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Research Article
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Food Safety Among University Students in Bangladesh: Insights from a Cross-sectional Study
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 5, October 2025
Pages:
108-117
Received:
18 March 2025
Accepted:
27 March 2025
Published:
2 September 2025
Abstract: Foodborne diseases are a serious global health problem that makes people sick and sometimes causes death. This study aimed to investigate the current knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding food safety among the students in Bangladesh. A cross-sectional, anonymous online survey was conducted from January to March 2024, involving 40 students from various disciplines. The findings showed that while all participants had basic food safety knowledge, there were significant gaps in their practical understanding. Only 45.7% of students were aware of the correct freezer temperature, and 42.9% correctly identified the safe cooking temperature. Although 88.1% of respondents expressed concern about food safety and recognized consumer unawareness and weak enforcement as major issues, their actual food-handling practices remained inconsistent. Only 34.1% regularly cleaned cutting boards after handling raw meat, and 80.5% did not consistently separate raw and cooked foods. These results highlight the urgent need for targeted educational interventions to bridge the gap between knowledge and practice. Strengthening food safety education among university students could promote safer food-handling behaviors, reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses, and contribute to improved public health outcomes.
Abstract: Foodborne diseases are a serious global health problem that makes people sick and sometimes causes death. This study aimed to investigate the current knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding food safety among the students in Bangladesh. A cross-sectional, anonymous online survey was conducted from January to March 2024, involving 40 students f...
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Research Article
Potential of Mango Peels and Kernels as Feedstuffs: Effect on Broiler Chicks Growth Performance
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 5, October 2025
Pages:
118-126
Received:
13 July 2025
Accepted:
13 August 2025
Published:
3 September 2025
Abstract: The increasing cost of conventional poultry feed ingredients has driven interest in alternative, sustainable feed resources. This study aims to evaluate the potential of mango (Mangifera indica L.) by-products, specifically mango peel and mango kernel flours as substitutes in broiler diets, and their effect on growth performance, feed efficiency, mortality rate and carcass yield. A total of 180 14-days-old broiler chicks (Cobb 500) were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments for a 45-day feeding trial: (1) control RC (standard commercial diet), (2) R1 diet with 15% mango peel flour (MPF), (3) R2 diet with 15% mango kernel flour (MKF), and (4) R3 diet with a combination of 7.5% MPF and 7.5% MKF. Performance indicators including body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were monitored weekly, while carcass characteristics were assessed at the end of the trial. Results showed that formulated diets maintained adequate crude protein levels (18.43–21.60%), suggesting that partial substitution of maize or oil with MPF or MKF does not compromise protein supply. After 45 days of age, the weight and weight gain of the animals were significantly different (p ˂ 0.05) with each type of diet. An average weight of 2086, 2489, 2516, and 2887 g were recorded for diets R1, R2, R3 and RC, respectively. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) had the highest value (1.44 ± 0.10) in the R1 diet (p ˂ 0.05) compared to R2 (1.21 ± 0.10), R3 (1.20 ± 0.15) and RC (1.07 ± 0.10) after 45 days of age. Mortality rates across the RC and R3 groups were within acceptable limits (<5%) for broiler production, showing that no adverse health effects resulted from the inclusion of mango by-products. These findings highlight the potential of agro-industrial mango by-products in poultry nutrition, contributing to cost reduction and sustainability in the poultry industry.
Abstract: The increasing cost of conventional poultry feed ingredients has driven interest in alternative, sustainable feed resources. This study aims to evaluate the potential of mango (Mangifera indica L.) by-products, specifically mango peel and mango kernel flours as substitutes in broiler diets, and their effect on growth performance, feed efficiency, m...
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Research Article
Influence of Divided Attention on Sports Performance Among Basketball Players of the Sports Association of the National Institute of Youth and Sports of Abidjan (AS INJS Abidjan, Ivory Coast)
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 5, October 2025
Pages:
127-140
Received:
7 August 2025
Accepted:
20 August 2025
Published:
8 September 2025
Abstract: Context: In modern team sports such as basketball, athletic performance plays a central role, both in promoting athletes and in the attractiveness of the discipline. It directly conditions collective and individual success. However, in the African competitive context, the cognitive determinants of this performance, particularly the role of attentional mechanisms such as divided attention, remain insufficiently explored. Objective: This study evaluates the influence of divided attention on the athletic performance of basketball players from the Sports Association of the National Institute of Youth and Sports of Abidjan. Methodology: The study is analytical, cross-sectional and quantitative. It is conducted using a sample of 36 athletes (18 men and 18 women) playing in the second division of the national basketball championship. For data collection, a neuropsychological test (symbol grid) is used to assess divided attention and a match observation grid to measure sports performance in 3-on-3 (3 x 3) format matches. Results: The results show that women have a higher visual accuracy rate and a higher level of divided attention than men. However, memory accuracy does not show a significant difference between the sexes. The level of divided attention does not vary significantly depending on the outcome of the match. Technical-tactical performances, such as rebounds and assists, are influenced by the level of divided attention, while interceptions do not seem to depend on attention. Finally, game errors, such as turnovers and fouls, are influenced by the level of divided attention. Conclusion: The study concludes that divided attention positively influences certain sports performances in basketball players, including rebounds and assists, but has no significant impact on shooting performances. She therefore suggests integrating cognitive training into the preparation of study subjects to optimize their specific skills.
Abstract: Context: In modern team sports such as basketball, athletic performance plays a central role, both in promoting athletes and in the attractiveness of the discipline. It directly conditions collective and individual success. However, in the African competitive context, the cognitive determinants of this performance, particularly the role of attentio...
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Research Article
Food Safety Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Among Fish Vendors in Local Fish Markets of Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study
Md. Abdullah Al Mamun Hridoy*
,
Sabyasachi Neogi,
Monirojjaman Momin,
Andleeb Masood,
Md. Al- Amin Ul Islam,
Sabiha Chowdhury,
Tahsin Islam Meem,
Shahir Chowdhury,
Farhana Yeamim,
Zuel Rana,
Tonima Rahman Mim,
Habiba Khan Ilham,
Md. Salmanur Rahman,
Mominul Haque,
Jannat Ara,
Anik Sarker,
Kamrul Hasan,
Md. Zahid Hasan Fahad,
Md. Tasin Nur Rahim
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 5, October 2025
Pages:
141-153
Received:
12 March 2025
Accepted:
10 April 2025
Published:
15 September 2025
Abstract: Fish markets are crucial in ensuring food security and nutrition in Bangladesh, where fish is a primary protein source for millions. However, inadequate food safety practices among vendors can lead to contamination, posing significant public health risks and undermining consumer confidence. Conducted between October to December 2024, this cross-sectional study used semi-structured questionnaires, face-to-face interviews, and focus group discussions to collect data. The research covered fish markets in northern and southern regions of Bangladesh, encompassing both urban and rural environments. A total of 446 fish vendors were selected using the Yamane equation, with a precision level of 5%. The majority of respondents were male (97.09%), aged 31–40 years (45.29%), and primarily operating in urban markets (73.32%). While no direct interventions were implemented, findings were used to propose targeted measures, including vendor training, infrastructure improvements, and stricter regulatory enforcement. Food safety practices and their association with socio-demographic factors were analyzed using descriptive statistics, binary logistic regression, and multivariate analyses. Data analysis revealed that full-time employment (OR = 4.51) and urban market operation (OR = 2.75) were strongly associated with better food safety outcomes. Although fish vendors demonstrated good knowledge of food safety, significant gaps in contamination control and hygiene practices were observed, with challenges including limited infrastructure, lack of training, and inadequate regulatory oversight. The study underscores the need for targeted interventions to improve food safety practices among fish vendors.
Abstract: Fish markets are crucial in ensuring food security and nutrition in Bangladesh, where fish is a primary protein source for millions. However, inadequate food safety practices among vendors can lead to contamination, posing significant public health risks and undermining consumer confidence. Conducted between October to December 2024, this cross-sec...
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Research Article
Impact of COVID-19 on Menstrual Cycle Pattern
Hanan Altaee*,
Ban Jaer Edan
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 5, October 2025
Pages:
154-160
Received:
17 July 2025
Accepted:
11 August 2025
Published:
25 September 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajbio.20251305.15
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Abstract: Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is continuously exerting a significant effect on health care systems globally, causing extreme mortality and morbidity. As time passes our knowledge about this novel respiratory virus increase, it is clearly that its effects go behind that of the respiratory system. In recent years, there have been many reports; that there are a considerable menstrual changes in females infected with COVID-19. Data regarding the effect of COVID-19 on reproductive outcomes is limited, conflicting and only few reports from the literature reported the association between COVID-19 infection and menstrual cycle disturbances and fertility. Some studies have reported the effects of COVID-19 on fertility and menstrual cycles, but the results remain inconclusive. The aim of this study was to see if infection with COVID-19 had impacted cycle pattern in a group of young female studying at college of medicine/second stage. Method: This retrospective cross sectional study was performed on female volunteers of university medical college students; all were second stage (n = 200), who were invited to fill-out the study questionnaire programmed in a google form. Results: Twenty eight percent of case group had irregular cycle after infection which was significant different from those who didn’t get the infection (p<0.05). The relative risk of irregular cycle of participants in case group who were admitted to the hospital is higher when compared with those who did not need hospitalization (odds ratio = 3.76, CI; (1.29-10.97). More over the relative risk of irregularity increased in patients who needed CPAP at admission (Odds ratio =6.01; CI (1.56-13.17). Conclusion: this study revealed that COVID-19 infection could affect the menstrual cycle for the studied females. Further prospective studies should be done to confirm these findings and evaluate how long these menstrual irregularities lasted.
Abstract: Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is continuously exerting a significant effect on health care systems globally, causing extreme mortality and morbidity. As time passes our knowledge about this novel respiratory virus increase, it is clearly that its effects go behind that of the respiratory system. In recent years, there...
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Research Article
Consequences of Cultural Practices on the Production and Black Rot of Cocoa Beans in the Agneby-Tiassa Region of Ivory Coast
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 5, October 2025
Pages:
161-168
Received:
5 August 2025
Accepted:
29 August 2025
Published:
25 September 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajbio.20251305.16
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Côte d'Ivoire's economy is based on agricultural production, primarily cocoa cultivation. This sector plays a dominant role in the country's development, accounting for nearly 20% of GDP. However, as the world's leading producer of cocoa beans, Côte d'Ivoire faces several challenges, including aging plantations, heavy pest and disease pressure, fluctuating international bean prices, labor shortages, pod brown rot, and plot maintenance. This study aims to evaluate farming practices on village plantations to identify major issues and help farmers find sustainable solutions for cocoa production. To this end, a survey was conducted in 70 localities using a questionnaire to assess farmers' knowledge of brown rot and other pests, biofungicides, chemical pesticides, mineral and organic fertilizers, and their plots' annual production and cleaning. A principal component analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between the survey parameters and the localities. An ascending hierarchical classification was performed on the PCA results. This analysis grouped the plots into three categories: The first group contains plots with low production, the second with average production, and the third with fairly high production. This diagnostic study revealed that black rot of cocoa pods is the primary challenge for farmers. This is due to poor plot management. Therefore, regular field maintenance measures are necessary.
Abstract: Côte d'Ivoire's economy is based on agricultural production, primarily cocoa cultivation. This sector plays a dominant role in the country's development, accounting for nearly 20% of GDP. However, as the world's leading producer of cocoa beans, Côte d'Ivoire faces several challenges, including aging plantations, heavy pest and disease pressure, flu...
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