Jessore University of Science & Technology

About: Jessore University of Science & Technology is a based out in . It is known for research contribution in the topics: Adsorption & Population. The organization has 811 authors who have published 974 publications receiving 10471 citations.

Energy-saving behaviour as a demand-side management strategy in the developing world: the case of Bangladesh

Abstract: Although demand-side management (DSM) needs to be more customer centred, either with or without smart technologies (e.g. smart grid), less attention has been paid to the developing world in relation to DSM strategy development. The main reasons have been lack of appropriate technology and capital costs. Importantly, there are alternative DSM strategies that require minimum or no cost to implement and provide immediate results, of which energy-saving behaviour of the occupants at residences is one. This study explores the potentiality of this energy-saving behaviour as a DSM strategy for the least developed economies, focusing particularly on Bangladesh. The literature suggests that energy-saving behaviour could reduce energy demand by a maximum of 21.9%. However, this potential DSM scheme seems underestimated in the national DSM programme of Bangladesh. The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Master Plan (EECMP) of Bangladesh (a DSM program) shows that efficiency improvement in the use of home appliances could reduce electricity demand in the residential sector by about 28.8%, but this does require a long time to be implemented, whereas the inclusion of energy-saving behaviour as a demand response strategy in residences along with the EECMP might achieve demand reduction of up to 50.7%. Although the findings from this study are specific to Bangladesh, these could be useful guidelines for the policymakers of other developing nations where national DSM strategy development is underway.

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.

Fear of COVID-19 and Depression: A Comparative Study Among the General Population and Healthcare Professionals During COVID-19 Pandemic Crisis in Bangladesh.

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic affects individuals' mental health that can result in fear of getting COVID-19 infection and depression. As there is no prior study available, we evaluated these mental health outcomes and associated factors among the general population and healthcare professionals (HCPs) in Bangladesh. This nationwide cross-sectional study comprised 3388 individuals including 834 HCPs. The measures included socio-demographics, healthcare, and patient-care related information, the Bangla Patient Health Questionnaire, and the Bangla Fear of COVID-19 Scale. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors. Just over one-quarter of the participants were depressed, and was significantly associated with COVID-19 fear. Regression analyses showed that, both in general population and HCPs, depression and fear of COVID-19 were strongly predicted by being female; however, depression was inversely associated with being married. Particularly, among the HCPs, being restless while examining a patient with flu-like symptoms and while examining a patient returning from abroad was found to be significant predictor for both depression and fear of COVID-19. HCPs who were using single protective equipment for a week had greater depression and those who felt insecure due to the pandemic had a high level of COVID-19 fear. The findings identified major psychological impacts among the participants, suggesting the urgent need to promote mental wellbeing in both general population and medical professionals.