bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Soil Moisture, NPK Fertilizers and Varieties on Grain Growth of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)
Authors: Mollah MSI , Rashid MH , Hossain MS , Khalekuzzaman M
Published: August 2014

The experiments are conducted in the experimental field of the Department of Botany, Rajshahi University during the winter season of 2005-2006 to study the effects of soil moisture and NPK fertilizers on grain growth of four barley varieties (Hordeum vulgare L.) following split-split plot design. The highest grain growth parameters like, spikelet number, spike dry weight, grain number and grain dry weight, spike relative growth rate and grain relative growth rate were observed in the I2 treatment at different days after anthesis. F3 treatment produced the highest spikelet number, spike dry weight, grain number, grain dry weight, spike relative growth rate and grain relative growth rate but the control produced the lowest values. BHL-3 produced higher spikelet number and grain relative growth rate. BL-1 produced higher spike dry weight, grain number, grain dry weight and spike relative growth rate.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v19i1.16985 Progress. Agric. 19(1): 13 - 21, 2008
Direct and Residual Effect of Sulphur and Zinc on Potato-Boro-T. Aman Rice Cropping Pattern
Authors: Tarafder MA , Haque MQ , Rahman MM , Khan MR
Published: August 2014

The experiment was conducted at the Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA) sub-staion, Tajhat, Ranpure, using potato-Boro-T. aman rice cropping pattern with an objective to evaluate the direct and residual effects of sulphur and zinc on the growth, yield and nutrient uptake by the crops. The surface soil was sandy loam texture, pH 6.3, organic matter 1.24%, available sulphur 6.62 ppm and available zinc 0.45 ppm. The experiment comprised of eight treatments for potato S15Zn2 (T2, T4 and T8, S8Zn1 (T5 and T6)and S0Zn0 (T1, T3 and T7), for boro rice S20Zn4 (T3, T5, T6 and T7) and S0Zn0 (T1, T3, T4 and T6). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Average tuber yield of potato (var. cardinal) varied from 28.29 to 32.86 t ha-1 with the highest yield in S15Zn2 treatment (100% recommended dose) and the lowest was in the S0Zn0 treatment (control). In the second crop (Boro rice), growth and yield attributes, grain and straw yields responded significantly to S and Zn applied either in the first crop or in both crops. The average grain yield varied from 3.51 to 5.27 t ha-1 over the treatments. In the third crop (T. aman rice), the grain and straw yields responded significantly to S and Zn applied either in the first and second crop or in the third crops. The grain yield of T. aman rice varied from 2.96 to 4.46 t ha-1 over the treatments. The growth and yield contributing characters were also significantly influenced by the treatment. There was a significant direct and residual effect of the treatments on S and Zn uptake by the crops.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v19i1.16987 Progress. Agric. 19(1): 33 - 38, 2008
Studies on In vitro Callus Induction and Regeneration from Nodal Explants of Cassia alata L.
Authors: Hasan MF , Rahman MS , Hossain MS , Rahman M
Published: August 2014

A successful protocol for adventitious shoot regeneration was developed from the nodal explant derived callus tissue of Cassia alata. Greenish friable callus was induced from the cut surface of the nodal explants on MS medium supplemented with 1.5 mgl-1 2,4-D within twenty days of inoculation. The calli differentiated into adventitious shoots when they were cultured on MS medium supplemented with 1.5 mgl-1 2,4-D and 0.5 mgl-1 Kn. In this treatment, the highest number of shoot induction per callus was 6.0 ±1.0. The callus derived shoots rooted on MS medium containing 1.0 mgl-1 IBA within ten days of culture. The in vitro grown plantlets were acclimatized and successfully transferred to natural condition with 80% survival.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v19i1.17105 Progress. Agric. 19(1): 39 - 44, 2008
Comparative Efficacy of Barbados Lilac, Pineapple And Benazol® Against Gastrointestinal Nematodes in Cattle
Authors: Amin MR , Mostofa M , Awal MA , Sharmin ML
Published: August 2014

The effect of barbados lilac (Melia azedarach, Linn., @100 mg/kg bwt. ), pineapple (Ananas comosus, Merr., @100mg/kg bwt.) and Benazol® (albendazole, @7.5 mg/kg bwt.) against natural gastrointestinal nematodes were studied in cattle. Their effect of TEC, Hb, PCV, TLC, ALT, AST and body weight were observed. Twenty four (24) naturally parasitized cattle of BAU Dairy Farm, Mymensingh were randomly divided into four groups, each consisting of six (6) cattle. Water extract of leaves of barbados lilac and pineapple were administered orally to the cattle of group A and B, respectively. Cattle of group C were treated with Benazol® orally. Cattle of group D was kept as infected control group. Fecal samples, body weight, hematological and biochemical parameters were examined before treatment and on 3rd, 10th, 17th and 28th day. A significant (p<0.01) reduction of EPG count was found following administration of barbados lilac (39.11-60.07%), pineapple (29.50-45.36%) and Benazol® (62.19-90.44%) in cattle. Whereas EPG increased significantly (p<0.01) in control group throughout the experimental period. After treatment with barbados lilac, pineapple and Benazol®, total erythrocyte count (TEC), hemoglobin (Hb) content and packed cell volume (PCV) were gradually increased significantly (p<0.01 and p<0.05) in cattle. Conversely, the total leukocyte count (TLC) were decreased significantly (p<0.01 and p<0.05) in treated cattle. The alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level were not significantly changed in the cattle. The body weight was increased significantly (p<0.01 and p<0.05) in barbados lilac, pineapple and Benazol® treated cattle.In contrast, body weight was decreased in control group. The present study reveals that water extracts of barbados lilac leaves were moderately effective and pineapple leaves were relatively less effective against mixed gastrointestinal nematode infections in cattle.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v19i1.17107 Progress. Agric. 19(1): 51 - 59, 2008
Clinical and Histopathological Study of Important Air-Breathing Fishes
Authors: Patwary ZP , Faruk MAR , Ali MM
Published: August 2014

A study was conducted to know the health and disease problems of three important air-breathing fishes viz. Shing (Heteropneustes fossilis), Magur (Clarias batrachus) and Thai Koi (Anabas testudineus) through clinical and histopathological technique from June 2007 to March 2008 collected from selected farms and from local markets. Generally, during December and January, acute pathologies were recorded. Clinical signs of Shing included haemorrhage, extended belly and ulceration. Histopathologically, partly missing and splitted epidermis and dermis, necrotic, vacuoled and ruptured myotomes of muscle with fungal granuloma were observed. Major gill pathologies included partly missing and highly hypertrophied, haemorrhagic gill lamellae, presence of monogenetic trematode and pyknotic cells. In liver, haemorrhagic areas, necrotic, vacuoled, hyperplasid hepatocytes, cell debris, pyknotic nuclei and plenty of inflammatory cells were evident. Haemorrhages, vacuolation, necrosis, missing and ruptured kidney tubules and pyknotic nuclei were the major pathologies of kidney. Clinically, dark red lesion, haemorrhage, necrosis and ulcer in body surface were seen in Magur. Histopathologically observed pathologies in Magur were almost similar to that of Shing. Clinical signs of Thai Koi included discoloration, loss of scales and fins, abnormal caudal fin, haemorrhage in gill and ulcer. Marked histopathology in the skin and muscle were observed such as totally lost epidermis, dermis separated from muscle, severely ruptured, degenerated and missing of myotomes in many places. In gills, hypertrophy, hyperplasia, telangiectasis, clubbing, haemorrhage and massive necrosis in both primary and secondary gill lamellae were found. Pathologies observed in liver and kidney were most alike to that of Shing. In the months of February and March, all the investigated organs of the three fish species were at a healing stage.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v19i1.17109 Progress. Agric. 19(1): 69 - 78, 2008
Asterosap, an Egg Jelly Peptide, Elevate Intracellular Ca2+ and Activate the Motility of Spermatozoa
Authors: Islam MS , Akhter T , Matsumoto M
Published: August 2014

Components from the outer envelopes of the egg that influence the flagellar beating and acrosome reaction of spermatozoa are regulated by ion flux across the plasma membrane. Asterosap, a sperm-activating peptide from the starfish egg jelly layer, causes a transient increase in intracellular cyclic GMP (cGMP) through the activation of the asterosap receptor, a guanylyl cyclase (GC), and causes an increase in intracellular Ca2+. Here we describe the pathway of asterosap-induced Ca2+ elevation using different Ca2+ channel antagonists. Fluo-4 AM, a cell permeable Ca2+ sensitive dye was used to determine the channel caused by the asterosap-induced Ca2+ elevation in spermatozoa. Different L-type Ca2+ channel antagonists, a non specific Ca2+ channel antagonist (nickel chloride), and a store-operated Ca2+ channel (SOC) antagonist do not show any significant response on asterosap-induced Ca2+ elevation, whereas KB-R7943, a selective inhibitor against Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) inhibited effectively. We also analyzed the flagellar movement of spermatozoa in artificial seawater (ASW) containing the asterosap at 100 nM ml?1. We found that spermatozoa swam vigorously with more symmetrical flagellar movement in asterosap than in ASW and KB-R7943 significantly inhibited the flagellar movement.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v19i1.17358 Progress. Agric. 19(1): 79 - 88, 2008
Efficacy of Selected Chemotherapeutic and Medicinal Plants on Fungal Fish Pathogens
Authors: Rahman T , Chowdhury MBR , Faruk MAR
Published: August 2014

Studies were conducted to examine the efficacy of selected chemotherapeutic and medicinal plants against common fungal fish pathogens. Four different doses of available fungicidal agents viz., lime + salt, brilliant green, malachite green and methylene blue were applied to the fresh culture of newly isolated fish pathogenic fungi (Aphanomyces invadans, Saprolegnia sp. and Achlya sp.) under in-vitro condition and minimum inhibitory dose (MID) was determined. Based on in-vitro results, chemotherapeutic were applied to the experimental infection of fish (Barbonymus gonionotus). Salt + lime, brilliant green and malachite green offered better results in reducing the rate of infection followed by medium effective methylene blue. Medicinal plants were selected on the basis of previous studies. Crude extracts were prepared from various parts (leaves and bulb) of neem (Azadirachta indica), turmeric (Curcuma longa) and shoti (C. zedoaria) and four different doses were applied to the fresh culture of above mentioned fungal pathogens under in-vitro condition to determine MID. Treatment trial was performed using the MID of the highly effective plant extracts (viz., tumeric, shoti, neem + tumeric and neem + shoti) on experimental infection of fish. Turmeric and neem + tumeric were found to be the most effective ones. Thus, medicinal plants would be an effective and alternative control measure along with selected chemotherapeutic against fungal diseases of fish.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v19i1.17361 Progress. Agric. 19(1): 105 - 116, 2008
Isolation of Aeromonas hydrophila from EUS Affected Shing Heteropneustes fossilis of a Fish Farm in Mymensingh
Authors: Rashid MM , Hasan MA , Mostafa K , Islam MA
Published: August 2014

Aeromonas hydrophila bacteria was isolated from the suspected EUS-affected shing fish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch). The disease investigations were primarily based on clinical signs and subsequently confirmed by the isolation of bacterial pathogen Aeromonas hydrophila from lesion of liver and kidney. The A. hydrophila isolates were identified by a series of morphological, physiological and biochemical tests. The total bacterial load in liver, intestine and kidney were 1.67 × 104 to 6.46 × 108 CFU/g, 1.71 × 103 to 1.18 × 109 CFU/g and 1.47 × 104 to 3.70 × 108 CFU/g respectively.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v19i1.17362 Progress. Agric. 19(1): 117 - 124, 2008
Status of Penaeus monodon Farms, Depots and Processing Industries of Some Selected Areas of Bangladesh
Authors: Faridullah M , Haider MN , Kamal M , Islam MN
Published: August 2014

A survey was carried out to evaluate the overall condition, infrastructure facilities, handling and quality management system, condition of raw materials of shrimp, Bagda (Penaeus monodon) farms and depots of some selected shrimp producing areas of Coxs Bazar (Chokoria and Teknaf), Khulna (Paikgacha and Koira), Bagerhat (Rampal and Mongla) and Satkhira (Munshiganj and Ashashuni) through direct observation and interview with cross section of people engaged in farms, depots and processing industries. The survey results revealed that the production of shrimp was not satisfactory. The post-harvest quantitative and qualitative losses in the farms were due to longer duration of harvesting, exposure of shrimp at high ambient temperature for a long time (delayed icing), contamination from dirty floor and lack of general hygiene and sanitation. On the other hand, major quality loss in depots were due to delayed icing, use of inadequate ice, rough handling and peeling, presence of foreign materials, packed under pressure in the bamboo basket, contamination, body crushing, use of dirty utensils and lack or poor personal hygiene of depot workers.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v19i1.17363 Progress. Agric. 19(1): 125 - 134, 2008
Characterization of Solvent-Fractionated Mustard Oil by High Performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Alim MA , Lee JH , Lee CR , Akoh CC , Lee KT
Published: August 2014

Mustard oil (MO) was fractionated at low temperature with acetone. The liquid fraction obtained at -24°C, showed higher levels of oleic (24.7%) and linoleic (22.0%) acids, and lower level of erucic acid (24.5%) compared to other fractions. The lowest temperature (-24°C) was most effective for lowering the level of erucic acid through crystallization of triacylglycerol (TAG) molecules. One purpose of this study was to obtain erucic acid reduced fractions because erucic acid has undesirable effect on human health. The result suggested that erucic acid could be separates as solid fraction thereby better reduction of erucic acid would be possible at lower temperature.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v19i1.17364 Progress. Agric. 19(1): 135 - 141, 2008
Impact of Technical Intervention on Profitability of Village Based Medium Scaled Broiler Enterprise in Bangladesh
Authors: Jaim J , Islam MN
Published: August 2014

In Bangladesh the majority of the population, particularly the rural people are poverty stricken. This study assesses the possibility of addressing poverty through an advanced technology of broiler rearing model which ensures high participation of rural women, protects the environment and secures from harmful or unnecessary residual effects on human health. Bangladesh Rural Enterprise and Agricultural Project-II (BREAD-II) of Winrock International, a non-profit organization has introduced this model. The present study focuses on the impact of this model on rural household income through comparing profitability of broiler farms adopting this model compared to those of non-adopters. This comparative study confirmed higher profit of BREAD-II Model of broiler rearing which eventually indicates that it can be considered as an effective tool for poverty alleviation.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v19i1.17365 Progress. Agric. 19(1): 143 - 153, 2008
Comparative Efficacy of Compost, Compost Tea, Poultry Litter and Bavistin in Controlling Diseases of Chili
Authors: Hassan MR , Hossain I , Islam MR , Khokon MAR
Published: August 2014

Compost, compost tea and poultry litter in comparison with Bavistin were evaluated for controlling diseases of chili. The experiments were conducted at Field Lab. and Eco-friendly Plant Disease Management Lab. of the Department of Plant Pathology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh in 2011- 2012 using eight different treatments following Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The treatments were (1) Compost tea (1 : 5 w/v) as foliar spray, (2) Soil drenching with Compost tea (1 : 5 w/v), (3) Soil drenching with poultry litter extract (1 : 5 w/v), (4) Bavistin (0.1%) as foliar spray, (5) Soil drenching with Bavistin (0.1%), (6) Compost (10 t/ha) in soil application, (7) Poultry litter (10 t/ha) in soil application and (8) control. Minimum leaf curl incidence (80.89%) and severity grade (2) were recorded in plots under Compost tea @ 1:5 w/v as foliar spray, but severity and severity grade were maximum by 95.00% and 3, respectively under control plots. Minimum anthracnose infected plants (16.67%) and infected fruit (9.35%) were recorded in plots under Compost @ 10 t/ha in soil application and soil drenching with poultry litter extract (1.5 w/v). The highest Cercospora leaf spot having severity rating grade 3.15 was recorded in field where compost tea was applied as soil drenching and lowest grade 1.07 was determined where Bavistin was applied as foliar spray. The fruit yield (4.67 t/ha) was found significantly higher in plots under compost tea as foliar spray and Bavistin as foliar spray which was 79.62% higher yield over control. Physical and chemical compositions of compost tea and poultry litter were determined.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v24i1-2.19096 Progress. Agric. 24(1&2): 39 - 44, 2013
A Retrospective Study on Occurrence of Myiasis in Ruminants
Authors: Juyena NS , Tapon MAH , Ferdousy RN , Paul S , Alam MM
Published: August 2014

The myiasis is very common surgical affections of ruminants in Bangladesh. There are limited researches on the maggot wound infestation in Bangladesh. A retrospective study was performed to collect data and to get a clear and genuine concept on myiasis affections in ruminants in respect to species. age, sex, breed, season and predilection sites. The present study was conducted in Veterinary Clinic, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh and data was recorded from 2008 to 2012. Results showed that 151 animals were affected with myiasis and maggot wounds predominantly occurred in the cattle (71.6%) among which calves were more affected. Myiasis was very prone to occur in the navel, vulva, leg and ear. During the study period, more affection occurred in animals of below 6 months (41%). The females (66%) were more frequently affected than the males (34%) and cross breed (57%) was more affected compared to local breed (43%).Moreover, infestation frequently observed from March to June (80%). This study could help veterinarians as well as farmers to be aware of the occurrence of maggot wounds and to implement protective measures with minimum complications.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v24i1-2.19110 Progress. Agric. 24(1&2): 101 - 106, 2013
Effect of Probiotic on Beneficial and Pathogenic Microorganisms in the Gastrointestinal Tract of Commercial Broiler with BCRDV Vaccine
Authors: Islam MR , Mostofa M , Mondal KS , Roy RR , Sorwar MG , Islam S
Published: August 2014

The present study was conducted to determine the effect of probiotic on beneficial and pathogenic microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract of Commercial Broiler. A total of 80 day-old broiler chicks were divided into two main groups I and II with 40 chicks in each. Group I was supplemented with Probiotic (Saccharomyces cerevisiae 2 gm/kg feed) containing feed and chicks of group II was supplemented with conventional feed. Group I and II was again subdivided into two subgroups as group A, B and C, D respectively on 6 days of age. Birds of subgroups A and C were vaccinated with ND vaccine (BCRDV) and birds of subgroups C and D were kept as unvaccinated. The result evidenced the following information: (a) The total viable count (TVC) and total coliform count (TCC) were significantly (P<0.01) lower in experimental birds as compared to control at 14, 28 and 32 days of age both in vaccinated and non-vaccinated birds. It was always found that the lower TVC in probiotic fed broilers as compared to conventional fed broilers (b) The total lactobacilli count (TLC) was significantly (P<0.01) higher in experimental birds as compared to control at 14, 28 and 32 days of age both in vaccinated and non-vaccinated birds. So it can be said that Saccharomyces cerevisiae supplementation can reduce the pathogenic microorganism and increase the growth of beneficial microorganism.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v24i1-2.19111 Progress. Agric. 24(1&2): 107 - 115, 2013
Role of a Max Yeast Culture Probiotic in Potentiating the Growth Performance of Commercial Broiler
Authors: Islam MR , Mostofa M , Islam S , Roy RR , Sorwar MG , Mondal KS
Published: August 2014

The present study is under taken to determine the body weight gain of broilers, to determine carcass yield or dressing percentage of broilers, to determine feed conversion ratio of broilers, to enumerate the colonizing micro flora in the gut of broilers. A total of 80 day-old broiler chicks were divided into two main groups I and II with 40 chicks in each. Group I was supplemented with Probiotic (Max Yeast Culture gm/kg feed) containing feed and chicks of group II was supplemented with conventional feed. Group I and II was again subdivided into two subgroups as group A, B and C, D respectively on 6 days of age. Birds of subgroups A and C were vaccinated with ND vaccine (BCRDV) and birds of subgroups C and D were kept as unvaccinated. The result evidenced the following information: (a) The total viable count (TVC) and total coliform count (TCC) were significantly (P<0.01) lower in experimental birds as compared to control at 14, 28 and 32 days of age both in vaccinated and non-vaccinated birds. It was always found that the lower TVC in probiotic fed broilers as compared to conventional fed broilers (b) The total lactobacilli count (TLC) was significantly (P<0.01) higher in experimental birds as compared to control at 14, 28 and 32 days of age both in vaccinated and non-vaccinated birds. So it can be said that Max Yeast Culture supplementation can reduce the growth of pathogenic microorganism and increase the growth of beneficial microorganism.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v24i1-2.19116 Progress. Agric. 24(1&2): 131 - 136, 2013
Environmental Issues of Emerging Pangas (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) Farming in Bangladesh
Authors: Anka IZ , Faruk MAR , Hasan MM , Azad MAK
Published: August 2014

Pangas farming is one of the fastest growing types of aquaculture in Bangladesh. A study was conducted to understand environmental issues of emerging pangas farming in Bangladesh. Data were collected through questionnaire interview and focus group discussion (FGD) with pangas farmers. All together 40 farmers were interviewed and 6 FGD sessions were conducted in Muktagacha, Trishal and Valuka Upazila of Mymensingh district. Positive and negative aspects of environmental integrity were compared. Potential environmental impacts of pangas farming were assessed using certain parameters like land use pattern, water quality management and eutrophication, pond waste management, use of chemicals and antibiotics, and escape of fish. It was found that conversion of agricultural land and beels into pangas pond were remarkable which leads to the quick loss of agricultural land that reduces rice production. The unutilized feed portion accumulated in pangas ponds produced huge pond bottom waste and caused water quality deterioration. Eutrophication was found as a common problem along with discharge of highly nutrient rich water in the paddy field. Management of pond bottom waste was found quite poor though it has some good use in vegetable production in the pond dyke. Indiscriminate use of chemicals and antibiotics had an adverse impact on the environment and human health.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v24i1-2.19118 Progress. Agric. 24(1&2): 159 - 170, 2013
Training Needs of the Fish Farmers on Integrated Fish Farming
Authors: Yeasmin MS , Hoque MJ , Rahman MZ
Published: August 2014

The study was carried out to determine the extent of training needs of the fish farmers on integrated fish farming and to explore the relationship between the selected characteristics of the fish farmers and their extent of training needs on integrated fish farming (IFF). Four villages, namely North Gouari, South Gouari, Rajpur and Satrasia under Muktagacha Upazila (sub-district) of Mymensingh district were the locale of the study. Ninety fish farmers (out of the total of 300) were randomly selected as a sample of the study. Data were collected from the sample of fish farmers by using a pre-tested interview schedule through personal interview method during 15 to 30 April 2013. Pearsons Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (r) was computed to explore the relationships between the selected characteristics of the respondents and their extent of training needs on IFF. Training needs of the fish farmers on IFF was the dependent variable and selected characteristics of the respondents constituted the independent variables of the study. The highest proportion (56.7 per cent) of the respondents had high training needs while 42.2 per cent of the respondents had medium and only 1.1 per cent had low training need on IFF. The training needs for selection of diseases free seed and species ranked first followed by training needs for ways of diseases control. Sequentially training needs for breed selection was third, training needs for stocking density of fish species was fourth training needs for preventive measures of diseases was fifth and training need for techniques of egg collection was last in the rank order. Correlation analyses indicated that five characteristics of the integrated fish farmers, namely years of schooling, organizational participation, communication exposure, social mobility and knowledge with IFF had significant positive relationships with their extent of training needs on IFF. The household size, age and annual income showed no significant relationships with their extent of training needs on IFF and showed negative trend. The main problems on IFF were unavailability of quality seed and species, lack of financial support, lack of knowledge on species selection, lack of marketing facilities, lack of knowledge on fish processing and preservation. The extension service providers should arrange more training and motivational campaign for the fish farmers on IFF.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v24i1-2.19171 Progress. Agric. 24(1&2): 181 - 189, 2013
Existing Status and Practices of Fish Farming in Trishal Upazila of Mymensingh District
Authors: Sheheli S , Fatema K , Haque SM
Published: August 2014

The study was conducted to investigate the existing status and practices of fish farming. A total of 100 farmers were interviewed by using a structured interview schedule from three villages (Porabari, Mathabari and Vabanipur) of Trishal upazila of Mymensingh district at their houses and/or farm sites during January to May 2013. Most of the farmers (89%) made profit from fish production. The study confirmed that most farmers have improved their socio-economic conditions through fish production which plays an important role in increasing income, food production and employment opportunities. Five major areas are identified to improve the existing fish farming situation, which are quality fry, credit facilities, low-cost quality feed, training, and marketing channel. The impact analysis of fish farming on livelihood of fish farmers shows that overall 64% fish farmers have increased overall livelihood from fish farming during the last four years (2010-2013). Access to micro-credit, provide good quality input such as fry, feed, vaccines, etc., market facilities, supply of improve technologies, and provide training all lead to increased fish production. The constraints index (CI) analysis shows that overall 74% fish farmers faced medium constraints for fish farming. A total of nine (9) main constraints identified hindering their fish farming, and major constraints are high production cost, lack of technical knowledge and inadequate supply of good quality fry etc.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v24i1-2.19172 Progress. Agric. 24(1&2): 191 - 201, 2013
Growth and Yield of Wheat under Irrigation by Sugar Mills Wastewater
Authors: Kundu PK , Acharjee TK , Mojid MA
Published: August 2014

The possibility of using sugar mills wastewater/effluent in irrigation was evaluated by investigating the effects of wastewater on growth and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum cv. Prodip). The experiment was conducted at North Bengal Sugar Mill site in Natore during December 2011 to March 2012. Three irrigation treatments (I1: irrigation with fresh/tubewell water, I2: irrigation with a mixture of fresh and wastewater at 1:1 ratio and I3: irrigation with wastewater) under a main factor and three fertilizer treatments (F0: no application of fertilizer, F1: half dose fertilizer and F2: full dose fertilizer) under a sub factor were evaluated. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with three replications of the treatments. Wheat was grown with three irrigations totaling 14 cm applied at 4, 26 and 43 days after sowing (DAS). Important growth and yield data of the crop were recorded. The highest grain yield of 1.829 t/ha was obtained under mixed water irrigation and the lowest grain yield of 1.469 t/ha was obtained under wastewater irrigation. The three irrigation treatments, however, provided statistically similar (p = 0.05) grain yield. For the interaction between irrigation and fertilizers, mixed water irrigation and full dose fertilizer application (I2F2) provided significantly higher grain yield (2.757 t/ha) than all other treatment combinations. The second highest yield, produced under freshwater irrigation and full dose fertilizer (I1F2), was statistically similar to the yield under wastewater irrigation and full dose fertilizer (I3F2). Results of this experiment thus exposed good prospects of irrigating wheat by sugar mills wastewater.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v24i1-2.19174 Progress. Agric. 24(1&2): 211 - 218, 2013
Surface-Runoff Characteristics under Simulated Rainfall Conditions
Authors: Das P , Mahmud K , Karmaker S
Published: August 2014

This paper describes a rainfall-runoff simulation study, conducted in a laboratory to investigate surface runoff characteristics, verify unit hydrograph assumption and investigate the nature of the recession constant. A hydrology bench consisting of a metallic tray with an over head sprinkler system was used for this study. The metallic tray with soil bed and a river network acted as a small catchment. The over head sprinkler system consisting of spray nozzles acted as rainfall simulator. Different rainfall intensities and durations were taken as the treatments for the experiments. Surface runoff volume was collected at 10 secondly pulses of time in each experiment. Collected data were then processed and analyzed to explain the results. Unit hydrographs were developed from the surface runoff hydrographs for different rainfall durations and intensities. Recession constant K was calculated from the recession limb of each surface runoff hydrograph by optimization. Investigations show that runoff volume, runoff generation rate and peak runoff rate increase with the increasing rainfall duration. However, the peak runoff rate per sec of effective rainfall decreases with the increasing rainfall duration. There is also an evidence of the effects of rainfall intensity on runoff characteristics but no specific trend is identified. This study also reveals that the assumption of linearity between runoff volume and hydrograph ordinates is partially valid with some error which may be attributed to the non-uniform distributions of rainfall. Nature of recession constant suggests that the recession hydrograph is not only a function of catchment characteristics but also depends on rainfall intensities.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v24i1-2.19175 Progress. Agric. 24(1&2): 219 - 227, 2013
Food Security Condition of Landless People in a Char Area of Rangpur District
Authors: Shahiduzzaman M , Rahman MZ , Hoque MJ , Arefin MS
Published: August 2014

The study was conducted to investigate the food security condition of households of landless char people at Purba Isli village of Lakshmitary union, Gangachara Upazila of Rangpur District. Data were collected from a random sample of 80 where the total landless char people were 400. A structured interview schedule was used for collecting data during April to May 2012. Food security condition of households of landless char people was measured on the basis of their per capita calorie consumption per day. Coefficient of correlation (r) was computed to explore relationship of the respondents selected characteristics and their food security condition. More than half (57.5 per cent) of the households were food secure and energy intake was 2122 kcal/person/day. On the other hand, 21.3 per cent household were food insecure and consumed between 1805 and 2121 kcal/person/ day and 21.3 per cent households were found severely food insecure and calorie intake was less than 1805 kcal/person/day. Thus, it can be concluded that nearly half of the landless char people were food insecure. Landless char peoples year of schooling, landlessness category, annual household income, training experience, and credit received, extension media contact, involvement in NGO, perceived strategies to cope with food insecurity and perception of organizational food insecurity mitigation initiatives had significant positive relationship with their household food security condition.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v24i1-2.19180 Progress. Agric. 24(1&2): 281 - 289, 2013
Competency Assessment of the Farmers on the Application of One House One Farm Approach
Authors: Islam I , Hoque MJ , Miah MAM , Sheheli S
Published: August 2014

The purposes of the study were to determine the extent of competency of the farmers on the application of One House One farm approach and to find out the relationships between the extent of competency of the farmers and their selected characteristics. Data were collected from 100 randomly selected farmers (out of 700) from two unions of Mymensingh Sadar Upazila. A pre-tested and structured interview schedule was used to collect data from the farmers during the period of 18 March to 01 April 2013. The extent of competency of the farmers on the application of One House One Farm approach was the dependent variable of the study. To measure the dependent variables, a total of 18 statements about competency of the farmers were selected and each of the competency was put against a four point rating scale such as excellent, above average, average and not at all, and the corresponding score were given as 3, 2, 1, and 0, respectively. Therefore, the possible range of score of 20 competencies would be 0-54. The competency gaps of the farmers were measured by Cut-Score method on rating scale. One hundred (100) is the Cut-Score with an assumption if all the respondents go for Average (score: 1). The independent variables, however, were measured by using suitable scales and techniques. Pearsons Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (r) was used to explore the relationships between the concerned variables. The findings indicate that majority of the respondents (94 per cent) had medium competency compared to 2 per cent of them having high competency. On the other hand, there were 4 respondents under low extent of competency. Out of ten selected characteristics, the farmers level of education, farm size, training exposure, extension media contact, agricultural knowledge and awareness on One House One Farm approach showed significant positive relationships with their extent of competency on the application of One House One Farm approach. Age, household size, annual family income, and organizational participation had no relationships with their extent of competency on the application of One House One Farm approach.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v24i1-2.19181 Progress. Agric. 24(1&2): 291 - 299, 2013
Study on Varying Salt Level and Storage Time on Physico-Chemical and Sensory Quality of Beef Nugget
Authors: Talukder MAK , Hashem MA , Rahman SME , Islam MS , Hossain MM , Ali MS , Azad MAK , Luna R
Published: August 2014

The experiment was conducted to find out the effect of salt and storage temperature on the physico-chemical properties of beef nugget. For this purpose nugget samples were divided into two parts; one is called fresh nugget and another is preserved nugget at different temperatures. Then the fresh samples as well as the preserved samples were divided into four subdivisions. Then these are treated with different salt levels (0, 1.5, 3 and 5% salt level). The preserved samples were stored at 4oC and -20oC. Samples preserved at 4oC were stored in the refrigerator for 21 days and were analyzed on 7th day, 14th day and 21th day and samples preserved at -20oC were stored in the refrigerator for 60 days and were analyzed on 15th day, 30th day, 45th day and 60th day of preservation. Dry matter and Ash content of all the samples increased significantly (P<0.01) with the advancement of storage time and salt level. CP% of fresh samples was 22.31, 20.55, 20.13 and 20.55 at 0, 1.5, 3 and 5% salt concentration. CP, DM, Ash and Fat also varied among the samples significantly (P<0.01). Highly significant difference is observed in preserved samples than in fresh samples at different salt levels. Fresh nugget treated with 1.5% salt found to be more acceptable in terms of sensory evaluation. So we recommend fresh nugget to be best for consumption.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v24i1-2.19280 Progress. Agric. 24(1&2): 149 - 158, 2013
Commercial Potato Growers Contact with Information Sources Through Mobile Phone
Authors: Faruk MO , Kashem MA , Rahman MZ
Published: August 2014

The objective of the present study was to determine the overall extent of contact through mobile phone to different information sources by commercial potato growers and to explore the relationships between overall extent of contact through mobile phone and their selected characteristics. The study was carried out at Imampura union under Gazaria Upazila of Munshiganj district. Data were collected from a sample of 88 potato growers by using interview schedule during September to October 2011. Appropriate scales were used in order to measure the concerned variables. Correlation test was used to ascertain the relationships between the concerned variables. Majority (71.6 per cent) of the potato growers had very low mobile phone use while 27.3 per cent of the potato growers had low mobile phone use and only 1.1 per cent had medium use with different information sources. Contact with relatives, friends; different market agents, and cold storage manager were the most important mobile phone using contact sources. Potato growers had more contact with other agents (friends and relatives, progressive potato growers etc.) compared to the input dealer and extension agents. Their characteristics such as year of schooling, household size, farm size, annual family income, attitude towards mobile phone use, knowledge on potato production and commercialization of potato had significant positive relationships with the overall contact through mobile phone; while age, organizational exposure, cosmoliteness had no significant relationships with their extent of contact through mobile phone.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v24i1-2.19282 Progress. Agric. 24(1&2): 239 - 149, 2013
Differential Protection for an Outgoing Transformer of Large-Scale Doubly Fed Induction Generator-Based Wind Farms
Authors: Gao Bingtuan , Wei Wei , Zhang Luoma , Chen Ning , Wu Yingjun , Tang Yi
Published: August 2014

With the rapid development of wind energy, relay protection for large-scale wind farms has been attracting some researchers, due to the absence of standards. Based on the large-scale doubly fed induction generator (DFIG)-based wind farms located in Gansu Province, China, this paper studies the differential protection for the outgoing power transformer of large-scale DFIG-based wind farms. According to the equivalent circuit of the power grid integrated with wind farms, the main frequency components of current and voltage during faults are identified mathematically and then verified by simulations. The results show that the frequencies of current and voltage at the terminals of outgoing transmission lines are inconsistent. Following the feature of frequency inconsistency, the adaptability of differential protection is analyzed, and it is found that differential protection for an outgoing transformer in large-scale wind farms may fail once ignoring the frequency inconsistency. Simulation studies demonstrate that inconsistent frequency characteristics will deteriorate the sensitivity and reliability of differential protection. Finally, several suggestions are provided for improving the performance of relay protections for large-scale DFIG-based wind farms.
Pollutant Flux Estimation in an Estuary Comparison between Model and Field Measurements
Authors: Chen Yen-Chang , Lung Wu-Seng , Yang Han-Chung , Chen Bo-Jhih , Chen Chien-Hung
Published: August 2014

This study proposes a framework for estimating pollutant flux in an estuary. An efficient method is applied to estimate the flux of pollutants in an estuary. A gauging station network in the Danshui River estuary is established to measure the data of water quality and discharge based on the efficient method. A boat mounted with an acoustic Doppler profiler (ADP) traverses the river along a preselected path that is normal to the streamflow to measure the velocities, water depths and water quality for calculating pollutant flux. To know the characteristics of the estuary and to provide the basis for the pollutant flux estimation model, data of complete tidal cycles is collected. The discharge estimation model applies the maximum velocity and water level to estimate mean velocity and cross-sectional area, respectively. Thus, the pollutant flux of the estuary can be easily computed as the product of the mean velocity, cross-sectional area and pollutant concentration. The good agreement between the observed and estimated pollutant flux of the Danshui River estuary shows that the pollutant measured by the conventional and the efficient methods are not fundamentally different. The proposed method is cost-effective and reliable. It can be used to estimate pollutant flux in an estuary accurately and efficiently.
Recent Alpine Glacier Variability: Wind River Range, Wyoming, USA
Authors: Maloof Abigail , Piburn Jesse , Tootle Glenn , Kerr Greg
Published: August 2014

Glacier area and volume changes were quantified through the use of historical aerial photographs in the Wind River Range, Wyoming. Forty-four glaciers in the Wind River Range were analyzed using orthorectified aerial photography from 2012. This is an update to the work of Thompson et al. [1] in which the surface area changes of the 44 glaciers were estimated from 1966 to 2006. The total surface area of the glaciers was estimated to be 27.8 ± 0.8 km2, a decrease of 39% from 1966 and a decrease of 2% from 2006. The 2012 volume changes for the 44 glaciers were estimated using the Bahr et al. [2] volume-area scaling technique. The total glacier volume in 2012 was calculated to be 1.01 ± 0.21 km3, a decrease of 63% from 1966. These results, once compared to temperature and snowpack trends, suggest that the downward trend in snowpack as well as increasing temperatures seem to be the most likely driver of the glacier recessions. With Global Circulation Models (GCMs) forecasting higher temperatures and lower precipitation in the western U.S., it is likely that glaciers will continue to recede.Glacier area and volume changes were quantified through the use of historical aerial photographs in the Wind River Range, Wyoming. Forty-four glaciers in the Wind River Range were analyzed using orthorectified aerial photography from 2012. This is an update to the work of Thompson et al. [1] in which the surface area changes of the 44 glaciers were estimated from 1966 to 2006. The total surface area of the glaciers was estimated to be 27.8 ± 0.8 km2, a decrease of 39% from 1966 and a decrease of 2% from 2006. The 2012 volume changes for the 44 glaciers were estimated using the Bahr et al. [2] volume-area scaling technique. The total glacier volume in 2012 was calculated to be 1.01 ± 0.21 km3, a decrease of 63% from 1966. These results, once compared to temperature and snowpack trends, suggest that the downward trend in snowpack as well as increasing temperatures seem to be the most likely driver of the glacier recessions. With Global Circulation Models (GCMs) forecasting higher temperatures and lower precipitation in the western U.S., it is likely that glaciers will continue to recede.
Hypotension and Environmental Noise: A Replication Study
Authors: Lercher Peter , Widmann Ulrich , Thudium Jürg
Published: August 2014

Up to now, traffic noise effect studies focused on hypertension as health outcome. Hypotension has not been considered as a potential health outcome although in experiments some people also responded to noise with decreases of blood pressure. Currently, the characteristics of these persons are not known and whether this down regulation of blood pressure is an experimental artifact, selection, or can also be observed in population studies is unanswered. In a cross-sectional replication study, we randomly sampled participants (age 20–75, N = 807) from circular areas (radius = 500 m) around 31 noise measurement sites from four noise exposure strata (35–44, 45–54, 55–64, >64 Leq, dBA). Repeated blood pressure measurements were available for a smaller sample (N = 570). Standardized information on socio-demographics, housing, life style and health was obtained by door to door visits including anthropometric measurements. Noise and air pollution exposure was assigned by GIS based on both calculation and measurements. Reported hypotension or hypotension medication past year was the main outcome studied. Exposure-effect relationships were modeled with multiple non-linear logistic regression techniques using separate noise estimations for total, highway and rail exposure. Reported hypotension was significantly associated with rail and total noise exposure and strongly modified by weather sensitivity. Reported hypotension medication showed associations of similar size with rail and total noise exposure without effect modification by weather sensitivity. The size of the associations in the smaller sample with BMI as additional covariate was similar. Other important cofactors (sex, age, BMI, health) and moderators (weather sensitivity, adjacent main roads and associated annoyance) need to be considered as indispensible part of the observed relationship. This study confirms a potential new noise effect pathway and discusses potential patho-physiological routes of actions.