Volume 03, Number 01, 2006

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10361/42

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Now showing 1 - 9 of 9

A cultural explanatory model for white discharge amongst women in Kakboo village, Bangladesh
(BRAC University, 2006) Singh, Manjula; Khan, Rumana Jesmin
This paper presents the findings of a qualitative study of women's perceptions of white discharge among women of NagPara, Kakaboo village, including local terms, women's perceptions of etiology, associated symptoms and health seeking pathways and factors that influence treatment-seeking behavior. Women’s perception of white discharge is embedded in the reproductive process and unfavorable gender norms related to their everyday realities of life. While 60% women recognized marriage and heavy workload as the root cause of white discharge, others attributed white discharge to external factors like hot weather. Over 50% women co-related physical symptoms of white discharge with their overall family and village situation and the consequences were attributed not only to physical but also mental, socio-cultural and sexual elements. Culture of silence, women’s autonomy, competing priorities and factors such as accessibility and affordability were some of the socio-cultural and economic factors that shaped women’s decision to seek treatment. Though women reported white discharge as the most common illness, women may not have confirmed infection and there is a strong possibility that some of these physical complaints represent underlying psychological and social conflicts. It therefore becomes important for health practitioners to be aware of cultural explanatory model of white discharge, to promote improved clinical outcomes and better doctor-patient communication.
The rural Bangladeshi courtyard
(BRAC University, 2006) Ahmed, K. Iftekhar
In rural settlements of the predominant floodplains of Bangladeshi, an intrinsic component is the extended family homestead. The layout of the homestead is defined by the courtyard, formed by the arrangement of dwelling units and ancillary building around an open space. Specific building typologies prevail, in terms of design, construction and building materials. Some typical types of courtyard can be observed, but there are also variations to these types. The courtyard has important physical and functional characteristics derived from the climatic requirements and living patterns. Nonetheless, particularly in this predominantly Muslim society, the cultural aspect of respecting women’s privacy is an important factor behind the development of this archetype. However, other communities living in the floodplains also have courtyards, suggesting that it is also a regional archetype. The archetypal courtyard is subject to transformation or elimination due to social, economic and environmental changes. If this trend becomes widespread, it would signal the loss of an important and long-lasting regional expression that has resulted from blending of culture, climate and nature.
Interpreting the Morphology of the central cruciform structure of Sompur Mahavihara, Paharpur; A cognitive approach
(BRAC University, 2006) Rashid, Md. Mizanur
The ruins of Sompur Mahavihara at Paharpur are the earliest evidence of conscious architecture in Bengali soil. From the nature of existing archaeological remains demonstrate a conscious attempt of space creation with symbolic and metaphoric meaning is clearly discernible. The missing superstructure of the central cruciform mound draws the attention of most of the scholarly studies on this particular monastic complex. The reason is the fragmentary nature of archaeological evidences and the lack of substantial epigraphic records that work as the main thicket to reveal a continuous narrative of architectural characteristics of this structure. This paper is intended to address this lacuna from a different perspective. It attempts to delve deeper on the cognitive process through which the seemingly complicated design of this structure is conceived and materialized.
Teaching language from literature background: bringing the best of two worlds
(BRAC University, 2006) Karim, Shuchi; Zaman, Tabassum
Teaching English Foundation courses at the undergraduate level by teachers from literature background is a common scenario in the private universities of Bangladesh. Though there have been debates regarding the appropriateness and eligibility of literature teachers teaching language courses, one must recognize the fact that the basic problem is that of high demand and low supply of good language teachers. This paper addresses some of these much-debated issues, and also explores the possibilities of a more integrated teaching approach, which not only allows a literature-to-language shift but also makes the best use of the skills of teachers from a literature background, and investigates whether this exchange is salubrious enough to complement the purpose of language teaching.1 Because of the limited scope of this paper, we will limit our discussion within the boundaries of private universities and will base it on our own teaching experience within a similar background.
Occurrences of corrosion: causes and prevention
(BRAC University, 2006) Safiuddin, Md.
Corrosion of metal is a ubiquitous phenomenon that occurs in various forms. Atmospheric or uniform, galvanic, crevice, pitting, and microbial corrosion are most familiar forms of corrosion. This note briefly demonstrates these five classes of corrosion with some practical examples. This note also discusses the rational causes of the five aforementioned forms of corrosion, and provides several preventive measures to protect the metals.
Using Bayesian approach to optimize some Microbiology data
(BRAC University, 2006) Hossain, Ahmed
The main purpose of this paper is to use Bayesian technique for identifying the conditions under which the bacteria growth is optimal. Such kind of analysis is important in microbiology when bacteria need culture in an optimum manner, so they can be identified, before adequate antibiotics can be developed. The dataset was collected under three different conditions which can be found in Binnie (2004). Therefore our interest lies in investigating how these three covariates are affecting the measurements of Bacteria count.
Study on Chohomology of supermanifolds
(BRAC University, 2006) Ahmed, M. Khondokar
In this present paper de Rham cohomology of graded manifolds, cohomology of graded differential forms and cohomology of DeWitt supermanifolds are studied. The structure of a G-supermanifold in general is not acyclic. So, the cohomology is defined via the complex of graded differential forms. This situation is investigated together with the graded Dolbeault cohomology of complex G-supermanifolds. A theorem is established that the structure sheaf of any DeWitt G-supermanifold is acyclic.
Stability of a chemostat model of two microorganisms
(BRAC University, 2006) Hossain, A B M Shahadat; Podder, Chandra Nath
We studied stability analysis of a chemostat model of two microorganisms that incorporates both different response functions and we made a single code of the model using a computer algebra system (CAS) Mathematica for graphical illustration globally.
Comperative analysis of loan recovery among nationalized, private and islamic commercial banks of Bangladesh
(BRAC University, 2006) Ahmed, Ezaz; Rahman, Ziaur; Ahmed, Rubina I.
Bangladesh has a unique Banking system with multiple types of Banking with Nationalized Commercial Banks (NCBs), Private Commercial Banks (PCBs), Foreign Commercial Banks (FCBs), Islamic Commercial Banks (ICBs), Specialized Development Banks and the Cooperative Banks. Currently the magnitude of loan default is quite enormous in the Banking sector. However, the general perception and belief regarding the Islamic Banking is better recovery rate of loans and advances. This paper attempts to discuss the issues that govern the banking practices in Bangladesh and it also paints a picture of the lending practices followed by NCBs, PCBs and ICBs in Bangladesh. From the analysis presented in this case, it comes to light that ICBs lending practices with Islamic banking instruments mirrors the lending practices of conventional banks having synonymous counterpart products. The paper also unfolds some strategically weak links in the development of the banking sector, which has obstructed the overall economic development of the country. In this diversified Banking system, an attempt is made in the paper to analyze the issues governing the credit recovery rate and procedure with respect to the principles of Islamic Banking while comparing with the Conventional Banking principle amongst NCBs, PCBs and ICBs. In our effort to draw a comparison (between NCBs, PCBs and ICBs), we have taken the data, information between 1995 to 19998 figures. This paper also provides an analytical framework that shows the comparative performance of NCBs and PCBs. For this assessment of NCBs and PCBs, we have incorporated figures of 1997 to 2001.

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