Mohammed Sirajul Islam¹, Nathu Ram Sarker², Md. Yousuf Ali¹, Md. Rezwanul  Habib¹, Md. Mostain Billah¹, Md. Abu Haris Miah¹, Md. Humayun Kabir¹, Md. Shahjahan¹

¹Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute Regional Station, Baghabari, Shahjadpur, Sirajganj-6770, Bangladesh
²Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute, Savar, Dhaka-1341, Bangladesh

The study was conducted to investigate the comparative economic profitability between fodder and rice production in a concentrated area at Shahjadpur upazila in Sirajganj district by a pretested survey questionnaire from 22 households. The selection was done based on the concentration of dairy farming with fodder production as well as crop production. Descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA were performed to analyze the gathered data, and the means were separated using DMRT mean separation test. It was found that 100% farmers cultivated fodder in their land. Results also showed that higher annual cost involved in Irri rice production than Jumboo and Napier production. However, non-significant differences existed among the market price of Irri, Jumboo and Napier production. Lower fertilizer used in fodder production than rice hence, lower fertilizer price (Tk) required for fodder than rice production. Annually fodder yield was 83.53 MT whereas rice yields only 6.94 MT per household. Annual fodder cultivation cost was non-significantly higher in rice production than fodder. Comparative economic analysis of fodder and rice production showed that annual selling price was double than annual production cost of rice per 100 decimal lands and incase of fodder, it clearly indicated that annual selling price was much more time higher than annual fodder production cost. The findings of the study concluded that fodder cultivation might play a significant role for more income generation than rice cultivation in the milk production potential areas like Shahjadpur upazila.

Keywords: Napier, Irri, Yield, Fertilizer, Annual production cost, Selling price.

Corresponding author.
E-mail address: siraj_blri@yahoo.com (MS Islam)

How to cite this article: Islam MS, Sarker NR, Ali MY, Habib MR, Billah MM, Miah MAH, Kabir MH and Shahjahan M (2017). Comparative study on fodder and rice production with the emphasis of economic profitability. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 4(4): 01-05.

Shofinaz Akhter¹, Md.Rafiquel Islam¹, Md. Sekender Ali², Md. Omar Faruk²

¹Department of Agricultural Extension and Information System, Sher-E-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh
²Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, SCPP-IPM, DAE, Khamarbari, Dhaka

The focus of this study was to determine and describe the use of communication media by the women beneficiaries of Grameen Bank in income generating activities in a selected area of Sylhet district. Attempts were made to describe the selected characteristics of the women beneficiaries of Grameen bank and explore the relationship between selected characteristics of the women beneficiaries of Grameen Bank with their use of communication media in income generating activities. The study was conducted in three villages of Golabgonj Upazila under Sylhet district. An update list of 316 women beneficiaries who were involved in different Income Generating Activities (IGAs) in different time from the selected village was prepared with the help of the personnel of Grameen Bank of these localities. Around one third of the populations were randomly selected as the sample of the study by using random sampling method.  Thus, 105 women beneficiaries of Grameen Bank constituted the sample of the study. A well structured interview schedule was developed based on objectives of the study for collecting information. Data collection was started in 15 September, 2014 and completed in 23 October, 2014. The highest proporpions (63.81 percent) of the respondent women beneficiaries of Grameen Bank belongs to the group of medium use of communication media and the lowest 8.57 percent belongs to the group of high use of communication media. Educational qualification, organizational participation, cosmopoliteness, innovativeness, agricultural knowledge and attitude towards innovation had significant positive relationships with use of communication media in income generating activities. Family size, farm size, credit received and income from different IGAs had non significant positive relationships, while age had non significant negative relationship with use of communication media in income generating activities under the present study.

Keywords: Characteristics Communication media, Women, Grameen Bank, Income generation, Bangladesh

Corresponding author.
E-mail address: sofinajakter@gmail.com (S Akhter)

How to cite this article: Akhter S, Islam MR, Ali MS and Faruk MO (2017). Use of communication media by the women beneficiaries of Grameen Bank in income generating activities in a selected area of Sylhet district. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 4(4): 06-13.

Masuma Younus^1,2, M. Jahiruddin¹, M. Joinul Abedin Mian¹

¹Department of Soil Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh
²Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Policy Support Unit (APSU), Dhaka, Bangladesh

To develop methods for testing soil sulphur (S) and calcium (Ca) as a low cost technology for fertilizer recommendation, a study was undertaken in the Department of Soil Science at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh. Three extracting reagents viz. Morgan solution (NaOAc + HOAc, pH 4.8), 0.15% CaCl₂ and water, each followed by two colour developing reagents such as BaCl₂ plus FeCl₃ and BaCrO₄ were tested for determination of soil S. For the determination of soil Ca, Morgan solution and 1 M NH₄OAc (pH 7.0) accompanied with a common turbid forming reagent Na₂C₂O₄ were used. Among the extractants tested, Morgan solution was found more effective for extracting both soil S and Ca than the others. Between two colour producing reagents, BaCrO₄ produced more stable colour in acidic condition compared with BaCl₂ plus FeCl₃. In case of Ca, the performance of Na₂C₂O₄ was found quite satisfactory. In comparison to conventional laboratory methods these proposed methods for S and Ca are more economic.

Keywords: Soil test, Low cost, Sulphur, Calcium

Corresponding author.
E-mail address: masumayounus@yahoo.com (M Younus)

How to cite this article: Younus M, Jahiruddin M and Mian MJA (2017). Development of low cost soil testing methods for sulphur and calcium. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 4(4): 14-23.

Sukanta Kar, Mohammad Mizanur Rahman, M. N. Islam

Department of Dairy Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the shelf-life of raw and reconstituted milk at room and refrigerated condition during summer season. Room and refrigeration temperature was 27-29⁰C and 5-6⁰C respectively. Each portion of raw and reconstituted milk was divided into two parts and then the samples were stored at room and refrigeration temperature until spoilage. Each experiment was repeated three times. The parameters used to monitor the keeping quality of milk were acidity and clot-on-boiling test. Specific gravity of raw and reconstituted milk was 1.029 ± 0.001 and 1.032 ± 0.003 respectively. COB test was negative for both samples. From the chemical analysis, it was observed that the fat, SNF, TS, lactose, protein, ash and water content were 41.0 ± 2.0, 83.4 ± 0.15, 124.4 ± 1.96, 48.5 ± 0.47, 35.9 ± 0.2, 6.8 ± 0.26, 875.6 ± 1.96 g/kg respectively for raw milk and 36.3 ± 0.58, 100.9 ± 0.76, 137.5 ± 0.5, 53.7 ± 0.44, 36.2 ± 0.72, 7.3 ± 0.21, 862.5 ± 0.5 g/kg respectively for reconstituted milk. Acidity percentage was 0.142 ± 0.006 for raw milk and 0.168 ± 0.003 for reconstituted milk. It was found that at room temperature raw and reconstituted milk were acceptable up to 9.50 ± 0.707 and 12.00 ± 1.414 hours respectively. On the other hand at refrigeration temperature raw and reconstituted milk were acceptable up to 12.67 ± 1.155 and 23.67 ± 0.578 days respectively.

Keywords: Self life, Raw and reconstituted milk, Room temperature, Refrigeration temperature

Corresponding author.
E-mail address: mnislamds@yahoo.com (MN Islam)

How to cite this article: Kar S, Rahman MM and Islam MN (2017). Shelf life of raw and reconstituted milk at room and refrigeration temperature. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 4(4): 24-32.

Shahnaz Begum^1,2, M. Azizul Haque

¹Department of Horticulture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh
²Department of Agriculture Extension, Ministry of Agriculture, Bangladesh

An experiment was conducted at the orchard of Jackfruit Research Project, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during july to November 2002, to Study the germination, viability and vigour of seeds of different types (Ghila, Khaja and Dorosa) of jackfruit in relation to seed kind and storage time of seed. The highest germination percentage (95.83) obtained from fresh seeds of Ghila either washed or non washed and the lowest (37.50) from Dorosa with non-washed 20 days seed. The highest viability percentage (100.00) was found from fresh non-washed seeds of Ghila and the lowest (45.83) from Dorosa with non-washed and 20 days stored seed. Maximum vigour of seed was observed in Khaja type with non-washed and fresh seeds of jackfruit.

Keywords: Jackfruit, Seed germination, Storage, Vigour, Viability

Corresponding author.
E-mail address: sbashudae@gmail.com (Shahnaz Begum)

How to cite this article: Begum S and Haque MA (2017). Germination, viability and vigour of seeds of different types of jackfruit. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 4(4): 33-38.

Md. Abdulla Al Masud¹, Fahima Binthe Aziz¹, Sharmin Shahid Labony², Md. Mahmudul Hasan¹, Rakibul  Islam¹, Md. Bazlar Rashid¹, Setara  Akter  Setu¹, Md. Ehsanul Kabir², Anisuzzaman^2,3

¹Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur, Bangladesh
²Department of Parasitology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh
³Center for Global Heath, Technical University of Munich, Trogerstrasse 3o, Munich, Germany

Stephanofilariasis is one of the economically important parasitic diseases caused by Stephanofilaria assamensis and is endemic to Bangladesh. Here, we describe the prevalence of the disease and development of suitable measures to control the disease. We found that 20% animals were affected with humpsore, and the prevalence was significantly higher in older animals. Sex of the animals was an important determinant and the disease was more common in male. Prevalence of the worm was significantly higher in indigenous cattle. Use of the animal also influenced the prevalence and the disease was more common in draft-animals. Our blind, in vivo trial revealed that 15% tobacco ointment (15 g tobacco powder mixed with 85 g vaseline) caused complete healing of sores in all treated animals within 28 days whereas neem leaves extract failed to induce complete healing. Taken together, the results suggest that humpsore is still endemic in Bangladesh and is a big problem in profitable cattle rearing, and 15% tobacco ointment can be successfully used to treat the disease.

Keywords: Tobacco leaves ointment, Neem leaves extract, Stephanofilariasis, Cattle

Corresponding author.
E-mail address: zaman.a.bau@gmail.com (Anisuzzaman)

How to cite this article: Masud MAA, Aziz FB, Labony SS, Hasan MM, Islam R, Rashid MB, Setu SA, Kabir ME and Anisuzzaman (2017). Comparative efficacy of tobacco leaves ointment and neem leaves extract against stephanofilariasis in cattle. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 4(4): 39-42.

Nasima Akter¹, Mosammet Khaleda Akter²

¹Lecturer, Fouzder Hat Nursing College, Chittagong, Deputed to Chittagong Nursing College, Chittagong- 4203, Bangladesh
²Nursing Instructor Nursing Institute Mitford, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh

Nurses have to manage the work and their own life. Some factors can facilitate their quality of work life. The literature review revealed there are very limited studies related to facilitators of quality of work life among nurses in Bangladesh. The objective of this study was to determine the facilitators of quality of work life among nurses in Bangladesh. A qualitative research was conducted using a three focus group discussion with 30 registered nurses at three tertiary level hospitals in Bangladesh between May 2015 and January 2016. The data were analyzed using content analysis. Six major categories were accommodation facilities, position of ward-in-charge, higher education and training, patient care resources, communication skills and salary that emerged from data analysis. Nurses who stay in government accommodation near to the hospital, received higher education and training, received higher salary, being a ward in-charge have adequate resources for patients care and can communicate well perceived a better quality of work life. Findings provide information for nursing and health policy makers to develop policies to improve the facilitators in order to improve the quality of work life among nurses that can contribute to quality of nursing care.

Keywords: Bangladesh, Facilitators, Quality of work life, Tertiary hospital, Nurses

Corresponding author.
E-mail address: nasimamonir2012@gmail.com (Nasima Akter)

How to cite this article: Akter N and Akter MK (2017). Facilitators of quality of work life among nurses: A qualitative study. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 4(4): 43-48.

Marina Jabunnaher¹, Lutfunnahar², MA Malek³, Rokshana Kamrunnaher⁴, M. Bahadur Meah⁵

¹Senior Monitoring and Evaluation officer, Strengthening Phytosanitary capacity in Bangladesh Project, Department of Agricultural Extension, Khamarbari, Dhaka, Bangladesh
²Additional Agriculture Officer, Upazilla Agriculture Office, Department of Agricultural Extension, Gouripur, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
³Senior Instructor, Agriculture Training Institute, Department of Agricultural Extension Ishurdi, Pabna, Bangladesh
⁴Additional Agriculture Officer, Upazilla Agriculture Office, Department of Agricultural Extension, Ishurdi, Pabna, Bangladesh
⁵Department of Plant pathology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh

Allamanda leaf (Allamanda cathertica) extraction were prepared by water at room temperature (25 ± 2°C) as well as by a number of less polar to highly polar solvents at their boiling temperature, that means extract of allamanda at refluxing temperature. The solvents were diethyl ether, methylene chloride, chloroform and ethyl alcohol. These refluxing extracts were applied to determine their inhibition extent against Phomopsis vexans. Also TLC of these refluxing extracts was done by using different pure and suitably mixed solvents. Growth inhibition test of P. vexans (causal agent of eggplant leaf blight and fruit rot) by each of these refluxing extracts in different solvents revealed different mode of action. Water extracts of allamanda was found satisfactory in inhibiting the growth of P. vexans (84.6%). The refluxing extracts of diethyl ether, methylene chloride and ethyl alcohol were statistically similar having inhibition action by 70-74%. Among the extractants, methylene chloride had no considerable effect on P. vexans. TLC of these refluxing extracts showed the presence of a number of compounds having polarity very low to high. Based on the above information, refluxing methylene chloride extracts was subjected to column chromatographic separation for compounds in allamanda leaves. Through column chromatography, five single compounds were separated and tested against P. vexans individually. Among the separated compounds, one compound was completely inhibitory against P. vexans while the other compounds had little inhibitory effect. The other compounds may be active when they exist in mixture with each other in whole extract.

Keywords: Allamanda leave extract, Thin layer chromatography, Infra red spectrum, Phomopsis vexans, Eggplant

Corresponding author.
E-mail address: marina_dae@yahoo.com (M Jabunnaher)

How to cite this article: Jabunnaher M, Lutfunnahar, Malek MA, Kamrunnaher R and Meah MB (2017). Evaluation of components from Allamanda leaves extract against Phomopsis vexans. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 4(4): 49-55.

H. M. Solayman

Department of Environmental Science at Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

Coastal region of Bangladesh is highly vulnerable to natural hazards due to local and global climate change and its geographic location. This hazard has the potentiality to causing casualties and damages with socio-economic trouble in deferent sectors like agriculture, livelihoods and livestock’s.  So, this study identified the probable impacts of cyclone disaster on livelihood activities and perceived economic losses by cyclone disaster. This study conducted during January to March, 2017. To collect primary information different methods had been adopted i.e. Checklist, Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and face to face questionnaires, random sampling techniques were conducted where sample size was n=100. Modified DPSIR framework applies for conceptual analysis about the impacts of cyclone on livelihood activities. In this regards agricultural (100%) and livelihood (91%) sector faced highest effects by cyclone. Most common impacts were increased sea level, less livelihood opportunity, settlement damage, land use changes/loss, loss of fisheries, economic insecurity and migration problem. Farmers group consume highest percentages of financial (45000 BDT year^-1) loss due to cyclone in the study area.  This study suggested chicken farming duck rearing, handicrafts, tree planting, increasing religious activities, alternative livelihoods facility and two or more livelihood options, indigenous technology e.g. homestead gardening and conservation of the coastal forest most preferable adaptation and mitigation measures. So, the effective actions to cope with and reduce the impacts of cyclone hazard have now become vital requirement.

Keywords: Cyclone, Livelihood, Coastal community

Corresponding author.
E-mail address: solaymanmoni@gmail.com (HM Solayman)

How to cite this article: Solayman HM (2017). Impacts of cyclone on livelihood: study on a coastal community. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 4(4): 56-64.

Md. Azharul Islam Talukder¹, Md. Shahjahan², Md. Rezwanul Habib², Md. Mostain Billah², Md. Salahuddin², Sirazum Munira², Md. Abu Haris Miah², Seikh Masudur Rahman², Md. Najmul Haque¹, Mst. Nilufa Yeasmin¹, Mohammed Sirajul Islam², Md. Yousuf Ali² and Md. Humayun Kabir²

¹Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute, Savar, Dhaka-1341, Bangladesh
²Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI) Regional Station, Baghabari, Sahajadpur, Sirajganj-6770, Bangladesh

The study was undertaken to investigate the living standard and cattle oriented marketing from few rural villages of Bera Upazila at Pabna district in Bangladesh. Data on social status, cattle farming and milk and live animal marketing were collected from those selected rural villages with a pretested survey questionnaire. It revealed that most of the farmers (73.70%) had single family and 100% farmers belong to kacha housing and Muslim religion. Education status was poor in the study areas, but 92.98% farmers were interested in training especially of livestock farming. Milk (32508 BDT) was the major source of income followed by live animal selling (16140 BDT) and agriculture (15219 BDT) as occupation. The milk selling placed were noted as local market (46%) followed by local buyer (42%) beside home consumption (12%) while for live animal selling 42% and 33% to Bepari and retailer, respectively. About 38% farmers sold their milk below 40 BDT per liter while 33% farmers sole their live cattle below 200 kg of live weight. The overall livelihood and marketing status of cattle producers in the surveyed areas could be changed through improved cattle farming which would need proper facilitations of farmers on livestock rearing and production with a planned research guidelines regarding the aspect.

Keywords: Income, Occupation, Livestock production, Pabna.

Corresponding author.
E-mail address: sajubau@gmail.com (Md. Shahjahan)

How to cite this article: Talukder MAI, Shahjahan M, Habib MR, Billah MM, Salahuddin M, Munira S, Miah MAH, Rahman SM, Haque MN, Yeasmin MN, Islam MS, Ali MY and Kabir MH (2017). Living standard of farmers and cattle oriented marketing system in few rural areas at Pabna district in Bangladesh. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 4(4): 65-69.

Md. Nazmul Hossen, Md. Saiful Islam, Md. Moniruzzaman, Sonia Sku and Saymuna Tarin Lupa

Scientific Officer, Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI), Mymensingh-2201, Bangladesh

The purpose of this study is to summarize experienced on brood management and breeding techniques in Jamalpur region of Bangladesh from March to August 2016. The total number of hatcheries at Jamalpur was 29, maximum of which was carp hatchery. Ten hatcheries were randomly selected from Jamalpur sadar and Melandah upazilla where 5 hatcheries (50%) produced carp with catfish, 1 hatchery (10%) produced tilapia with catfish, 2 hatcheries (20%) produced only carp, 1 hatchery (10%) produced tilapia with prawn, 1 hatchery (10%) produced only catfish. They collected brood fish from rivers and other sources. Among 10 hatcheries 6 hatchery owners (60%) collected brood from their own ponds, 2 hatchery owners (20%) collected brood from the other hatcheries, 1 hatchery owner (10%) collected broods from the natural sources like Jamuna and Old Brahmaputra river and 1 hatchery owner (10%) collected broods from govt. hatchery. The hatchery owners used cloth bag, aluminium pot and drum to carry the brood from rearing pond to hatchery. They also maintained proper age and weight of broods for spawning and followed the guideline of hatchery operation so that the quality of spawn and fry they produced were good in quality. It was found that the hatcheries produced fish seed of a variety of species like Indian major carps (Labeo rohita, L. calbasu, L. bata, Catla catla, Cirrhinus cirrhosus etc.), Carpio(Cyprinus carpio), Thai Sarpunti (Barbonymus gonionotus), Silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix), Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), Pabda(Ompok pabda) Magur (Clarias batrachus), Shing (Heteropneustes fossilis), Thai pangas (Pangasius sutchi), Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambica) as well as Freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii). Generally, the hatchery production activities took place starting from February and continued up to September. The study revealed that the hatchery management system in Jampapur region was good and broom management system was satisfactory. However, all hatcheries are suggested to follow the systematic broodstock management and breeding techniques in order to produce good quality seed that could provide quality fish for aquaculture.

Keywords: Brood, Breeding, Management, Hatchery, Fish.

Corresponding author.
E-mail address: nazmulpisces@gmail.com (Md. Nazmul Hossen)

How to cite this article: Hossen MN, Islam MS, Moniruzzaman M, Sku S and Lupa ST (2017). Brood management and breeding techniques of some selected hatcheries in Jamalpur region,International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 4(4): 70-75.

Md. Aminul Islam¹, Md. Zakir Hossain², Mosharaf Hossain³, Mst. Yesmin Abida⁴, Sayeda Bodrun Nesa⁵, Md. Nasirul Farid⁶, Md. Abdus Salam⁷

¹Bangladesh Sugar and Food Industries Corporation, Dhaka
^2,3,4Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Gazipur
⁵Barendra College, Rajshahi
^6,7Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh

Banana is basically a fruit crop cultivated in all the tropical and sub-tropical countries. With increasing demand on eco-friendly materials, banana fibres are now used to make garments, ropes, mats, carpets, cushions, cushion covers, bags, baskets, table cloths and many more purposes. A research work was conducted on Banana pseudo stem (Musa indica) at the workshop of Farm Power and Machinery Department, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh. The main objectives of the study were to study the yield of fiber and its properties of Banana pseudo stem (Musa indica). Fermentation, mechanical extraction method (Scraping for stem fiber) was conducted to extracted fiber from Banana pseudo stem. The percent of elongation at break, tensile strength and diameter of banana pseudo stem fiber decreased with the increase of period of fermentation. Fiber percent was 2.66% and the estimated fiber production of banana pseudo stem, was 197 kg/ha.

Keywords: Banana, Pseudo-stem, Fiber, Production, Extraction, Fermentation.

Corresponding author.
E-mail address: zakzuberi@gmail.com (M. Z. Hossain)

How to cite this article: Islam MA, Hossain MZ, Hossain M, Abida MY, Nesa SB, Farid MN and Salam MA (2017). Banana pseudo-stem fiber yield and properties. International Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 4(4): 76-82.