Showing papers by "Jessore University of Science & Technology published in 2013"

Agarwood Production - A Multidisciplinary Field to be Explored in Bangladesh

Abstract: ‘Agarwood’ or ‘eaglewood’ (‘Aguru’ in Bengali) is the most expensive wood in the world, which is an occasional product of a few genera of Aquilaria and Gyrinops in the plant family Thymelaeaceae. Agar is a scented product, oleoresin, obtained from pathological conditions of the wood of live trees containing many aromatic substances. Various bacteria and fungi have been found to be associated with Agarwood formation, although it is still not absolutely clear which are important or even necessary. The quality of agar mostly depends on the plant species and the fungal species involved, as well as, certain other unknown factors. The issues are now to explore the new sources of agarwood to protect the endangered plant species, to ensure agar formation in 100% of the planted trees, upgrade in quality and most possibly quantity of agar yield per tree simultaneously minimizing the maturation time. Both physical and chemical stresses like mechanical wound and induction have long been practiced to enhance agarwood yield as well as fungal inoculation. Specificity of fungal infection is a minor criterion of agarwood formation rather than the plant’s physiological state, immune responses and presence of inducer. The agarwood production could be a multifaceted field of prospects in Bangladesh. The cultivation of new Aquilaria and Gyrinops plants and selection of appropriate inocula and inducers should be the priority objective. A multidisciplinary approach could be initiated with the experts of forestry, mycology, biochemistry and microbiology to achieve the goal. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ijpls.v2i1.15132 International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences Vol.2(1) 2013: 22-32

Changes in Acidity, TSS, and Sugar Content at Different Storage Periods of the Postharvest Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Influenced by Bavistin DF.

Abstract: A detailed study was carried out with the postharvest mangoes (namely, the Langra and the Khirshapat) treated with different levels of Bavistin DF (BDF) solution (namely, 250, 500, and 750 ppm) for obtaining results on biochemical changes as well as storability of postharvest mango. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replicates. The results of the experiments exhibited that only the single effect of varieties was found to be significant in most of the parameters studied. The Langra enriched a greater quantity of titratable acidity and total soluble solid (TSS) at 3rd day, over the Khirshapat. On the other hand, Khirshapat showed increased pulp pH and TSS at all the storage duration. The results explored that some physicochemical properties, namely, pulp pH, TSS, sugar (total, reducing, and nonreducing), and titratable acidity along with shelf life drastically decreased from untreated mangoes. Bavistin DF with the doses of 750 ppm showed better results in delaying the changes in physicochemical properties and extended shelf life.

Linking Hydrology, Ecosystem Function, and Livelihood Outcomes in African Papyrus Wetlands Using a Bayesian Network Model

Abstract: Relationships between hydrology, ecosystem func- tion and livelihood outcomes in Nyando papyrus wetland in western Kenya were integrated in a Bayesian Network model with 34 nodes which was populated with results of ecohydrological and socio-economicresearchand stakeholder consultations. Scenarios for dry and wet seasons were evalu- ated. For a current iaveragei year in Nyando wetland the probabilities of iEcosystem functioni and iLivelihoods out- comesi being igoodi were 62 and 19 %, respectively. Under dry conditions, these values changed to 33 and 37 %; and under wet conditions to 85 and 6 %, respectively, indicating that wet conditions had a positive effect on the ecosystem but a negative effect on livelihoods. Ecosystem function and livelihood outcomes were most sensitive to flooding, conver- sion to agriculture, livestock grazing, and papyrus harvest. Flooded conditions limit cropping, livestock herding and veg- etation harvesting but have a positive effect on ecosystem function. The advantage of this interdisciplinary and partici- patory modeling approach is that it allows incorporation of formal and informal knowledge, allows evaluation of policy scenarios and trade-offs between ecosystem services, and recognizes uncertainty in system outcomes. Further work will incorporate the impact of management policies and institu- tions on resource use. This approach will be useful in decision support for wise use of wetlands.

Livelihood of the fishermen in Monirampur Upazila of Jessore district, Bangladesh

Abstract: The study was conducted to assess the livelihood of fishermen in Monirampur Upazila of Jessore district from July to December, 2012. The mean age and fishing experience of fishermen were 35.22±9.67 and 17.9±7.12 years, respectively. Primary occupation for majority fishermen (90%) was fishing. The mean monthly income of the household (HH) was BDT 9470±4806.89. Only 2% fishermen were landless. 4% fishermen had training on fishing/fish culture. 46% fishermen involved in NGOs for loan and savings. 52% fishermen cultivated paddy during boro (summer) season whereas only 18% cultivated paddy during aman (rainy) season. Major protein sources to the HHs (monthly) were- small indigenous species (SIS) (4.60±2.64 kg), non-SIS (6.31±4.18 kg), meat (3.54±1.67 kg), eggs (18.73±22.20 pieces), and milk (11.10±15.54 liter). The major HH expenditures were- food, education, health, furniture, cloths and others. All fishermen were vulnerable to vabadaha , a situation when water logging takes place during monsoon due to lack of sufficient water drainage system.

Antibacterial activity of Nymphaea nouchali (Burm. f) flower

Abstract: Background The present work aimed to find out the antibacterial activity of Nymphaea nouchali flower on human and plant pathogenic bacteria.

Production and quality assessment of fish burger from the grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idella (Cuvier and Valenciennes, 1844)

Abstract: Fish burger was produced from grass carp ( Ctenophygodon idella ) to assess the feasibility of value addition to this low priced fish in Bangladesh. Different food additives (25% mashed potato, 2% NaCl, 2% soybean oil, 2% spices and 0.6% sugar) were used to enhance the consumer’s acceptance of the fishery product. Consumers' acceptance of the fish burger was determined by sensory evaluation based on its color, flavor, softness or firmness (S/F), chewy/ rubbery (C/R) using 10 point scoring system by a group of 10 untrained judges (20-50 years old). The results were found as follows: color (7.25±1.15), flavor (6.67±1.17), S/F (8.47±1.20) and C/R (7.83±1.23). Evaluation of proximate composition showed that the moisture and protein contents in grass carp mince were 79.15 ± 1.16 % and 18.01±0.44 % respectively which were higher than that of fish burger, 69.46 ± 0.89 % and 16.42 ± 0.57 %, respectively. Lipid (6.64±0.15 %) and ash (2.98±0.09 %) contents in fish burger were also higher than fish mince. The pH of fish mince and fish burger was 6.8±0.11 and 6.6±0.05 respectively. Therefore, from simple cost-profit analysis, it can be assumed that business of fish burger in Bangladesh has a very good prospect and it would be profitable.

Simultaneous crystallization of phosphate and potassium as magnesium potassium phosphate using bubble column reactor with draught tube

Abstract: Livestock water drainage after secondary treatment contains potassium and phosphorus is influenced by the efficiency of the processing method. In this study, we examined the effect of ammonium ion concentration on the simultaneous recovery of coexisting potassium and phosphorus. The ammonium nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus concentrations were 0.3–8.3 mM, 0.0–25.6 mM, and 7.6 mM, respectively. Magnesium chloride at a concentration of 3 mM was added to a synthetic wastewater bubble column with a draught tube, and the pH was maintained at around 10 using a pH controller. The hydraulic retention time was 2.3 h. When the ammonium nitrogen concentration was less than 1.1 mM, the decreases in the molar ratios of magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus in the liquid almost corresponded to the production of magnesium potassium phosphate (MPP). Also, MPP was confirmed to be the main component of crystals obtained at low ammonia nitrogen concentrations, using various analytical methods.

Comparative Biochemical Composition of Natural and Fattened Mud Crab Scylla serrata

Abstract: T he biochemical composition ( proteins, lipid, ash and moisture ) of different parts of the body (gill, meat, egg) of f attened and natural mud crab S cylla serrata was determined . Twenty four samples of S. serrata (12 from wild & 12 from fattening farm) of different sizes and sexes (half of the sample is male) were used in this study. The mean protein and lipid contents are significantly (p< 0.05) higher in fattened crabs than natural in natural crabs regardless of size and sexes. Moisture and ash were higher in natural crab than in fattened ones. The highest and lowest moisture content was noticed in gills and eggs in both natural and fattened crabs. Protein and l ipid contents were comparatively higher in eggs than in other body parts. Female crabs contained high protein and lipid than males in both natural and fattened crabs . From the results of this study it may considered that fattened crab might be comparatively superior to natural crabs as they appear to provide higher levels of protein and fat for human nutrition. Keywords: Biochemical composition; Natural and Fattened mud crab; Scylla serrata © 2013 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsr.v5i3.14082 J. Sci. Res. 5 (3), 545-553 (2013)

Serological Cross-Reaction Between O-Antigens of Shigella dysenteriae Type 4 and an Environmental Escherichia albertii Isolate

Abstract: An environmental freshwater bacterial isolate, DM104, appearing as Shigella-like colonies on selective agar plates was found to show strong and specific serological cross-reactivity with Shigella dysenteriae type 4. Biochemical identification according to the analytical profile index, molecular serotyping by restriction of the amplified O-antigen gene cluster (rfb-RFLP), together with phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene and multi-locus sequence analysis, identified the isolate as Escherichia albertii. rfb-RFLP of DM104, revealed a profile different from that of S. dysenteriae type 4. However, western blot analysis of extracted lipopolysaccharides demonstrated strong cross-reactivity with S. dysenteriae type 4 using specific monovalent antisera and a lipopolysaccharide gel banding profile similar to that of S. dysenteriae type 4. The observed O-antigen cross-reaction between an E. albertii isolate and S. dysenteriae extends our knowledge of the extent of O-antigen cross-reaction within the Escherichia/Shigella group of organisms, and offers the possibility of using DM104 and similar cross-reacting strains as shigellosis vaccine candidates.

Gonad development and size at maturity of the male mud crab Scylla paramamosain (Forsskål, 1755) in a tropical mangrove swamp

Abstract: The reproductive traits and size at sexual maturity of the male mud crab Scylla paramamosain were investigated in Pak Phanang mangrove swamps, Thailand Samples were taken seven times from the local middlemen mud crab traders during June 2006 to January 2008 Gonad development was determined based on histological appearance that was classified into three stages: 1) Immature (Spermatogonia), 2) Maturing (Spermatocytes) and 3) Mature (Spermatids and Spermatozoa) Among the sample population, the highest 72% was under gonad development stage I, whereas mature stage III was only 12% The size at first maturity was estimated by the external allometric growth and histological observation of gonad The size at which 50% of individuals attain sexual maturity was estimated by the two mathematical models such as probit analysis and logistic curve The mean size at first sexual maturity and 50% maturation of male S paramamosain were 96 mm and 109 mm internal carapace width (ICW) which revealed that 88% individuals were immature The present result suggested that the minimum legal size of male S paramamosain capture should be >110 mm ICW

Post harvest Quality of Mango (Mangifera Indica L.) Fruit Affected by Different Levels of Gibberellic Acid During Storage

Abstract: The experiment consisted of two popular mango varieties in Bangladesh (viz., Langra and Khirshapat) and four different levels of Gibberellic acid (GA3) solution, namely, control, 100, 200 and 400 ppm. The two factors experiment was assigned in randomized complete block design with three replicates. Data obtained from various biochemical analyses in terms of physicochemical properties and shelf life of postharvest mango, were recorded and statistically analyzed for comparison among the mean values using Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT) and Least Significant Difference (LSD). The Khirshapat showed better performance in achieving higher quantity of moisture, progressively lost physiological weight, increased pulp pH, TSS after 6 th day of storage, produced more quantity of sugar (total, reducing and non-reducing), as well as extended shelf life and delayed skin color changes than Langra at all the storage duration. Different levels of GA3 solution subjected to the investigation demonstrated significant variation in most of the physicochemical properties and shelf life of mango at different days after storage. The results explored that some physicochemical properties viz., physiological weight loss, moisture content, pulp pH, TSS, sugar (total, reducing and non reducing), were rapidly increased from untreated mangoes. GA3 at 400 ppm showed better performance in delaying the changes in physicochemical properties and extended shelf life.

Sequential chemical extraction of arsenic and related elements from the Holocene sediments of Sonargaon, Bangladesh, in relation to formation of arsenic-contaminated groundwater

Abstract: Copyright © 2013 by The Geochemical Society of Japan. vey and Department of Public Health and Engineering, 6% of the well waters did not contain dissolved Fe and had oxic conditions in Bangladesh (BGS and DPHE, 2001). Detrital minerals, including carbonates and micas, concentrate As (e.g., Swartz et al., 2004; Charlet et al., 2007), although the dissolution of these minerals was not considered an important As-releasing mechanism because the minerals appear to be stable in the groundwater aquifer. Contrary to the generally accepted hypothesis some researchers have proposed mechanisms of As contamination of groundwater different from the above hypothesis based on many contradicting observations. One such hypothesis is the As release by decomposition of detrital minerals such as mica (Dowling et al., 2002) and pyrite (Polizzotto et al., 2005) that are included in shallow aquifer sediments, where the redox conditions change seasonally with the groundwater level. Polizzotto et al. (2006) found As-enriched pyrite in the sediments where oxic and anoxic conditions alternate in dry and wet seasons, respectively. They did not find any evidence of reductive dissolution of Fe–oxyhydroxides at the depths of wells installed in the Holocene aquifer. They concluded that the redox cycle, in which As is released into porewater when As-containing pyrite is oxidized and decomposed, was important for As contamination of groundwater and Sequential chemical extraction of arsenic and related elements from the Holocene sediments of Sonargaon, Bangladesh, in relation to formation of arsenic-contaminated groundwater

Investigation on the Selective Adsorption of Mo(VI) by Using Modified Rice Husk and Corn Straw

Abstract: The adsorption behavior, isotherms, kinetics and thermodynamics of molybdenum(VI) on modified rice husk (RH) and corn straw (CS) in an aquatic environment were investigated. The CS gel has shown a high affinity for Mo(VI) and selectivity toward its adsorption compared to Re(VII) and other base metals like Cu(II), Pb(II), Fe(III), Zn(II), Mn(II) and Ni(II). Adsorption mechanism of Mo(VI) onto the gels could be supposed to be the ion exchange and/or H-banding depending on the solution pH. The adsorption equilibrium for Mo(VI) on both the RH and the CS gel was best described by the Langmuir model. A kinetic study for the adsorption of molybdenum confirmed that it was endothermic adsorption process, which was further validated by thermodynamic data. Reutilization of both CS and RH gels was confirmed up to six adsorption-elution cycles in column-mode operation with no damage of gels, packed in the column. The result also provides a new approach for the removal of Mo(VI) (approximately 99.50 %) from Mo-containing surface water by using the modified rice husk and corn straw.

Comparison of the efficacy of selected bacterins against Edwardsiella tarda in immunized Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica)

Abstract: An effective vaccine against Edwardsiella tarda has not been reported in substitution for high concentration of formalin for the prevention of edwardsiellosis disease. In this study, the efficacy of inactivated E. tarda was evaluated and compared by intraperitoneal (IP) injection-immunization or challenge against Japanese eel ( Anguilla japonica ). Formalin, formalin with heat, citric acid, pressure and electric current were used for inactivation of the bacteria, and the relative percent survival (RPS) values of pressure (600 psi for 5 min) killed cells was determined. PKC-inactivated vaccine showed-89-93 protection that was higher than others. PKC-inactivated vaccine at a concentration of 10 6 cells/fish was sufficient to induce high protection (RPS>89). Protection of the different-inactivated vaccines was evaluated at different time post immunization, and the peak of protection was observed at 9 days post-challenge. Fish immunized with PKC showed significantly (P<0.05) higher serum and mucus antibody titers elicit both systemic and mucosal adaptive immune responses, and induce specific humoral immune responses in eel. Coincident with higher protection, sera of fish immunized with the PKC vaccine had higher agglutination titers than FKC, FHKC, CAKC and ECKC. All these data strongly suggested that PKC vaccine is an effective strategy to protect eel against edwardsiellosis. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v10i2.14929 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 10(2): 355-366, 2012

Role of polyphosphate kinase gene (ppk) for survival of Vibrio cholerae O1 in surface water of Bangladesh.

Abstract: Polyphosphate provides a substitute for ATP and energy source when phosphorus is a limiting resource in nature. The present study focuses on the role ofpolyphosphate for the survival of Vibrio cholerae in the aquatic habitats as an autochthonous bacterium. The survival advantages of polyphosphate of V. cholerae O1 having (wild type) and lacking (mutant) polyphosphate kinase (ppk) gene in surface water and with Anabaena variabilis were compared by cultural, Direct Fluorescent Antibody (DFA) and polymerase chain reaction methods in natural water microcosms. The microcosm's water was prepared by filtering and physicochemical parameters were also investigated by standard methods. The results revealed that both fresh and saline water, the wild type strain enhanced survival in cultural conditioned than ppk mutant strain. However, Fluorescent Antibody Direct Viable Counts (FADVC) and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) results noted both strains have the equal survival strategy in viable but nonculturable state (VNC). In conclusion, it could be hypothesized that the polyphosphate inclusion body might keep cultivable and survivable at low phosphate natural environment of the aquatic bacterium.

A demographic study on vitiligo (sheti) in Bangladesh

Abstract: Vitiligo is quite prevalent and constitutes a major psychological health problem in Bangladesh. To determine the effects and extent distribution of Vitiligo among the people, we mainly focused on the sociodemographic studies on Vitiligo in Bangladesh. The patients volunteered in this study were randomly selected from the Skin and Venereal disease department of Rajshahi Medical college hospital, Rajshahi, Bangladesh during 2009-2011. In this sociodemographic studies 125 vitiligo patients of different age groups were carried out. Age distribution, Sex incidence, occupation, itching, life living status, food allergy, social problem were studied. In this study, disease incidence was the highest 44% among 11-20 years age group. In case of sex incidence the female patients were 56%, on the other hand, male recorded 44%. The demographic characteristic showed that the students were the highest percentage (48%) suffering with Vitiligo by occupation. Family history was the most important survey in this study. 32% patients said they had prior to family history. The maximum patients had living status of middle class (40%). In this study 24% patient complained about Food allergy and the participant patient also complained the social problem of Vitiligo. Eighty percent patients reported that most of the person avoids them because general people know that Vitiligo is an infectious disease. This study will give the social consciousness about Vitiligo i.e. it is not an infectious disease.

Genetic variation among three wild populations of stinging catfish (Heteropneustes fossilis ) by allozyme electrophoresis

Abstract: Stinging catfish ( Heteropneustes fossilis ) is one of the most popular indigenous catfish having considerable potential for aquaculture and commercial importance in Bangladesh. With a view to assessing the genetic status of H. fossilis , three samples Chalan Beel (Pabna), Burungi Beel (Jamalpur) and Bagapura Beel (Mymensingh) were analyzed. For genetic variation study, five enzymes (LDH, EST, MDH, PGM and GPI) were used encoded by eight loci of which three were polymorphic ( Mdh-1* , Est-1* and Gpi-1* ). The highest mean proportion of polymorphic loci, mean number of allele and the mean proportion of heterozygous loci per individual of the Chalan Beel population were observed (25.00%, 1.250 and 6.250%, respectively). The highest gene flow (33.5) and lowest population differentiation (0.0074) found in Burungi Beel-Bagapura Beel indicated the close relationship among them. In the Nei’s UPGMA dendrogram, the Chalan Beel population formed one cluster by the genetic distance of 0.0371 and the other cluster was formed by Burungi beel and Bagapura beel populations ( D =0.003). The results suggested that a considerable genetic variation is maintained among the natural H. fossilis populations.

Response of Some Biochemical and Mineral Constituents of the Postharvest Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Influenced by Different Levels of Bavistin DF

Abstract: An investigation was carried out with the postharvest mangoes (viz., the Langra and the Khirshapat) treating with different levels of Bavistin DF solution (namely, 250, 500, and 750 PPM) for obtaining results on the biochemical and mineral content changes as well as storability of postharvest mango. The results of the experiments exhibited that only the single effect of varieties was found to be significant in most of the parameters studied. The Langra enriched a greater quantity of crude fiber, lipid, water-soluble protein, phosphorus, and potassium constituents over the Khirshapat. It is revealed that the expansion of mineral contents in the mango was intimately associated with ripening during storage. The results also noticed to be an increasing trend of lipid and protein content in mango pulp with the advance of storage period using Bavistin DF.

Changes in Color and Physiological Components of The Postharvest Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Influenced by Different Levels of GA3

Abstract: - This experiment consisted of two popular mango varieties in Bangladesh (viz., Langra and Khirshapat) and four different levels of Gibberellic acid (GA3) solution, namely control, 100, 200 and 400 ppm. The two factors experiment was assigned in randomized complete block design with tree replicates. Data obtained from various biochemical analyses in terms of physicochemical properties and shelf life of postharvest mango, were recorded and statistically analyzed for comparison among the mean values using DMRT and LSD. The results of the experiments exhibited that only the single effect of varieties was found to be significant in most of the parameters studied. Variety the Langra performed better in accumulating higher quantity of dry matter, ash, vitamin c content in all four experiments over Khirshapat. On the other hand, the Khirshapat showed better performance in achieving higher quantity of moisture, progressively lost physiological weight as well as extended shelf life and delayed skin color changes than Langra at all the storage duration. Keywords : Postharvest mango; Gibberellic acid; physiological components.