the breed variations significantly influence the conception rate of cows. According to the parity, we found that the pregnancy rate was increasing with their parity but decreasing after 4th parity. The highest conception rate was observed in 3rd parity (67.74%) which was significantly higher than that of heifers (Parity-0). Here we also found that the types of bull semen used for AI had no significant effect for pregnancy rate. The skills of AI technician for AI to cows were significantly affecting the pregnancy rate. However, this study is not enough for rating and comment about the reproduction performance of cows. Therefore, further extensive study is needed for rating and recommendation for the cattle up gradation at that particular area.