Pre-Service Mathematics Teachers’ Perceptions of Using Web 2.0 Technology for Instruction and Achievement in a College Euclidean Geometry Course

The purpose of this study was to investigate the nature of pre-service mathematics teachers’ attitudes toward and perceived effectiveness of a blogging activity included as a regular component of a college Euclidean Geometry course. Descriptive statistics regarding participants’ attitudes toward and perceived effectiveness of the blogging activity were gathered using a researcher developed instrument. Additionally, an inferential statistical test was performed to determine if a relationship exists between pre-service teachers’ attitude toward the blogging activity and their performance in the course as measured by the eight in-class quizzes administered throughout the semester. Similarly, an inferential statistical test was performed to determine if a relationship exists between pre-service teachers’ perceived effectiveness of the blogging activity and their performance in the course as measured by the eight in-class quizzes. The study was conducted in a Euclidean Geometry class designed for preservice mathematics teachers enrolled in a land grant university located in the western part of the United States. The results revealed that preservice mathematics teachers tended to enjoy participating in the blogging activity and perceived that the blogging activity was effective. Additionally, the results indicated that no relationships existed between performance in the course and either attitude toward the blogging activity or the perceived effectiveness of the blogging activity. These non-significant results suggest that mathematics teachers who want to incorporate a blogging activity in their courses should not be concerned about whether the students have a strong or weak background in mathematics, as both strong and weak students seem to enjoy and potentially benefit from the use of a blogging activity as a supportive teaching and learning tool

Influence of Sowing Dates and Sowing Methods on Growth and Seed Yield of Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.)

Nigella sativa L. is widely used medicinal plant throughout the world. In Bangladesh it is mainly used as spices in preparing various food items. Sowing time and sowing methods are the influential factors to produce higher seed yield of black cumin. Therefore, this study was undertaken to find out a suitable sowing date and method to produce higher seed yield of black cumin. The two-factor experiment comprised with four sowing dates (1st November, 15th November, 1st December and 15th December) and two sowing methods (line sowing and broadcast seeding). The experiment was carried out following randomized complete block design with three replicates. Results showed that plant growth, yield contributing traits and yield of black cumin significantly influenced by sowing dates and methods. It was observed that the line sowing method compared to broadcast seeding and 1st December sowing among the other sowing dates exhibited higher plant growth with greater production of seed. The combine effect of sowing time and sowing methods showed significantly influenced on black cumin seed production. It was observed that the 1st December sowing with line sowing method increased the seed yield as compared to other sowing dates and methods. From the findings of this study it can be concluded that 1st December following line sowing method would maximize plant growth, yield contributing traits and seed yield of black cumin in Bangladesh

Evaluation of Growth, Yield and Quality of Turmeric Genotypes (Curcuma longa L.)

This study was conducted to examine growth, yield and quality performances of five turmeric genotypes. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. Results showed that different genotypes significantly influenced on plant growth, yield and quality of turmeric. The highest germination (97 %), number of leaves (8.16), plant height (69.51 cm), weight of rhizome (47.06 g/plant) and yield (6.01 t/ha) was found from “Sinduri Holud” (BARI Holud-2). But this genotype scored the lowest percentage in curcumin (0.30 %) and low dry matter (22.54 %). While local genotype (“Mota Holud”) performed the lowest germination (87.57 %) and minimum plant height (53.52 cm), leaf area (127.42 cm2), number of fingers per rhizome (3.73), weight of rhizome (34.16 g/plant) and yield (4.78 t/ha). But this genotype contained the highest curcumin (2.10 %), and “Mala Holud” attained maximum dry matter (25.20%). Based on flesh color, dry matter and curcumin contents local turmeric genotypes performed superior than that of the check varieties. From the findings of this investigation, it can be concluded that local genotypes can be used in breeding program for development of high quality turmeric in Bangladesh

A STUDY TO EVALUATE USERS’ SATISFACTION OF BLACKBOARD LEARN

This study summarizes and reports first-time users’ satisfaction of a Blackboard Learn user interface that had been adopted as an online/blended teaching-learning management tool. Users’ satisfaction was measured in terms of the overall consistency, ease of use, universability, positive aspects, and problems/limitations of the Blackboard Learn user interface. Data were collected through a number of 5-point Likert scale type items using an online survey. The survey also gathered participants’ gender and major area of study to determine if there exists any significant difference in their satisfaction, among the possible groups in these measures. Results revealed that first-time Blackboard Learn users are most likely overall satisfied in using it without any significant difference among male vs. female; and engineering vs. non-engineering major users. Blackboard users are satisfied with a number of its advanced features, although they have reported some noticeable problems, limitations, and recommendations

Genotypic differences in plant growth responses and ion accumulations to salt stress conditions of sweet gourd (Cucurbita moschata)

The sweet gourd (Cucurbita moschata Duch ex Poir) is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, especially high carotenoids. Due to climate change and intensive water use, soil salinization is increasing day by day. Salt stress decreases the growth and quality of many crops. Thus, the objective of the present study was to monitor the growth and ion accumulation of fourteen sweet gourd inbred. The study was conducted in 2018 with 14 sweet gourd inbreds (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, P7, P8, P9, P10, P11, P12, P13 and P14) and to identify superior genotypes. Electrical conductivity (EC) based salt was applied at 4, 8, 12 and 16 dS/m NaCl salinity levels for all inbred. Tap water was used as a control. Treatments were imposed at the four to five-leaf stage. Salt stress resulted in significantly decreased growth and essential ion in sweet gourd inbred. Vine length (P11=164.9 to149.5cm, control to 16 dS/m), the number of leaves (P11=31 to 24.33, control to 16 dS/m), internode length (P12=9.67 to 9.83cm, control to 16 dS/m), stem girth (16.38 to 15.87mm, control to 16 dS/m) and K+ ion accumulations were decreased (P6=2.09 to 1.44, control to 16 dS/m) compared to the control. But Na+ ion was increased (P13=0.17 to 1.25, control to 16 dS/m) in all inbred under salt conditions. Sweet gourd inbred showed wide variation in their response to salt tolerance. However, six sweet gourd inbred (P6, P8, P9, P11, P12 and P14) were found as promising as salt-tolerant in respect of growth and ion accumulation. These selected promising salt-tolerant sweet gourd genotypes will be used for breeding programmes to develop high yielding varieties for better production in the near future in saline areas of Bangladesh

Effect of Organic, Inorganic Fertilizers and Plant Spacing on the Growth and Yield of Cabbage

The impact of chemical farming and the negative consequences on the environment and human health in Bangladesh are on the rise. Organic farming is gaining attention and increasing globally because it is eco-friendly, safe and has benefits for human health. A field study was conducted at the horticulture farm of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh, to evaluate the growth and yield performance of cabbage cv. Atlas—70 using organic and inorganic fertilizers in various plant spacing arrangements. Two factor experiments were conducted on plant spacings of 60 cm × 40 cm (S1), 60 cm × 50 cm (S2) and 60 cm × 60 cm (S3) and fertilizers vermicompost (T1), biogen (T2), integrated plant nutrient system (IPNS) Organic (⅔) + inorganic (⅓) (T3) and inorganic (T4). IPNS (T3) application increased the marketable yield (54.77 t·ha−1) of cabbage. The highest marketable yield (48.75 t·ha−1) was obtained with a plant spacing of 60 cm × 40 cm (S1). No significant variation was found in plant spacings S1 and S2. The treatment combination of S2T3 recorded the highest plant height (37.81 cm), plant spread (47.75 cm), cabbage head (21.80 cm), stem length (12.31 cm), thickness of the cabbage head (12.53 cm) and marketable yield (65.0 t·ha−1). The results suggest that IPNS (T3) combining organic and inorganic fertilizer applications with a 60 cm × 50 cm spacing (S2T3) increases the yield performance of cabbage

Biochemical properties of some important underutilized minor fruits

Minor fruits are rich source of vitamins and minerals which are unexplored. This study was undertaken to evaluate biochemical and nutritional values of selected underutilized minor fruits in Bangladesh. The selected minor fruits were Monkey jack (Artocarpus lakoocha), Velvet apple (Diospyros discolor), River ebony (Diospyros peregrina), Cowa (Garcinia cowa), Governor’s plum (Flacourtia indica), Flacourtia (Flacourtia jangomas) and Red pear (Protium serratum). Ripe fruits were collected from coastal and hilly areas of Bangladesh and nutritional analysis was done following standard protocols during February to November 2018. Results showed that River ebony contained the maximum percent of total soluble solids (TSS) (26.0 %) which was similar with Governor’s plum (24.0 %) and Flacourtia (23.5%) while Cowa contained the minimum TSS (11.0%). On the other hand, Red pear and Monkey jack contained highest amount of ascorbic acid (21.74, 20.86 mg/100 g FW, respectively) and Velvet apple contained lowest (5.73 mg/100g FW). In terms of mineral contents, it was observed that Cowa contained the maximum amount of Na (29.41 mg/100g DW) and Fe (4.56 mg/100g DW) as compared to other minor fruits while River ebony contained highest K (258.35 mg/100g DW) and P (293.38 mg/100g DW). Among the minor fruits, Red pear contained the highest amount of Ca (112.12mg/100g DW), Mg (97.24mg/100g DW), Zn (2.08mg/100g DW) and Cu (1.4mg/100g DW) while Flacourtia contained maximum Mn (14.30mg/100g DW). From the results it can be concluded that selected minor fruits are rich in vitamins and minerals

Better Prevention of Covid-19 and Infectious Diseases in Islamic Culture: A Study of Health in Islamic Education

This manuscript aims at delineating the significance of Islamism on health science especially on the contemporary pandemic of COVID-19. The first and foremost objective of this research work is to find out that the daily practice of Islam is the better prevention for the people to be exempted from the diseases that occurred by COVID-19 and other disease-bearing viruses. It also observes that the daily activities in the Islamic religion always keep a man clean and danger-free from coronaviruses that have become a triumphant spirit on the medical science and technology in this digital world. This article is also eager to investigate and accumulate the Islamists’ regular practices which act for them as the medicine of their viral diseases like COVID-19. The research work is done in accordance with the qualitative method. To make this research authentic, information has been collected from different primary and secondary sources: the holy Quran, Hadith, Islamic books, articles from newspapers, journals, etc. Here in the manuscript, the authors have desired to make a result that people should not avoid and ignore Islamism which can keep all human beings lucid, clean, and free from viral diseases especially COVID-19. Finally, the study gives some recommendations on Islam that is scientifically and logically proved and considered as the best religion for keeping health safe and sound in the viral diseases of the contaminated world. &nbsp