Review of Empirical Studies of Washback in Language Testing
Washback is one of the very few areas of English language assessment research in the last 25 years that has gained substantial attention. Commencing with the phenomenal work of Alderson and Wall (1993), a considerable body of empirical studies of washback has been carried out throughout the world. This paper reviews ten recent empirical studies of washback in language teaching between 2011 and 2018. The studies have been collected from several databases like ScienceDirect, ERIC, ResearchGate, Google Scholar and the peer-reviewed journals and university websites. This review demonstrates the research findings and theoretical underpinnings of the washback of assessments and tests in language teaching and testing. This review research finds that washback of high stakes test has both positive, negative and mixed (both positive and negative) impacts depending on the specific contexts and learners’ levels. The negative washback occurred when the focus shifted from learning the English language to test-taking strategies whereas the positive washback affected teachers, teaching methodologies, teaching contents, materials, learners and learner strategies.
Read moreA Study on the Determination of Heavy Metals in Freshwater Aquaculture Ponds of Mymensingh
Levels of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), led (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and chromium (Cr) were determined in the waters of a fish farm in Mymensingh district, Bangladesh by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Metals were found to be present in varied concentrations: Cu (0.02–0.1 mg/L), Zn (0.055–0.072 mg/L), Pb (0.039–0.066 mg/L), Cd (0.014–0.29 mg/L) and Cr (0.13–0.23 mg/L). The results signify that levels of Cd slightly exceeded and Cr in water was almost 1 order of magnitude higher than the values stated by ADB (Asian Development Bank, 1994); EPA (Environment Protection Agency, 2002); WHO (World Health Organisation, 1993); WPCL (Water Pollution Control Legislation, 2004) and USPH (United State Public Health). In general, the rank order of heavy metals was Cr > Pb > Cu > Zn > Cd. This suggests that water of the investigated fish ponds is contaminated with metals and in turn, fish of that aquaculture farm could be harmful to human health.
Read moreTemperature Dependence of Electrical Properties of Biopolymer Gel with Increasing Polymer Concentration
This study is aimed to investigate the electrical properties of biopolymer gel as functions of polymer concentration and temperature. To perform this study, gellan gum was used as a biopolymer, which is a bacterial polysaccharide. The gellan polymer in solution dissociates into polyelectrolyte and it forms polyelectrolyte gel under a suitable condition. We studied the ionic conductivity variation of this gellan gel electrolytes with varying polymer concentration from 0.5 wt.% to 3.5wt.% which exhibit a slight increase in ionic conductivity at room temperature. In addition to different polymer concentration, we investigated the effect of temperature dependent electrical property from 300 C to 800 C and the Arrhenius plot obtained from this temperature dependence of conductivity revealed a stronger network with increasing polymer concentration.
Read moreA National and International Regulatory Framework for Establishing Sustainable Shipbreaking Industry in Bangladesh
Shipbreaking and recycling activities are mostly done in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and China. Bangladesh is one of the leading countries around the world in shipbreaking. Shipbreaking industry generates huge employment opportunities for workers. Although working in Shipbreaking industry is very difficult, risky and hazardous, it may contribute a lot to the economy of Bangladesh provided sustainability is ensured. International regulations like the Basel Convention, the MARPOL (Marine Pollution) Convention, the Hong Kong International Convention, the IMO Convention, the ILO Guidelines and other international instruments play important role in controlling the environmental and safety issues concerned with the shipbreaking industry in Bangladesh. Present Shipbreaking laws of Bangladesh reflect the international conventions and guidelines. The Bangladesh Ship Recycling Act, 2018 is obviously a good legislative initiative by the government. However, the government is working with national and international bodies for ensuring sustainable Shipbreaking industry in Bangladesh
Read moreGeoresource Potential and Geohazard Status of the Bay of Bengal vis-à-vis Sustainable Development of ‘Blue Economy
Formation of the Bay of Bengal is linked to the opening of the Indian Ocean and covers an entire off-shore region of Bangladesh wherein the geological processes and tectonic activities in the Bengal Basin have greatly influenced in enriching the Bay of Bengal. Spreading and creation of new seafloor of the Bay of Bengal have continued with the Indian plate motion to the north and northeast. Hence, the Bay of Bengal has been enriched with georesources. ‘Blue Economy’ is a concept that can significantly contribute to the socio-economic development of the nations situated around the oceans and seas. However, the sustainability of ‘Blue Economy’ greatly depends on the proper assessment and utilisation of the marine georesources. It is equally important to evaluate the geological hazards of the seas and oceans around the coastal countries in order to better safeguard the development of ‘Blue Economy’. Although Bangladesh is situated along the coast of northern Bay of Bengal having the largest continental shelf and the longest deep-sea fan within its legal exclusive economic zone (EEZ), it is the least studied and explored bay in the region that demands much greater attention. The present study is an effort to focus on to the possible geological resources like oil, gas and mineral potentials of the Bay of Bengal within EEZ of Bangladesh. Geological hazards like earthquake, tsunami and other ocean-related geological hazards have also been identified and their probable impact has been assessed for proper planning of development of a sustainable ‘Blue Economy’.
Read moreMaritime Education and National Economic Growth: Bangladesh Perspective
The concept of blue economy recognises the seas and oceans as main drivers for economic development with great potential for innovation and growth. Bangladesh is blessed with approximately 700 km long coast with nearly 1,18,813 sq. km. of maritime area. Hence it is likely to emerge as an important maritime State. The maritime sector in this country has a huge potential to boost national economic growth and thereby harness the blue economy. To tap the benefits from this sector, among others, there is a need for developing maritime human resources. Competent maritime human resources are considered as the backbone of the blue economy and hence the national economic growth. As such Bangladesh needs to emphasise more on developing human resources in this sector through proper maritime education. Collaboration at national and international level in the area of maritime research and education may be given priority to mitigate the challenges militating against the national economic growth. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Maritime University, Bangladesh may play a key role in unlocking the potential of Maritime Education for enhanced national economic growth.
Read moreMaritime Safety and Security in the Bay of Bengal
Maritime safety and security is a pre-requisite for stability and growth in the Bay of Bengal (BoB) region to protect the prosperity and security of the region. Maritime security and safety encompasses all the operations which are being carried out to ward off threats from the sea. This region depends on safe, secure and clean seas and oceans for prosperity and peace. Through adequate maritime security, the region can maintain the rule of law in areas beyond national jurisdiction and protect the strategic maritime interests. Issues involved in Maritime safety and security in BoB region includes a developing system, systematic cross check, maritime surveillance, Marine Casualty Information and natural disaster. The study based on content analysis aims to discuss these issues in details and propose the ways ahead.
Read moreOcean Policy for Bangladesh – A Comprehensive Roadmap
As Bangladesh is on the course to achieve the objectives of Sustainable Development Goals, she needs to address a few significant ocean-related issues and challenges in order to support her political, economic and security interests. Today, the ocean is regarded as the last major frontier on earth for the exploration, exploitation and development of marine resources to sustain the prosperity of any maritime country and the people in future. The ratification of UNCLOS III has endowed Bangladesh with important rights and responsibilities in her maritime jurisdiction. The architect of the maritime vision of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman underscored the importance of endless sea resources and enacted the Territorial Waters and Maritime Zones Act 1974 to establish Bangladesh’s sovereign rights over the sea area. The successful delimitation of maritime boundaries with the neighbouring countries in the recent years under the leadership of Honourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, through the verdict of ITLOS and PCA, has opened a new vista of opportunities in the sector of blue economy. That necessitates the formulation of a comprehensive Ocean Policy which should be multi-disciplinary in approach, and in consultation with the government agencies, private maritime industries, the wider community and other stakeholders. The policy should aim to ensure the ecosystem integrity and the conservation of marine biological diversity. It should also indicate specific sectoral measures commensurate with the broader goals of the blue economy set by the government. The overall vision of the Ocean Policy should be to ensure a healthy sustainable ocean; nurtured, understood and harnessed wisely for the benefit of all to achieve vision 2021, vision 2041 and the Delta plan 2100. But truly speaking there is a scope for better managing our maritime interests and resources while the entire gamut of maritime activities needs to be well coordinated.
Read moreControl over Maritime Chokepoints an Assurance of Secure Lifeline
From ancient time explorers and military people traveled different lands for a living. In course of time, this natural need institutionalized through trade and commerce. Complementary interest rose through exchange mode of trade but contradictory condition developed with coercive military might in pursuit of wealth. Explorers tried to look for a geographical shortest way to save time and energy. Thereby the major geographical choke points of the world have become significant both from geopolitical and geo strategic perspective. There are approximately 200 straits or canals around the world but only a handful are known as choke points. Choke points are the strategic strait or canal which could be closed or blockaded to restrict energy flow or lifelines of governing states. This type of geopolitical aggression could surely cause international discontent. In 1982 Law of the Sea Convention further protected the international access for nations to sail through straits or canals and ensured these passageways are available as aviation routes for all nations. Hence the control over such geographical choke points and canals can assure politico-economic relief for nations whose main energy flow or lifeline exclusively depends on safe passage through geographical choke points
Read moreMaterial Flow Analysis Technique for Material Assesment of Ship Recycling Industry
Ship recycling is a viable engineering process of recovery shipbuilding materials by dismantling end-of-life (EOL) ships in a profitable and safe way. There are few dozens of ship-recycling yards existing along coastal belt at Chottogram of Bangladesh. The local ship recycling industry provides the country's main source of steel, recondition equipment and machinery. The industry creates the opportunity of employment, generates revenues for government and contributes to the national shipbuilding industry. This industry promotes economic development for this country. At the same time, the negative image such as environmental pollution, health hazard and few accidents brings major challenges that should be overcome for the constancy of this industry in the long run. There are limited studies that have been found and most were based on preliminary and secondary baseline data analysis. The economic study of the local ship recycling industry particularly the recovery of reusable material and waste material generated from the ship recycling industry was derived on the basis of benchmarks from other countries. As a result, the policy-making decision based on those studies is not technically sound. From this perspective, the paper will discuss the viable economic assessment technique for ship recycling process by taking help both from existing literature and from other similar industry; justify the sustainability of material flow analysis (MFA) method for calculating the reusable material for local yards; apply the method on actual ground by feeding realistic situation and data. In this research work, more than one dozen ship yards have been selected to accumulate the data for a quite substantial period of time for various types of ships generally handled by the local ship breaking yard in Bangladesh. The study could be helpful for all stake holder and policy makers who are related with local ship breaking yards of Bangladesh
Read moreHarnessing Un-retrieved Wave EnergySustainable Approach Towards Blue Economy: Bangladesh-Perspective
Bangladesh has sustained solid economic growth since the last decade. The revolution in agriculture, manufacturing of readymade garments and many other industries are the main contributors for this. As such the power demand also increased exponentially in recent years. According to the Bangladesh Power Development Board, the maximum generation of power was 9479MW in June 2017 which was 4130MW in 2007. The energy demand is skyrocketed and the government is having a tough time keeping pace with it. At this stage, maintaining availability and affordability are the prime concerns for policymakers. The mounting pressure sometimes leads us to take wrong steps such as adopting cheap and dirty energy solutions. Aligning country’s energy policy with international requirements, alternatives fuel, and Renewable Energy (RE) options are given consideration at present. All renewables such as Solar Photo Voltaic (SPV), ocean energy and wind energy require equal importance on the basis of their potentials. Recently, there have been significant improvements in the RE sector, especially Solar Photo Voltaic (SPV). But, it is necessary to look for diversified clean energy sources for a greener future. The necessary for a holistic approach and how the blue economic approach of Bangladesh could be made more meaningful are emphasised in this paper. Moreover, how the ocean energy in the Bay of Bengal such as wave, tidal and wind can be made more feasible for sustainable yield. This paper reveals the potential for exploring wave energy to meeting energy demand, especially for coastal community and a brief focus on recent energy policy of Bangladesh, infrastructure, logistics requirements and progress made in wave energy throughout the world
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