Water quality, bacterial flora and production in shrimp farms in Sri Lanka

This study investigated the possibilities of improvement in the brackish water shrimp culture industry in Sri Lanka. Feeding rates could be further reduced without negative effect on shrimp growth while improving effluent water quality. Improvements of feed quality and pond management practices were also suggested.

Epidemiology and management of Penaeus monodon farms in Andhra Pradesh, India

Disease outbreaks on shrimp farms studied in Andhra Pradesh were caused mainly by white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) significantly reducing yield. Shrimp seed was the major source of WSSV but several risk factors were also involved. Implementation of better management practices (BMPs) at farm and farm cluster level through formation of Self-Help Groups could significantly improve crop outcomes in farms.

Doing educational research in Bangladesh: challenges in applying Western research methodology

Research methods are closely linked to specific cultures (Kee, 2004). Recognition of cultural values in the knowledge generation process is important if researchers are to produce culturally diverse interpretations of reality that facilitate meaningful progression. Asian scholars often depend on Western theories for understanding issues and creating knowledge in their own contexts (Papoutsaki, 2006). Many scholars relate this influence of the West on the non-West to neocolonization (Nguyen et al., 2009), neo-imperialism (Balogh, 1962) and globalization (Rizvi, 2004; Campbell, 2012). Scholars also see this influence as a unidirectional cultural flow, from 'the West' to 'the Rest' (Rizvi, 2004, p. 159). Such Western influences on knowledge-generating practices often pose challenges for researchers fro1n non-Western, particularly Asian, contexts when they employ Western methodologies in their own contexts. These challenges are embedded in differences in cultural values, beliefs and norms, as well as differences in orientation to research, because each society is unique in character and has specific knowledge needs that are culturally appropriate. Societal and local knowledge is, essentially, a contributory factor if research is to be locally appropriate and globally acceptable (Ma Rhea, 2004).