Dhaka University Journal of Biological Sciences
https://www.banglajol.info/index.php/DUJBS
<p>The official Journal of the Faculty of Biological Sciences, Dhaka University.</p>Faculty of Biological Sciences University of Dhakaen-USDhaka University Journal of Biological Sciences1021-2787Self-compassion and interpersonal reactivity among Bangladeshi University students
https://www.banglajol.info/index.php/DUJBS/article/view/67686
<p>Abstract not available</p> <p>Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 32(2): 271-276, 2023 (July)</p>Masuda AfrinRoufun NaherMd Reza A Rabby
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2023-07-202023-07-2032227127610.3329/dujbs.v32i2.67686Plankton seasonality and its relationship with some physicochemical factors in south-eastern coasts of Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh
https://www.banglajol.info/index.php/DUJBS/article/view/67673
<p>This study was conducted between January and December, 2014 in four sampling stations of the Bay of Bengal, namely Teknaf beach, Inani beach, St. Martin’s Island and Sonadia Island. A total of 39 plankton species were recorded from 4 stations. Among those, 8, 3,2,14 and 2 species belonged to algae, protozoa, rotifera, copepods, and ostracods respectively. Copepoda was the most abundant zooplankton at all stations. The highest monthly density of plankton was 111.2 ind./l at Teknaf beach and the lowest was 5.6 ind./l at Sonadia Island of the Bay of Bengal. Some species such as, <em>Biddulphia </em>sp., <em>Coscinodiscus centralis, </em>copepod nauplii, <em>Canthocalanus pauper, Acrocalanus </em>spp., <em>Clausocalanus </em>spp., <em>Oithona spinirostris </em>were more abundant than other plankton. The plankton population showed positive correlation with physicochemical factors like water temperature and air temperature whereas negatively correlated with pH, DO, CO<sub>2</sub>, salinity, acidity and alkalinity with a few exceptions.</p> <p>Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 32(2): 135-148, 2023 (July)</p>Pronob Kumar MozumderBipul Chandra BiswasMd Abdur Rob Mollah
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2023-07-202023-07-2032213514810.3329/dujbs.v32i2.67673Relapse of psychiatric patients during Covid- 19 pandemic
https://www.banglajol.info/index.php/DUJBS/article/view/67674
<p>Relapse is a highly burdensome phenomenon in mental health care as it creates distress not only in the individual but also in the family and society. Therefore, detecting factors that are potential to develop relapse and the management measures for a psychiatric patient after relapse are very much important. The study was carried out to know whether different types of psychiatric patients were experiencing relapse due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. A survey with telephonic interviews was conducted with 55 mental health professionals of Bangladesh. A total of 250 psychiatric patients’ information was collected. It was found that 56.40% of them relapsed after outbreak of the COVID-19 and most of them were females and young adult patients. Patients reported of suffering from anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorders before the COVID-19 relapsed more than the other disorders. The most reported causes of their relapse were fear of having COVID-19, feeling frightened and anxious due to uncertainty in the COVID-19 situation, feeling depressed due to social isolation and adjustment problems, and conflicts with family members. Relapsed patients had taken services mostly through telemedicine and tele-counseling rather than face-to-face services. Recommendations to the management of relapse of psychiatric patients in a pandemic based on the results of the study are discussed.</p> <p>Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 32(2): 149-157, 2023 (July)</p>Liza AkterFarah Deeba
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2023-07-202023-07-2032214915710.3329/dujbs.v32i2.67674Psychological well-being and coping strategies of the forcefully displaced Rohingya refugees
https://www.banglajol.info/index.php/DUJBS/article/view/67675
<p>Despite the immensity and severity of the Rohingya refugee crisis, information on their psychological well-being and coping mechanisms are limited. This work aims to synthesize research on the mental health and coping strategies of Rohingya refugees. Forty-four purposely sampled refugees completed a cross-sectional survey in the form of a structured interview, providing demographic information as well as responses on the Bangla Psychological well-being measure and the Bangla coping scale. The mean score for respondents' psychological well-being was 246.9 (SD = 25.39), while the mean score for adaptive coping was 35.93 (SD = 4.64) and the mean score for nonadaptive coping was 26.29 (SD = 3.76). Results showed a statistically significant difference (t= -2.185, <em>p</em><.05) in adaptive coping scores between single/unmarried and married participants. Awareness of past traumatic experiences needs to be harmonized with consideration of existing stressors and factors pertaining to future concerns. It is imperative to construct mental health interventions that mobilize the individual and community capabilities of Rohingya refugees.</p> <p>Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 32(2): 159-166, 2023 (July)</p>Mehrin Mostafa MumuMd Reza A RabbyParveen Huque
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2023-07-202023-07-2032215916610.3329/dujbs.v32i2.67675Mental health and psychological distress among Covid-19 frontline workers
https://www.banglajol.info/index.php/DUJBS/article/view/67676
<p>Covid-19 has caused significant distress around the globe. Apart from the evident physical symptoms in infected cases, it has caused serious damage to public mental health. The current research is an attempt to explore mental health and psychological distress of the Covid-19 frontline workers. One hundred and seventy-seven Covid frontline workers (88 male and 89 female) were asked to complete a questionnaire with questions about symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and mental health. The questionnaire included Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS-21) and the Bangla version of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). The results revealed that mental health was negatively correlated with stress, anxiety, and depression. Both male and female frontline workers reported mild to moderate levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. Females reported significantly higher stress than males. However, frontline workers from different professions did not differ significantly on depression, anxiety, stress, and mental health. The findings point to develop strategy to support the mental health of frontline workers including designing psychological support and resilience-building interventions based on risk factors.</p> <p>Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 32(2): 167-177, 2023 (July)</p>Mst Jakia RahmanMd Alauddin
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2023-07-202023-07-2032216717710.3329/dujbs.v32i2.67676Soil organic carbon stocks in the blue carbon habitats of Bangladesh
https://www.banglajol.info/index.php/DUJBS/article/view/67677
<p>A study was conducted in the coastal blue carbon habitats of Bangladesh regarding soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks. Fifty soil samples covering 10 soil profiles at five different depths level up to 1 m was considered to complete the above research. In the salt marsh sites, SOC ranged from 13.1 to 45.7 g/kg with a mean value of 27.5 g/kg. In the mangrove sites, SOC varied from 14.1 to 46.3 g/kg with a mean value 26.4 g/kg. In Mangrove ecosystem soils, clay contents showed a very strong positive correlation with SOC (r = 0.901 and p < 0.01) whereas silt showed a significant positive correlation with the SOC (r = 0.691 and p< 0.05) in the salt marsh sites. As the mangrove ecosystem holds more clay than the salt marsh ecosystem so it may be said that mangrove soils are more potential for carbon storage than salt marsh soils. The study revealed that both of these ecosystems hold more carbon than the threshold level (20.0 g/kg). It is suggested to protect and regenerate the blue carbon habitats in the coastal ecosystem considering the present findings to tackle climate change and other sudden disasters.</p> <p>Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 32(2): 179-188, 2023 (July)</p>Md Jashim UddinArafat RahmanASM Mahbub E KibriaAHM Zulfiquar Ali
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2023-07-202023-07-2032217918810.3329/dujbs.v32i2.67677Costeffective formulation of bio-fertilizer using agricultural residues as carriers and determination of shelflife of bio-fertilizer inoculants
https://www.banglajol.info/index.php/DUJBS/article/view/67678
<p>Traditionally, inorganic chemical-based fertilizers is used for soil management strategies, which can cause public health and environmental threats. Alternatively, bio-fertilizer can be used to increase the productivity and sustainability of soil without causing environmental pollution. The present study aimed to cost-effectively produce bio-fertilizer using agricultural residues and determine the shelflife and efficacy of the bioinoculants. We used sterilized rice husk ash and alluvial soil (1:2) to prepare cost-effective carriers. <em>Rhizobium </em>sp., <em>Azotobacter </em>sp., and <em>Trichoderma </em>sp. were grown in a newly designed culture medium for economic production as bio-inoculants. The efficacy of the formulated bio-fertilizer was tested on a small scale, where it significantly improved the growth of the sponge gourd (<em>Luffa aegyptiaca</em>) plant (p<0.01). The formulated bio-fertilizers were stored at room temperature for one year. Initially, the total viable count of microorganisms was 8.0×10<sup>7</sup> CFU/g in the formulated bio-fertilizer. The total viable count of the bio-inoculants increased significantly after one month (2.2×10<sup>8</sup> CFU/g) and one year (2.2×10<sup>9</sup> CFU/g). Rice husk ash might have supported the growth and survival of the bioinoculants under room temperature (25°C) because of its nutrient retention capacity, adsorptive capability, and high content of silica. Therefore, this study suggests that sterile rice husk ash combined with alluvial soil can be used as a carrier for bio-fertilizers formulation with <em>Rhizobium </em>sp., <em>Azotobacter </em>sp., and <em>Trichoderma </em>sp. bioinoculants.</p> <p>Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 32(2): 189-199, 2023 (July)</p>Taslima AkterSM Tanjil ShahMd Arafat Al MamunMd Latiful BariShamima BegumNaziza RahmanMd Ibrahim Miah
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2023-07-202023-07-2032218919910.3329/dujbs.v32i2.67678Productivity and nutrient composition of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) grown under integrated application of vermicompost, phosphorous and zinc fertilizers
https://www.banglajol.info/index.php/DUJBS/article/view/67679
<p>To evaluate the integrated effect of vermicompost, phosphorous, and zinc fertilizer on plant yield and nutritional quality of cucumber <em>(Cucumis sativus </em>L.), a pot experiment was conducted in the net house at Soil, Water, and Environment Department of the University of Dhaka. In this study, eight treatments <em>viz. </em>T<sub>1</sub>: control, T<sub>2</sub>: VC<sub>6</sub> t ha<sup>-1</sup>, T<sub>3</sub>: P<sub>25</sub> kg ha<sup>-1</sup>, T<sub>4</sub>: Zn<sub>1.5</sub> kg ha<sup>-1</sup>, T5: VC<sub>6</sub> t ha<sup>-1</sup> + P25 kg ha<sup>-1</sup>, T6: VC<sub>6</sub> t ha<sup>-1</sup> + Zn<sub>1.5</sub> kg ha<sup>-1</sup>, T<sub>7</sub>: P<sub>25</sub> kg ha<sup>-1</sup> + Zn<sub>1.5</sub> kg ha-1, T8: VC6 t ha-1 + P25 kg ha-1 + Zn1.5 kg ha-1 with three replicates were used by following a completely randomized design (CRD). A one-way ANOVA with a Tukey posthoc test revealed statistically significant differences in growth and yield metrics between the treatments (p ≤ 0.05). The maximum growth and yield contributing attributes <em>viz. </em>plant height (123 cm), leaf number (30 plant<sup>-1</sup>), leaf area (155.45 cm<sup>2</sup>), stem girth (2.70 cm), branch number (18 plant<sup>-1</sup>), fruit number (7 plant<sup>-1</sup>), and fruit fresh (382 g) and dry (33 g) weight were detected in the treatment VC<sub>6</sub> t ha<sup>-1</sup> + P<sub>25</sub> kg ha-1 + Zn<sub>1.5</sub> kg ha-1 (T8). The treatment T1 (control) exhibited the lowest values for all the aforementioned treatments. The nutrient quality attributes in fruits were analyzed highest in the same treatment T8. So, farmers are advised to apply VC<sub>6</sub> t ha<sup>-1</sup> + P<sub>25</sub> kg ha-1 + Zn<sub>1.5</sub> kg ha<sup>-1</sup> in their fields because it can help make land management and cucumber production more sustainable.</p> <p>Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 32(2): 201-210, 2023 (July)</p>Tamanna Tahmid TurnaMahmud SyedMd Khalilur Rahman
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2023-07-202023-07-2032220121010.3329/dujbs.v32i2.67679Characterization of indigenous Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains for their potential use as Baker’s yeast
https://www.banglajol.info/index.php/DUJBS/article/view/67680
<p>This research isolated and characterized indigenous <em>Saccharomyces cerevisiae </em>strains. Additionally, this study optimized fermentation conditions for the potential yeast strains and compared their leavening efficacy and biomass production with locally available commercial dried yeast (DY1) in Bangladesh. A total of thirty-five yeast strains were isolated from twenty-five indigenous fruit samples such as Mango <em>(Mangifera indica </em>L.<em>), </em>Jackfruit <em>(Artocarpus heterophyllus </em>Lam.), Papaya <em>(Carica papaya </em>L.<em>)</em>, Litchi (<em>Litchi chinensis </em>Sonn.) and Banana (<em>Musa oranta </em>Roxb.). Based on bread leavening efficacy, four potential baker’s yeast strains (Man5, Ban2, Man9, and Ban5) were selected for characterization as potential baker’s yeast. Based on biochemical properties, API kit-based identification, and PCR-based molecular identification, all newly isolated yeast strains were identified as <em>S. cerevisiae</em>. None of these isolates produced H2S. Man5 and Ban5 isolates flocculated at a level comparable to the DY1. All strains showed better temperature tolerance (up to 45°C) than DY1. Man5 and Man9 also showed maximum ethanol tolerance (up to 16%). Only DY1 and Man5 increased dough volume significantly compared with other strains (p< 0.05). Notably, in the optimized growth condition, the Man5 strain produced the highest biomass significantly compared with others (p< 0.05). From the present study, it is concluded that the indigenous strain Man5, Man9, and Ban5 have the potential to be used in the industry as a substitute for imported baker’s yeast in Bangladesh and that will save a substantial amount of foreign currency.</p> <p>Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 32(2): 211-223, 2023 (July)</p>SM Tanjil ShahUmme Habiba RiaArafat Al MamunMd Ibrahim MiahSabita Rezwana RahmanMd Majibur Rahman
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2023-07-202023-07-2032221122310.3329/dujbs.v32i2.67680Transmission of pathogenic fungi from seeds to seedlings in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)
https://www.banglajol.info/index.php/DUJBS/article/view/67681
<p>Cotton seeds of susceptible variety CB10 were inoculated with nine pathogenic fungi <em>viz., Aspergillus flavus, A. niger</em>, <em>A. tamarii</em>, <em>Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Curvularia lunata, Fusarium nivale, F. moniliforme, Mucor </em>sp. and <em>Rhizoctonia solani. </em>Seedlings were grown in water agar test tube and in earthen pots. In water agar test, <em>R. solani </em>showed the highest percentage of seed to seedling transmission (35.27%) which was followed by <em>F. moniliforme </em>(31.29%) and <em>A. niger </em>showed the lowest (8.03%) transmission. Germination percentage of control seeds was 90.32% whereas in pathogen inoculated seeds it varied from 58.33 to 89.07%. The seedling mortality percentage was highest in <em>R. solani </em>(46.68%) and lowest in <em>C. gloeosporioides </em>(18.67%). Germination percentage of control seeds in pot was 99% whereas in pathogen inoculated seeds it varied from 43.37 to 84.34%. The seedling mortality percentage was highest in <em>F. moniliforme </em>(48.28%) and lowest in <em>A. niger </em>(19.64%). Percentage of seed to seedling transmission of fungi varied from 17.85% (<em>A. niger</em>) to 46.56% (<em>F. moniliforme</em>).</p> <p>Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 32(2): 225-232, 2023 (July)</p>Amina KhatunShamim ShamsiMA Bashar
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2023-07-202023-07-2032222523210.3329/dujbs.v32i2.67681Mental health and perceived stress in relation to personality traits among Bangladeshi University students
https://www.banglajol.info/index.php/DUJBS/article/view/67682
<p>While attending university is a conceivably stressful situation, there is growing evidence that a sizable proportion of students suffer from mental health issues. The present study aims to observe the mental health issues, perceived stress, and personality traits among Bangladeshi university students well as to identify whether personality traits are associated with mental health status or perceived stress among university students. 300 conveniently sampled university students participated in a web-based cross-sectional survey that collected demographic information as well as results from the Bangla GHQ-12, Bangla PSS-10, and Bangla BFPT-44 scales. The average score of mental health-related issues and perceived stress was 15.91 and 20.20, respectively. Neuroticism was significantly associated with mental health issues (B = .473, AR2 = .423, 95% CI: .450 to .690) as well as with stress (B = .401, AR2 = .222, 95% CI: .211 to .382). Agreeableness, extraversion, and conscientiousness were also found to be significantly associated with mental health issues and stress <em>(p<.001). </em>Since neuroticism is associated with a higher risk of mental health issues and higher levels of perceived stress in students, and extraversion, conscientiousness, and agreeableness are associated with a lower risk, this information can be used to design preventative and educational programs that focus on these specific personality traits.</p> <p>Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 32(2): 233-241, 2023 (July)</p>Joyonto DasguptoZinnatul BorakMd Reza A Rabby
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2023-07-202023-07-2032223324110.3329/dujbs.v32i2.67682Exopolysaccharide producing bacteria of Sundarban Mangrove Forest soil and their antibiotic sensitivity profile
https://www.banglajol.info/index.php/DUJBS/article/view/67683
<p>This study focused on the investigation of Exopolysaccharide (EPS) producing bacteria from Sundarbans mangrove forest (SMF) soil, Bangladesh. The heterotrophic bacterial loads in the soil samples varied from 0.44×10<sup>7</sup> to 4.2×10<sup>7</sup> cfu/g indicating high bacterial load even under hostile environment. Fifteen EPS producing bacterial isolates were identified provisionally where thirteen isolates belonged to the genus <em>Bacillus </em>including <em>B. badius </em>(n=1, 6.67%), <em>B. subtilis </em>(n=3, 20.0%), <em>B. pumilus </em>(n=3, 20.0%), <em>B. brevis </em>(n=2, 13.33%), <em>B. stearothermophilus </em>(n=2, 13.33%), <em>B. sphaericus </em>(n=1, 6.67%) and <em>B. alcalophilus </em>(n=1, 6.67%). The remaining two isolates were recognized as the genus <em>Micrococcus </em>sp. (n=2, 13.33%). The genus <em>Bacillus </em>was predominant representing 86.67% abundance frequency. The LB medium was proven to be the most suitable medium for the growth of EPS producing bacterial isolates. 16S rDNA sequence analysis was conducted for three EPS producing bacterial isolates and they were identified as <em>Bacillus subtilis</em>, <em>B. strearothermophilus </em>and <em>Micrococcus </em>sp. The antibiogram profile of this study revealed streptomycin as the most effective antibiotic to control the growth of bacteria. The presence of antibiotic resistance bacteria in SMF soil is alarming for human health associated with this marine ecosystem. The multidrug resistance bacteria may come to the soil of SMF through the untreated discharged wastewaters and agricultural runoff from adjacent areas.</p> <p>Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 32(2): 243-255, 2023 (July)</p>ZennatharaSadia AfrinMohammad AliMohammad Nurul IslamMihir Lal Saha
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2023-07-202023-07-2032224325510.3329/dujbs.v32i2.67683Distinctive feature training in Bangla consonants: distinguishing learning and working memory
https://www.banglajol.info/index.php/DUJBS/article/view/67684
<p>Like other languages, Bangla has some phonetically distinct letters that make it difficult for young children to learn and pronounce. As a result, they make mistakes in the articulation of those letters. Results from earlier studies suggest that phonemes that are similar in sound become confusing for each other in short-term memory, which can create a barrier for learning and retention in long-term memory. However, any comprehensive study of the distinctive features of the Bangla alphabet has yet to be carried out. The goal of the current study was to determine whether there are any differences between the two independent groups' levels of learning and working memory (the training/experimental group, which received training in phonetic distinctive features, and the non-training/control group, which received no training). Children between seven and eight years of age were selected as participants in the study. The result of this experiment shows a clear connection between distinctive feature training and articulation. Specific training in some alphabet letters in Bangla helps the children in their letter learning and working memory. For children with articulation problems, distinctive feature training can bring about significant developments in terms of the number of errors and sound precision.</p> <p>Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 32(2): 257-263, 2023 (July)</p>Tanzila PiasFariea BakulMst Sonia Islam NishaShahin Ahmed
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2023-07-202023-07-2032225726310.3329/dujbs.v32i2.67684Determination of antibiotic resistance pattern of bacteria isolated from livestock feces
https://www.banglajol.info/index.php/DUJBS/article/view/67685
<p>In Bangladesh, antibiotics are given to animals in order to improve their health and productivity. This can, however, lead to development of antibiotic resistance in the bacteria and subsequent transfer of the resistance property to human. Twenty one bacteria were isolated from five livestock fecal samples collected from Chankharpul, Sadarghat and Savar. Seven of the most commonly used antibiotics (Streptomycin, Chloramphenicol, Ciprofloxacin, Azithromycin, Oxytetracycline, Co-trimoxazole and Erythromycin) in animal feed in Bangladesh were tested. All (100%) the isolates were sensitive to Chloramphenicol and Tetracycline. Highest resistance was shown to Oxacillin (52.38%) followed by Erythromycin (33.33%) and Streptomycin (33.33%), Azithromycin (23.81%), Oxytetracycline (19.05%) and Ciprofloxacin (19.05%) and finally Co-trimomoxazole (14.29%). Four (19%, n = 21) of the bacteria were resistant to three or more antibiotics and were hence multidrug resistant. All isolates from Chankharpul were resistant to Streptomycin, Erythromycin and Oxacillin whereas all were sensitive to Chloramphenicol and Tetracycline. In case of Sadarghat, highest resistance (67%) was shown to Azithromycin and least (0 %) to Oxytetracycline, Streptomycin and Tetracycline. Isolates from Savar showed highest resistance (87.5%) to Oxacillin and all were sensitive to Chloramphenicol. Based on the findings of this study, we recommend the use of Chloramphenicol and Tetracycline for the treatment of livestock. High resistance to Streptomycin, Erythromycin, Oxacillin and Azithromycin suggests that the use of these antibiotics must be restricted in animal feed.</p> <p>Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 32(2): 265-269, 2023 (July)</p>Sahriar RahmanAbdullah Al NomanMohammad Nurul IslamSunjukta Ahsan
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2023-07-202023-07-2032226526910.3329/dujbs.v32i2.67685