Areas Of Bangladesh Research Articles

Identification of Lasiodiplodia theobromae [(Pat.) Griff. & Maubl] as a causal pathogen of rain tree gummosis [Samanea saman (Jacq.) Merr] and its control management

Gummosis in a Rain tree [Samanea saman (Jacq.) Merr.] is a new disease in Bangladesh. The prevalence of this disease is increasing over time. An exploratory survey was made to find out the extent of this disease in different areas of Bangladesh during 2017 and 2018. Infested samples of wood were collected to find out associated pathogens. After the isolation of the fungi in the Forest Pathology Laboratory of the Bangladesh Forest Research Institute, the optimal conditions for the growth of the pathogen was determined. Subsequently, the suitable control method was developed. It was found that the roadside plantation of Mongla Sadar Thana, Bagerhat district had the highest disease incidence and severity (42.93 and 54.38 %), and the lowest (12.63 and 18.34 %) was recorded at Satkhira Sadar Thana, Satkhira district, respectively. Lasiodiplodia theobromae [(Pat.) Griff. & Maubl)] was found associated with gummosis in the affected trees. The result of the pathogenicity test revealed that there was a similarity in symptoms that arise between artificial inoculation and natural symptoms in the field. The optimal condition of conidial germination, mycelial growth, and sporulation of L. theobromae was observed at pH 6-8, 90-95 RH, and 25-30°C temperature. The concentration of 2.5 % glucose and sucrose was the best for conidial germination, mycelial growth, and sporulation, and sucrose was better than glucose. PDA medium had the maximum mycelial growth (72.18 mm) and excellent sporulation, while the YEA medium had the lowest mycelial growth (59.19 mm) and poor sporulation. The fungicides Knowin (Carbendazim), ARBA (Carbendazim), and Autostin (Carbendazim) were found to completely inhibit pathogen mycelial growth and sporulation (100%) at 50, 100, and 150 mg/L concentrations. Furthermore, spraying these fungicides and the Bordeaux mixture at a rate of 2 % in the field resulted in the development of the smallest gummosis lesions. L. theobromae was a pathogen causing gummosis disease of rain tree, proven by morphology and Koch's postulates. Different environmental and nutritional factors affect the growth and sporulation of the pathogen and the application of Knowin, ARBA, Autostin, and Bordeaux mixture at 2 % can help control the disease at the field level. Bangladesh J. Agri. 2022, 47(2): 78-96

Vector Bionomics of Anopheline Fauna in Malaria Endemic Areas (Three Sentinel Sites) of Bangladesh

Background: The three Hill Tract Districts are highly malaria transmission areas in Bangladesh and intensified coverage of LLINs to reduce the number of malaria cases. Information of the bionomics of disease vectors and biting behavior is more essential to take appropriate vector control measures. The bionomics study was carried out after approximately 10 years back (2005-2006), if there any changes in vector behavior after introducing the long lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) in malaria endemic areas. Method: Three sites were selected based on the number of last several years reported cases and malariogenic potentials including geographical condition, altitude, latitude, presence of vectors, availability of breeding sources, favorable temperature, humidity, rainfall and other possible risk factors. Mosquitoes were collected through the human and animal landing from outdoor and indoor, Pythrum Spray sheet collection, morning resting collection form human dwelling and cattle shed. Results: Mosquitoes were collected through the hand aspirator and Pyrethrum spray sheet collection during day and night time. A total of 8078 Anopheles mosquitoes, 20 specie were collected, out of that 3858 (47.76 %) are An. vagus is the most abundant followed by An. willmori 965 (11.95), An. nigerrimus 848 (10.50%), An. kochi 734 (9.09%), An. barbirostris 444 (5.50%), An. jamesii 367 (4.54 %), An. philippinensis 182 (2.25), A subpictus 163 (2.02%), An. annularis 135 (1.67%), the most virulent vector An baimaii 72(0.89), An culicifacies 51 (0.64%), An. minimus 26 (0.32%). Conclusion: The main malaria vectors A baimaii (=dirus) has been collected from 19.18 to 02.30 hrs and the pick biting period is identified 20.30 to 21.30 hrs and 21.30 to 22.30 The early biting of the An baimai indicate its behavioural changes. A vagus prevalence was higher among the collected anopheline populations in all three places.

GENETIC DIVERSITY IN TRADITIONAL LOCAL CULTIVAR OF JHUM RICE GENOTYPES OF BANGLADESH

The genetic diversity of seventeen indigenous jhum rice accessions collected from the BRRI gene bank was studied through Mahalanobis D2-statistics for grain yield and its contributing characters. The genotypes were grouped into three clusters. Cluster III contained the highest number of genotypes (10), while clusters I and II contained five and two genotypes, respectively. The highest inter-cluster distance was observed between clusters II and III (14.408) and the lowest between clusters I and II(5.9). Genotypes of cluster III showed high genetic distances from all other clusters in terms of inter-cluster distance. The highest cluster means for number of effective tillers (11.34), longest panicle (25.41 cm), high panicle weight (3.45 g), grain per panicle, total spikelets per panicle, and grain yield were obtained from cluster II, whereas the lowest mean values for yield, plant height and grain breadth were found in cluster III. Cluster I contained the genotypes producing comparatively taller and earl maturing genotypes. Therefore, genotypes under cluster III and cluster I have enough potentiality to be used for backcrossing or as parents in a breeding program to produce desired recombinants with early maturity and high yield specific to jhum cultivating areas in Bangladesh.

Probable nexus between Methane and Air Pollution in Bangladesh using Machine Learning and Geographically Weighted Regression Modeling

This paper investigates the probable nexus between methane (CH4) and air pollutants, a public health hazard in Bangladesh. The hypothesis considers that the concentration of CH4 is dependent on the ten air pollutants found in the five districts in Dhaka Division, a major urban and industrial area in Bangladesh. These pollutants are: Particular matters (PM2.5), Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), Nitrogen oxide (NOx), Aerosol optical thickness (AOT), Sulfur dioxide (SO2), Carbon monoxide (CO), Ozone (O3), Black carbon (BC), Formaldehyde (HCHO) and Dust. The study applies Machine Learning (ML) technique and Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) Modeling. Temporal CH4 datasets from the Sentinel-5P sensor are classified to estimate the annual CH4 concentration during 2019-2021.Seven supervised classifiers of ML coupled with the GWR model are used to predict the statistical and spatial relationships. CH4 increases gradually during 2018-2021 in Dhaka, Gazipur, and Munshiganj Districts. It relates differently with various air pollutants, e.g., positively with BC, Dust, NO2, PM2.5, O3, and AOT, and negatively with NOx, CO, HCHO, and SO2.This study results that Rational quadratic (RMSE-0.001, MAE-0.001, R2-0.96), Random Forest (RMSE-0.004, MAE-0.003, R2-0.91), and Stepwise regression (RMSE-0.002, MAE-0.002, R2-0.87) are the suitable method in ML. The highest goodness-of-fit (R2) of 82%-96% is found in Dhaka and Narshingdi Districts. The key findings may help formulate the appropriate action plan to mitigate ongoing and future air pollution in Bangladesh. In addition, the methodology of the research may be applicable elsewhere nationally and internationally for air pollution research.

Knowledge and Practice on Menstrual Hygiene among Urban Adolescent Girls in Bangladesh

Introduction: Menstruation-related poor knowledge and understanding among adolescent girls may lead to unsafe personal health care practice that ultimately increases the risk of genito-urinary tract infections, drop-out from school, poor academic performance, and overall poor quality of life. Being a developing country, it is an unrecognized problematic area in Bangladesh. Therefore, it is crucial to assess knowledge and practice on menstrual hygiene among urban adolescent girls in Bangladesh.
 Methods: This was a community-based cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Community Medicine of Rajshahi Medical College among 495 purposively selected urban adolescent girls. Data were collected using a semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire.
 Results: The majority (57.2%) of the respondents in the study were more than 15 years old, and most (93.3%) were Muslim. Most of the girls (82.5%) have experienced menarche within the age range of 12-15 years, and the majority of respondents, 259 (52.32%), were informed about menstruation before menarche. Their source of information about menarche was mothers in most cases. Out of 495 adolescent girls who participated in this study, 70.9% had good knowledge of menstruation. About 82% of girls used commercially made sanitary pads, and 35.2% changed pads or clothes more than three times a day during menstruation.
 Conclusion: The majority (70.9%) of adolescent girls had good knowledge of menstruation, and 73.3% had a good practice on menstrual hygiene. Therefore, there is a need to design and implement universal awareness creation and advocacy programs to improve their knowledge of safe and healthy menstruation management and promote good hygienic practices by creating an appropriate supportive home and social environment for all the adolescent girls.
 TAJ 2022; 35: No-2: 01-11

Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease with Type 2 DM in Rural and Urban Areas in Bangladesh

Introduction: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver condition that affects up to one-third of adults in developed nations. NAFLD refers to a group of non-alcoholic diseases that are histologically and clinically distinct. Fatty liver (NAFL, steatosis hepatitis) and steatohepatitis can lead to cirrhosis and rare cases of hepatocellular carcinoma.
 Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted in the medicine department, Rajshahi medical college, Rajshahi, among ninety-one T2DM patients. The study population included outdoor patients as well as hospitalized consecutive 91 patients (50 Urban and 41 Rural) in the medicine department with type 2 DM diagnosed according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) 2011 criteria. NAFLD was detected and graded using abdominal ultrasonography and blood pressure, BMI, waist circumference, HbA1c, lipid profile, and liver function tests. All data were analyzed by SPSS 16, and p-value <0.05 was assumed as statistically significant in this study.
 Results: A total of 91 patients were enrolled during the study. NAFLD prevalence was higher in urban patients (54.54%) than in rural patients (45.45%). Males were affected more than female patients in both groups. Patients in the urban population had higher weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, and BMI and were diagnosed with NAFLD at a younger age than those in the rural group. Metabolic syndrome was shown to be prevalent in both groups.
 Conclusion: The prevalence of NAFLD was shown to be greater in the urban population compared to the rural population, with male patients being more impacted than female patients. Although the risk factors for NAFLD were similar in both the study groups, better anthropometric parameters (lower weight), waist circumference, hip circumference, and BMI had a role in reduced prevalence of NAFLD in rural as compared to urban population patients.
 TAJ 2022; 35: No-2: 151-158

PS-BPP06-5: PREVALENCE AND DETERMINANTS OF HYPERTENSION AMONG ADULTS: A CROSS SECTIONAL SURVEY OF ONE TRIBAL AREA IN BANGLADESH

Introduction: The prevalence of hypertension gradually has become a serious public health threat globally as it is a very pertinent risk factor for non communicable diseases. The prevalence of non communicable diseases is not well known in tribal areas of Bangladesh. Lifestyle and food habits are quite different from majority of population living in plain lands (recognized as Bengali). Though data are available regarding the latter, data on the tribal population is scanty. Purpose: This study was aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of hypertension in a tribal area in Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross sectional study of 637 men and women aged 18 years or more located in Rowangchhari THC of Bandarban, a hilly district of Bangladesh. We collected data on demographics, behavioral factors, physical measurements and health history. Data collection was done using a pretested questionnaire and clinical examination. Prevalence and 95% confidence interval were estimated for hypertension. SPSS version 25.0 was used. A value of P less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Among all 637 participants, 52% patients were male and mean age was 35.4 plus/minus 13.4 years. Almost 78% participants were from different tribal community (e.g. Marma, Tonchonga, Bom, Tripura, Chakma etc.). Hypertension prevalence was 28.9% (95% CI 25.4 to 32.6) and was significantly higher among male than female (33.1% vs 24.3%; p value is 0.014). The highest prevalence of hypertension was observed among aged 60 years or more at 41.3%. Hypertension was higher among Bengali (33.6%) than tribal population (28.1%), but not statistically significant. Determinants of hypertension included male gender, older age, higher income, nature of job, increasing body mass index and waist circumference. More than 85% of the participants has knowledge of harmful effect of Hypertension (86.9%) and smoking (91.2%). Conclusion: Our study suggests that the prevalence of hypertension is significant among the population living in tribal area. Specific interventions should be developed to inform adults of the necessary lifestyle changes and the importance of early screening, awareness campaigns for early health seeking and improvement in health access.

Comparative Analysis of Consumption Expenditure and Income Nexus before and after Pandemic: Evidence from a Particular Area of Bangladesh

Comparative Analysis of Consumption Expenditure and Income Nexus before and after Pandemic: Evidence from a Particular Area of Bangladesh

Experiencing the Impacts of Climate Change-Induced Salinity by Women in Coastal Region of Bangladesh

This paper aims to understand the impact of salinity on women in coastal areas of Bangladesh. While there is ample information on the impact of climate change on coastal areas in Bangladesh, the literature shows that there is hardly any information on the impact of climate-induced salinity on women. This study is an attempt to fill this gap. An in-depth interview method was applied to collect primary data from a salinity prone coastal region in Satkhira District of Bangladesh. The study shows that salinity affects the women and girls in many ways. The impacts of salinity on women include the unattractiveness of women and girls due to the loss of hair and skin color, the increased burden of work due to water collection far from homes, unable to attend school by girls, the sufferings of women from various diseases, health and hygiene problem, and early child marriage. The consequences of the impacts of salinity on women lead to domestic violence, increased rate of divorce, increased number of female-headed households, and increased poverty due to limited sources of livelihoods. Overall, the adverse impacts of salinity on women make them more vulnerable socially and financially. The policy implications of this study may include the increased awareness of males about the impacts of salinity on women, appropriate institutional arrangements by the government including the adoption of policies and plans incorporating the issues faced by the women due to increasing salinity. It is expected that this study will not only be useful to policymakers in Bangladesh but also to other countries with similar contexts.

Women Participation in Entrepreneurial Activities in the Post COVID-19 Pandemic: Empirical Evidence from SMEs Sector

Entrepreneurs contribute to economic development regarding innovation, job creation and income generation. It is also effectively recognized as a fundamental part of economic development and vital in lifting countries from poverty. Women entrepreneurs organize and manage an organization, particularly a business. Women’s entrepreneurship has consistently expanded worldwide during the 20th and 21st centuries. Bangladesh will have a big number of young women and productive workers after the COVID-19 epidemic, allowing them to engage in the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) sector. Women entrepreneurs can help in the elimination of hunger, the reduction of inequities, and the improvement of children’s nutrition, health, and school attendance. Also, it has been acknowledged as an important source of economic growth since it creates new jobs and provides society with various solutions to managerial, organizational, and business challenges. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to determine the impact of technological factors, parental support factors, municipal factors, knowledge and skills factors, psychological factors, and financial factors on women’s engagement in innovative business development in the context of Bangladesh’s SME sector in the post COVID-19 pandemic. This study included both statistical and discussion of the data. Data was collected from over 300 real Bangladeshi ladies using an online purposive sampling approach. To test hypotheses, the data were evaluated using descriptive statistics, collinearity statistics, and other regression analyses. As per study’s results, most variables, including administrative, scientific, and familial cooperation, knowledge and skills, psychological, and financial component, has both advantages statistically impressive relationship with women’s involvement in the context of the SME area in Bangladesh in the post COVID-19 pandemic. In the post COVID-19 pandemic, everyone from every sector will use the findings to encourage women’s participation in entrepreneurial activities in the context of the SME division in Bangladesh.

The Influence of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Uptake of Technology-Enabled Banking in Bangladesh

Purpose: This empirical study is conducted to analyze the impact of Covid-19 on the adoption of customer tech-driven banking services in Bangladesh. Methodology: The positivism paradigm was followed, and a deductive approach was considered to develop the measurement instruments for this study. A total of 186 samples were collected from the different divisional areas in Bangladesh following convenience sampling techniques. TBM SPSS version 22 was used to analyze the collected data. The study applied descriptive statistics, EFA and regression analysis to investigate the research phenomenon and objectives. Findings: The exploratory factor analysis revealed six factors or constructs (perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, customers' trust, subjective norms, attitudes, and behavioural intentions). The study's results confirmed that the effects of perceived usefulness on customer attitude to use tech-driven banking services positively differ in pre-pandemic and post-pandemic periods, showing results of β-0.366 to β-0.532. Perceived ease of use and customer trust also reveal similar results of β-0.419 to β-0.639 and β-0.385 to β-0.535 respectively. In addition, the effect of subjective norms on customer attitudes and behavioral intentions discloses the same results of β-0.471 to β-0.668 and β-0.495 to β-0.598 respectively. Finally, the comparable effects of customer attitude on their behavioral intentions have been revealed by this study, showing results of β-0.578 to β-0.709. Therefore, all the proposed hypotheses have been accepted at different significant levels. Practical Implications: Academics, businesses, organizations, and policymakers will get valuable insight from this study's results, which help formulate business plans, implement strategies, and conduct studies. Originality: The relationships among key constructs remained consistent before and during the pandemic, indicating robustness unaffected by the COVID-19 crisis. Research Limitations: The study primarily emphasized essential attributes, potentially overlooking other significant factors. It relied exclusively on quantitative data, which might not have provided a comprehensive understanding of the findings.

‘Community-based adaptive entrepreneurship’ addressing climate and ecosystem changes: Evidence from a riparian area in Bangladesh

Community-based entrepreneurs have a great dependence on the local ecosystems for their entrepreneurial needs. As ecosystems change due to various climatic and anthropogenic drivers, entrepreneurs face challenges to continue with traditional modes of ecosystem-dependent operations. This research sought to understand how changes in ecosystems affect practices of entrepreneurs and their subsequent entrepreneurial responses. It examined this phenomenon in a climatically vulnerable community located at a riparian locality of southwestern Bangladesh. Drawing on resilience thinking, the research followed qualitative-case study and participatory approaches involving survey, focus group, workshops, and observation. It found that the local community members dealt with ecosystems changes through shifted entrepreneurial modes. They exhibited resilience, innovativeness and adaptability in the context of a climatically vulnerable and ecosystem services dependent locality. They adopted non-traditional ventures, diversified traditional enterprises, and brought about changes to their production practices. The research termed those shifted entrepreneurial practices of the community entrepreneurs as ‘community-based adaptive entrepreneurship (CBAE)’. The research theorized and coined the term (CBAE) as an entrepreneurial model with potential to enhance resilience of climatically vulnerable communities. It argues that the CBAE model offers a suitable policy option and strategic choice towards livelihoods for the communities facing adverse impact of climate and ecosystem changes.

Determinants of training needs of the tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) fish farmers: an empirical study from a selected area in Bangladesh

Capacity building of fish farmers is inevitable for profitable fish farming. This research was undertaken primarily to identify the factors influencing the training requirements of tilapia fish farmers and to assess the level of training required for optimal farm management. Thus, the research was conducted in Phulpur Upazila (sub-district) under the Mymensingh district of Bangladesh. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 100 randomly selected tilapia fish farmers using a pre-tested questionnaire. The training needs of tilapia fish farmers were measured using a four-point rating scale. The overwhelming majority (99%) of the respondents reported high training needs. Determination of mono-sex tilapia, a non-probiotic and probiotic fish production, and production techniques of mono-sex tilapia were identified as significant areas of training needs. Linear multiple regressions confirmed that level of education, experience in fish farming, training received, extension media contact and social mobility were the statistically significant determinants (P0.05) of the training needs for the tilapia fish farmers. The high cost of fish feed, unavailability of extension service, and high fertilizer costs were identified as the major problems faced by the respondents. Respective authorities, especially the Department of Fisheries (DoF), should emphasize initiating capacity-building programs for the farmers, considering the identified training needs and problems. In addition, providing training, ensuring the availability of credits at low-interest rate, supply inputs for tilapia culture for improving tilapia fish farming could facilitate the farmers.

Analysis of the average menopause age of Bangladeshi women: A public health perspective

Background and aims: Menopause is a natural process in nature; hence, changes in the age of menopause are not to be anticipated. Consequently, the purpose of the research was to obtain accurate estimates of the age of menopause in Bangladesh and to determine regional differences in the age of women at menopause. Methods: A search was undertaken for studies using a Cross-Sectional Design, and those that included women aged 40-60 years from various areas of Bangladesh between 2009-2019, the average age at menopause, and had identical inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected for meta-analysis. The research materials consisted of cross-sectional investigations conducted in various regions of Bangladesh. STATA-16 Statistical Software was used to create a forest plot using cross-sectional study data in order to illustrate the variance of menopause age determined from separate research. The variance was assessed relative to the weighted average age at menopause. I2 data represent the heterogeneity of menopause age in the studies. Results: The average age of menopause in Bangladesh is 46.7 years (95% CI: 44.84, 48.9). As shown by the Funnel Plot and Egger's test, the standard deviation in one research was slightly over 1.97. Minimum mean age was 44.70 years (95% CI: 35.02, 54.38) and highest mean age was 48.96 years (95% CI: 42.30, 55.62) In addition, the age at menopause did not differ significantly by age at menarche, despite a strong correlation. Conclusions: Age at menopause correlated positively with age at menarche. During the period 2009-2020, the median age in Bangladesh was 46.7 years, which was much lower than in many wealthy nations. There was no information on the distribution of age at menopause in the papers analyzed for this meta-analysis, therefore the discrepancies may be methodological.

Comparison of the groundwater recharge estimations of the highly exploited aquifers in Bangladesh and their sustainability

Sudden increase of groundwater abstraction for water supply to a million forcefully migrated Myanmar nationals (Rohingya) in Ukhia and Teknaf Upazila of Cox's Bazar district has created a threat to the sustainability of the Dupi Tila and Tipam aquifers, the primary source of drinking water for the host community. Reasonable estimation of groundwater recharge is crucial for understanding the sustainability of an aquifer. Therefore, this study, estimates groundwater recharge employing multiple methods such as (i) WetSpass water balance model, (ii) Water Table Fluctuation (WTF), (iii) Chloride Mass Balance (CMB), and (iv) Empirical Formulas (EF) and compares it with current withdrawal. Additionally, the applicability of empirical formulas for recharge estimation in Bangladesh has been evaluated, which will benefit future groundwater studies requiring a rapid estimate of recharge from precipitation. Despite a large spatial variability in recharge, the spatially mean annual groundwater recharge estimated by these methods is comparable to each other. The estimated spatially mean annual volumetric groundwater recharge for the Dupi Tila and Tipam aquifer is 135 and 122 million m3/y, respectively. Most of the estimated groundwater abstraction of 49 million m3/y in this area is from the Dupi Tila aquifer, which is about 36% of the annual recharge suggesting that the current withdrawal should be sustainable. However, since the Rohingya camp abstraction is concentrated within a small area, there is potential for a large cone of depression development in and around the camp, which may adversely impact the wells of the host population in adjacent areas. A numerical model is required to assess the extent of the cone and its impacts on host community wells. This study also finds that the Maxey-Eakin and Sehgal formulas for precipitation-based recharge estimation are the most suitable for this area and may be applied in other areas of Bangladesh.

Production performance of Holstein crossbred cows under the existing farming system in a certain area of Bangladesh

This study aimed to assess the effect of existing feeding system on milk yield and nutritional status and profitability of 75.0% and 87.5% Holstein crossbreed cows under existing farming system in an area of Bangladesh. In a milk pocket area (Keraniganj, Dhaka), three dairy farms termed F1, F2 and F3 were randomly selected having 34, 55 and 19 lactating cows, which 75% and 87.5% Holstein blood were 48 and 60, respectively. Using pretest questionnaire information like body weight, daily milk production, parity number, days in milking, blood percentage and feeding system of each animal were noted throughout a year. All data of three farms were subjected to analyze in one-way ANOVA in terms of 75% and 87.5% Holstein cows, separately. The body weight (kg) of 75% Holstein were F1 (296), F2 (497) and F3 (496) cows (p<0.05), while daily milk yield (kg) did not differ markedly among F1 (9.1), F2 (10.5) and F3 (13.9) (p>0.05), respectively. 75% Holstein of F1 offered almost, metabolizable energy (ME) and digestible crude protein (DCP), while cows of F2 and F3 fed daily insufficient DCP (-0.14kg) and over DCP (+0.47kg), respectively thus resulting in 37.2% less milk yield in F3 compared to F2 (p<0.05). Besides, 87.5% cows of F1, F2 and F3 had 365, 528 and 566kg body weight (p<0.05) and daily produced 10.5, 10.8 and 19.4kg milk (p>0.05), respectively. However, 87.5% cows of F1 daily offered almost balance ME and DCP, while the cows of F2 fed lower DCP (-0.2kg). Then, cows of F3 daily fed excessive DCP (+0.14kg) thus resulting in produced 8.6kg higher milk than cows of F2. Net return except depreciation cost from 75% cows of F1, F2 and F3 were 118, 170 and 145BDT, while 87.5% cows of F1, F2 and F3 were 189, 196, and 413BDT (p>0.05), respectively. It may be concluded that under existing feeding system and farming practices, cows from the F1, F2, and F3 of 75% and 87.5% Holstein blood daily produced 9.8, 10.7 and 16.7kg of milk per day with 330, 512, and 531kg body weight on average, generating 154, 183, and 279BDT in profit, respectively. Feeding lower nutrient to dairy cows resulted better milk yield and return at the sacrifice of cow fitness, while excessive feeding lead to higher milk yield but lower return, whereas optimum nutrition resulted in better milk yield and return.

Land-use change and forest cover depletion in Bhawal National Park, Gazipur, Bangladesh from 2005 to 2020

Despite being a historically significant and biologically diverse protected area in Bangladesh, Bhawal National Park (BNP) has been the victim of anthropogenic activities that have challenged its sustainability. This study aims to determine the extent of landscape change and forest area depletion within BNP territory from 2005 to 2020, as land use change is the most visible indicator of human footprint liable to biodiversity loss and land degradation. Landsat satellite images from four sensors are used in this research (MSS, TM, OLI, and TIRS). The complex spatial composition of Bhawal National Park was characterized using a supervised classification technique using ArcMap version 10.8. The findings show a steady decline in the dense and degraded forest classifications, but an increase in the other classed classes. Waterbody, settlement, and chala/baid are found to increase by approximately 105, 369, and 650% respectively from 2005 till 2020, while, the area of dense and degraded forest decreased by about 47 and 51%. Within 16years, nearly 1000ha of dense forest cover has been depleted. Comparing the latest classified image of BNP with the relevant map, Bhabanipur, B.K. Bari, and Boupara beat are identified to be the most degraded areas. The conclusion can be drawn from this study that owing to most suppressing factors, namely settlement and chala/baid, a forest cover of nearly 2284ha has been depleted from this national park which is almost 49% of the total possessed forest cover in 2005.

Effects of chronic exposure to arsenic on the fecal carriage of antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli among people in rural Bangladesh.

Antibiotic resistance is a leading cause of hospitalization and death worldwide. Heavy metals such as arsenic have been shown to drive co-selection of antibiotic resistance, suggesting arsenic-contaminated drinking water is a risk factor for antibiotic resistance carriage. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and abundance of antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli (AR-Ec) among people and drinking water in high (Hajiganj, >100 μg/L) and low arsenic-contaminated (Matlab, <20 μg/L) areas in Bangladesh. Drinking water and stool from mothers and their children (<1 year) were collected from 50 households per area. AR-Ec was detected via selective culture plating and isolates were tested for antibiotic resistance, arsenic resistance, and diarrheagenic genes by PCR. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) analysis was done for 30 E. coli isolates from 10 households. Prevalence of AR-Ec was significantly higher in water in Hajiganj (48%) compared to water in Matlab (22%, p <0.05) and among children in Hajiganj (94%) compared to children in Matlab (76%, p <0.05), but not among mothers. A significantly higher proportion of E. coli isolates from Hajiganj were multidrug-resistant (83%) compared to isolates from Matlab (71%, p <0.05). Co-resistance to arsenic and multiple antibiotics (MAR index >0.2) was observed in a higher proportion of water (78%) and child stool (100%) isolates in Hajiganj than in water (57%) and children (89%) in Matlab (p <0.05). The odds of arsenic-resistant bacteria being resistant to third-generation cephalosporin antibiotics were higher compared to arsenic-sensitive bacteria (odds ratios, OR 1.2-7.0, p <0.01). WGS-based phylogenetic analysis of E. coli isolates did not reveal any clustering based on arsenic exposure and no significant difference in resistome was found among the isolates between the two areas. The positive association detected between arsenic exposure and antibiotic resistance carriage among children in arsenic-affected areas in Bangladesh is an important public health concern that warrants redoubling efforts to reduce arsenic exposure.

DRY MATTER ALLOCATION AND GRAIN YIELD OF WHEAT AS INFLUENCED BY SOLAR RADIATION LEVEL AND PLANT DENSITY

An experiment was conducted from November 2018 to March 2019 to identify the effect of radiation levels and plant population on dry matter allocation and yield of wheat with the variety ‘BARI Gom 25’. The study was set out in the Randomized Complete Block Design with four radiation levels (full sunlight, 75% light, 55% light and 25% light) and three plant densities (160 plants m-2, 200 plants m-2, 230 plants m-2) that replicated thrice. Full sunlight or 75% light in combination with optimal plant density (200 plants m-2) resulted maximum culm dry weight, leaf dry weight, spike dry weight and total dry matter weight plant-1. The numbers of filled grain and unfilled grain plant-1 and yields of grain and straw m-2 were the highest from the above-mentioned combination. The lowest dry weights for culm, leaf, spike, and total dry matter and minimum grain yield and straw yield were obtained from 25% light either alone or in combination with any plant densities indicating the profound influence of light on dry matter production and grain yield of wheat. Therefore, reduced light (up to 25%) and optimal plant density can ensure wheat production without significant yield loss. This finding suggests possibility of wheat cultivation in agroforestry system and light limiting areas in Bangladesh and other parts of the world.

Disaster Psychology and Psychological Adaptation of Disasters: Evidence From Riverine Islands (Char) of Rural Bangladesh

Natural hazards disrupt the social-ecological system, causing much suffering, death, injury, and devastation of property and the environment. This study explores the factors influencing the disaster psychology and psychological adaptation of people living in disaster-vulnerable areas in Bangladesh. Data have been collected from 100 households in Bangladesh’s riverine island areas (char) of northern Bangladesh. Several criteria have been used to measure char dwellers’ disaster psychology (vulnerability concern, factor, and intensity) and psychological adaptation (weakness concern and emotional response). This study reveals that char dwellers perceived several hazards like floods (100%), riverbank erosion (83%), drought (29%), and earthquakes (14%). It is also found that females (88%) are more concerned about earthquakes than males (12%). The key vulnerability factors in the char areas are geographic position (100%), no access to migration (75%), resources (76%), housing (83%), training (18%), and alternative livelihood (24%). Flood and drought are identified as the most destructive hazards in char areas. Most household heads also felt anxiety (88%), fear (54%), helplessness, sadness, and anger due to natural hazards. The government should implement a context-specific disaster management plan to reduce household vulnerability and create livelihood opportunities in char areas to enhance char dwellers’ psychological resilience against disasters.