bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Boron Fertilization and Sowing Date on the Grain Protein Content of Wheat Varieties
Authors: Ferdoush JN , Rahman MM
Published: February 2015

Wheat is the most important cereal crop and staple food of about two billion people around the world and contributes more calories and proteins to the world diet than any other cereal crop. Wheat grain quality is a function of grain composition, principally in proteins, which depends on the genotype and the environment. Protein content is a key quality factor that determines the suitability of wheat for a particular type of product as it affects other factors including mixing tolerance, loaf volume and water absorption capacity. The experiment was conducted at the Bangladesh Agricultural University farm during 2007 to 2010 to study the effects of boron fertilization and sowing dates on the Black point disease of wheat genotypes. The soil was silty loam in texture having pH 6.7, cation exchange capacity 12.6 me/100g soil, organic matter 1.9%, total N 0.09%, available P 7.3 ppm, exchangeable K 0.09 cmol kg-1, available S 12.4 ppm, available Zn 0.8 ppm and available B 0.19 ppm. The wheat varieties used in the experiment were Prodip, Shatabdi and Sourav. Boron was applied @ 0 and 1 kg ha-1 and sowing dates were 18 November, 28 November, 08 December and 18 December. The experiment was laid out in a split-split plot design with a distribution of sowing dates to the main plots, varieties to the sub-plots and boron treatment to the sub-sub plots. All the factors were replicated three times. The total amount TSP, MoP, gypsum and zinc oxide were applied during final land preparation. Nitrogen was applied @ 120 kg ha-1 from urea (46 % N), P @ 20 kg ha-1 from TSP (20 % P), K @ 60 kg ha-1 from MoP (50 % K), S @ 10 kg ha-1 from gypsum (18 % S) and Zn @ 1.5 kg ha-1 from ZnO (78 % Zn). Urea was applied in three equal splits - final land preparation and 30 and 45 days after sowing. Boric acid (17%B) was applied to the B treatment plots prior to sowing. The crop was irrigated 2 times- 21 days (crown root initiation) and 47 days (heading stage) of sowing. Soil samples were analyzed for texture, pH, OM, total N and available P, K, S, Zn, S and B contents. The data were analyzed statistically (Gomez and Gomez, 1984). Boron application exerted a significant increasing effect on the protein content of wheat grain. A. significant variation in the N and protein content of wheat grains was observed among the wheat varieties in both the years. The 28 November sowing recorded the maximum protein content in wheat grains while the minimum value was noted with the 18 December sowing in both the years.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v6i1.22038 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 6(1): 41-45 2013
Physico-chemical properties of Dhepa River in Dinajpur District of Bangladesh
Authors: Rakiba K , Ferdoushi Z
Published: February 2015

Among different water quality parameters dissolved oxygen, transparency, pH, PO4-P and depth varied significantly among the sampling sites. The pH value in the present investigation remained a buffer condition (6.50- 7.90). Dissolved oxygen was ranges from 3.80 to 11.60 mg/l throughout the study periods. PO4-P concentration was observed highest (0.30 mg/l) in sampling site 2. On the basis of physical, chemical aspects sampling site 3 and sampling site 5 (situated in gosaipur and chandandoho) found in better condition in terms of limnological aspects. However, it could be concluded that Dhepa River will play important role in riverine fisheries and for further fisheries management.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v6i1.22041 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 6(1): 59-67 2013
Status of Fisheries Resources and Water Quality of Tanguar Haor
Authors: Mamun SA , Roy S , Rahaman MS , Jahan M , Islam MS
Published: February 2015

The study was conducted to observe the status of fisheries resource of Tanguar haor, one of the large wetland in the north eastern part of Bangladesh. For this purpose the whole study was completed in two parts: interviewing with local people and analyzing the water quality. Indiscriminate harvesting of mother fishes, use of agrochemicals, sedimentation on haor basin and habitat destruction were found as major causes of fisheries resources degradation in the study area. Most of the water quality parameters were found good which were within the standard level set by Government of Bangladesh for fisheries. However, EC and TDS were found higher than the recommended level for fish production.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v6i1.22048 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 6(1): 103-106 2013
Assessment of Iron Contamination in Groundwater at Tangail Municipality, Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain D , Islam MS , Sultana N , Tusher TR
Published: February 2015

The study was conducted to investigate the iron (Fe) contamination in groundwater at Tangail municipality during the period from January to June 2011. Groundwater samples were collected from 18 locations, where 15 were tube-wells, 2 deep tube-wells and 1 pump. The result of the study showed that the highest level of Fe (24.50 mg/l) was found at Dewla north, while the lowest level (1.03 mg/l) was recorded from Bepari para. The highest and lowest amount of Fe was found in ward 1 and 4, respectively. The results were compared with the Bangladesh drinking water quality standards as well as with the international standards. In Bangladesh, permissible limit of Fe is 0.3-1.0 mg/l, whereas WHO standard level is 0.3 mg/l. All the samples were exceeded the standard levels of Fe, whereas ward 1, 2 and 7 were worstly affected. The study also reveal that the availability of Fe does not depend on the type of water sources, but it depends on the aquifers or water table. If the aquifer contains Fe, then the tube-well water will contain Fe or vice versa. These higher Fe concentrations found in the study area may be harmful for those families who are consuming the water from these sources on regular basis. Thus, to overcome this problem the consumers should not drink these higher amounts of Fe, and they should find other sources or replace the tube-well or treat the water before drinking and other domestic and household purposes.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v6i1.22051 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 6(1): 117-121 2013
Crab Fattening in Bangladesh: A Socio-economic Perspective
Authors: Ferdoushi Z
Published: February 2015

Thestudy was conducted to assess the socio-economic condition of the crab fatteners in the southwest part of Bangladesh.About 52% farmers have an experience of 5 to 10 yearsof indicating that involvement in mud crab fattening is the recent development and innovation in those areas.The Hindus in the coastal region found to have more interest in crab farming. On the other hand, about 27% Muslim were also found to involve in this farming.Comparativelyhigher involvements of Hindus farmers were found in Khulna region. Mostly young people found to have more involvement ranging from 26 to 35 years old which constituted more than 38% of the total interviewed population. About 40% farmers showedhigher satisfaction bycrab fattening while,fewfarmers reported some negative perception. Most of their farmingwere small scale and the farmers also accounted the higher seed cost with low profitability. However, well developedco-operation and partnershipbetween farmers, fishermen, middlemen and wholesaler can also improve this sector for sustainable development.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v6i1.22056 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 6(1): 145-152 2013
Selection of Treatment Process for Textile Dye Wastewater Based on Their Bio-chemical Characteristics
Authors: Tagar S , Zakira U , Ahmed F
Published: February 2015

In Bangladesh most of the industries follow chemical treatment process for wastewater treatment without any effluent quality assessment. The aim of this study was to select an effective treatment process for effluent based on its bio-chemical characteristics. Wastewater samples from Textile Industries were collected in 9 batches over a period of 2 months (from17th November, 2011 to 28th April, 2012). Approximately 40liters composite samples were collected of several dying batches from inlet of the equalization tank. Sludge was collected from outlet point of settling tank. The physical, chemical and bio-chemical quality of untreated wastewater were assessed by analyses of some particular parameters in the laboratory and compared with ECR standard. Average concentration of EC (mS/cm), pH, COD (mg/L), BOD (mg/L) and BOD loading (kg/m3.d) were respectively 3.71, 9.24, 1472, 1024, and 0.205 respectively. For lower BOD loading, the treatment performance was found better..COD decreased rapidly during the first 8 hours of aeration and after 16 hours of aeration it became uniform. During the first 8 hr COD removal was more than 50% of the initial COD loading. The standard value of COD (200mg/l) was obtained within 12 to 16 hours of aeration for the initial BOD loading less than or equal 0.15 kg/m3.day and 24 hours of aeration for initial BOD loading 0.16 to 0.26 kg/m3.day and more than 24 hour for initial BOD loading greater than 0.26 kg/m3.day. The study revealed that volumetric loading is an important parameter for wastewater which to a great extent sets applicability limit of treatment process. From this laboratory model study, treatment process options have been recommended for industrial effluent having different bio-chemical characteristics.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v6i1.22060 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 6(1): 163-166 2013
Integrated Approach to Wastewater Use in Agriculture: A Pilot Study in Rajshahi City Corporation Area
Authors: Chowdhury A , Alam MZ , Masum AA
Published: February 2015

Demand for water is increasing in the world parallel to increase in population and industrialization. In many developing countries, wastewater is the only source of water for irrigation during dry periods. Besides, wastewater is high in nutrient content which reduces the use of chemical fertilizers for crop cultivation. After a certain period, it will be unable to irrigate with ground water because of its limited quantities and contamination. To overcome this difficulties waste water may be a suitable source to meet the irrigation demand if properly managed and utilized in convenient way. In this study, wastewater samples were collected from four places of Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) for determining water quality parameters. Analysis of these impurities were performed with strict quality control and quality assurance using the internationally accepted analytical chemical methods for the determination of their harmful effects on crops and found that most of the parameters exceed the permissible limits. The major problem in using wastewater in agriculture in the project area is the high level of faecal contamination. Thus, efforts are geared toward finding ways of utilizing the previously unused sources of water and/or recycling wastewater.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v6i1.22061 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 6(1): 167-171 2013
Study on Biodiversity Conservation Practice in Madhupur Sal Forest, Bangladesh
Authors: Paul AK , Mian MM , Khan MB , Islam MT
Published: February 2015

The study was conducted in Madhupur Sal Forest, which is very well known for its characteristics as deciduous forest, to describe the diversity of plant species and animal species and to examine the diversity status in Madhupur Sal Forest. A stratified random quadrate method was employed in the study. A total of 40 plant species were recorded of which 21 were tree species, 9 were herbs, 5 were shrubs and rests 5 were climbers. Total 17 animal species were recorded of which 9 were birds, 3 were amphibians, 2 were reptiles and 3 were mammals. With regards to the quantitative attributes of total flora and fauna species, the highest number was found in trees (mean, 14.20) and the lowest number was found in mammals (mean, 0.80). The result showed very high significant variation among them. It was evident from the study that the people around the forest collect forest flora (75.45%) and fauna (8.18%) illegally is the major cause of biodiversity loss. The people are not aware of the importance of forest in various aspects like social, economical, ecological and environmental aspects. Forest authorities are trying to involve the people in and around the forest in community forestry through motivation and training.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v6i1.22064 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 6(1): 187-193 2013
Use of Waste Energy by Adding Shing (Heteropneustes fossilis, Bloch 1797) into Pangus (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus, Sauvage, 1878) Pond
Authors: Ali A , Akter T , Das M
Published: February 2015

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the growth, survival and production performances of pangus (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) and shing (Heteropneustes fossilis) in which shing was used as guest to utilize the waste energy in pangus pond. The experiment was run for four months from July to October, 2008. Fishes were reared in pond no I, II, III with stocking density 150, 250 and 300 per decimal of pangus respectively. Shing was stocked only 10/decimal in pond-I. A complete artificial feed was used containing 23% protein. The weight gain (385.17±2.15g) of pangus was significantly higher in pond-I than that of pond-II (325.15±2.70g) and pond-III (319.30±2.90g). However, the production of pangus per ha were (28158.00±0.10kg) in pond-I, (34159.112±0.50 kg) in pond-II and (37856.208±0.60 kg) in pond-III. Total production of shing in pond-I was 240.57±1.60 kg/ha/yr. The survival rates (%) of pangus under three stocking densities were 98.66%, 85.06% and 80.00% respectively. The food conversion ratio (FCR) of pangasius pond I, II and III were 1.53, 1.81 and 1.84 respectively. The lowest FCR of 1.53 was found in pond-I. The net return of the pond I, II and III were BDT 273503.10, 117456.73 and 107906.60 per ha per year. The addition of shing into pangasius pond as guest invites economic benefit to the pangus culture.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v6i1.22067 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 6(1): 209-216 2013
Performance of Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria with Various Phosphorus Levels on Wheat in Pot Culture
Authors: Haque MA , Sattar MA , Islam MR , Hashem MA , Khan MK
Published: February 2015

A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of different phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) with various levels of inorganic phosphorus (P) on the growth and yield of wheat with three soil at the Microbiology laboratory, Soil Science Division, Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA), Mymensingh. Four levels of P fertilizer (P0 : Without P, P24 : 24 mg P kg-1 soil, P36 : 36 mg P kg-1 soil and P48 : 48 mg P kg-1 soil) were assigned as main factors and six PSB inoculants with an uninoculant (I0, MR1, IL1, IW1, IC2, RC1and MW1) were assigned as sub factors in a factorial CRD. The soil used for the experiment belong to three Agroecological Zones (AEZs) such as AEZ 9 from the BAU farm, Mymensingh, AEZ 28 from the BADC farm, Madhupur, Tangail and AEZ 11 from the BINA substation farm, Ishurdi, Pabna. Eight kilogram soils were taken in each of the plastic pot. PSB were applied as broth inoculants with the wheat seeds (var. Shatabdi) before sowing. Irrespective of the PSB inoculants, 36 mg P kg-1 soil gave the highest grain and straw yield of wheat pot-1 with Mymensingh and Mdhupur soil while 48 mg P kg-1 soil showed the highest wheat yield pot-1 with Ishurdi soil. Among the PSB inoculants, MR1 showed the maximum grain and straw yields of wheat pot-1 followed by MW1. The PSB inoculant MR1 with 36 mg P kg-1 soil had better performance in terms of total P uptake and grain and straw yields of wheat.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v6i1.22069 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 6(1): 221-226 2013
Ecology of the Slug, Girasia crocea (Godwin-Austen) (Stylommatophora : Ariophantidae)
Authors: Bhuiyan MMS , Rahman MR , Jahan MS , Haque M
Published: February 2015

Slug Girasia crocea (Godwin-Austen) is an herbivore, feeds on soft twigs or leaves of plants. The slug G. crocea are active for period of March-November. They use to overcome winter month (December-February) through hibernation. Sometimes they were seen to winter morning. In nature, they have a wide range of food acceptability. The feeding and foraging activities are confined to night ours. In nature, breeding period extends from March to November. The egg laying and other breeding activities are maintained at an equal temperature during the whole active period. In laboratory, they thrived well on Amranthus sp. And Spinacea sp., while temperature. They attained adult at the age of 196 days to 201 days. They lay eggs lay in cluster. The eggs are round in shape and white in colour. Individual slugs on an average, added 9.5mm, 2.5mm and 40mg; 13.5mm, 3.5mm and 40mg; 17mm, 5mm and 50mg; 24mm, 5mm and 60 mg; 35.5mm, 6 mm and 485mg; 52mm,10mm and 1190mg; 65mm, 8.5 and 1114mg; 65mm, 9.5mm and 1117mg and 57mm, 10mm and 1134mg to their body length, body width and body weight respectively at temperature of 26 - 31.50C during the study period. On an average an egg was measured 3.85mm in diameter.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v6i1.22071 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 6(1): 227-232 2013
Salinity Effect on Dry Mass Partitioning in Different Plant Parts and Ion Uptake in Leaves of Rice Mutants
Authors: Puteh AB , Mondal MMA
Published: February 2015

The Four levels of sodium chloride induced salinity levels, 0, 6, 9 and 12 dSm-1 were imposed at 25 days after planting of six rice mutants. Results indicated that morphological parameters such as plant height and leaf area, dry mass production in different plant parts such as root, stem, leaf and grain yield hill-1, physiological characters such as biological yield and harvest index, yield attributes such as number of effective tillers hill-1, number of grains panicle-1 and 1000-grain weight, mineral ions in leaves such as potassium and calcium were decreased with gradual increasing of salinity levels while number of non-effective tillers hill-1 and Na content of leaves were increased with increasing soil salinity. The highest value of the above parameters was observed in control and the lowest values of them were observed at 12 dSm-1. Generally genotypes having ability to exclude Na from leaves were found salt tolerant in respect of dry mass production in different plant parts and vice versa. Among the genotypes, the dry matter production and yield loss due to salinity was less in RM250-170 and RM250-2080 than that in the others, which further revealed that RM250-170 and RM250-2080 had a greater tolerance to salinity than RM350-130, RM300- 280, RM250-1080 and IRATOM. The rank of salinity tolerance was: RM250-2080 > RM250-170 > RM250-1080 > IRATOM > RM300-280 > RM350-130.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v6i1.22073 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 6(1): 239-245 2013
Drinking Water Quality at Academic Institutions of Tangail Municipality
Authors: Sultana M , Saifullah ASM , Latif MB , Mamun SA , Sultana DS
Published: February 2015

An experiment was conducted to explore the drinking water quality at some selected academic institutions of Tangail municipality during the period of August to September, 2012. For this, an investigation was carried out to study the standard water quality parameters such as pH, EC, TDS, Pb, As, Fe and E. coli concentration of the five academic institutions. In general, there were no major differences found in pH, EC and TDS values among the studied stations and not exceeded the recommended thresholds. In case of heavy metal content, very trace amount of Arsenic (0.0071ppm) was recorded from all selected institutions. In contrast, average lead concentration (0.307xppm) was much higher than all acceptable standard limits and most risky position was taken by station-3 (0.46ppm). Similar to Pb, average Fe concentration (0.255ppm) was five times higher than the acceptable value of EU standard but not exceeded BD standard value. All the samples were E.Coli bacteria free.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v6i1.22074 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 6(1): 247-252 2013
Comparative Study on the Dahi-prepared from Whole Milk, Skim Milk, Reconstituted Milk and Recombined Milk
Authors: Uddin MR , Mazed MA , Islam MS , Hassan N , Khan MAS
Published: February 2015

Dahi was prepared from whole milk, skim milk, reconstituted and combined milk by adding 12% sugar to each type and then these milks were boiled to reduce the volume by 30%. After adding 3% starter culture all these dahi mix were incubat ed at 40°C for 4-5 hours. Then all the dahi samples were kept in the refrigerator at 4°C for at least 2 hours. All these types of dahi were judged by a panel of expert judges to determine the physical qualities. Chemical and microbiological tests were also car ried out to determine the composition and qualities. Whole milk dahi was the best for overall acceptabili ty followed by skim milk dahi but other two types were somewhat less acceptable. There was a significant difference (P<0.01) among the overall scores obtained. There were a significant difference (P<0.01) in percent acidity, for all the samples % DM, % fat, % protein and % ash showed a non significant difference. For all the chemical qualities, dahi from whole milk ranked the highest followed by others types. Among the microbial qualities, total viable counts were higher in all the sample, though there was a significant difference (P<0.05). Yeast and mold counts differed significantly (P<0.01), although the counts were lower. Although, dahi prepared from reconstituted and recombined milk were not as good as that from whole milk, there is a great prospect to improve the qualities.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v6i1.22076 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 6(1): 261-266 2013
Stem Amaranth Yield in Response to Organic Manuring
Authors: Miah MY , Roy PK , Islam MS , Fazal KI
Published: February 2015

Field investigations are important tools for confirmation of the effectiveness of the organic manures on crop yield. As different N sources, this work presents a comparative study of the effects of urea, cow dung and poultry manure on plant height, stem length and diameter, leaf length, breadth and number accompanied with the fresh weight of plant, stem, leaf coupling stem leaf ratio and gross yield of stem amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor Var. BARI Data 1). With an imposition of eight treatments, a field study was conducted at the farm of BSMRAU campus, Gazipur during February-April, 2007 in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Treatments were control and seven N sources namely, urea (107 kg N ha-1), cow dung (23.75 t ha-1), poultry manure (9.3 t ha-1), half cow dung and half urea, half poultry manure and half urea, three fourth cow dung and one fourth urea and three fourth poultry manure and one fourth urea, respectively with four replications ensuring the 107 kg N ha-1 supply from all sources of N used. Compared with cow dung and poultry manure, urea resulted in higher plant height, broader stem length and diameter, more fresh weight of plant, stem and leaf accompanied with maximum gross yield. However, data on the studied parameters varied significantly (p< 0.05). So cow dung and poultry manure applied at 23.75 t ha-1 and 9.3 t ha-1, respectively were compatible to urea as N source for stem amaranth production.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v6i2.22082 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 6(2): 19-23 2013
Study on Environmental Implications and Its Impact on Aquatic Productivity in the Southwest Coastal Region
Authors: Islam MN , Bhuyain MAB , Mannan MA , Hossain MI , Ali ML
Published: February 2015

An experiment was conducted on environmental implications and its impact on aquatic productivity in the southwest coastal region for a period of 2 months (May-June/2013). Five Rivers such as Pira River, Andarmanik River, Sonatala River, Khaprabhanga River and Rupsaha River were selected for sample collection and were treated as T1, T2, T3 T4 and T5. Three sampling sites were selected from each River based on salinity. The overall mean values of water temperature were 28.17 ±0.98, 27.41 ±1.21, 28.12 ± 1.11 and 27.13 ± 1.26, 26.62 ± 1.01 0C in treatment T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5, respectively. The mean values of water transparency of treatments T1 T2 T3 T4 and T5 were 36.00±1.26, 31.0±0.0894, 34.00±1.94, 28.00±1.46 and 31.00±1.86cm, respectively. The overall mean values of water temperature were 6.56 ± 0.12, 6.47 ±0.23, 6.34 ± 0.12, 6.19 ± 0.22, and 6.67 ± 0.29 ppm in treatment T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 respectively. pH values were found to fluctuate from 6.72 to 7.64, 6.48 to 7.13, 6.95 to 7.35 and 6.86 to 7.6 in treatment T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 respectively. Mean values of total salinity were 2.17 ±0.12, 6.17 ±0.82, 7.17 ±0.92, 10.17 ±0.1.12 and 1.78 ±0.12 mg/l in treatment T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 respectively. Mean values of total alkalinity were 187.5±2.25, 165.5±3.1, 185.5±2.15, 175±2.5 and 180.5±3 mg/l in treatment T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 respectively. Mean values of total alkalinity were 187.5±2.25, 165.5±3.1, 185.5±2.15, 175±2.5 and 180.5±3 mg/l in treatment T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 respectively. Mean values of total alkalinity were 187.5±2.25, 165.5±3.1, 185.5±2.15, 175±2.5 and 180.5±3 mg/l in treatment T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 respectively. Total hardness of water was found to range from 37 mg/l to199 mg/l. The mean values of NH3-N (mgl-1) were found to vary from 0.23 ± 0.03 ,0.27 ±0.08, 0.23 ±0.03, 0.25 ±0.03 and 0.27 ± 0.05 mgl-1 in treatment T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 respectively. The mean values of nitrite (NO2) concentration were 0.63±0.06, 0.68 ±0.08, 0.67±0.09, 0.73±0.03 and 0.67±0.06 mgl-1 in treatment T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 respectively. There were no significantly different of temperature, dissolved oxygen pH and alkalinity among the treatments but significance difference found in transparency, salinity, hardness, ammonia, nitrite using ANOVA (P<0.05). Ammonia and nitrite concentration of Rupsha River (T5) higher than other four Rivers due to municipal waste product of Khulna city. A proportionally strong relationship was found among salinity, transparency and hardness. Highest concentration of phytoplankton was found in Rupsha River (lowest salinity) and lowest phytoplankton concentration was found in Khaprabhanga River (highest salinity).DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v6i2.22099 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 6(2): 71-78 2013
Study on source separation of wastage and its management on the households in some selected wards of Mymensingh municipality
Authors: Sobhan N , Ahmad M , Baten MA , Sultana N , Hossen MS
Published: February 2015

The Present study was conducted in selected wards in Mymensingh municipality during the period of March- October, 2009 to know the existing condition of waste separation and its management ensuring better waste management practices. The study was performed with 100 respondents from 4, 6, 8 no. of wards in the Mymensingh municipality. Data related to characteristics of respondents as well as waste separation were collected using a questionnaire after testing and finalizing .The respondents involved in the study were maximum in middle aged (21-50 year) having the educational qualification in HSC level. The study also revealed that maximum respondents were with TK 10001-20000 as annual income having the family size within 5- 7 members. Maximum respondents in the study area were also involving the profession as business. The waste generation was higher with the increasing with the family members. In the study area waste separation approaches showed that among the separated waste, vegetable & fruit waste measured in the highest in case of solid kitchen waste having percentage as 64.80% compared to other types of wastes. The knowledge of waste separation was studied where it was observed that 20% respondent was well known with the facilities of waste separation. Most of The respondents also opinioned that they kept waste in containers and daily collection of waste preferably onto personal organization may be ensured better waste management.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v6i2.22100 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 6(2): 79-82 2013
Effect of Fertilizers on the Yield and Nutrient Uptake by Transplanted Aman Rice (Binadhan-7) Grown in Two Soils of North-West Bangladesh
Authors: Ali MM , Rahman MH , Khan MR , Khan MK
Published: February 2015

Four field experiments were carried out with Binadhan 7 at Birgonj, Dinajpur; Debigonj, Panchagarh; Kaligonj, Lalmonirhat and Pirgonj, Rangpur during T.aman (kharif II) season of 2011 in the Old Himalalayan Piedmont Plain (AEZ 1) and Tista Meander Floodplain Soils of North-West Bangladesh. The experiments were designed with eight treatments and laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The treatment combinations were: T1 (100%STB), T2 (T1 + 25% N), T3 (T1 + 25% NP), T4 (T1 + 25% NK), T5 (T1 + 25% PK), T6 (T1 + 25% NPK), T7 (75% of T1) and T8 (Control). Results indicated that application of different fertilizers significantly affected the grain yield at all of the four locations. The highest grain yield was found in treatment T6 (T1 + 25% NPK). Statistically identical yield was observed in treatments T3, T4 and T5 at Dinajpur; T3 at Panchagar; T2, T3, and T4 at Lalmonirhat and T2 at Rangpur. All the treatment combinations gave significantly higher grain yield over the control at all of the locations. The highest straw yield was found in treatment T6 (T1 + 25% NPK). Statistically identical straw yield was found in T3 and T4 at Dinajpur; T1, T4 and T5 at Panchagar; T2, T4, T5 and T7 Lalmonirhat and all treatments except T7 and T8 at Rangpur. Significantly the lowest yield was obtained in the control treatment (T8) in all of the locations. The highest total N uptake was observed in treatment T6 at all of the four locations. For total P uptake, the similar trend of total N uptake was observed for all the locations. Treatment T6 showed the highest uptake of total K at all locations. The highest uptake of total S was observed in treatment T6 at Dinajpur, Panchagarh and Lalmonirhat. But the highest uptake of total S was observed in treatment T3 at Rangpur. However, the lowest total N, P, K and S uptake was observed in control treatment (T8) at all locations. The partial budget analysis of T.aman rice demonstrated the highest net benefit of tkha-1 85,598/-, 78,619/-, 58,308/- and 72,532/- in T6 treatment followed by tkha-1 76,348/- in T4 treatment, 71,100/- in T3 treatment, 54,192/- in T3 treatment and 68,247/- in T2 treatment where the highest MBCR of 5.40, 3.75, 2.20 and 3.84 was also observed in T6 treatment at Dinajpur, Panchagarh, Lalmonirhat and Rangpur, respectively. Based on most profitable treatments, fertilizer doses of N80P8K40S8Zn1 in Birgonj, Dinajpur; N84P8K40S6Zn1 in Debigonj, Panchagarh; N80P8K40S6Zn1 in Kaligonj, Lalmonirhat and N81P8K35S8Zn1 in Pirgonj, Rangpur could be recommended for higher yield of Binadhan-7 rice in North-West Bangladesh.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v6i2.22106 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 6(2): 115-120 2013
Preserve and Candy Development from Unripe Bel (Aegle Marmelos)
Authors: Bhuiyan MHR , Easdani M
Published: February 2015

The experiment was conducted to develop preserve and candy from fresh unripe bel fruit and studied their storage life. The preserve was made from 60%, 65% and 70% sugar concentration. The candies were made from 65%, 70% and 75% sugar concentration. Among them the best preserve and candy was identified on the basis of overall acceptability. The study showed that the color, flavor, texture and overall acceptability among the preserves and among the candies were different . The preserve (PE70) made from 70% and the candy (CY75) made from 75% sugar concentration was best among others of the similar product. Higher concentration of sugar and slower processing gives higher acceptability for preserve and candy. Among different changes, moisture concentration was prominent during preparation of preserve and candy. The moisture content was 32.5% and 27% for preserve and candy respectively which were nearly half of the initial concentration of fresh unripe bel fruit. The storage st ability of candy (120 days) was slightly higher than the storage stability of preserve (90 days).DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jesnr.v6i2.22108 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 6(2): 121-126 2013
‘As o'er the upland hills I take my way’: Rural Landscape and the Chronotopes of Memory and Threshold in Ann Yearsley's ‘Clifton Hill’
Authors: Markidou Vassiliki
Published: February 2015

The article focuses on Ann Yearsley's topographical poem, ‘Clifton Hill’, in the light of Mikhail Bakhtin's chronotopes of memory and threshold, and demonstrates that the poem alerts its reader to the fact that it is shaped by and reflects the following: first, Yearsley's effort to articulate her deep pain for the loss of her beloved mother; second, the crisis she underwent due to it; and finally her restoration to life through the redemptive power of poetic creation. The essay also argues that in a temporal framework that is not marked by linearity but instead blends past, present, and future, Yearsley employs both prolepsis and analepsis in order to transform the specific rural locality from an ordinary place into a special site, a palimpsest that both shapes and reflects her complex poetic identity. The particular space thus becomes both the place that preserves the memory of Yearsley's precious mother and the springboard for her poetic vocation. In sum, in ‘Clifton Hill’ Yearsley recollects the past, appreciates the present, and anticipates the future; and, finally, constructs a poem that constitutes a testimony to her ongoing effort to mark her literary achievement and legitimate her authorial agency. In conclusion, the paper evidences that ‘Clifton Hill’ in its entirety constitutes a threshold marking the borderline between life and death, memory and oblivion, aperture and fatalism, freedom and oppression, openness and closure, the rural and the commercial, and finally, the labouring and upper classes.
Exploring Prostate Cancer Genome Reveals Simultaneous Losses of PTEN, FAS and PAPSS2 in Patients with PSA Recurrence after Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Ibeawuchi Chinyere , Schmidt Hartmut , Voss Reinhard , Titze Ulf , Abbas Mahmoud , Neumann Joerg , Eltze Elke , Hoogland Agnes , Jenster Guido , Brandt Burkhard , Semjonow Axel
Published: February 2015

The multifocal nature of prostate cancer (PCa) creates a challenge to patients’ outcome prediction and their clinical management. An approach that scrutinizes every cancer focus is needed in order to generate a comprehensive evaluation of the disease, and by correlating to patients’ clinico-pathological information, specific prognostic biomarker can be identified. Our study utilized the Affymetrix SNP 6.0 Genome-wide assay to investigate forty-three fresh frozen PCa tissue foci from twenty-three patients. With a long clinical follow-up period that ranged from 2.0–9.7 (mean 5.4) years, copy number variation (CNV) data was evaluated for association with patients’ PSA status during follow-up. From our results, the loss of unique genes on 10q23.31 and 10q23.2–10q23.31 were identified to be significantly associated to PSA recurrence (p < 0.05). The implication of PTEN and FAS loss (10q23.31) support previous reports due to their critical roles in prostate carcinogenesis. Furthermore, we hypothesize that the PAPSS2 gene (10q23.2–10q23.31) may be functionally relevant in post-operative PSA recurrence because of its reported role in androgen biosynthesis. It is suggestive that the loss of the susceptible region on chromosome 10q, which implicates PTEN, FAS and PAPSS2 may serve as genetic predictors of PSA recurrence after radical prostatectomy.
Nutritionally Enhanced Food Crops; Progress and Perspectives
Authors: Hefferon Kathleen
Published: February 2015

Great progress has been made over the past decade with respect to the application of biotechnology to generate nutritionally improved food crops. Biofortified staple crops such as rice, maize and wheat harboring essential micronutrients to benefit the world’s poor are under development as well as new varieties of crops which have the ability to combat chronic disease. This review discusses the improvement of the nutritional status of crops to make a positive impact on global human health. Several examples of nutritionally enhanced crops which have been developed using biotechnological approaches will be discussed. These range from biofortified crops to crops with novel abilities to fight disease. The review concludes with a discussion of hurdles faced with respect to public perception, as well as directions of future research and development for nutritionally enhanced food crops.
Valproic Acid as a Potential Inhibitor of Plasmodium falciparum Histone Deacetylase 1 (PfHDAC1): An in Silico Approach
Authors: Elbadawi Mohamed , Awadalla Mohamed , Hamid Muzamil , Mohamed Magdi , Awad Talal
Published: February 2015

A new Plasmodium falciparum histone deacetylase1 (PfHDAC1) homology model was built based on the highest sequence identity available template human histone deacetylase 2 structure. The generated model was carefully evaluated for stereochemical accuracy, folding correctness and overall structure quality. All evaluations were acceptable and consistent. Docking a group of hydroxamic acid histone deacetylase inhibitors and valproic acid has shown binding poses that agree well with inhibitor-bound histone deacetylase-solved structural interactions. Docking affinity dG scores were in agreement with available experimental binding affinities. Further, enzyme-ligand complex stability and reliability were investigated by running 5-nanosecond molecular dynamics simulations. Thorough analysis of the simulation trajectories has shown that enzyme-ligand complexes were stable during the simulation period. Interestingly, the calculated theoretical binding energies of the docked hydroxamic acid inhibitors have shown that the model can discriminate between strong and weaker inhibitors and agrees well with the experimental affinities reported in the literature. The model and the docking methodology can be used in screening virtual libraries for PfHDAC1 inhibitors, since the docking scores have ranked ligands in accordance with experimental binding affinities. Valproic acid calculated theoretical binding energy suggests that it may inhibit PfHDAC1.
[AuHg(o-C6H4PPh2)2I]: A Dinuclear Heterometallic Blue Emitter
Authors: López-de-Luzuriaga José , Monge Miguel , Olmos M. , Pascual David
Published: February 2015

The heteronuclear AuI/HgII complex [AuHg(o-C6H4PPh2)2I] (1) was prepared by reacting of [Hg(2-C6H4PPh2)2] with [Au(tht)2]ClO4 (1:1) and NaI in excess. The heterometallic compound 1 has been structurally characterized and shows an unusual blue luminescent emission in the solid state. Theoretical calculations suggest that that the origin of the emission arises from the iodide ligand arriving at metal-based orbitals in a Ligand to Metal-Metal Charge Transfer transition.
The Hypothesis that the Genetic Code Originated in Coupled Synthesis of Proteins and the Evolutionary Predecessors of Nucleic Acids in Primitive Cells
Authors: Francis Brian
Published: February 2015

Although analysis of the genetic code has allowed explanations for its evolution to be proposed, little evidence exists in biochemistry and molecular biology to offer an explanation for the origin of the genetic code. In particular, two features of biology make the origin of the genetic code difficult to understand. First, nucleic acids are highly complicated polymers requiring numerous enzymes for biosynthesis. Secondly, proteins have a simple backbone with a set of 20 different amino acid side chains synthesized by a highly complicated ribosomal process in which mRNA sequences are read in triplets. Apparently, both nucleic acid and protein syntheses have extensive evolutionary histories. Supporting these processes is a complex metabolism and at the hub of metabolism are the carboxylic acid cycles. This paper advances the hypothesis that the earliest predecessor of the nucleic acids was a β-linked polyester made from malic acid, a highly conserved metabolite in the carboxylic acid cycles. In the β-linked polyester, the side chains are carboxylic acid groups capable of forming interstrand double hydrogen bonds. Evolution of the nucleic acids involved changes to the backbone and side chain of poly(β-d-malic acid). Conversion of the side chain carboxylic acid into a carboxamide or a longer side chain bearing a carboxamide group, allowed information polymers to form amide pairs between polyester chains. Aminoacylation of the hydroxyl groups of malic acid and its derivatives with simple amino acids such as glycine and alanine allowed coupling of polyester synthesis and protein synthesis. Use of polypeptides containing glycine and l-alanine for activation of two different monomers with either glycine or l-alanine allowed simple coded autocatalytic synthesis of polyesters and polypeptides and established the first genetic code. A primitive cell capable of supporting electron transport, thioester synthesis, reduction reactions, and synthesis of polyesters and polypeptides is proposed. The cell consists of an iron-sulfide particle enclosed by tholin, a heterogeneous organic material that is produced by Miller-Urey type experiments that simulate conditions on the early Earth. As the synthesis of nucleic acids evolved from β-linked polyesters, the singlet coding system for replication evolved into a four nucleotide/four amino acid process (AMP = aspartic acid, GMP = glycine, UMP = valine, CMP = alanine) and then into the triplet ribosomal process that permitted multiple copies of protein to be synthesized independent of replication. This hypothesis reconciles the “genetics first” and “metabolism first” approaches to the origin of life and explains why there are four bases in the genetic alphabet.
Pre- and Post-Launch Spatial Quality of the Landsat 8 Thermal Infrared Sensor
Authors: Wenny Brian , Helder Dennis , Hong Jungseok , Leigh Larry , Thome Kurtis , Reuter Dennis
Published: February 2015

The Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) for the Landsat 8 platform was designed and built at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). TIRS data will extend the data record for thermal observations from the heritage Landsat sensors, dating back to the launch of Landsat 4 in 1982. The two-band (10.9 and 12.0 μm) pushbroom sensor with a 185 km-wide swath uses a staggered arrangement of quantum well infrared photodetector (QWIPs) arrays. The required spatial resolution is 100 m for TIRS, with the assessment of crop moisture and water resources being science drivers for that resolution. The evaluation of spatial resolution typically relies on a straight knife-edge technique to determine the spatial edge response of a detector system, and such an approach was implemented for TIRS. Flexibility in the ground calibration equipment used for TIRS thermal-vacuum chamber testing also made possible an alternate strategy that implemented a circular target moved in precise sub-pixel increments across the detectors to derive the edge response. On-orbit, coastline targets were developed to evaluate the spatial response performance. Multiple targets were identified that produced similar results to one another. Even though there may be a slight bias in the point spread function (PSF)/modulation transfer function (MTF) estimates towards poorer performance using this approach, it does have the ability to track relative changes for monitoring long-term instrument status. The results for both pre- and post-launch response analysis show general good agreement and consistency with edge slope along-track values of 0.53 and 0.58 pre- and post-launch and across-track values 0f 0.59 and 0.55 pre- and post-launch.
The Environmental, Social, Governance, and Financial Performance Effects on Companies that Adopt the United Nations Global Compact
Authors: Ortas Eduardo , Álvarez Igor , Garayar Ainhoa
Published: February 2015

This paper aims to investigate companies’ environmental, social, governance (ESG), and financial implications of their commitment to the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC). The focus is placed on companies operating in the three countries with the highest number of UNGC participants: Spain, France, and Japan. The results clearly reveal that adoption of the UNGC often requires an organizational change that fosters stakeholder engagement, ultimately resulting in improvements in companies’ ESG performance. Additionally, the results reveal that ESG performance has a significant impact on financial performance for companies that adopted the principles of the UNGC. These findings provide both non-financial and financial incentives to companies to commit to this voluntary corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, which will have important implications on companies’ strategic management policies that aim to foster sustainable businesses and community development. Finally, the linkages between the UNGC-committed companies’ ESG and financial performance may be influenced by geographical spread, mainly due to the appearance of differences in the institutional, societal, and cultural settings.
The Genetic Architecture of Fluctuating Asymmetry of Mandible Size and Shape in a Population of Mice: Another Look
Authors: Leamy Larry , Klingenberg Christian , Sherratt Emma , Wolf Jason , Cheverud James
Published: February 2015

Fluctuating asymmetry (FA), typically measured by variation in the differences between right and left sides of bilateral traits, is commonly used to assess developmental instability (DI) in populations. A previous quantitative trait locus (QTL) investigation using an F2 intercross mouse population found little evidence of individual loci affecting FA in mandible size, but an abundance of epistatic interactions between loci. Here we extend this work by testing whether these patterns replicate in an F3 population derived from the same intercross. Using a large number of molecular markers genotyped in over 1200 mice, we uncovered significant interactions between loci (QTLs) affecting FA in mandible size (and shape). Epistasis contributed roughly 20% of the variation in FASIZE and 19% of the variation in FASHAPE at the 0.0001 probability level alone, and was comparable to that previously estimated for the F2 mice, and much greater than that generated from the few single-locus QTLs affecting the mandible FA traits. The positions of the single-locus and epistatic QTLs for FA that we discovered suggested that logical candidate genes for DI are those controlling size or shape in the traits themselves, and that they may be interacting with genes for heat shock proteins.
Un outil toujours d'actualité
Authors: Désaulniers Pierre , Letendre Jean-F.
Published: February 2015

La démarche clinique (DC) est l’outil fondamental que doit maîtriser tout clinicien. Cet article expose ce qu’est la DC en l’illustrant de cas réels et présente les principaux modèles cognitifs la soutenant (notamment la théorie des scripts). Nous y discutons des pièges de la DC ainsi que de son impact sur le travail interdisciplinaire, l’emploi judicieux des technologies et l’enseignement médical.