Search

This study aims to find a suitable site for a nuclear power plant using the geographic information system and analytical hierarchy process in the Khulna division, Bangladesh. Selection of a suitable site for a nuclear power plant is vital for the safety of the installation, workers, the public, and the environment. This study was conducted considering four stages, namely conceptual and planning, area survey, site characterization, and site confirmation stage. In the area survey stage, six criteria were divided into twelve sub-criteria, namely population density, earthquake, river, riverbank erosion, airport, road and railway, protected area, forest, groundwater table, rainfall, wind speed, and thunderstorm. A suitability map of each sub-criterion was made using geographic information system software. The weighting of each criterion was determined using an analytical hierarchy process and finally, a geographic information system-based overlay analysis was performed to prepare the final suitability map of the Khulna division which indicates 315.30 km2 and 2991.27 km2 of its total area as the most suitable and suitable, respectively for nuclear power plant establishment. Twenty-six potential areas were selected from the most suitable areas for further study. This study follows a comprehensive methodology and thus may help policymakers for the establishment of nuclear power plants in Bangladesh and abroad.

Limited knowledge exists on sustained adherence to small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements for pregnant and lactating women (LNS-PL) and how this compares with that of other prenatal supplements. To address these gaps, a random subsample of women (n = 360) during pregnancy, early (6- to 12-week post-partum) and late (12- to 24-week post-partum) lactation, from an ongoing effectiveness trial in Bangladesh, was selected for in-home interviews about LNS-PL or iron/folic acid (IFA) use and preferences. Prevalence of high adherence (≥70% of the recommendation) based on self-reported supplement consumption was 67%, 68% and 81% among LNS-PL recipients during pregnancy, early and late lactation, and was 87% and 71% among IFA recipients during pregnancy and early lactation, respectively (P = 0.044). Programmatic factors (e.g. distribution and visits by programme staff) were consistently statistically significantly associated with reported high adherence. Among LNS-PL recipients, high overall supplement acceptability score [odds ratio (OR): 8.62; 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.53, 20.83] and use of reminder techniques (OR: 4.41; 95%CI 1.65, 11.76) were positively associated, and reported vomiting at enrollment was negatively associated (OR: 0.34; 95%CI 0.14, 0.80), with reported high adherence. Selected women (n = 16) and key informants (n = 18) participated in in-depth interviews about perceptions and acceptability of LNS-PL. Women perceived benefits of taking LNS-PL, but some faced barriers to consumption including aversion to odour and taste during pregnancy, forgetfulness and disruptions in supply. To achieve high adherence, results from this study suggest that maternal supplementation programmes should focus on programmatic barriers and consider incorporating reminder techniques. Organoleptic acceptability of LNS-PL, particularly during pregnancy, may also need to be addressed.

The present study aimed to develop a suitable method for the production of good quality shidol at the Floodplain Substation, Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI), Santahar, Bogura, Bangladesh. For this purpose, an improved quality shidol was prepared following scientific methods by BFRI, while traditional shidol was collected from Rangpur, Kurigram, Dinajpur, Lalmonirhat, Bogura, Nilphamary, Syedpur region. In the present study, proximate composition, biochemical and microbiological analysis of the BFRI made shidol and the traditional shidol were carried out during the 90 days of storage period after vacuum packaging. In proximate composition analysis, higher level of protein and fat content were found in BFRI made shidol than the traditional shidol. However, the traditional shidol samples showed poor quality due to the high total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N), peroxide values, and moisture along with a promising microbial load; in contrast, the results obtained in the BFRI shidol samples were within the acceptable limit for human consumption. The presence of coliform bacteria in the traditional shidol also reflected the improper handling, unawareness of good hygiene and sanitation during production. The results of this study indicate that vacuum packaging can be an effective method in maintaining the quality of shidol by preventing crosscontamination and delaying the degradation of nutrients. Additionally, an improved BFRI technology for shidol production can minimize the biochemical and microbiological quality loss of shidol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rural women in Bangladesh usually have lack of access, control and ownership over their land property because of existing patriarchal norms of the rural society. The prime objective of this study was to assess the impact of rural women's access to land on their income as well as household income. A multistage, geographically clustered, probability-based sampling approach was adopted for this study. Primary data were collected from the rural women living in two selected districts of Bangladesh. The Propensity Score Matching technique was used to assess the impact of land accessibility on household income and rural women's income. The Binary Logistic Regression technique was used to assess women's opinions. The study findings revealed that land had a positive impact on household income but rural women's income did not increase significantly despite having access to land. This study also showed that income, level of education, the existence of NGO operated programs in villages, and the number of visits to NGO offices by rural women were the key factors contributing to improving their overall well-being. Findings imply that the government should design an appropriate land ownership policy that guarantees titling as well as access for women to land. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted by Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute, Floodplain Substation to investigate the reproductive biology of Ailia coila in the northern region of Bangladesh. A total number of 100 fish samples were collected on a monthly basis from the Atrai River and Jamuna River during the period from January 2022 to December 2022. The highest mean value of the gonado-somatic index (GSI) was recorded in July (8.78 ± 1.95%), whereas the lowest was found in December (0.15 ± 0.09%). The highest individual fecundity (2,450 ± 570) and ova diameter (0.38 ± 0.07 mm) was also observed in July. From the histological observation of the ovary, the highest percentages (75%) of mature oocytes were observed during the month of July. Based on the GSI, fecundity and gonadal histology, the breeding season of A. coila was observed from June to August with a remarkable peak in July. In the case of length weight relationship (LWR), the coefficient of determination value (r2) was found 0.96 and the slope was found b = 1.50 which indicated the pattern of negative allometric growth of this species as b < 3. In contrast, an increase was recorded in the fecundity associated with the rise of total length, body weight and gonad weight showed a significant linear relationship. This study would assist in the development of induced breeding techniques and provide valuable information for the sustainable management of this population in the inland open ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The positive matrix factorization (PMF) receptor model was used for the first time to quantify the source contributions to heavy metal pollution of sediment on a national basin scale in the upstream, midstream, and downstream rivers (Teesta and Kortoya‐Shitalakkah and Meghna‐Rupsha and Pasur) of Bangladesh. The metal contamination status, co‐occurrence, and ecotoxicological risk were also investigated. Sediment samples were collected from 30 sites at a depth range of 0 to 20 cm for analysis of 9 metals using inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry. The mean concentrations of metals varied for upstream, lower midstream, and downstream river segments. The results showed that chromium (Cr) exhibited a strong significant co‐occurrence network with other metals (e.g., manganese [Mn], iron [Fe], and nickel [Ni]). Monte Carlo simulation results of the geo‐accumulation index (Igeo; 63.3%) and risk indices (48.5%) showed that cadmium (Cd) was the main contributor to sediment pollution. However, the cumulative probabilities of sediments being polluted by metals were ranked as "moderate to heavily polluted" (Igeo 46.6%; risk index 16.7%). Toxicity unit results revealed that zinc (Zn) and Cd were the key toxic contributors to sediments. The PMF model predicted metal concentrations and identified 4 potential sources. The agricultural source (factor 1) mostly contributed to copper (Cu; 78.9%) and arsenic (As; 62.8%); Ni (96.9%) and Mn (83.5%) exhibited industrial point sources (factor 2), with 2 hot spots in northwestern and southwestern regions. Cadmium (93.5%) had anthropogenic point sources (factor 3), and Fe (64.3%) and Cr (53.5%) had a mixed source (factor 4). Spatially, similar patterns between PMF apportioning factors and predicted metal sources were identified, showing the efficiency of the model for river systems analysis. The degree of metal contamination in the river segments suggests an alarming condition for biotic components of the ecosystem. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:2041–2054. © 2020 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics are emerging environmental pollutants that have gained tremendous scientific interest in recent years. These micropollutants are omnipresent both in the terrestrial and aquatic environments posing a deleterious threat to the ecosystem and biodiversity. So, it is important to develop a deep understanding of the environmental fate and potential adverse impacts of microplastics on the aquatic and terrestrial environments. By critically reviewing the previously published scientific literature, the present synthesis briefly outlines the characteristics, occurrence and potential toxic effects of microplastics on terrestrial and aquatic biota. The article also focuses on some innovative approaches for sustainable remediation of macroplastics as well as microplastics. Since the concept of microplastics pollution has yet in its infancy in Bangladesh, this synthesis provides an overview of the current scenario of microplastics pollution and some future research recommendations in the context of Bangladesh which might be helpful to the novice researchers of this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study intends to demonstrate the importance of library networking and resource sharing activities in Bangladesh. Particularly, it emphasizes the significance and value of UN library network that exists in Bangladesh. It concentrates on the background of UN library network, highlights resource sharing programmes, events, workshops, and trainings organized by the network. This paper is prepared through reviewing literature, using printed and online documents and research papers, visiting websites and interviewing focal points of member libraries. It states other resource sharing programmes which don't have any existence and which are currently working at this moment in Bangladesh. It shows the challenges of networking and resource sharing. It has been experienced that during the last two decades, a number of good initiatives were taken to establish an effective library and information network system for the purpose of resource sharing, but most of the networks could not sustain for many reasons with a few exceptions. Finally, some steps are recommended to formulate effective networking and resource sharing programme in Bangladesh by which valuable library services could be ensured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Antibiotic self medication is highly prevalent in the developing countries due to easy availability and poor regulatory controls for selling these drugs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of self-medication with antibiotics for the treatment of various diseases by the peoples of Rajshahi city in Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted to the patient's (n = 1300) at eight locations of Rajshahi city in Bangladesh from March to April, 2014. The locations were selected by convenience and the study population within each study area was randomly selected. The survey was self-administered and included questions pertaining to self medicated drugs and antibiotic usage patterns as well. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: It was found that 347 (26.69%) out of 1300 participants experienced self medication with antibiotics. Over fifty percent of the patients studied were between the ages of 21-30 years with 83.57% of them being males and 16.43% females. The highest percentage of self medicated antibiotics was metronidazole (50.43%) followed by azithromycin (20.75%), ciprofloxacin (11.53%), amoxicillin (10.37%) and tetracycline (7.49%) respectively. The key reasons for the self medication of antibiotics was the pre-experience (45.82%), suggestions from others (28.24%) and knowledgeable of the antibiotics (16.14%). The perceived symptoms to purchase the antibiotics independently was dysentery, diarrhea and food poisoning (36.02%), cold, cough and fever (28.24%), infection (12.97%), dental carries and toothache (9.22%), irritable bowel syndrome (3.46%), acne (4.32%), ear and throat pain (2.31%). The duration of maximum antibiotics usage was ranges between 0-10 years. Only 4.32% patient's used self medicated antibiotics longer than 10 years. The patient's compliance for self medication of antibiotics varies from excellent to no comments whereas only 6.92% patients reported side effects for the self medication of antibiotics. Conclusions: The results of this study confirm that antibiotic self-medication is a relatively frequent problem in Bangladesh. Drug Administration of Bangladesh should implement the regulatory controls immediately on the distribution and selling of antibiotics in order to reduce the frequency of antibiotic misuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bangladesh is one of the most flood-prone countries in the world, resulting in significant losses of agricultural crops and other assets due to the absence of risk mitigation strategies such as flood insurance. In order to ascertain farmers' risk behavior towards flood and their willingness to pay (WTP) for flood insurance as a strategy for climate change adaptation and agricultural sustainability, this study employed survey data collected from 480 flood-affected farm households in northern Bangladesh with experiment-based risk preference and subjective risk perception data. Farmers' flood risk perceptions and attitude were assessed through risk matrix and ELCE technique (equally likely certainty equivalent) and used as independent variables in a probit regression model. Farmers' WTP decisions were found to be influenced by a variety of factors, including land ownership status, off-farm income, flood experience, farmers' group and access to information and extension services. Additionally, the findings indicated that farmers' subjective risk perceptions and experiment-based risk aversion measures were positively and significantly linked with their decision to purchase flood insurance. Risk-averse farmers were more inclined to obtain insurance and those who perceived greater flood risk factors were more willing to pay for flood insurance than those who perceived lower risks. In designing the insurance scheme, the socio-economic features of flood affected rural farm households as well as their risk perceptions and attitudes should be considered carefully. o Willingness to pay for flood insurance depends on various sociodemographic factors. o Flood risk behavior was critical in determining willingness to pay for insurance. o Risk-averse farmers were more inclined to obtain insurance. o Farmers who perceived greater flood risk were more willing to buy flood insurance. o Government-subsidized insurance programs are needed to help small farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field study was conducted at Regional Seed Production Office of Lal Teer Seed Limited, Dinajpur, Bangladesh during 2008-09. The objective was to see the effect of bulb size and plant spacing on seed quality of onion cultivar Taherpuri. The experiment included three bulb sizes viz, small (10±1g); medium (15±1g) and large (20±lg); and four plant spacings viz. 20x15, 25x20, 25x15, and 25x10 cm2. Data on number of green leaves per plant, umbel diameter, number of flowers per umbel, seed yield per plant, seed yield per plot and germination percentage of seed were recorded. The results revealed that the highest seed yield per plant (3.78 g) was obtained from large bulb (20 ± 1g) at closer spacing of 25 x 20 cm whereas maximum seed yield per plot (411.61 g) was obtained with large bulb size (20 ± 1g) with minimum spacing of 25 x 10 cm2. The highest seed germination percentage (87.22) was obtained from same bulb size with spacing of 25 x 15 cm . Hence, for quality onion seed production, large bulb size combined with wider plant spacing is suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]