Using Seawater for Weed Management in Turfgrass

Long term use of herbicide can pose serious threat to environment. Alternative strategies to chemical herbicide in weed control have received increasing attention now a days. Salty water could be used to control weed in salt tolerant turfgrass areas. A series of experiments were conducted to examine the response of turfgrass species, common local weed species and soil microbial communities to salinity stress both singly and in combination with reduced rates of recommended herbicides. The plant species selected for evaluation in these studies were based on a detailed preliminary survey conducted in local turfgrass areas. Four salinity levels (0, 24, 48 and 72 dSm-1) were imposed on 16 turfgrass entries in glasshouse experiments to identify potential salt tolerant turf species. Tolerance ranking was based on 50% reduction of shoot and root dry weights, leaf firing and turf quality.Predicted salinity levels for 50% shoot and root growth reductions were, 17.0 – 39.8 and 18.8 – 49.4 dS m-1, respectively. Paspalum vaginatum proved to be superior in salt tolerance, and was closely followed by Zoysia japonica and Zoysia matrella. In the field survey of four different turfgrass areas, 79 weed species belonging to 16 families were recorded. Maximum numbers of weed species were found on residential lawns, while least numbers were recorded on golf course putting greens; athletic fields and sod farms ranked intermediate. Cyperus aromaticus yielded the highest relative abundance value in golf course putting greens (71.5), followed by athletic fields (45.5) and residential lawns (21.7). Fimbristylis dichotoma and Cyperus compressus yielded the highest relative abundance values on residential lawns (35.0) and sod farms (30.4), respectively. In studies evaluating the use of saline solutions for weed control, the same four salinity levels (0, 24, 48 and 72 dS m-1) were applied to all 79 weed species, along with P. vaginatum (as a control). The results on injury ratings for salt tolerant weeds were categorized as highly susceptible, moderately susceptible and extremely tolerant. The results showed that 44 weed species were very susceptible and found to be effectively controlled (100%) at salinities of 24 and 48 dS m-1, while 30 species were found to be effectively controlled with the 72 dS m-1 salinity treatment. The five most serious weeds viz. Eragrostis atrovirens, Sporobolus diander, Cyperus aromaticus, Cyperus rotundus and Emilia sonchifolia were found to be extremely tolerant, and were not controlled even at the highest salinity level of 72 dS m-1. In the physiological study, three most tolerant and three least tolerant turf species were subjected to seven salinity levels (0, 8, 16, 24, 32, 40 and 48 dS m-1) treatments and were assessed for leaf proline, chlorophyll and relative water contents. Leaf firing, plant biomass, and concentrations of Na, K, Ca, and Mg in shoots and roots were also determined. Root structure injury was observed under a scanning electron microscope (SEM). In general, trends of proline concentrations were found to increase with increasing salinity levels. However, there was an extremely higher rate of increase in salt tolerant species than in sensitive ones. Zoysia japonica was the least Na accumulating at all salinity levels followed by P. vaginatum and Z. matrella, while D.didactyla was the highest Na accumulating species followed by Cynodon dactylon ‘satiri’ and Cynodon dactylon ‘tifdrawf’. Paspalum vaginatum always had greater K contents at all salinity levels followed by Z. japonica and Z. matrella. On the other hand, the lowest K contents were recorded in C.dactylon ‘tifdwarf’ followed by C.dactylon ‘satiri’ and D. didactyla. Salinity caused root cortex cells to collapse, in C.dactylon ‘tifdwarf’, C. dactylon ‘satiri’ and D. didactyla at highest salinity level (48 dS m-1), but not in P. vaginatum , Z. japonica and Z. matrella. Soil microbes were more or less affected by application of either herbicides, sea water or in combination. However,salt water treatment in combination with reduced herbicide are more eco-friendly than other options. Sensitivity to seawater plus reduced rates of herbicide was evaluated for E. atrovirens,S. diander, C. aromaticus, C. rotundus and E. sonchifolia as well as for turfgrasses viz. P. vaginatum, C. dactylon ‘satiri’, and Z. japonica. The weed species S. diander, C.aromaticus, C. rotundus and E. sonchifolia except E. atrovirens were fully controlled when treated with ¾ recommended trifloxysulfuron–sodium with sea water, ¾ recommended trifloxysulfuron–sodium with ¾ sea water, ½ recommended trifloxysulfuron–sodium with sea water, ¾ recommended quinclorac with sea water and ¾ recommended quinclorac with ¾ sea water. Eragrostis atrovirens showed maximum 48% injury when treated with ¾ recommended trifloxysulfuron–sodium and sea water. Among the tested turfgrasses, P. vaginatum showed only 8% injury to sea water in combination with ¾ recommended quinclorac, indicating greater salt tolerance. Zoysia japonica also showed no more than 14% injury when treated with sea water in combination with ¾ recommended trifloxysulfuron–sodium or quinclorac. Cynodon dactylon ‘satiri’ had up to 21% salt injury with ¾ sea water in combination with ¾ recommended trifloxysulfuron –sodium

Properties of Strong Force and Spin of Quarks and Nucleons

If the distance increases the interaction strength increases and if the distance decreases then the interaction strength decreases with energy. Further we have to know the quarks can be removed when distance decreases with the increase energy.That the colors forces are leak out from quarks .The strong forces are still exist when the colors are inside the quarks and force carrying particle. It means that the color force depends on the color emission. It should be noted that Higgs Boson(the mass less particle) is emitted or absorbed by the quark

Properties of Strong Force and Spin of Quarks and Nucleons

If the distance increases the interaction strength increases and if the distance decreases then the interaction strength decreases with energy. Further we have to know the quarks can be removed when distance decreases with the increase energy.That the colors forces are leak out from quarks .The strong forces are still exist when the colors are inside the quarks and force carrying particle. It means that the color force depends on the color emission. It should be noted that Higgs Boson(the mass less particle) is emitted or absorbed by the quark

The Challenges of Food Security in South Asia: Understanding it’s dynamics with Reference to Bangladesh

This study focuses on the challenges of food security in South Asian region, particularly the challenges Bangladesh is facing, and how this region can possibly mitigate this challenge. Food security is a complex issue. The question of food security has a number of dimensions that go beyond production, availability and demand for food. It is generally understood as access to adequate food to all households at all times to enable them to lead a healthy and active life. The initial focus on food security as a global concern was on the volume and stability of food. Achieving food security in South Asia has become a major challenge. The food security scenario in South Asia has witnessed rapid progress over the last few decades, yet nutrition outcomes, especially those related to women and children, have failed to keep pace. In addition, the article has also identified a number of initiatives taken by the SAARC countries, and recommends some policies for the food security. Keywords: Food Security, South Asia, Bangladesh, Challeng

A Review on Embryonic Development of Inland Fishes of Bangladesh

The early developmental pattern of inland fishes of Bangladesh are not well studied though it has a great importance in fisheries and aquaculture sector. The embryonic study provides interesting information on further growth and health of the fish and considered as an essential component for optimization of fish seed production by natural and induced breeding. Therefore, the current review work has been undertaken to provide a detail information on embryonic development of important inland fishes of Bangladesh. Information was collected from published scientific papers, un-published Masters and PhD dissertations from universities, popular articles and other published and grey literature. Diameters of unfertilized egg of the reviewed fish species were found to be 0.5 to 1.3 mm and fertilized egg were 0.49 to 1.6 mm. Shapes of the egg were also variable from species to species. There is little information available on egg activation and egg micropyle of fish species of Bangladesh. The fertilization rate of different fishes ranged from 40.1% to 93.9%. There are different stages of early development in different species and time needs to complete the stages also vary. The timing of post hatching development by metamorphosis was found to vary based on the fish species from several days to weeks. Different factors like temperature, photoperiod, DO, seasonality and presence of chemicals in water were found to affect the early development of fish. The review included eighteen inland fishes and unearthed useful insights of their embryonic development and influence of different factors. As we expect, the outcome of the study would provide a baseline and would be very useful in conducting further research on the embryology of indigenous fishes of Bangladesh.&nbsp

Planting time and mulching effect on onion development and seed production

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate effects of planting time and mulches on bulb growth and seed production of onion (Allium cepa L.) cv. Taherpuri. Planting time and mulches had significant influence on almost all parameters studied. Onion planted on 21 November had better agronomic traits contributing towards yield formation. Growth and seed production was accelerated by black polythene. Seed yield (460.81 kgha-1) was highest in the plots planted on 21 Nov. Seed yield was 529.06 kgha-1 where black polythene mulch was used

Leaf area estimation by linear regression modles for pigenonpea (Cajanus Cajan (L.) Millsp.)

Leaflet length (L) and breadth (B), fresh (LFwt) and dry weights (LDwt) of leaves of 50 samples (500 leaves, 10 in each sample) were used in the prediction model to estimate the leaf area (LA) in pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan cajan (L.) Millsp.). Two of the fifteen linear regression models, appeared more suitable for ease of measurement. These were LA = -17.784 + 6.823 L (Model-1) and LA = 0.5855 + 67.583 LFwt (Model-10). These regression models showed linear relationship when actual leaf area was plotted against predicted one in another 30 leaf samples (300 leaves, 10 in each sample). Moreover, models’ selection indices had high predictive ability represented by high R2 value with minimum error (low means square error and smaller percentage deviation). The selected models appeared unsophisticated but accurate, easy and rapid which can be used for estimation of leaf area of pigeonpea (Morphotype ‘Bogra’)

Clinical presentations among adult patients with tuberculous meningitis

Background: Bangladesh is a country with a high burden of pulmonary as well as extrapulmonary tuberculosis. TBM is a particularly important public health issue in our country. Identifying prognostic predictors would improve the quality of management and ultimately will prevent long-term mortality and morbidity. The aim of the study was to observe and identify the most common clinical presentations among patients with tuberculous meningitis. Methods: This hospital-based prospective cohort study was carried out at the in-patient Department of Clinical Neurology at the National Institute of Neurosciences and Hospital (NINS and H), Dhaka, Bangladesh from October 2016 to September 2017, 1 year. A total of 54 patients admitted to the hospital with features of tuberculous meningitis (TBM) were selected for the study following inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: Over 70% of patients were adolescents or young adults with a mean age of 28.2±12.3 years. The majority (48.2%) of the participants were from TBM stage II, while 37% were from stage III of TBM. Fever, headache, and systematic symptoms were the most frequent clinical presentations. The median delay in treatment was 30 days. Interruption in anti-TB treatment was reported in 3 (9.3%) cases. Conclusions: The study found that among possible TBM cases, the most frequent clinical features were fever, headache, and systematic symptoms. Focal neurological deficit and cerebral nerve palsy also had a high prevalence among the participants. The majority of the participants were young adults and female prevalence was high in the present study. The majority were from stage II TB among the study participants

Crisis of Morals and Values: A Bangladesh Perspective

The morals and values which are held in high esteem are now eroding with the progressing trend of modern civilization. This decline has taken a dangerous turn and in consequence it is very difficult for the peace loving people to bear the miserable aspects of life. Relevant examples have been cited from different scenarios of national and international level to evaluate the gravity of the situation resulting from moral degradation owing to the loss of ethics and values among people of all walks of life. The causes of this vicious state of life have been examined in the study through questionnaire and interview with different sections of people. As it is a topic of great interest, teachers, learners and social elites showed keen sense of interest to reflect their opinions as far as the cause and effect of this crisis are interrelated to make the discussion thought provoking and fruitful. The objective of the study is to raise awareness among the people and the practical utility of morals and values. The result of this survey has been thoroughly analyzed and effective suggestions are given for making concerted efforts for solution so that the problem may not destroy our glorious achievement for the country we have so far done right from our independence. Just like all authors valuable research papers we, the writers have spared no pains to mention some objectives in a crystal clear manner keeping abreast of our sincerest attempts to state what our principal goals are and what we really aspire to achieve, par excellence providing relevant data to the best of our ability with vigorous studies that opened a new horizon to us in this field. Change of mind set and above all a holistic stance toward it may invigorate us to eliminate the evil and inculcate proper values and morals for national standard and eminence both at home and abroad

Role of Parental Smoking in Severe Bronchiolitis: A Hospital Based Case-Control Study

Objective. Bronchiolitis is one of the commonest causes of hospitalization of infants and young children in Bangladesh. About 21% of under 5 children attending different hospitals of Bangladesh have bronchiolitis. Fifty percent (50%) men and three percent (3%) women of Bangladesh are smokers. Parental smoking is an important risk factor for both susceptibility and severity of bronchiolitis. The aim of this study was to find out the role of parental smoking in severe bronchiolitis. Design. Case-control study. Place and Duration of Study. The study was conducted in the Department of Paediatrics, Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh, from July 2013 to December 2015. Patients and Methods. Sixty-four patients admitted into the ward with severe bronchiolitis were enrolled as cases and sixty-four suitably matched apparently healthy children attending EPI centre and outpatient department presenting with nonrespiratory illness were enrolled as controls. Sample size was calculated using Guilford and Frucher formula. The technique was systematic random sampling. Every second case satisfying the inclusion and exclusion criteria was enrolled in the study. Results. The mean age of the patients was 7.53 (SD ± 4.75) months. Forty (62.5%) patients were male and twenty four (37.5%) patients were female. Male-to-female ratio was 1.7 : 1. Most of the cases (60.95%) came from low socioeconomic background. More than half of the cases (53.13%) were not exclusively breastfed babies. Mean length of hospital stay was 6.41 (SD ± 2.82) days. Thirty eight (59%) cases and twenty six (34%) controls were exposed to parental smoking. Result was highly significant (p=0.005). Odds ratio was 2.8 (95% CI from 1.36 to 5.72). Conclusion. Exposure to parental smoking causes a statistically significant (p=0.005, odds ratio = 2.8) increase in the risk of developing severe bronchiolitis in the first year of life