Southern Part Of Bangladesh Research Articles

RESOURCE MOBILIZATION PATTERN OF UNION PARISHAD : A STUDY ON KHULNA DISTRICT, SOUTHWEST BANGLADESH

Financial autonomy largely depends on the revenue generation capacity which is so limited for the government in the developing world. Limited formal employment source, dominance of a large informal sector makes it harder for the government to generate revenue to mitigate the administrative cost and finance the development works. The scenario is even worse in case of the local government body who are accountable for the development of the locality, the root level administrative body of the government. The study focused on the revenue mobilization pattern of eleven randomly selected Union Parishad (UP) in the southern part of Bangladesh. The study is secondary data based. Annual budgetary periodicals published by the UPs has been used as the data source and FGD with the chairman and members had been arranged. To analyze the resource mobilization pattern, first the revenue sources have been analyzed then the expenses under different heads has been analyzed. Non tax revenue is dominating over tax revenue under internal revenue source whereas all the sampled UPs largely depends on the centre to mitigate their expenditure. The allocation varies considerably among the UPs and the sector preference also prevails in sectoral allocation of different development projects undertaken by the UPs. In order to achieve financial autonomy and an efficient resource mobilization capacity, UPs of the region have to expand and extend the tax base.

Vermicompost Enhances the Yield and Quality of Red Amaranth Subjected to Acidic Soil

The study was conducted to evaluate the vermicompost enhances the yield and quality of red amaranth subjected to acidic soil. Five treatments namely, control (T1), cowdung (T2), compost (T3), vermicompost (T4) and lime+100% recommended inorganic fertilizer dose (T5) were considered in acidic soil for the fulfilment of experimental objectives. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications in the southern part of Bangladesh. All the treatments gave significantly higher yield (p<0.05) while it was compared to the control. Highest yield of red amaranth was observed from the treatment of vermicompost (7.79 tha-1) followed by lime (5.79 tha-1), compost (5.52 tha-1) and cowdung (4.73 tha-1). The result showed that the effects of vermicompost were more efficient in terms of vigorous production, nutrient contents as well as in the maintenance of soil pH for the potential cultivation of red amaranth compared to the other management. Besides these, the nutrients content of red amaranth was also observed and found that the Ca, Mg, K, P, S and Fe were substantially higher in vermicompost except the Zn and B. Mg, K and P content were highly (r2=>0.9) correlated with the yield. Only vermicompost and lime enhanced 7% and 0.3% of pH over the control. Therefore, in acidic soil the vermicompost would be the best alternative for Red amaranth production.

Wind speed Weibull distribution and wind energy potential of Chandpur, Bangladesh

Weibull distribution goes particularly well with wind speed data and is necessary to assess wind energy harnessing potential at a site. For the best estimation of the statistical distribution parameters at Chandpur (23.21116° N; 90.64237° E), located at the southern part of Bangladesh, six models: graphical method, method of moments, power density method, Justus method, Lysen method and maximum likelihood method have been analyzed for 18.8 m, 40.2 m and 59.9 m above ground level (AGL) using measured wind speed data for 2014-2017. Out of the six models, Justus method has showed the best result for estimation of Weibull parameters at all heights AGL with average RMSE of 0.0082 and R2 of 0.9650. Further more to evaluate the wind energy potential at modern wind turbine hub height of 100 m, firstly the wind shear exponent at the site (the average value is 0.37 considering the 10 m elevation of the site above sea level) is estimated from the wind data of 3 heights; secondly average wind speed (4.88 m/s), wind power density (108.8 Wm-2), Weibull distribution parameters (shape factor 2.29 and scale factor 5.33 m/s) and wind turbine power curve related wind speeds (cut in 2.28 m/s, rated 9.33 m/s and cut out 21.03 m/s)have been extrapolated at the hub height. The average wind speed and wind power density values show that the class of the site is 1 in the worldwide accepted wind power classification, based on long term practical wind farm installation experiences; the low cut in speed (<3 m/s) shows that suitable wind turbines for the site are commercially unavailable for the site and turbines with 3 m/s cut in speed have average annual capacity factor of 16.62 %, less than the commercially viable capacity factor >25 %. The wind power class (< class 3) and capacity factor (<25 %) strictly reveals that Chandpur is not suitable for wind energy exploration in near future until a high technical improvement of wind turbines and reduction of relevant costs. DUJASE Vol. 6 (2) 99-108, 2021 (July)

Assessment of Drinking Water Quality and its Effects on Health from Mongla City with Surrounding Area of Bangladesh

Mongla City in the southern part of Bangladesh is facing problems with the scarcity of suitable drinking water. The present study is to identify the suitability of the geochemical property of groundwater for drinking purposes. The water samples from 24 Tub-wells, Tab water, and other drinking water sources have been collected. The main purpose is to assess the groundwater arsenic and salinity hazard in Mongla City and its surrounding area. The pH value of drinking water in the study area ranges from 6.7 to 7.38 with an average value of 7.09, which is within the permissible limit for drinking uses. The TDS values range from 95.96-to 1365.60 mg/l. The EC and TDS values fall within the drinking water quality standard. According to WHO, the Arsenic contamination ranges between 0 ppb – 335 ppb which is within the permissible range of the Bangladesh Arsenic Standard (<50ppb). All the Cations and Anions are within the permissible limit of the drinking uses except the Na+ concentration is slightly higher with an average value being 203.36 mg/l. The people in the Rampal area get safe drinking water within 50m far away from their house and some are very near to their houses. Mongla city is located very near to the coaster hence few deep tubes are well found and high salinity intrusion is unsuitable for drinking purposes, Most of the time, they had to buy safe drinking water from NGOs or GO controlled companies. Very few people use Tap water and pond water for drinking purposes. The Groundwater of the study area is slight to moderate and suitable for drinking purposes in terms of salinity hazards and arsenic concentration is within the acceptable range. Hence, it can be concluded that groundwater o Mongla city and the surrounding area are good for health.

What Are the Factors That Are Preferred by the Visitors in Khulna Region When They Getting Service from the Hotel Industry?

The paper is done to identify the factors that are acceptable by the customer in hotel industry of Khulna. Khulna is a central point for tourism and business hub for the southern part of Bangladesh. For the construction of Padma bridge the need of also, increased in this area of Bangladesh. The hotel industry has to work on their ways to get the customer satisfaction. There are many hotels in Khulna that play a special role in the hospitality & tourism industry. The objective of the study is to identify the preferred factors of visitors, to identify the factors that they are not happy actually and to give some suggestions based on the findings that will help the hotel industry to gain the best output from the visitors of Khulna. To satisfy the aim of this report data are collected from fifty four visitors through the questionnaire and analyzed it by using some statistical tools. In this research some factors are found that are preferred by the visitors; hotel staffs are friendly, hotel response is good on request, hotel are clean upon arrival, hotel’s restaurant food quality is good ect. Some negative factors are identified in this research also; recreation facilities are not up to the mark and hotel’s room was not well equipped. The recommendations in that case are to improve the recreational facilities and try to make the room well equipped that will help to get the maximum attractions.

Estimation of fuel consumption and selection of the most carbon-efficient route for cold-chain logistics

An eco-friendly supply chain (SC) is greatly determined by travel economy and fuel consumption rate. This research considered these two critical factors and explored the relationship between travel economy and vehicle loads, and developed mathematical models in cold-chain logistics (MMCCL) to determine fuel consumption and carbon footprint in cold-chain logistics. Longer routes are more prone to degrade food quality and endanger environmental safety by producing more carbon contents. Considering this fact, we aimed to reduce carbon emissions while maintaining food quality. First, an empirical SC was divided into three possible routes, namely, single-route transportation (SRT), and multiple-route transportation (MRT-I and MRT-II). Later, the proposed MMCCL model was deployed on each route to determine the most carbon-efficient route and found SRT as more fuel-efficient than MRT-I and MRT-II by a margin of 64.52% and 12.78%, respectively. This resulted in the reduction of carbon footprint by cutting the fuel consumption by a significant amount while making the SC eco-friendly and safe. The results were thoroughly justified and evaluated with an appropriate case study in the context of the west southern part of Bangladesh.

Dry Fish Market Condition and Socio-economic Status of Dry Fish Retailer: A Survey Study in Noakhali, Bangladesh

Background: Fish drying is very common in the entire coastal areas of Bangladesh and these dried fishes have demand both in domestic and international market though the people involved early in the production chain (fishing and drying) add relatively more value and make little profit. Present investigation gives an idea about the scenario of the dried fish market and livelihood pattern of dry fish seller in the Noakhali region, an important coastal region in southern part of Bangladesh.
 Methodology: Twenty five retails shops from 12 markets under five upazilla of Noakhali district were surveyed for the study.
 Results: Nineteen species of dried fish and 7 types of semi-fermented and salted fish were found in the dried fish market of study area. Most demanded species of dried fish were Harpadon nehereus (Hamilton, 1822), Trichiurus lepturus, Coilia dussumieri,and Apocryptes bato. Peak marketing season of dried fish was rainy season. The market share of freshwater fishes was found 79% and marine water fishes 21%. Average 40% of the retailer completed only the primary level of education. Forty eight percent retailer earn 200-500BDT, 44% earn 500-1000BDT and 8% earn more than 1000BDT daily. Only 4 dried fish retailers have alternative sources of income and 21 have no alternative sources of income. Three types of marketing channels were found in the dried fish market of Noakhali.
 Conclusion: Several constraints were found in the dried fish market of Noakhali such as rapid damage of dry fishes, high transaction costs, lack of marketing infrastructure, transportation and storage facilities, etc.

Sonali chicken farming in southern part of Bangladesh

The study was conducted to identify the socio-economic status and problems faced by the Sonali farmers at Wazirpur Upazila in Barishal District. A total of 90 respondents from 9 unions were selected randomly for primary data collection. The farmers and their farming were evaluated through the analysis of data collected in a pre-structured questionnaire. This study revealed that a maximum portion of the farmers were middle-aged (52.2%), male (92.2%), and had a secondary level of education (54.4%). Most farmers had medium-sized farm (38.9%) and invested their own capital in farming (54.9%). Although major farmers had low experience in Sonali chicken farming, they had high management skills (63.9%). In terms of occupation, the highest percentage of farmers (38.9%) had a conjugated occupation of poultry and crop. Most of the farmers had their own tube-well (74.7%) and use sanitary latrine (71.1%). Nevertheless, only 17% of the farmers had good health condition. About 49% of the farmers had only one chicken house, and 87.8% followed the floor system for rearing Sonali chicken. Surprisingly, all the farms followed an all-in-all-out marketing system for Sonali chicken. Most of the farmers (96.7%) vaccinated their poultry birds and added coccidiostat (73.3%) and vitamin mineral premix (94.4%) to the feed. A major portion of the farmers identified the irregular fluctuation in the market price of feeds (95.6%) and day-old chicks (93.3%) as severe problem, followed by high price of feed but low price of meat (87.8%). A disorganized marketing channel was the next major problem faced by the poultry farmers (83.3%). Taken together, the Sonali farmers of Barishal were middle-aged; poorly educated, and invested their own capital for farming, and they faced a variety of challenges during farming and marketing their chickens. To enhance Sonali farmers’ socio-economic conditions and alleviate their problems, the government should take appropriate steps to provide finance and farm-based training, including modern animal husbandry practices. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science. 2022. 51 (1): 1-11

Seasonal occurrence of Riptortus pedestris (Hemiptera: Alydidae) attacking mungbean in Southern PART of Bangladesh

The bean bug, Riptortus pedestris (Hemiptera: Alydidae), is a polyphagous species that is an important pest of mungbean, soybean and other leguminous crops in Asian countries. As it is distributed in Asian countries, like Korea, Japan, China, India, and Taiwan and caused damage on leguminous crops, but the status of bean bug are still unknown in Bangladesh even though it is first recorded in mungbean (Vigna radiata L) field during 2017 in our preliminary study. Therefore a series of field survey was conducted in southern part of the country during three consecutive seasons of 2018, 2019 and 2020 to know the pest status of bean bug and their intensity of infestation in mungbean. Three years study revealed that a new pest R. pedestris is recorded in mungbean field which causes damage on tender stem, leaf and pod. Adult and nymph R. pedestris occurrence began at first week of April in mungbean. Peak population densities of both nymphs (4-6 bugs/10 plants) and adults (5-7 bugs/10 plants) are recorded at mid-April. Then the number of bean bug gradually decreased in mugbean field. Seasonal average number of bean bug nymph and adult is 2.13-3.07 and 2.47-4.20 per plant. Nymph population is recorded from 15.33 to 22.67% plants where adults are found in 18.67 to 30.67% plants. The abundance of adult population significantly 64.27% increased in 2020 compare to 2018 cropping season while infestation of mungbean by nymph was also 47.88% increased. This is the first report of the occurrence of R. pedestris on mungbean in southern part of Bangladesh. Since pest abundance increasing day by day in southern part of the country, therefore more research should be recommended to assess crop loss by this pest and to develop appropriate management option.

First record of inflorescence caterpillar: Tirathaba rufivena (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) on betel nut in Bangladesh

Betel nut (Areca catechu) is an important cash crop in Bangladesh and several insect pests’ causes severe damage but study related to insect pests of betel nut is scanty in the country. Then the study was carried out scientifically to document the information of insect pests attacking betel nut in southern region of Bangladesh. The productivity of these palms is affected by number of insect pests. Among them a new pest Inflorescence caterpillar or Oil palm bunch moth or Coconut spike moth: Tirathaba rufivena (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is first recorded in Bangladesh during 2020 which causes damage to inflorescence and developing nuts resulting considerably yield loss. Inflorescence caterpillar T. rufivena is differentiated from other species based on the front wing color. The front wing color of T. rufivena is grayish other species like T. mundella is greenish. It is also recorded that the seasonal average percent infestation of developing nuts was 19.44-21.45% in southern part of Bangladesh. Therefore more research should be undertaken to assess crop loss by this pest and to develop appropriate management option. This is the first record of Tirathaba rufivena on betel nut in Bangladesh.

Molecular identification and antibiotic resistance patterns of diverse bacteria associated with shrimp PL nurseries of Bangladesh: suspecting Acinetobacter venetianus as future threat.

Shrimp aquaculture has been accomplished with breeding and nursing of shrimp in an artificial environment to fulfill the increasing demand of shrimp consumption worldwide. However, the microbial diseases appear as a serious problem in this industry. The study was designed to identify the diverse bacteria from shrimp PL (post-larvae) nurseries and to profile antibiotic resistance patterns. The rearing water (raw seawater, treated and outlet water) and shrimp PL were collected from eight nurseries of south-west Bangladesh. Using selective agar plates, thirty representative isolates were selected for 16S rRNA gene sequencing, antibiotic susceptibility test and MAR index calculation. Representative isolates were identified as Aeromonas caviae, Pseudomonas monteilii, Shewanella algae, Vibrio alginolyticus, V. brasiliensis, V. natriegens, V. parahaemolyticus, V. shilonii, V. xuii, Zobellella denitrificans which are Gram-negative, and Bacillus licheniformis and B. pumilus which are Gram-positive. Notably, six strains identified as Acinetobacter venetianus might be a concern of risk for shrimp industry. The antibiotic resistance pattern reveals that the strain YWO8-97 (identified as P. monteilii) was resistant to all twelve antibiotics. Ceftazidime was the most powerful antibiotic since most of the studied strains were sensitive against it. The six strains of A. venetianus showed multiple antibiotic resistance patterns. MAR index were ranged from 0.08 to 1.0, and values of 26 isolates were more than 0.2 which means prior high exposure to the antibiotics. From the present study, it can be concluded that shrimp PL nurseries in southern part of Bangladesh are getting contaminated with antibiotic resistant pathogenic bacteria.

Influence of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Floating Bed Cultivation of Okra and Cucumber during Summer Season in Southern Part of Bangladesh

Influence of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Floating Bed Cultivation of Okra and Cucumber during Summer Season in Southern Part of Bangladesh

Incidence, Abundance and Damage of Papaya Mealybug In Southern Part of Bangladesh And Its Management

The papaya mealybug, Paracoccus marginatus Williams and Granara de Willink, is a small hemipteran that attacks several genera of host plants, including economically important tropical fruits and ornamentals. A study was carried out at farmers’ papaya garden and homestead areas of 8 locations viz., Dumki, Bouphal, Dashmina, Patuakhali, Mirjagonj, Amtali, Kalapara and Kuakata of Patuakhali and Barguna districts of Bangladesh to observe the incidence, abundance, and damage potential of papaya mealybug, Paracoccus marginatus (Williams and Granara de Willink) from March to June 2019. An experiment consisting of seven treatments following randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications was conducted for controlling papaya mealybugs at Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU) campus during March to June 2019. Results revealed that among 8 locations, the highest incidence of P. marginatus was recorded in June, and the lowest was in April. The maximum abundance of P. marginatus on leaves and fruits of the papaya plant was observed at Kolapara, and the lowest was at Amtali. The highest percent infested plants (65%) per location, infested leaves/plant (97%), and infested fruits/plant (47%) was recorded in Kolapara, and the lowest percent infestations (31, 18, and 11%, respectively) were in Amtali. Among all treatments, the removal of infested leaves with petioles and application of Nitro 505EC @ 1 ml/L of water (T1) was the best approach for the management of papaya mealybugs. The removal of infested leaves with petioles + Biotap plus extra 95EC @ 0.2 g/L of water (T3) could be used as 2nd choice for controlling papaya mealybugs. The results concluded that removal of infested leaves and the application of Nitro 505 EC at the rate of 1 ml/L of water might be used to control the papaya mealybug. J. Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 47(2): 109-120, December 2021

Effects of an integrated intervention on the nutritional status and IYCF practices under two years of children in the southern part of Bangladesh

Objective: The significance of appropriate infant and young children feeding (IYCF) to ensure proper nutrition for children is well-documented. Although nutrition interventions with agricultural components have the potential, the evidence for this relationship is insufficient. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of an integrated health-based intervention on the dietary pattern and nutritional status of children under two years of age. Methodology: This study was a pre-post analysis of secondary data of the project titled “Integrated Agriculture and Health-Based Interventions for Improved Food and Nutrition Security in Selected Districts of Southern Bangladesh”, which were collected from Barisal and Khulna district. We used data of 268 children aged 0-23 months from baseline and 554 children from endline which comprised the study population to assess socio-demographic, anthropometric and IYCF indicators. Further, horticulture, cooking and hygiene indices were created to analyze the effectiveness of the project interventions. Results: A significant reduction of stunting and underweight and insignificant reduction of wasting were observed from baseline to end line. Compared to baseline, the horticulture index, hygiene index and cooking index differ significantly between the baseline and end line surveys. Further, significant improvement of 6 months exclusive breastfeeding and insignificant improvement of continued breastfeeding up to 1 year were found from baseline to end line. Conclusion: This study shows that integrated agriculture and health-based interventions with nutrition components have a positive impact on stunting and underweight but exert a mixed effect on wasting and IYCF practices. Bioresearch Commu. 8(1): 1077-1087, 2022 (January)

Livelihood of Entrepreneurs of Union Digital Centers in Bangladesh: An Empirical Study

Union Digital Centers (UDCs) have changed not just how government services are delivered, but also how entrepreneurs (UDDOKTA) live. This study appraises the demographic status of entrepreneurs of Union Digital Centers in Bangladesh. This study is based on a mixed approach to social research. Data were collected from 45 entrepreneurs of 25 UDCs in the southern part of Bangladesh. This study found most of the entrepreneurs get appointed from local inhabitants with proper training though it has a chance of political influence but regular monitoring has occurred. The entrepreneurs are under the age of 30 with a standard educational background. The reasons for joining at UDCs are to generate income and to enter an independent profession. Among male and female entrepreneurs, the dropout rate is higher regarding female than male counterparts because of their pregnancy or after marital issues. The rate of availability of male entrepreneurs in UDCs is higher than the female counterparts. Although the income of the entrepreneurs has become higher than before joining, low-income generation by male Entrepreneurs is surely a concern if it becomes lower than expectation. However, authorities must take care of the entrepreneur’s issues so that they can serve the entire community.

Health problems and utilization of health services among Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals in Bangladesh

BackgroundAccess to and utilization of health services have remained major challenges for people living in low- and middle-income countries, especially for those living in impaired public health environment such as refugee camps and temporary settlements. This study presents health problems and utilization of health services among Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMNs) living in the southern part of Bangladesh.MethodsA mixed-method (quantitative and qualitative) approach was used. Altogether 999 household surveys were conducted among the FDMNs living in makeshift/temporary settlements and host communities. We used a grounded theory approach involving in-depth interviews (IDIs), focus group discussions (FGDs), and key informant interviews (KIIs) including 24 IDIs, 10 FGDs, and 9 KIIs. The quantitative data were analysed with STATA.ResultsThe common health problems among the women were pregnancy and childbirth-related complications and violence against women. Among the children, fever, diarrhoea, common cold and malaria were frequently observed health problems. Poor general health, HIV/AIDS, insecurity, discrimination, and lack of employment opportunity were common problems for men. Further, 61.2% women received two or more antenatal care (ANC) visits during their last pregnancy, while 28.9% did not receive any ANC visit. The majority of the last births took place at home (85.2%) assisted by traditional birth attendants (78.9%), a third (29.3%) of whom suffered pregnancy- and childbirth-related complications. The clinics run by the non-governmental organizations (NGOs) (76.9%) and private health facilities (86.0%) were the most accessible places for seeking healthcare for the FDMNs living in the makeshift settlements. All participants heard about HIV/AIDS. 78.0% of them were unaware about the means of HIV transmission, and family planning methods were poorly used (45.2%).ConclusionsOverall, the health of FDMNs living in the southern part of Bangladesh is poor and they have inadequate access to and utilization of health services to address the health problems and associated factors. Existing essential health and nutrition support programs need to be culturally appropriate and adopt an integrated approach to encourage men’s participation to improve utilization of health and family planning services, address issues of gender inequity, gender-based violence, and improve women empowerment and overall health outcomes.

Lithology Identification, Shale Volume Estimation and Formation Wate Saturation of Fenchuganj Gas Field Using Wireline Log Data

This study has been undertaken with a view to interpreting and analyzing different types of logs, detecting hydrocarbon-bearing sand zone, identifying the lithology, estimating shale volume, and determining water saturation of the formation of the Fenchuganj gas field. Fenchuganj gas field is in the southern part of Bangladesh in the Sylhet division. It lies in the Surma basin and characterized as a water drive gas field. Gamma Ray (GR) log and Spontaneous Potential (SP) log analysis help to interpret the formation lithology. After interpreting lithology, the gamma-ray log and SP log were analyzed further, and the hydrocarbon-bearing zone was detected. From the analysis of different logs, for well 4, so many gas-bearing sand zones have been detected. The gas-bearing zones are found between (1585-1595) m, (1600-1610) m, (2409-2420) m, (2265-2270) m, (2295-2303) m, (2435-2450) m, (2465-2480) m, (3150-3155) m, (2955- 2960) m. These are the gas-bearing zones of fenchugonj well-4 determined from the composite log of this field. Water-bearing sand zones are between (1708-1714) m and the fully compacted shale zone is between (1920-1930) m. From the analysis of different logs, for well 5, so many gas-bearing sand zones have been detected. The gas-bearing zones are found between (2365-2385.5) m, (1820-1830) m, (1782-1803) m, (305-308) m, (336.5-338.5) m, (607.5-609.5) m. These are the gas-bearing zone of fenchugonj well-5 determined from the composite log of the field. Shale volume has been estimated from the gamma-ray log and from resistivity logs by the true resistivity method. In well 4, the calculated value of shale volume by Gamma Ray method and true Resistivity methods were respectively 15% and 6%, in well 5 these values were 7.25% and 7.64%. Formation water resistivity was determined from the formula and taken as 0. 1ohm-m and mud filtrate resistivity 0.76 ohm-m. for well-4 and for well-5 it was taken as 0.7 ohm-m (from the provided composite log of well 4 and 5). Formation true resistivity Rt was estimated directly from the ILD log and true resistivity log. The average value of Rt for well-5 was 33.75 ohm-m and for well-4 the value is 34.09 ohm-m. From the RFOC log, flushed zone resistivity Rxo was calculated directly. Water saturation has been determined by three different techniques named Archie, Indonesia, and Simandoux method. For well 5, the value of average water saturation found from Archie, Indonesia, and Simandoux model was 8.5%,22%, and 24.84%, and for well-4. The value of average water saturation was found as 7.3%,18%, 20.51%respectively.

Clinical presentation and outcome of snakebite cases in a teaching hospital

Background: Snake bite is an important but under recognised public health issue in Bangladesh. It is one of the important cause of mortality in our country specially in this southern part of Bangladesh.
 Objective: This study was carried out to evaluate the common type of snake bite in local area with their clinical presentation and outcome of admitted patients in hospital.
 Methods: Patients of snake bite diagnosed by history and clinical examination were consecutively selected for the study after fulfillment of inclusion criteria in the inpatient department of medicine ward, Khulna Medical College Hospital from July 2017 to June 2018. Data were collected and analysed afterwards.
 Results: Among 54 snake bite patients 27 (50%) were female and 27 (50%) were male. Twenty nine (53.7%) were venomous snake bite and 25 (46.3%) were non venomous. The common victims were farmers 14 (25.9%) and housewife 19 (36.2%). The bites were commonly encountered during walking (30%) in rural area. Bite also occured during sleeping (20%). The majority of the snake bite was observed during the month of June & July. Total 95% patient applied multiple tight tourniquet in the affected limb. A common local practice was to receive prehospital treatment from 'Ohzas'. Among 29 poisonous cases, drooping of the upper eyelid was present in 29 (100%) patients, External Opthalmoplegia and broken neck sign were present in 19 (66.6%) patients. Among the venomous snake bite cases 25 (93%) patients recovered completely after getting antivenom.
 Conclusion: Neurological manifestation (Ptosis, Opthalmoplegia, Broken neck sign) are very common in venomous snake bite. Early detection and application of antivenom is needed for better outcome. Treatment of venomous snake bite with Polyvalent serum is successful and safe.
 Bang Med J Khulna 2020: 53 : 23-26

Physico-Chemical Parameters and Diversity of Phytoplankton in Kirtankhola River, Bangladesh

The river Kirtankhola has great importance in southern part of Bangladesh due to its necessity in transportations, municipal and agricultural purposes. But the ecological status and impacts of water quality on phytoplankton diversity were undiscovered. To cover the maximum area of the river, water samples were collected from the 6 locations (ST) covering about 13 km. Some parameters were measured immediately after sampling by portable devices and others done in laboratory following standard methods. The overall quality of the water was found good according to water quality guidelines of World Health Organization, although the water of port area showed comparatively high SO42- and CO3- values which attracts attention for future monitoring. ST 6 showed comparatively more alkaline water (pH 8.45) along with highest EC, TDS, NO3-, NH4+ and DIP values. Besides, 53 phytoplankton taxa belonging to Cyanophyceae (6), Chlorophyceae (10), Euglenophyceae (12) and Bacillariophyceae (25) were identified from the river. Scenedesmus acuminatus was found commonly in five stations except ST 1, whereas Euglena chlamydophora (ST 1), Gomphonema olivaceum (ST 3) and Cymbella parva (ST 5) found rarely. Highest diversity was counted in ST 6. Moreover, Chlorophyceae and Bacillariophyceae have positive correlation with several physical parameters, whereas Cyanophyceae negatively correlated. Euglenophyceae has both negative and positive correlations with some physico-chemical parameters. However, this was first attempt to measure diversity of primary producers and their correlations with water quality of Kirtankhola River.

Incidence, pattern and presentation of Congenital Heart Disease in neonates in southern part of Bangladesh

Background: Congenital heart disease (CHD) has already been recognized as one of the important cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity. The reported prevalence of CHD in live newborns tends to vary a lot due to various unrecognizable lesions at birth and lack of technical expertise.
 Aims & objectives: The ultimate aim of this study was to assess the birth incidence and pattern of congenital heart disease (CHD) using echocardiography in babies born in different government and private hospitals and also in different households.
 Results: Overall incidence of congenital heart disease in neonate in this study was 4.9 per 1000 live birth. Mean age of diagnosis was 22.5±4.6 days. Average weight of these neonates was 26.70 gm. 61.5 % neonates were female. 30.8% was preterm. Respiratory distress was the most common clinical presentation (76.9%). The commonest type of congenital heart disease was Ventricular septal defect (VSD) (61.5%). Maternal co-morbidity may have influence. 30.8% mothers had gestational diabetes mellitus. Hypothyroidism, hypertension and maternal infection may have co-relation.
 Conclusion: In this study, we have found that the overall incidence of neonatal congenital heart disease is 4.9 per 1000 live birth. A high index of suspicion and routine neonatal cheek-up may have key role in diagnosis.
 Mediscope Vol. 8, No. 1: January 2021, Page 27-32