Information Dissemination During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Bangladesh

Abu Sayed,Md. Ziaul Haque,Mahmud Md. Rifat 한국과학기술정보연구원 2022 Journal of Information Science Theory and Practice Vol.10 No.4

The main aim of this study is to identify the role of information dissemination on urban and rural citizens of Bangladesh duringthe COVID-19 pandemic and the role of misinformation in this process. The study also aimed at finding appropriate countermisinformation strategies regarding COVID-19. An online questionnaire was prepared to collect the viewpoints of the urban andrural citizens of Bangladesh regarding dissemination of information during COVID-19, misinformation regarding COVID-19, andcounter misinformation strategies. Along with demographic and general information, a five-point Likert scale was used to measureCOVID-19 related misinformation beliefs and how to counter them. Chi square tests were used to determine the associationbetween current residency, information sources, the importance of information dissemination, reactions after getting COVIDrelated information, and evaluative steps after getting information and before disseminating it. Additionally, nonparametricMann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis tests were conducted to know the significance of difference in respondents’ assessment onCOVID-19 related misinformation in terms of their demographic characteristics. Cronbach’s alpha score was obtained to see thereliability of the questionnaire items. The current study reveals that both urban and rural citizens of Bangladesh are influencedby information dissemination regarding COVID-19 and they have lower level of misinformation belief. The respondents havedifferences in misinformation belief by different demographic groups. Respondents’ educational status, information literacy,sources of getting information, and evaluative steps after getting information have significant differences in misinformation belief. The study also noticed the support of respondents for countering misinformation strategies regarding COVID-19.

Information Dissemination During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Bangladesh

Sayed, Abu,Haque, Md. Ziaul,Mahmud, Md. Rifat Korea Institute of Science and Technology Informat 2022 Journal of Information Science Theory and Practice Vol.10 No.4

The main aim of this study is to identify the role of information dissemination on urban and rural citizens of Bangladesh during the COVID-19 pandemic and the role of misinformation in this process. The study also aimed at finding appropriate counter misinformation strategies regarding COVID-19. An online questionnaire was prepared to collect the viewpoints of the urban and rural citizens of Bangladesh regarding dissemination of information during COVID-19, misinformation regarding COVID-19, and counter misinformation strategies. Along with demographic and general information, a five-point Likert scale was used to measure COVID-19 related misinformation beliefs and how to counter them. Chi square tests were used to determine the association between current residency, information sources, the importance of information dissemination, reactions after getting COVID related information, and evaluative steps after getting information and before disseminating it. Additionally, nonparametric Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were conducted to know the significance of difference in respondents' assessment on COVID-19 related misinformation in terms of their demographic characteristics. Cronbach's alpha score was obtained to see the reliability of the questionnaire items. The current study reveals that both urban and rural citizens of Bangladesh are influenced by information dissemination regarding COVID-19 and they have lower level of misinformation belief. The respondents have differences in misinformation belief by different demographic groups. Respondents' educational status, information literacy, sources of getting information, and evaluative steps after getting information have significant differences in misinformation belief. The study also noticed the support of respondents for countering misinformation strategies regarding COVID-19.

Selection of the Best Two-Hop AF Wireless Link under Multiple Antenna Schemes over a Fading Channel

( Abu Sayed Md Mostafizur Rahaman ),( Md Imdadul Islam ),( M R Amin ) 한국정보처리학회 2015 Journal of information processing systems Vol.11 No.1

In evaluating the performance of a dual-hop wireless link, the effects of large and small scale fading has to be considered. To overcome this fading effect, several schemes, such as multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) with orthogonal space time block codes (OSTBC), different combining schemes at the relay and receiving end, and orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) are used in both the transmitting and the relay links. In this paper, we first make compare the performance of a two-hop wireless link under a different combination of space diversity in the first and second hop of the amplify-and-forward (AF) case. Our second task in this paper is to incorporate the weak signal of a direct link and then by applying the channel model of two random variables (one for a direct link and another for a relayed link) we get very impressive result at a low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) that is comparable with other models at a higher SNR. Our third task is to bring other three schemes under a two-hop wireless link: use of transmit antenna selection (TAS) on both link with weak direct link, distributed Alamouti scheme in two-hop link and single relay antenna with OFDM subcarrier. Finally, all of the schemes mentioned above are compared to select the best possible model. The main finding of the paper is as follows: the use of MIMO on both hops but application TAS on both links with weak direct link and the full rate OFDM with the sub-carrier for an individual link provide a better result as compared to other models.

Selection of the Best Two-Hop AF Wireless Link under Multiple Antenna Schemes over a Fading Channel

Rahaman, Abu Sayed Md. Mostafizur,Islam, Md. Imdadul,Amin, M.R. Korea Information Processing Society 2015 Journal of information processing systems Vol.11 No.1

In evaluating the performance of a dual-hop wireless link, the effects of large and small scale fading has to be considered. To overcome this fading effect, several schemes, such as multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) with orthogonal space time block codes (OSTBC), different combining schemes at the relay and receiving end, and orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) are used in both the transmitting and the relay links. In this paper, we first make compare the performance of a two-hop wireless link under a different combination of space diversity in the first and second hop of the amplify-and-forward (AF) case. Our second task in this paper is to incorporate the weak signal of a direct link and then by applying the channel model of two random variables (one for a direct link and another for a relayed link) we get very impressive result at a low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) that is comparable with other models at a higher SNR. Our third task is to bring other three schemes under a two-hop wireless link: use of transmit antenna selection (TAS) on both link with weak direct link, distributed Alamouti scheme in two-hop link and single relay antenna with OFDM subcarrier. Finally, all of the schemes mentioned above are compared to select the best possible model. The main finding of the paper is as follows: the use of MIMO on both hops but application TAS on both links with weak direct link and the full rate OFDM with the sub-carrier for an individual link provide a better result as compared to other models.

COVID-19 Pandemic in Hong Kong and Gaza Strip: Lessons Learned from Two Densely Populated Locations in the World

Abu-Odah Hammoda,Ramazanu Sheena,Saleh Eslam,Bayuo Jonathan,Abed Yehia,Salah Motasem Said 질병관리본부 2021 Osong Public Health and Research Persptectives Vol.12 No.1

The emergence of the coronavirus pandemic led to the implementation of several precautionary measures across the globe. For densely populated regions in the world, this may have been challenging given the proximity of people to one other. Thus, this brief report sought to compare the measures across 2 densely populated locations, Hong Kong and Gaza. Epidemiological data was obtained from governmental online repositories and was compared with the data presented by the Johns Hopkins coronavirus map to ensure consistency. Descriptive statistics were used to interpret the data obtained over the period of the study. The data suggested that although Hong Kong and Gaza implemented similar strategies, Gaza recorded marginally higher cases compared with Hong Kong in the same timeframe. The strategies implemented in both settings included border closures, social distancing, proper hand hygiene, and mask usage. Cultural and socio-demographic differences may have played a part in this variation in case numbers, in addition to lessons Hong Kong had previously learned from a similar outbreak. As the pandemic is ongoing it is essential that public sensitization to adherence to precautionary measures at the personal/family level does not occur.

Liver Cancer Stem Cell Induction from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

( Said M Afify ),( Ghmkin Hassan ),( Hend M Nawara ),( Hager M Mansour ),( Amira Osman ),( Sadia Monzur ),( Hagar Ali Abu Quora ),( Maram H Zahra ),( Akimasa Seno ),( Yoshiaki Iwasaki ),( Masaharu Sen 대한간학회 2020 춘·추계 학술대회 (KASL) Vol.2020 No.1

Aims: Liver cancer stem cells represent a small fraction of cells in liver cancer tissues so that studying these cells is very hard. Generation of liver cancer stem cells considered as one of the most important issue in cancer biology research. For this reason, we tried to generate liver cancer stem cells from induced pluripotent stem (iPSCs). Methods: First of all, CM was collected from confluent culture of Huh7 cells. Then, mouse iPSCs cells without MEF feeder cells were cultured in the presence of 50% CM for 4 weeks. The medium was changed every day with fresh medium containing 50% of CM. Mouse iPSCs cultured is the complete medium with LIF were used as a control. The survived cells (5x105 cells) were suspended in HBSS and injected into the liver of BALB/ c nude mice. After 25 days malignant tumor was formed in the liver while benign teratoma was formed by the injection of iPSCs. Tumors were then excised and partly fixed in 10% neutral formalin buffer solution for HE staining and immunohistochemical analysis. The rest of tumors were subjected to rt-qPCR anaylsis and primary culture. Results: Immunohistochemical analysis with liver cancer associated markers and cancer stem cell marker showed that malignant liver tumor was developed. These results indicate that the primary cells from the malignant tumor are rich in CSCs. Conclusions: This model will be very important and useful to assess the significant molecular mechanisms necessary to maintain liver cancer stem cells, which will help in defat liver cancer.

Enhancing Gamma-Neutron Shielding Effectiveness of Polyvinylidene Fluoride for Potent Applications in Nuclear Industries: A Study on the Impact of Tungsten Carbide, Trioxide, and Disulfide Using EpiXS, Phy-X/PSD, and MCNP5 Code

Ayman Abu Ghazal,Rawand Alakash,Zainab Aljumaili,Ahmed El-Sayed,Hamza Abdel-Rahman 대한방사선방어학회 2023 방사선방어학회지 Vol.48 No.4

Background: Radiation protection is crucial in various fields due to the harmful effects of radiation. Shielding is used to reduce radiation exposure, but gamma radiation poses challenges due to its high energy and penetration capabilities. Materials and Methods: This work investigates the radiation shielding properties of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) samples containing different weight fraction of tungsten carbide (WC), tungsten trioxide (WO3), and tungsten disulfide (WS2). Parameters such as the mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), half-value layer (HVL), mean free path (MFP), effective atomic number (Zeff), and macroscopic effective removal cross-section for fast neutrons (ΣR) were calculated using the Phy-X/PSD software. EpiXS simulations were conducted for MAC validation. Results and Discussion: Increasing the weight fraction of the additives resulted in higher MAC values, indicating improved radiation shielding. PVDF–xWC showed the highest percentage increase in MAC values. MFP results indicated that PVDF–0.20WC has the lowest values, suggesting superior shielding properties compared to PVDF–0.20WO3 and PVDF– 0.20WS2. PVDF–0.20WC also exhibited the highest Zeff values, while PVDF–0.20WS2 showed a slightly higher increase in Zeff at energies of 0.662 and 1.333 MeV. PVDF–0.20WC has demonstrated the highest ΣR value, indicating effective shielding against fast neutrons, while PVDF– 0.20WS2 had the lowest ΣR value. The Monte Carlo N-Particle Transport version 5 (MCNP5) simulations showed that PVDF–xWC attenuates gamma radiation more than pure PVDF, significantly decreasing the dose equivalent rate. Conclusion: Overall, this research provides insights into the radiation shielding properties of PVDF mixtures, with PVDF–xWC showing the most promising results.

Value of procalcitonin as a biomarker for postoperative hospital-acquired pneumonia after abdominal surgery

Mohamed M Abu Elyazed,Maysaa El Sayed Zaki 대한마취통증의학회 2017 Korean Journal of Anesthesiology Vol.70 No.2

Background: Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) is a common complication after abdominal surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) as early biomarkers for the diagnosis of postoperative HAP after abdominal surgery. Methods: This study was conducted on 100 patients undergoing abdominal surgery. White blood cell counts, highest body temperature, and serum levels of CRP and PCT were recorded preoperatively and daily postoperatively until postoperative day (POD) 5. Chest radiography was performed preoperatively and daily postoperatively until POD 5. Results: HAP was diagnosed in 14% of patients. Regarding the biomarkers studied after POD 1, CRP and PCT were significantly higher in patients with HAP than in those without HAP (P < 0.05). On POD 2, PCT had higher sensitivity and specificity (84% and 72%, respectively) than those for CPR (70% and 60%, respectively). The cut-off value of PCT on POD 2 was 1.4 ng/ml. On POD 3, 4, and 5, the sensitivity and specificity of PCT and CRP were not significantly different. Conclusions: PCT and CRP are accurate biomarkers for early prediction of postoperative HAP after abdominal surgery. The diagnostic ability of PCT was significantly better than that of CRP on POD 2. After POD 2, the diagnostic ability was not significantly different between the biomarkers.

Incidence and mortality rates of colorectal cancer in Malaysia

Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan,Ibtisam Ismail,Mohd Azri Mohd Suan,Faizah Ahmad,Wan Khamizar Wan Khazim,Zabedah Othman,Rosaida Mat Said,Wei Leong Tan,Siti Rahmah @ Noor Syahireen Mohammed,Shahrul Aiman Soel 한국역학회 2016 Epidemiology and Health Vol.38 No.-

OBJECTIVES: This is the first study that estimates the incidence and mortality rate for colorectal cancer (CRC) patients in Malaysia by sex and ethnicity. METHODS: The 4,501 patients were selected from National Cancer Patient Registry-Colorectal Cancer data. Patient survival status was cross-checked with the National Registration Department. The age-standardised rate (ASR) was calculated as the proportion of CRC cases (incidence) and deaths (mortality) from 2008 to 2013, weighted by the age structure of the population, as determined by the Department of Statistics Malaysia and the World Health Organization world standard population distribution. RESULTS: The overall incidence rate for CRC was 21.32 cases per 100,000. Those of Chinese ethnicity had the highest CRC incidence (27.35), followed by the Malay (18.95), and Indian (17.55) ethnicities. The ASR incidence rate of CRC was 1.33 times higher among males than females (24.16 and 18.14 per 100,000, respectively). The 2011 (44.7%) CRC deaths were recorded. The overall ASR of mortality was 9.79 cases, with 11.85 among the Chinese, followed by 9.56 among the Malays and 7.08 among the Indians. The ASR of mortality was 1.42 times higher among males (11.46) than females (8.05). CONCLUSIONS: CRC incidence and mortality is higher in males than females. Individuals of Chinese ethnicity have the highest incidence of CRC, followed by the Malay and Indian ethnicities. The same trends were observed for the age-standardised mortality rate.

Status, Distribution and Diversity of Invasive Forest Undergrowth Species in the Tropics: a Study from Northeastern Bangladesh

Md. Habibur Rahman,Mohammed Abu Sayed Arfin Khan,Most. Jannatul Fardusi,Bishwajit Roy 강원대학교 산림과학연구소 2010 Journal of Forest Science Vol.26 No.3

This paper analyzes data on the composition, status, diversity, and distribution pattern of invasive forest undergrowth species in a protected area (Khadimnagar National Park) of Northeastern Bangladesh. Assessment was done by means of stratified random sampling to diversify the invasive forest undergrowth species. For vegetation survey, 45 plots were taken randomly in (2 m × 2 m) circular plot from three topographical regions namely top of the hill, middle slope and plain land (15 plots from each region) and a total of 715 individuals, 22 invasive species belonging to 17 families were recorded from the study site. Among invasive species, shrubs constitute 10 species, herbs 9 species, and vines 3 species respectively. Mass number of invasive undergrowth species was grows in plain land (45.45%) followed by middle slope (31.82%). Based on the survey, invasive undergrowth plants of study areas were also categorized into three degrees of invasiveness e.g., highly invasive, moderately invasive and potentially invasive. Herbs, shrubs, and vines constitute the highest density at Chromolaema odorata (Linn.) King. (1.09), relative density at Chromolaema odorata (Linn.) King. 6.85%; highest and lowest frequency was calculated at Cassia alata L. (64.44%) and Diplazium esculentum (24.44%); for relative frequency the highest was Cassia alata L., which occupies 6.64%. Determination of the abundance of the different species revealed that Cassia alata L., constitutes (3.36) followed by Pteris cretica Wilsonii (3.14) of the area. The presence of invasive undergrowth species always reduced the number of associated species. Therefore, an extensive in-depth long-term investigation, proper policy formulation and management interventions and further study and continuous monitoring on their impacts need to be triggered targeting the control of the invasive undergrowth species of this protected area. In this aspect, national and international organization could help to conserve its biodiversity.