bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hazel grouse Bonasa bonasia population dynamics in a fragmented landscape: a metapopulation approach
Authors: Sahlsten Jonas , Wickström Frederik , Höglund Jacob
Published: April 2010

If the deterministic threats of fragmentation can be stopped or reversed, species may find opportunities to disperse between patches and reduce the risk of extinction. In order to realise these opportunities and apply them to conservation programmes, it is necessary to understand the dynamics involved and to estimate which capacity is high enough to sustain a population at the landscape level. In a regional population consisting of several subpopulations, the incidence function model (IFM) is a stochastic, spatially‐realistic patch occupancy model which can be applied using few parameters. With this model one can simulate and manipulate a patch network for a species. In IFM, the extinction probability is assumed to be proportional to local population size which in turn is assumed to be proportional to the local patch area. Although, the basic area of patches is of importance, influence from the geometric shape of patches may be equally or more important to determine potential incidence of a species in a particular patch. Basic area measurements might overestimate the probability of occupancy and/or capacity of a certain patch network to sustain a metapopulation. One applicable method to use in dealing with regional dynamics in fragmented landscapes is metapopulation capacity; derived from metapopulation theory, this method can be used to rank different patch networks. In our study, we examine if there is any difference in occupancy level and capacity between four different area scenarios. This allows us to determine if the basic area measurement of patches can result in a biased estimation of population viability in a specific landscape. It is concluded that perimeter‐area related measures of patch size combined with capacity could be a more important measure for estimation of population dynamics and impact of landscape changes compared to basic area measurement and occupancy levels.
Can supplementary feeding be used to redistribute moose Alces alces?
Authors: Sahlsten Jonas , Bunnefeld Nils , Månsson Johan , Ericsson Göran , Bergström Roger , Dettki Holger
Published: April 2010

Foraging patterns, behaviour and the distribution of animals are affected by the availability and distribution of food in the landscape. Increasing numbers of ungulates may also be in conflict with agriculture, timber, infrastructure and conservation interests. Understanding foraging habits of ungulates and how these are affected by a change in forage availability or composition are, therefore, issues of major importance both from ecological and management perspectives. Supplementary feeding (i.e. artificial supply of food) is being used to improve local habitat, and thereby affecting ungulate movements, habitat choice and migration patterns. We experimentally tested the predictions that supplementary feeding redistributes moose Alces alces during two different migration phases (early, i.e. during the onset of migration and late, i.e. in the wintering areas). We used individually marked moose and pellet group counts to investigate the effect of supplementary feeding both at the individual and population level. We monitored 30 moose with GPS‐collars before, during and after the supplementary feeding experiment, corresponding to 8‐10% of the moose population in two different valleys in Northern Scandinavia. During early migration, moose ignored supplementary feeding sites even though migration routes were close to the sites. At the end of the migration route, supplementary feeding affected moose movement, distribution and behaviour. In conclusion, we suggest that there is a clear difference in response to supplementary feeding by moose due to the phase of migration. We conclude that supplementary feeding can be used under certain conditions to redistribute moose in relation to browsing, or to traffic, preferably at the end‐point of migration.
Trends in the harvest of Brünnich's guillemots Uria lomvia in Newfoundland: effects of regulatory changes and winter sea ice conditions
Authors: Gaston Anthony J. , Robertson Gregory J.
Published: April 2010

The harvest of Brünnich's guillemots (thick‐billed murres) Uria lomvia off Newfoundland and Labrador is the only legal hunt of seabirds by non‐natives in Canada and the United States. Ringing programmes at Arctic breeding colonies have been used to track changes in numbers and age composition of harvested birds. In recent years, the numbers of rings reported by hunters have fallen steeply. We examined recoveries by hunters of rings from a colony in northern Hudson Bay during 1984‐2006 to assess the possible reasons for the decline in recoveries. Because recoveries of common guillemots have remained stable over the same period, it seems unlikely that a change in reporting rates is involved. Instead, it appears that a combination of a reduction in hunting pressure and a change in the behaviour of the birds due to more northerly termination of the winter pack‐ice boundary account for the observed reduction in recovery rates. The pattern of first year recovery rates, in particular, appears consistent with an explanation based on accommodation to ice conditions. Recovery rates of older birds appear less affected by ice conditions and in recent years, have, in any case, been very low. Our study demonstrates that under conditions of changing weather and climate, harvest management decisions may not always have the impact expected.
Home‐range size and spatial organization of black‐footed ferrets Mustela nigripes in South Dakota, USA
Authors: Jachowski David S. , Millspaugh Joshua J. , Biggins Dean E. , Livieri Travis M. , Matchett Marc R.
Published: April 2010

Effective conservation planning for endangered species depends on an understanding of space use patterns. Black‐footed ferrets Mustela nigripes depend on prairie dogs Cynomys sp. as prey and use their burrow systems for shelter. The availability of areas with high densities of active prairie dog burrows is the major factor thought to affect their selection of sites and resources. However, we have little knowledge about how the spatial distribution of active prairie dog burrows might influence the spatial organization and home‐range size of ferrets. We monitored the movements of black‐footed ferrets on a black‐tailed prairie dog C. ludovicianus colony in South Dakota to document ferret space use patterns. Home ranges of female ferrets were 22.9 ‐ 95.6 ha in size (x̄ = 56.3 ha, SE = 19.7, N = 6), while male ferret home ranges were on average more than twice as large as those of females (x̄ = 128.3 ha, SE = 68.5, N = 3). The home‐range size of female ferrets was correlated with mean active prairie dog burrow utilization distribution (UD) value within ferret home ranges, where home‐range size decreased as active prairie dog burrow UD value increased (r2 = 0.974, P < 0.001, N = 6). Ferret space use overlapped more extensively than previously reported, with up to 43% UD overlap between a ferret and the nearest adjacent ferret of the same sex. Areas of overlap tended to have higher active prairie dog burrow UD values, suggesting that the spatial distribution of active prairie dog burrows influenced both home‐range size and the amount of space use overlap between ferrets. These findings emphasize the potential influence of resource distribution on carnivore sociobiology and the importance of considering that distribution in assessing habitat for the reintroduction of specialized species.
Factors influencing the presence of the cinereous vulture Aegypius monachus at carcasses: food preferences and implications for the management of supplementary feeding sites
Authors: Moreno‐Opo Rubén , Margalida Antoni , Arredondo Ángel , Guil Francisco , Martín Manuel , Higuero Rafael , Soria Carlos , Guzmán José
Published: April 2010

We studied the factors that determine the presence of the cinereous vulture Aegypius monachus at 134 carcasses experimentally distributed in Special Protection Areas for Birds (SPA) in western and central Spain. Our goals were to assess the use of these carcasses and by‐products in order to find out the cinereous vulture's food preferences and thus provide recommendations for the management of specific vulture restaurants for this species. Our results suggest that the number of cinereous vultures that come to feed on the carcasses is related to the quantity of biomass present and to the types of pieces of the provided food. Cinereous vultures prefer individual, medium‐sized muscular pieces and small peripheral scraps of meat and tendon. The time that elapses before the cinereous vultures begin to consume a carcass depends on the biomass delivered, the number of pieces into which it is divided, and the type categories of the provided food. The population density of the species in our study area and the breeding stage seem to determine the time invested in feeding at the carcasses. These results may help managers to optimise the creation of vulture restaurants and favour their use by cinereous vultures.
Seed yield of mungbean as affected by variety and plant spacing in Kharif-I season
Authors: Kabir MH , Sarkar MAR
Published: April 2010

An experiment was carried out to study the effect of variety and planting density on the yield of mungbean in Kharif-I season (February to June) of 2003. The experiment comprised five varieties viz. BARIMung-2, BARIMung-3, BARIMung-4, BARIMung-5 and BINAMung-2 and three spacing of planting viz. 30 cm × 10 cm, 20 cm × 20 cm and 40 cm × 30 cm. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. It was observed that BARIMung-2 produced the highest seed yield and BINAMung-2 did the lowest. Plant spacing of 30 cm × 10 cm produced the highest seed yield of mungbean while 40 cm × 30 cm spacing produced the lowest seed yield. BARIMung-2 planted at a spacing of 30 cm × 10 cm gave the maximum seed yield. Keywords: Mungbean; Variety; Plant spacing; Yield DOI: 10.3329/jbau.v6i2.4817 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 6(2): 239-244, 2008
Mineralogical characterization of clay fraction of Chalan Beel soils of Bangladesh
Authors: Islam ABMS , Hussain MS
Published: April 2010

Top soils of four different series viz Jaonia (Typic Haplaquept), Halti (Typic Haplaquept), Taras (Aeric Haplaquept) and Digli (Typic Haplaquept) developed on Atrai river alluvium were studied to investigate the clay mineralogical composition. X-ray diffraction technique was employed to identify and quantify the minerals. The XRD patterns were obtained with Ni-filter Cu kα - radiation at a scanning speed of 2º2θ min and the amount of minerals was estimated by XRD peak intensities at parallel powder mount. Mica was the dominant clay mineral (33 - 51%) in all soils, followed by quartz (13 -19%). The kaolinite contents were small (8 - 10%) over the soils. The occurrence of vermiculite in the Digli and Taras soils (9 and 7% respectively) indicates a considerable transformation of mica. There is very little or no smectite minerals in the soils which might be due to poor parent material and disappearance of smectite from the top soils. Appreciable amount of primary minerals like quartz and feldspars have also been observed in the clay fraction of the soils. Keywords: Clay minerals; Chalan beel; X-ray diffraction DOI: 10.3329/jbau.v6i2.4819 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 6(2): 253-260, 2008
Food security through homestead vegetable production in the smallholder agricultural improvement project (SAIP) area
Authors: Rahman FMM , Mortuza MGG , Rahman MT , Rokonuzzaman M
Published: April 2010

The purpose of the study was to determine food security through homestead vegetable production. The study was conducted in the Bhaluka, Trishal and Gaforgaon upazilas of Mymensingh district, which were the project areas of the Smallholder Agricultural Improvement Project (SAIP). Sixty (60) respondents were randomly selected from the beneficiaries of SAIP. Data were collected by face-to-face interview with the help of interview schedule. Most of the respondents were middle-aged having small farm size and primary level education. Vegetable production, consumption and calorie uptake of the respondent were increased by 56%, 55% and 68%, respectively, after implementation of demonstration. All the respondents are following the ‘Kalikapur' model. Nutrient contribution from the produced vegetables through homestead vegetable production fulfilled the 100% Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) requirements of vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron, also 87% of calcium and 47% of protein. Four vegetable crops i.e. red amaranth, cabbage, tomato and batishak were introduced into the existing cropping pattern. Changes in social and livelihood issues of a respondent were satisfactory after demonstration. Majority of the respondents (45%) earned satisfactory annual income having homestead. Shortage of irrigation water, quality seeds and inputs cost were the major problems faced by the farmers in homestead vegetable production. Keywords: Food Security; Homestead vegetables DOI: 10.3329/jbau.v6i2.4820 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 6(2): 261-269, 2008
Effect of pruning and pollarding on shoot development in bakphul (Sesbania grandiflora L.)
Authors: Islam MS , Hossain MA , Mondol MA
Published: April 2010

An experiment was carried out in a roadside agroforestry system established along farm roadsides of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, to investigate the effects of pruning and pollarding on shoot development in Sesbania grandiflora L. Six treatment combinations with the stock plants studied during the period from August to September, 2007. The results revealed that the different pruning and pollarding levels had significant variations on the parameters studied at different days after pruning (DAP). Among the treatments the pollarded shoot tip with lower and upper branch pruning produced the highest number of new branches (572) followed by the treatment of intact shoot tip with lower and upper branch pruning with 454 new branches at 60 DAP. The new branches produced from pruning and pollarding treatments attained its maximum length within a very short time. Maximum branch length (24.66 cm) was observed in the treatments of pollarded shoot tip with lower and upper branch pruned off condition followed by the treatment of intact shoot tip with lower and upper branch pruned off condition which attained 17.67 cm of length at 21 DAP. Again the pollarded shoot tip with lower and upper branch pruning produced 1127 number of leaves followed by the treatment of intact shoot tip with lower and upper branch pruning produced 999 leaves at 60 DAP. The results of this study suggest that the severely pruned plant (both lower and upper branch pruned along with pollarded shoot tip) not only produced huge amount of shoot biomasses but also enhance the development of new shoots within a very short period. Keywords: Sesbania grandiflora L.; Agroforestry; Pruning; Pollarding. DOI: 10.3329/jbau.v6i2.4823 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 6(2): 285-289, 2008
Effect of nitrogen and transplanting date on yield and yield components of aromatic rice
Authors: Islam MS , Hossain MA , Chowdhury MAH , Hannan MA
Published: April 2010

A field experiment was conducted to find out the effect of nitrogen levels and transplanting dates on the yield and yield components of aromatic rice cv. Kalizira. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications using four( 0, 50, 100, and 150 kg N ha-1 ) levels of nitrogen and three transplanting dates (10 August, 22 August and 04 September, 2007 ) along with the basal doses of triple super phosphate (TSP), muriate of potash (MoP) and gypsum. The study revealed that most of the yield and yield contributing characters with few exceptions were significantly influenced by nitrogen levels and transplanting dates. They had significant positive effect on tillers hill-1, tillers hill-1, grains panicle-1 and straw yield. The highest grain yield (2.63 t ha-1) was observed in 100 kg N ha-1 with 10 August transplanting treatment and straw yield (6.43 t ha-1) was found highest in 150 kg N ha-1 with same date of transplanting and the lowest grain (1.83 t ha-1) and straw yields (5.14 t ha-1) were found in N control treatment with transplanting date of 04 September. The highest grain length (4.68 mm), grain breadth (2.49 mm) and imbibition ratio (6.93) were observed with 100 kg ha-1 N rate coupled with 10 August transplanting, and for length-breadth ratio, the same rate recorded the highest result, but with different transplanting date i.e. 22 August. Keywords: Aromatic rice; Kalizira; Nitrogen; Transplanting date DOI: 10.3329/jbau.v6i2.4824 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 6(2): 291-296, 2008
Pattern and problem of poultry consumption by the rural and urban families of Fulbaria Upazila
Authors: Hai MA , Mahiuddin M , Howlider MAR , Yeasmin T
Published: April 2010

The pattern and problem of poultry consumption by the rural and urban families of Fulbaria upazilla were studied. Data were collected through interview schedule from 100 respondents (50 from rural area and 50 from urban area). Problem confrontation index (PCI) in urban area 27 to 143 against the possible range of 0 to 150 and in rural area 33 to 138 against the possible 0 to 150. Overall area PCI was 60 to 281 against the possible range of 0 to 300. Nonavailability of day old chicks, lack of optimum amount of feed, unbalanced diets and fluctuating prices of eggs and meat were the acute problems hampered the consumption of poultry. The average farm size in urban and rural areas was 167.84 and 233.94 decimal. Livestock population consisted of 80% poultry and 20% large animal. Poultry contributed 4% of the total income in the rural area and 3% in the urban area. Rural people have less knowledge on health and nutrition than that of urban people. Poultry consumption in both rural and urban area is certainly very low. A positive correlation of age with poultry consumption implies that per capita poultry consumption is higher for older people. Reverse case is expected to build a healthy society. From correlations it can be concluded that in urban area increased farm size, increased livestock population, increased income, better knowledge on health and nutrition and decreased family size should increase per capita poultry consumption. Correlations also indicate that decreased family size and better knowledge on health and nutrition could minimize problems of poultry consumption. In rural area correlations computed impress that increased literacy, increased farm size, increased livestock population, increased income and better knowledge on health and nutrition should increase per capita poultry consumption. Whereas, increased income could remove problems of poultry consumption. Keywords: Poultry; Consumption; Problem confrontation index; Pattern and problem DOI: 10.3329/jbau.v6i2.4827 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 6(2): 307-313, 2008
Effect of citric acid and acetic acid on the performance of broilers
Authors: Islam MZ , Khandaker ZH , Chowdhury SD , Islam KMS
Published: April 2010

An experiment was conducted with commercial broilers to investigate the effects of feeding citric acid, acetic acid and their combination on their performance and to determine the economic competence of using citric acid and acetic acid in broiler rations. A total number of 108 one day old straight run broiler chicks were distributed to four dietary treatments i.e. 0 % citric or acetic acid (A), 0.5% citric acid (B), 0.5% acetic acid (C) and their combinations 0.5% citric acid and 0.5% acetic acid (D). The birds were reared in cages. Body weight gains, feed conversion ratio (FCR), mortality, dressing yield and carcass characteristics were recorded. The performance showed significant increase in body weight gain (P<0.05) when compared with the control during 0-5 weeks of age on 0.5% citric acid (B). Feed consumption increased (P<0.05) at 2nd and 3rd weeks of age on 0.5% citric acid (B). Feed conversion was found higher (P<0.05) during 0-5 weeks of age in treatment B when compared to those of the other treatments. Carcass characteristics were not affected by dietary treatments. The highest mortality was found in treatment A and treatment C due to excessive hot. It may be concluded that use of 0.5% citric acid in the diet of broilers may have better performance in respect of live weight gain and feed conversion. Keyword: Acetic acid; Citric acid; Broiler performance DOI: 10.3329/jbau.v6i2.4828 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 6(2): 315-320, 2008
Seroprevalence and pathology of naturally infected Salmonellosis in poultry with isolation and identification of causal agents
Authors: Ahmed AKM , Islam MT , Haider MG , Hossain MM
Published: April 2010

The present study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of Salmonella infections in poultry. This study covered cultural prevalence with isolation and identification of the causal agent and pathological lesions in different organs produced by Salmonella in layer farms of Mymensingh district during July-December 2007. The materials were blood samples, liver and cloacal swabs from live and dead birds. The used methods were whole blood agglutination test by commercially available Salmonella antigen kit, culture in different media, Gram's staining, motility test, basic 5 sugar fermentation test and histopathology. The overall seroprevalence was 45.9% in live bird and the rate of seroprevalence decreased with advancement of age of birds. The cultural prevalence in seropositive group was 71% and in seronegative group was 59%. In dead bird, the cultural prevalence in liver was 64% and from cloaca 57%. A total 160 isolates were characterized, among them 64.2% were Salmonella Pullorum, 22.3% were Salmonella Gallinarum and 13.5% were Paratyphoid group of Salmonellae. Pathologically friable, bronze color liver with focal necrosis, various grades of enteritis, and hemorrhagic and congested egg follicles with stalk formation were found. Microscopically, focal necrosis and degeneration with leukocytic infiltration in liver, inflammatory cells in the mucosa and submucosa of intestine were found. In egg follicles, congestion and hemorrhages with leukocytic infiltration were found. The isolated Salmonella organisms may be used for further research such as serotyping, vaccine production and antibiotic sensitivity test. Keywords: Salmonellosis; Seroprevalence; Agglutination test; Histopathology; Poultry DOI: 10.3329/jbau.v6i2.4830 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 6(2): 327-334, 2008
Comparative efficacy of Telakucha (Coccinia indica) leaves and Amaryl(R) Tablet (Glimepiride) in induced diabetes mellitus in rat
Authors: Amanullah A , Mostofa M , Ahmed BS , Das AR
Published: April 2010

Thirty healthy rats of both sexes weighing between 150 to 200 gm were selected from among the offspring and randomly divided into six equal groups and rats of Group A and Group B were kept as non hypoglycemic control and hypoglycemic control, respectively. After acclimatization hyperglycemia was induced in five groups of rats (B,C,D,E and F) by administering streptozotocin (STZ) intraperitoneally at a dose of 55 mg/kg body weight. After fifteen days of STZ injection, four groups of rats (C,D,E and F) were administered with Telakucha (Coccinia indica) and Amaryl(R) (Glimepiride) as per schedule dose and all the control and treated rats were closely observed during 14 days of treatment.The oral administration over 14 days of Telakucha (Coccinia indica) leaves extract significantly lowered blood glucose level but was not so potent as patent drug Amaryl(R) (Glimepiride). The herbal preparation also increased body weight but not to the extent caused by the patent drug Amaryl(R) . The Telakucha leaves at 750mg/kg body weight significantly reduced (30.73%) the blood glucose level from 31.24±0.36 mmol/L to 21.64±0.17 mmol/L and significantly increased (5.45%) the body weight from 181.96±21.10g to 191.87±12.42 g. Keywords: Glimepiride; streptozotocin; Telakucha; Diabetes DOI: 10.3329/jbau.v6i2.4831 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 6(2): 335-339, 2008
Optimization of stocking rates of tiger shrimp under modified improved culture system
Authors: Islam ML , Alam MJ
Published: April 2010

With the target of increasing the shrimp (Penaeus monodon) production through farm development and improved grow out management, an experiment was conducted with three different stocking densities viz. 5/m2 (T1), 7/m2 (T2) and 9/m2 (T3). Results of the experiment revealed that, among the water quality parameters, values of dissolved oxygen and transparency were lower in the higher stocking densities with significant difference (p<0.05) among the treatments. Other water quality parameters were similar in all the treatments. Bacterial load in bottom sediment had the trend to increase with increasing culture period and showed significant difference (p<0.05) among the treatments with the highest in the higher stocking density. Soil pH in the end sample reduced a little bit in all the treatments than the initial. Deposition of organic matter, phosphorus and nitrogen was related to the respective stocking densities. Final weight gain and survival rate of shrimp were significantly (p<0.05) higher in T1 than in T2 and T3. Stocking density of 5/m2 showed the highest production of 759.14±19.002 kg/ha, which was significantly (P<0.05) higher than that of 670.77±16.078 kg/ha obtained in T2, but similar to 701.24±33.507 kg/ha obtained in T3. The net economic return and BCR was also significantly higher (p<0.05) in the same stocking density (5/m2) compared to others. Whereas, FCR value was significantly lower (p<0.05) in T1 than the other two treatments. However, pond ecological conditions were more congenial for shrimp culture in lower stocking density (5/m2), which minimized the risk of disease outbreak in the respective stocking density, keeping the culture environment favorable. Key words: Stocking density; Tiger shrimp; Modified improved culture DOI: 10.3329/jbau.v6i2.4832 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 6(2): 341-348, 2008
Formulation of quality fish feeds from indigenous raw materials and their effects on growth and maturity of Mystus gulio
Authors: Begum M , Pal HK , Islam MA , Alam MJ
Published: April 2010

An experiment was conducted for 140 days in earthen ponds to evaluate the effect of three dietary protein levels on the growth and maturity of bagrid catfish Mystus gulio. Three different iso-caloric feeds containing 30%, 35% and 40% dietary protein levels were prepared from indigenous fish feed ingredients and were fed to Mystus gulio at the rate of 5% of total body weight of the fish. The overall growth of Mystus gulio fed with feeds of different levels of dietary protein was found to increase with the increase of dietary protein levels in the feed. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) values of both male and female were higher in Feed-C (40% protein) compared to the Feed-A (30%) and Feed-B (35%). There was significant differences (P<0.05) between the gonadosomatic index values of Mystus gulio fed on different dietary protein levels. Statistical analysis showed that the feed at a level of 40% protein was significantly different from other feeds and most effective in changing the growth and maturity of M. gulio. Keywords: Formulated feed; Maturity; Mystus gulio DOI: 10.3329/jbau.v6i2.4834 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 6(2): 355-360, 2008
Induced breeding of the riverine catfish Rita rita
Authors: Molla MFA , Amin MR , Sarowar MN , Muhammadullah M
Published: April 2010

The paper reports the first incidence of successful induction of breeding in the riverine catfish Rita rita using carp pituitary gland (PG) extract. A breeding trial using four PG doses viz. 80, 100, 120 and 140mg/kg body weight of fish was conducted to optimize the dose of pituitary gland (PG) extract in terms of induction of ovulation in female. The male received a dose of 40mg PG/kg body weight in all cases and was sacrificed for collection of milt. The best performance was shown by the fish treated with 100mg PG/kg body weight in respect of inducing ovulation in females and fertilization and hatching rates of eggs. Keywords: Induced breeding; Rita rita; Ovulation; Fertilization rate; Hatching rate DOI: 10.3329/jbau.v6i2.4835 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 6(2): 361-366, 2008
Culture possibility of scheilbeid catfish using formulated feed in natural pond
Authors: Razzaque MA , Mazid MA , Islam MN , Mansur MA
Published: April 2010

A research study was conducted to investigate the culture possibility of fresh water catfish Pangasius pangasius with formulated feed in natural ponds. The stocking density was chosen as 8000 fry/ha with an initial weight of 42.57±2.51 g. The formulated feed contained 45% fishmeal, 30% mustard oil cake, 15% wheat bran and 10% rice bran to supply 40.48% protein in feed. The growth of Pangasius pangasius in terms of net weight gain was found as 266.49g, which was statistically significant (p<0.05). The food conversion ratio (FCR) observed during this research study was high (7.58). There was no variation in the biochemical composition of the fish as a result of such culture technique and experimental conditions. The whole experiment was conducted for a period of 10 months. Production of fish was found to be 2.13 tones/ha using this formulated feed. Keywords: Culture; Pangasius pangasius; Formulated feed; Pond DOI: 10.3329/jbau.v6i2.4837 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 6(2): 375-380, 2008
Evaluation of the status of use of chemicals and antibiotics in freshwater aquaculture activities with special emphasis to fish health management
Authors: Faruk MAR , Ali MM , Patwary ZP
Published: April 2010

The study was carried out to understand current status of use of chemicals and antibiotics in fish health management in freshwater aquaculture activities. Data were collected through questionnaire interview, personal contact, market survey and participatory rural appraisal like focus group discussion with fish and prawn farmers, retailers of animal medicine and representatives of pharmaceutical companies. A range of chemicals including antibiotics were found available in market. Fish health management and disease treatment were the major areas where majority of such chemicals have been used. Other uses included pond preparation and management, growth promotion and improvement of water quality to enhance pond productivity. Commonly found traditional chemicals in health management included Lime, Salt, Potassium permanganate, Sumithion, Melathion, Formalin, Bleaching powder and Malachite green. Of the new products JVzeolite, Geotox, Green zeolite, Orgavit aqua, Fish vitaplus, AQ grow-G, Oxy flow, Oxy max and O2-marine were most widely used compounds. Fourteen branded antibiotics were found in market of which Oxysentin, Renamox, Renamycin and Orgamycine were being widely used. Thirty three pharmaceutical companies were producing and marketing these products. The study also identified the problems associated with the use of chemicals which included lack of knowledge regarding use of chemicals, appropriate dose, method of application and indiscriminate use of chemicals. Keywords: Chemicals; Antibiotics; Aquaculture; Health management DOI: 10.3329/jbau.v6i2.4838 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 6(2): 381-390, 2008
Rural women and poverty: A study on the role of RDRS for poverty alleviation in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam MM , Ali RN , Salehin MM , Islam AHMS
Published: April 2010

No development objectives can be achieved without making women self reliant. The present study deals with the role of Rangpur Dinajpur Rural Service (RDRS) on poverty alleviation and women empowerment in Kaligonj upazila under Lalminirhat district considering their participation in different programmes of RDRS. The impact of the study was assessed in terms of economic and social gains accrued by the women's and their families' activities. The random sampling technique was used for selection of sample size. The test of mean difference, head count ratio, poverty gap, economic status index, social status index and decision-making index were used towards poverty alleviation and for women empowerment. The poverty situations improved as compared with that of the national level. It was clearly evident that participation in RDRS micro credit programmes, has substantially improved the respondent's economic condition, social condition and living standards. It referred the positive change in women empowerment in the study areas. By and large the women are better at present in respect of social awareness, freedom of attitude, financial freedom and exercising the right in decision making activities compared to their previous situation. It may , therefore, be inferred that the holistic approach followed by the RDRS for socioeconomic development led to increased family income, socioeconomic and decision making status in general and those of the women in particular in the study area. Keywords: Rural Women; Women empowerment; Poverty alleviation; RDRS DOI: 10.3329/jbau.v6i2.4842 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 6(2): 415-421, 2008
Impact of BRAC and PDBF sponsored homestead vegetables programme on the socio-economic development of rural women in Mymensingh district
Authors: Rahman M , Naher K , Sarwer RH , Huda MZ
Published: April 2010

A study was carried out at four thanas namely, Mymensingh sadar, Muktaghacha, Trishal, and Bhaluka of Mymensingh district to assess impact of BRAC and PDBF sponsored homestead vegetable programme on household income and socio-economic development of rural women. A total of 40 women were involved in vegetable programme as 20 under each BARC and PDBF sponsored households. Purposive sampling technique was followed to select the samples of the study. Vegetable enterprise under both BRAC and PDBF had positive impact on increasing household income. Per household gross margin of vegetable production under BRAC (Tk 1864) was slightly higher than PDBF households (Tk 1745). But per ‘Taka' return from vegetable under PDBF households (3.86) was higher than that of BRAC households (3.71). Women's age and education, family land ownership, total number of family members and also number of earning members had significant positive impact on household income. Except marketing, women performed all other activities required for growing vegetables and thus contributed to family income. Vegetable enterprise created an employment for women as they utilized a total of 252 hours year-1 in both PDBF and BRAC households in different activities needed for it. Collection of good seeds and unsatisfactory prices of seeds are the major problems of growing vegetables. Key words: BRAC; PDBF; Homestead vegetable programme; Household income; Socio-economic development; Rural women DOI: 10.3329/jbau.v6i2.4843 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 6(2): 423-428, 2008
Financial repression and economic distortions to the stage of economic growth and agricultural development in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam SMA
Published: April 2010

Financial repression in a developing country is not new to us. The government may take policy for financial repression due to easy collection of inflation tax to the stage of economic development. This study is concerned to find the positive relationship between financial development and economic growth and productivity in the economy of Bangladesh. The research concluded that the financial repression has a negative relationship to the economic growth and productivity but the financial development is positively to relate the economic growth and productivity in the economy of Bangladesh. This study found evidence that the effect of financial repression is positive to the financial development in Bangladesh as it was to the high growth period in Japan. But the scenario was different for Latin American countries. Transition to the financial development from the stage of financial repression to the stage of financial liberalization is found positive to the economic growth and productivity in Bangladesh. The rural finance in agro sector is statistically significant at the level of 5% in two tail test and contributing financial sector development where the urban finance is still suffering various economic distortions to the economic growth and productivity. Keywords: Financial Repression; Economic Distortion; Sustainable Economic Growth DOI: 10.3329/jbau.v6i2.4845 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 6(2): 437-448, 2008
Livelihood pattern of rural women garment workers at Dhaka city
Authors: Ali RN , Begum F , Salehin MM , Farid KS
Published: April 2010

The study was an attempt to analyse the economic, social and health conditions of women garment workers as well as their livelihood pattern. Three garment factories from Mirpur area under Dhaka district were selected purposively. The sample consisted of 90 women workers taking 30 randomly from each of the three garment factories. Data were collected through personal interviews with the selected samples. It was found that most of the respondents migrated to Dhaka because of their extreme poverty or insolvency. Few respondents had brought positive changes in their financial capital, decision marking and empowerment etc. The study revealed that 63.33 percent respondent's livelihood pattern has improved after involving in garment factory. Some diseases like eye trouble, headache, ear ache etc to be more prevalent among the women garment workers due to their involvement in garment factories. Incidence of physical weakness among the garment workers was very high. Women are exploited easily due to lack of technical knowledge and training. The employers do not pay any heed to this exploitation. Key words: Rural women; Urban garments; Livelihood; Garment workers DOI: 10.3329/jbau.v6i2.4846 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 6(2): 449-456, 2008
Recent Advances in Enzymatic Fuel Cells: Experiments and Modeling
Authors: Ivanov Ivan , Vidaković-Koch Tanja , Sundmacher Kai
Published: April 2010

Enzymatic fuel cells convert the chemical energy of biofuels into electrical energy. Unlike traditional fuel cell types, which are mainly based on metal catalysts, the enzymatic fuel cells employ enzymes as catalysts. This fuel cell type can be used as an implantable power source for a variety of medical devices used in modern medicine to administer drugs, treat ailments and monitor bodily functions. Some advantages in comparison to conventional fuel cells include a simple fuel cell design and lower cost of the main fuel cell components, however they suffer from severe kinetic limitations mainly due to inefficiency in electron transfer between the enzyme and the electrode surface. In this review article, the major research activities concerned with the enzymatic fuel cells (anode and cathode development, system design, modeling) by highlighting the current problems (low cell voltage, low current density, stability) will be presented.
Physico-Chemical Properties and Phase Behaviour of Pyrrolidinium-Based Ionic Liquids
Authors: Domańska Urszula
Published: April 2010

A review of the relevant literature on 1-alkyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium-based ionic liquids has been presented. The phase diagrams for the binary systems of {1-ethyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium trifluoromethanesulfonate (triflate) [EMPYR][CF3SO3] + water, or + 1-butanol} and for the binary systems of {1-propyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium trifluoromethanesulfonate (triflate) [PMPYR][CF3SO3] + water, or + an alcohol (1-butanol, 1-hexanol, 1-octanol, 1-decanol)} have been determined at atmospheric pressure using a dynamic method. The influence of alcohol chain length was discussed for the [PMPYR][CF3SO3]. A systematic decrease in the solubility was observed with an increase of the alkyl chain length of an alcohol. (Solid + liquid) phase equilibria with complete miscibility in the liquid phase region were observed for the systems involving water and alcohols. The solubility of the ionic liquid increases as the alkyl chain length on the pyrrolidinium cation increases. The correlation of the experimental data has been carried out using the Wilson, UNIQUAC and the NRTL equations. The phase diagrams reported here have been compared to the systems published earlier with the 1-alkyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium-based ionic liquids. The influence of the cation and anion on the phase behaviour has been discussed. The basic thermal properties of pure ILs, i.e., melting temperature and the enthalpy of fusion, the solid-solid phase transition temperature and enthalpy have been measured using a differential scanning microcalorimetry technique.
Sol-Gel Synthesis of Non-Silica Monolithic Materials
Authors: Gaweł Bartłomiej , Gaweł Kamila , Øye Gisle
Published: April 2010

Monolithic materials have become very popular because of various applications, especially within chromatography and catalysis. Large surface areas and multimodal porosities are great advantages for these applications. New sol-gel preparation methods utilizing phase separation or nanocasting have opened the possibility for preparing materials of other oxides than silica. In this review, we present different synthesis methods for inorganic, non-silica monolithic materials. Some examples of application of the materials are also included.
Microstructure and Properties of Polypropylene/Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposites
Authors: Bikiaris Dimitrios
Published: April 2010

In the last few years, great attention has been paid to the preparation of polypropylene (PP) nanocomposites using carbon nanotubes (CNTs) due to the tremendous enhancement of the mechanical, thermal, electrical, optical and structural properties of the pristine material. This is due to the unique combination of structural, mechanical, electrical, and thermal transport properties of CNTs. However, it is well-known that the properties of polymer-based nanocomposites strongly depend on the dispersion of nanofillers and almost all the discussed properties of PP/CNTs nanocomposites are strongly related to their microstructure. PP/CNTs nanocomposites were, mainly, prepared by melt mixing and in situ polymerization. Young’s modulus, tensile strength and storage modulus of the PP/CNTs nanocomposites can be increased with increasing CNTs content due to the reinforcement effect of CNTs inside the polymer matrix. However, above a certain CNTs content the mechanical properties are reduced due to the CNTs agglomeration. The microstructure of nanocomposites has been studied mainly by SEM and TEM techniques. Furthermore, it was found that CNTs can act as nucleating agents promoting the crystallization rates of PP and the addition of CNTs enhances all other physical properties of PP. The aim of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of the existing literature related to PP/CNTs nanocomposite preparation methods and properties studies.
Preparation, Characterization and Adsorption Performance of a Novel Anionic Starch Microsphere
Authors: Yang Yati , Wei Xiuzhi , Sun Peng , Wan Juanmin
Published: April 2010

Neutral starch microspheres (NSMs) were synthesized by an inverse microemulsion technology with epichlorohydrin as a crosslinker and soluble starch as starting material. Anionic starch microspheres (ASMs) were prepared from NSMs by the secondary polymerization with chloroacetic acid as the anionic etherifying agent. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and laser diffraction particle size analyzer were used to characterize the anionic starch microspheres. The results showed that structure of the microspheres was compact and the hardness of microspheres was great, and the average diameter of the product was about 75 µm. The anionic starch microspheres (ASMs) were used to adsorb methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solution. Effects of adsorption time, initial concentration of MB, and temperature on the adsorption of MB onto ASMs were studied, and the equilibrium and kinetics of the adsorption process were further investigated. It shows that ASMs can effectively remove MB from the solution. The adsorption equilibrium data correlates well with the Langmuir isotherm model compared with Frendlich isotherem model. The pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetic models were applied to test the experimental data. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model provided a better correlation of the experimental data in comparison with the pseudo-first-order model. Temperature variations did not significantly affect the adsorption of MB onto ASMs.
Remote Sensing of Vegetation Structure Using Computer Vision
Authors: Dandois Jonathan P. , Ellis Erle C.
Published: April 2010

High spatial resolution measurements of vegetation structure in three-dimensions (3D) are essential for accurate estimation of vegetation biomass, carbon accounting, forestry, fire hazard evaluation and other land management and scientific applications. Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) is the current standard for these measurements but requires bulky instruments mounted on commercial aircraft. Here we demonstrate that high spatial resolution 3D measurements of vegetation structure and spectral characteristics can be produced by applying open-source computer vision algorithms to ordinary digital photographs acquired using inexpensive hobbyist aerial platforms. Digital photographs were acquired using a kite aerial platform across two 2.25 ha test sites in Baltimore, MD, USA. An open-source computer vision algorithm generated 3D point cloud datasets with RGB spectral attributes from the photographs and these were geocorrected to a horizontal precision of 0.82) than computer vision (R2 > 0.64), primarily because of difficulties observing terrain under closed canopy forest. Results confirm that computer vision can support ultra-low-cost, user-deployed high spatial resolution 3D remote sensing of vegetation structure.
Design and Analysis of Impedance Pumps Utilizing Electromagnetic Actuation
Authors: Wang Yu-Hisang , Tsai Yao-Wen , Tsai Chien-Hsiung , Lee Chia-Yen , Fu Lung-Ming
Published: April 2010

This study designs and analyzes an impedance pump utilizing an electromagnetic actuator. The pump is designed to have three major components, namely a lower glass substrate patterned with a copper micro-coil, a microchannel, and an upper glass cover plate attached a magnetic PDMS diaphragm. When a current is passed through the micro-coil, an electromagnetic force is established between the coil and the magnetic diaphragm. The resulting deflection of the PDMS diaphragm creates an acoustic impedance mismatch within the microchannel, which results in a net flow. In performing the analysis, simulated models of the magnetic field, the diaphragm displacement and the flow rate are developed using Ansoft/Maxwell3D, ANSYS FEA and FLUENT 6.3 CFD software, respectively. Overall, the simulated results reveal that a net flow rate of 52.8 μL/min can be obtained using a diaphragm displacement of 31.5 μm induced by a micro-coil input current of 0.5 A. The impedance pump proposed in this study provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing development of Lab-on-Chips (LoCs) systems.