By Andrea Syrtash, ONDating Special to Yahoo! Personals Updated: Dec 13, 2007
Want to be the party guest who lights up the room?
I have a friend who claims to hibernate during the winter because all the couples she sees snuggling up and keeping each other warm make her want to crawl back into bed.
The good news is that the holiday season is one of the best times to meet someone. Chances are you'll be invited to more parties over the next few weeks than the rest of the year, and singles report that parties are one of the greatest places to meet potential dates. The mood is fun and festive and breaking the ice is easier when you know some people in common in the room.
When you're heading out to the parties, remember some of the 'do's' of picking up:
1. DO be impressed by the object of your affection rather than trying to impress him or her with all your stats. People notice when you notice them.
No need to ask 20 questions, but do ask a few open-ended and specific questions
No need to ask 20 questions but do ask a few open-ended and specific questions (rather than 'yes'/'no' questions), make eye contact and listen. Curiosity is a very attractive quality and a simple way to engage your audience.
2. DO find common ground. What brought you to the party? Chances are you know some people in common in the room. This will help you build connection and trust. When asking the object of your interest questions, figure out some activities, hobbies, or experiences you've shared.
3. DO hang out by the food and drink table when you don't know who to talk to. Ever notice how people congregate in the kitchen at many house parties? Many people approach this area on their own to refill their cups and grab a bite, and it will be easier to start a conversation when they've stepped away from the other guests. Offer to get a drink for the object of your affection and if he or she is standing with a friend, extend the invitation.
4. DO see every person you meet as a potential connection.
Stay open. Sometimes the people you know the least will help you the most.
Stay open. Sometimes the people you know the least will help you the most. If you chat with someone interesting who is not single, he or she may know someone to introduce you to. Also, do not assume that the shy person in the corner at a party is boring. Take the opportunity to learn about people in the room before you decide if you are interested or not.
5. DO initiate conversation. The general rule of networking is to approach someone who is standing on his or her own or join a conversation with three or more people. In general, it's not a great idea to interrupt two people talking unless you know one. When approaching someone new, always remember to smile.
So fill up your social calendar this holiday season and let the pick ups begin! If you play your cards right, you'll be like my friend and will want to hibernate and crawl into bed this winter...but in this case, it won't be because you're lonely.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
How to become a successful entrepreneur
Anyone who is employed has dwelled over this at some point or the other, some far more than others. That's the kind of allure 'being your own boss' holds for most people.
The sense of achievement in owning a set-up, and being chiefly responsible for it's future is the kind of kick one can never derive from a job. But, greater returns always involve greater risks.
One needs to plan and execute with a high degree of detail to counter the many challenges a business throws at the entrepreneur.
Keep a lookout for these pointers if you finally get down to executing your dream of self-employment:
Being fed up with your current job isn't a good enough reason to start-up
It is more than a full time responsibility. Work does not end with office hours, and chances are that initially you will see more hardships than success. It takes intense commitment to stick it out through these tough times, especially when you know that your past job pegged you at a certain market value, which you are not matching with this new business.
More importantly, a half-baked decision to start a business not only leave you with little chance of doing well, it also jeopardises your options of getting back to as good a job as the one you left.
Understanding the nature of a business
The first step is to understand that businesses don't start with a great idea, or a breakthrough innovation, every business starts with the customer. If you are looking to get into a business as an inventor, try finding a client who'll pay you to develop something they need. Most of these clients will let you keep the rights over the invention, so that you can sell it to other clients later.
Entrepreneurship = 60 hours of work
This might be easier than it seems, and in business, success has got to do more with creating such opportunities and making the most of them.
Check for these skills:
Engineering -- the skill to invent and develop new products (or services)
Manufacturing -- the skill to deliver products, consistently and reliably, with quality, service, and price
Selling -- the skill to sell the products
Business -- the act of making a profit by doing the first three
While starting a business, the skills you will surely need are engineering and selling.
The longevity and profitability of the business are usually determined by the manufacturing and business skills. The level of competency you choose for the business decide how refined these individual skills need to get.
In case you choose the competition space as a local market or a niche industry, then the focus goes up drastically on one skill, while going down to a basic hygiene on the rest.
Breaking the 'notion' barrier
All your education and work-experience must have given you a perspective on how businesses work. These experiences, and the notions that they bring along with it have their own limitations. They don't quite give you the complete picture.
Also, most of this 'experience and knowledge' constitutes the answers to yesterday's problems. It might not necessarily apply to what goes on today. And there is an even stronger possibility of this know-how getting obscure in the future.
Finding the funding
In the ideal case scenario, find someone who will be willing to pay you for what you are currently doing. This is a critical stage for most businesses. Do not let go until you are convinced that you have exhausted all opportunities.
Got what it takes to be an entrepreneur?
The next best option is to find someone who has a similar business need. Then go about designing a solution for him. Try brainstorming further to keep customisation to a minimum so that the solution can be taken to other potential clients with minimum modification.
The benefit of having partners
There is only that much one person can do.
Like most businesses have separate business units or heads such as manufacturing, marketing etc., the skills needed to run most businesses too are quite varied.
What are the odds that you will be adept at the technical, marketing, selling, business and political aspects of the business? Besides, having partners makes sense on many other levels. Firstly, as the number or people owning the business goes up, the risk and intensity of a loss goes down. You can stay on in the market for longer in case of a lean period.
Also, since the business heads will most likely be split among the partners, one can focus on a couple of areas while doing complete justice to them and focusing on nothing else. This makes the entire business a lot more competent.
Don't quit your day job, just yet
You don't need to take the big jump straight away. Building a business takes a lot of time and groundwork. Spending up to an hour a day after work is a feasible option initially. It also helps you get a feel of what a business must be like.
Moreover, getting in a pay cheque every month is always the smarter option, especially when you might not have a steady income for some time to come. A few things you can do alongside work might be:
Examine the feasibility of the business model
Buy market research target market
Understand the selling patterns of related products
Get options on funding
Develop a marketing plan for various budget constraints
Talk to other entrepreneurs and get some tips off them
Try getting inputs from a venture incubation centre
Get a transition plan ready
Consider the worst-case scenario, and work on a feasible exit clause even for that. Chart out the future, the incoming revenue streams, how long do you plan to be in the business, exit options etc. Also, have a financial cushion in the form of some investments that you leave untouched while at the business.
Starting a business? Say goodbye to your ego
Try roping in venture capitalists at the earliest stage in the business to enable you to work under lesser financial pressure.
Tomorrow is just a second away from today
There is only that much preparation that one can put in. Stop finding excuses to delay getting into the business. You cannot learn swimming from a textbook. Take the plunge. Learn what works for YOU and what doesn't. There is no right or prescribed way to run a business. In fact, there are as many ways as there are people running successful businesses.
Also, this is as good a time as any to be an entrepreneur. The economy is growing; the government is supporting new ventures through various measures in the recent budget. And most importantly, the number of avenues for growth and the kind of opportunities available are unparalleled today.
So go on, what's stopping you from being your own boss?
The sense of achievement in owning a set-up, and being chiefly responsible for it's future is the kind of kick one can never derive from a job. But, greater returns always involve greater risks.
One needs to plan and execute with a high degree of detail to counter the many challenges a business throws at the entrepreneur.
Keep a lookout for these pointers if you finally get down to executing your dream of self-employment:
Being fed up with your current job isn't a good enough reason to start-up
It is more than a full time responsibility. Work does not end with office hours, and chances are that initially you will see more hardships than success. It takes intense commitment to stick it out through these tough times, especially when you know that your past job pegged you at a certain market value, which you are not matching with this new business.
More importantly, a half-baked decision to start a business not only leave you with little chance of doing well, it also jeopardises your options of getting back to as good a job as the one you left.
Understanding the nature of a business
The first step is to understand that businesses don't start with a great idea, or a breakthrough innovation, every business starts with the customer. If you are looking to get into a business as an inventor, try finding a client who'll pay you to develop something they need. Most of these clients will let you keep the rights over the invention, so that you can sell it to other clients later.
Entrepreneurship = 60 hours of work
This might be easier than it seems, and in business, success has got to do more with creating such opportunities and making the most of them.
Check for these skills:
Engineering -- the skill to invent and develop new products (or services)
Manufacturing -- the skill to deliver products, consistently and reliably, with quality, service, and price
Selling -- the skill to sell the products
Business -- the act of making a profit by doing the first three
While starting a business, the skills you will surely need are engineering and selling.
The longevity and profitability of the business are usually determined by the manufacturing and business skills. The level of competency you choose for the business decide how refined these individual skills need to get.
In case you choose the competition space as a local market or a niche industry, then the focus goes up drastically on one skill, while going down to a basic hygiene on the rest.
Breaking the 'notion' barrier
All your education and work-experience must have given you a perspective on how businesses work. These experiences, and the notions that they bring along with it have their own limitations. They don't quite give you the complete picture.
Also, most of this 'experience and knowledge' constitutes the answers to yesterday's problems. It might not necessarily apply to what goes on today. And there is an even stronger possibility of this know-how getting obscure in the future.
Finding the funding
In the ideal case scenario, find someone who will be willing to pay you for what you are currently doing. This is a critical stage for most businesses. Do not let go until you are convinced that you have exhausted all opportunities.
Got what it takes to be an entrepreneur?
The next best option is to find someone who has a similar business need. Then go about designing a solution for him. Try brainstorming further to keep customisation to a minimum so that the solution can be taken to other potential clients with minimum modification.
The benefit of having partners
There is only that much one person can do.
Like most businesses have separate business units or heads such as manufacturing, marketing etc., the skills needed to run most businesses too are quite varied.
What are the odds that you will be adept at the technical, marketing, selling, business and political aspects of the business? Besides, having partners makes sense on many other levels. Firstly, as the number or people owning the business goes up, the risk and intensity of a loss goes down. You can stay on in the market for longer in case of a lean period.
Also, since the business heads will most likely be split among the partners, one can focus on a couple of areas while doing complete justice to them and focusing on nothing else. This makes the entire business a lot more competent.
Don't quit your day job, just yet
You don't need to take the big jump straight away. Building a business takes a lot of time and groundwork. Spending up to an hour a day after work is a feasible option initially. It also helps you get a feel of what a business must be like.
Moreover, getting in a pay cheque every month is always the smarter option, especially when you might not have a steady income for some time to come. A few things you can do alongside work might be:
Examine the feasibility of the business model
Buy market research target market
Understand the selling patterns of related products
Get options on funding
Develop a marketing plan for various budget constraints
Talk to other entrepreneurs and get some tips off them
Try getting inputs from a venture incubation centre
Get a transition plan ready
Consider the worst-case scenario, and work on a feasible exit clause even for that. Chart out the future, the incoming revenue streams, how long do you plan to be in the business, exit options etc. Also, have a financial cushion in the form of some investments that you leave untouched while at the business.
Starting a business? Say goodbye to your ego
Try roping in venture capitalists at the earliest stage in the business to enable you to work under lesser financial pressure.
Tomorrow is just a second away from today
There is only that much preparation that one can put in. Stop finding excuses to delay getting into the business. You cannot learn swimming from a textbook. Take the plunge. Learn what works for YOU and what doesn't. There is no right or prescribed way to run a business. In fact, there are as many ways as there are people running successful businesses.
Also, this is as good a time as any to be an entrepreneur. The economy is growing; the government is supporting new ventures through various measures in the recent budget. And most importantly, the number of avenues for growth and the kind of opportunities available are unparalleled today.
So go on, what's stopping you from being your own boss?
How to become a good decision maker
Here are a few pointers on how you can become a good decision maker.
Consider Facts - Any decision you make must be based on facts that have been verified and authenticated so that your decision is a rational one. Remember the acronym CARF, which means that you have “considered all relevant factors”.
Be Objective - Do not be influenced by people in around you who may want you to rule in their favor. When people start working together, there is a tendency to form cliques. Each cliques will have its own way of doing things. As a decision maker, it is your duty to ensure that you remain apolitical and base your jugdement on your effective understanding of the situation.
Avoid “groupthink’ mentality - This is charaterised by situation where all the members of a group or team feel that they are invicible and whatever decision and action they take will not fail. Such a situation comes about when an organisation has been relatively successful in most of its endeavours and there is an overall sense of complacency. You will notice the effect of a “groupthink” mentality when you are at meetings or group discussions and everyone seems to agree with everyone else.
Take Action - To be an excellent decision maker, you must also be the kind of person who takes action. Once you have made a decision,you must give yourself a timeline for its implementation.
Learn From Failure - There will be times when things do not quite turn out the way you wanted. There is no guaranteed success formula in decisison making. Even if you have made wrong decision, what makes you an effective individual is your ability to assess the damage and come up with a solution to put things right.
Consider Facts - Any decision you make must be based on facts that have been verified and authenticated so that your decision is a rational one. Remember the acronym CARF, which means that you have “considered all relevant factors”.
Be Objective - Do not be influenced by people in around you who may want you to rule in their favor. When people start working together, there is a tendency to form cliques. Each cliques will have its own way of doing things. As a decision maker, it is your duty to ensure that you remain apolitical and base your jugdement on your effective understanding of the situation.
Avoid “groupthink’ mentality - This is charaterised by situation where all the members of a group or team feel that they are invicible and whatever decision and action they take will not fail. Such a situation comes about when an organisation has been relatively successful in most of its endeavours and there is an overall sense of complacency. You will notice the effect of a “groupthink” mentality when you are at meetings or group discussions and everyone seems to agree with everyone else.
Take Action - To be an excellent decision maker, you must also be the kind of person who takes action. Once you have made a decision,you must give yourself a timeline for its implementation.
Learn From Failure - There will be times when things do not quite turn out the way you wanted. There is no guaranteed success formula in decisison making. Even if you have made wrong decision, what makes you an effective individual is your ability to assess the damage and come up with a solution to put things right.
Daftar Google Adsense Disini!!!
Kali ini saya nak kongsi sikit cara nak daftar akaun Google Adsense Pada sesiapa yang belum tahu apa itu google adsense, " Google Adsense adalah program pay per clik program. yang mana kita akan dibayar setiap kali orang clik pada iklan google yang kita masukkan di laman web/blog kita.
Langkah pertama sekali kita perlu lakukan adalah memohon akaun Google adsense dari pada google. langkah ini mudah tetapi ada yang gagal dengan permohonanya, ada yang putus asa. sebelum kita memohon akaun google, pastikan web/blog kita adalah dalam BI. selalunya google tak menerima web/blog dalam bahasa malaysia. tetapi kalau permohonan kita dah diteriman, baru boleh kita guna BM atau BM/BI. Katogeri iklan yang akan keluar pada blog kita adalah bergantung pada isi web/blog kita contoh, kalau blog kita tentang sport, iklan yang akan keluar pun tentang spot. cara memohon akaun google;
1. Link nak apply Google Adsense:
Sign up for AdSense.
2. Pada menu website infomation;masukan url blog anda dengan tepat ( contoh: kahkahkah.yynr.net )website language: pilih english.
3. pada menu contact infimation;accound type: pilih individualcountry: pilih negara Malaysia atau Negara Anda.
4. payee name ;tulis nama lengkap anda (tak payah masukkan nama ayah anda)contoh: MOHD NOOR AZMANdan Alamat Lengkap anda.p/s: saya cadangkan isi borang guna huruf besar.
5. bahagian policies, tik pada bahagian yang berkenaan tanda anda setuju dengan policies google.p/s: tik semua
6. dalam ruanggan login infomation;masukan email yang akan digunakan semasa nak login ke akaun google apabila google sudah menerima permohonan anda.
7. apabila semua selesai klik submit. Kalau anda mengunankan blogger, atau free blog, masa diambil untuk akaun ada di semak oleh google adalah dalam 2 atau 3 hari.
Untuk website sendiri dalam masa 1 hari. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Link nak apply Google Adsense:
Sign up for AdSense.
Langkah pertama sekali kita perlu lakukan adalah memohon akaun Google adsense dari pada google. langkah ini mudah tetapi ada yang gagal dengan permohonanya, ada yang putus asa. sebelum kita memohon akaun google, pastikan web/blog kita adalah dalam BI. selalunya google tak menerima web/blog dalam bahasa malaysia. tetapi kalau permohonan kita dah diteriman, baru boleh kita guna BM atau BM/BI. Katogeri iklan yang akan keluar pada blog kita adalah bergantung pada isi web/blog kita contoh, kalau blog kita tentang sport, iklan yang akan keluar pun tentang spot. cara memohon akaun google;
1. Link nak apply Google Adsense:
Sign up for AdSense.
2. Pada menu website infomation;masukan url blog anda dengan tepat ( contoh: kahkahkah.yynr.net )website language: pilih english.
3. pada menu contact infimation;accound type: pilih individualcountry: pilih negara Malaysia atau Negara Anda.
4. payee name ;tulis nama lengkap anda (tak payah masukkan nama ayah anda)contoh: MOHD NOOR AZMANdan Alamat Lengkap anda.p/s: saya cadangkan isi borang guna huruf besar.
5. bahagian policies, tik pada bahagian yang berkenaan tanda anda setuju dengan policies google.p/s: tik semua
6. dalam ruanggan login infomation;masukan email yang akan digunakan semasa nak login ke akaun google apabila google sudah menerima permohonan anda.
7. apabila semua selesai klik submit. Kalau anda mengunankan blogger, atau free blog, masa diambil untuk akaun ada di semak oleh google adalah dalam 2 atau 3 hari.
Untuk website sendiri dalam masa 1 hari. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Link nak apply Google Adsense:
Sign up for AdSense.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Masturbation
Masturbation is the deliberate stimulation of one's own genitals to achieve sexual arousal and pleasure. It is done at least occasionally by a majority of both men and women.
In one recent national study, 95 percent of men and 89 percent of women reported having masturbated. It is the first overt sexual act for the majority of men and women, although more women than men engage in sexual intercourse before they ever masturbate.
A Common Sexual Behavior
Most men who masturbate tend to do so more often than women, and they are more likely to report always or usually experiencing orgasm when they masturbate (80 percent to 60 percent respectively). It is the second most common sexual behavior (coitus being first), even for those who have a regular sexual partner.
Most children—often from the time they are infants onward—find the occasional stimulation of their genitals sensually pleasing, but do not come to understand this behavior as "sexual" until late childhood or adolescence.
During adolescence, the percentage of both sexes who report masturbating increases dramatically, especially for males. Most people continue to masturbate in adulthood, and many do so throughout their lives.
No Physical or Mental Harm
The term masturbation conjures up many myths about its damaging and debasing nature. Its negative images may be traced as far back as the word's Latin origin, masturbare, which is a combination of two Latin words, manus (hand) and stuprare (defile), thus "to defile with the hand." The built-in notion of shame and uncleanliness implied by the defiling portion of the word has remained in the modern translation—even though medical authorities have been in agreement for some time that masturbation causes no physical or mental harm. Nor is there any evidence that children who engage in self-stimulation are in any way harmed by it.
The fact that this important source of sexual pleasure is still regarded by some with guilt and anxiety is partly due to ignorance of the fact that masturbation is not harmful and partly due to centuries of religious teaching that it is sinful.
In addition, many of us have received negative messages about masturbation from our parents or have even been punished when caught masturbating as children. The cumulative effect of these influences is usually confusion and guilt that is often difficult to sort out. About the only time masturbation can be harmful is when it becomes compulsive. Compulsive masturbation, like all other compulsive behaviors, is a sign of an emotional problem and needs to be addressed by a mental health specialist.
So, contrary to ancient and popular beliefs, masturbation does not lead to unbridled lust, does not make you blind or deaf, give you the flu, drive you crazy, grow hair on your hand, make you stutter, or kill you. Masturbation is a natural and harmless expression of sexuality in both men and women and a perfectly good way to experience sexual pleasure.
Masturbation May Improve Sexual Health
In fact, some experts argue that masturbation improves sexual health by increasing an individual's understanding of his or her own body and of what is erotically pleasing, building self-confidence and fostering self-acceptance. This knowledge can then be carried forth to make for a more satisfying sexual relationship with one's partner, both through each partner's comfort with mutual masturbation, and because of the ability to tell each other what is most pleasing.
It is a good idea for a couple to discuss their attitudes about masturbation and to calm any insecurities a partner may have if the other should sometimes favor masturbation over sexual intercourse. In some relationships, masturbation may be mutually acceptable. Done alone or in the presence of a partner, the act can be pleasing and add to mutual intimacy if it is not experienced as a rejection. Like most behaviors, without proper communication, the act of masturbation can be used as a sign of anger, alienation or displeasure with the way the relationship is progressing.
Overcoming society's negative stereotypes and one's personal feelings about masturbation can allow men and women the freedom to explore and experience their own sexuality in a private, satisfying manner. One word of caution: in keeping with the practices of safer sex, masturbation with a partner can be an enjoyable alternative to intercourse, as long as you avoid contact with your partner's semen or vaginal fluids, especially if you have any cuts or open sores.
Copyright 2002 Sinclair Intimacy Institute
In one recent national study, 95 percent of men and 89 percent of women reported having masturbated. It is the first overt sexual act for the majority of men and women, although more women than men engage in sexual intercourse before they ever masturbate.
A Common Sexual Behavior
Most men who masturbate tend to do so more often than women, and they are more likely to report always or usually experiencing orgasm when they masturbate (80 percent to 60 percent respectively). It is the second most common sexual behavior (coitus being first), even for those who have a regular sexual partner.
Most children—often from the time they are infants onward—find the occasional stimulation of their genitals sensually pleasing, but do not come to understand this behavior as "sexual" until late childhood or adolescence.
During adolescence, the percentage of both sexes who report masturbating increases dramatically, especially for males. Most people continue to masturbate in adulthood, and many do so throughout their lives.
No Physical or Mental Harm
The term masturbation conjures up many myths about its damaging and debasing nature. Its negative images may be traced as far back as the word's Latin origin, masturbare, which is a combination of two Latin words, manus (hand) and stuprare (defile), thus "to defile with the hand." The built-in notion of shame and uncleanliness implied by the defiling portion of the word has remained in the modern translation—even though medical authorities have been in agreement for some time that masturbation causes no physical or mental harm. Nor is there any evidence that children who engage in self-stimulation are in any way harmed by it.
The fact that this important source of sexual pleasure is still regarded by some with guilt and anxiety is partly due to ignorance of the fact that masturbation is not harmful and partly due to centuries of religious teaching that it is sinful.
In addition, many of us have received negative messages about masturbation from our parents or have even been punished when caught masturbating as children. The cumulative effect of these influences is usually confusion and guilt that is often difficult to sort out. About the only time masturbation can be harmful is when it becomes compulsive. Compulsive masturbation, like all other compulsive behaviors, is a sign of an emotional problem and needs to be addressed by a mental health specialist.
So, contrary to ancient and popular beliefs, masturbation does not lead to unbridled lust, does not make you blind or deaf, give you the flu, drive you crazy, grow hair on your hand, make you stutter, or kill you. Masturbation is a natural and harmless expression of sexuality in both men and women and a perfectly good way to experience sexual pleasure.
Masturbation May Improve Sexual Health
In fact, some experts argue that masturbation improves sexual health by increasing an individual's understanding of his or her own body and of what is erotically pleasing, building self-confidence and fostering self-acceptance. This knowledge can then be carried forth to make for a more satisfying sexual relationship with one's partner, both through each partner's comfort with mutual masturbation, and because of the ability to tell each other what is most pleasing.
It is a good idea for a couple to discuss their attitudes about masturbation and to calm any insecurities a partner may have if the other should sometimes favor masturbation over sexual intercourse. In some relationships, masturbation may be mutually acceptable. Done alone or in the presence of a partner, the act can be pleasing and add to mutual intimacy if it is not experienced as a rejection. Like most behaviors, without proper communication, the act of masturbation can be used as a sign of anger, alienation or displeasure with the way the relationship is progressing.
Overcoming society's negative stereotypes and one's personal feelings about masturbation can allow men and women the freedom to explore and experience their own sexuality in a private, satisfying manner. One word of caution: in keeping with the practices of safer sex, masturbation with a partner can be an enjoyable alternative to intercourse, as long as you avoid contact with your partner's semen or vaginal fluids, especially if you have any cuts or open sores.
Copyright 2002 Sinclair Intimacy Institute
Nurin Jazlin Jazmin
Earlier on September 26 (Wednesday), Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) reported that a man had been arrested in connection with Nurin Jazlin Jazmin’s murder, in which it was later denied by the IGP Musa Hassan.
Coindentally, September 26 is the day Bar Council went on a "Save the Judiciary" rally in Putrajaya, from Palace of Justice to PM’s Office which attracted about 2000 protesters which consist of laywers, activists, NGOs, bloggers and civilians who’re concerned with the independence of our country’s judiciary system.
Surprisingly, it was a total black-out on Bernama regarding the incident and that’s when the rumor that a suspect was arrested in connection with the murder was reported by Bernama. The motive? God knows but Bernama is yet to clarify on the false report.
Subsequently, the report was taken down from the website, in which blogger Aisehman condemned the incorrect reporting as most unprofessional, unethical and unkind. (Click here to read the article posted on the blog In Memory of Nurin Jazlin)
Today, Bukit Aman CID director Christopher Wan Soo Kee said in a statement that police arrested five people between 27 and 33 years old, including a woman, in separate raids in Shah Alam last night to assist their probe into the murder.
The arrest was made following a public tip-off and the first since "Ops Sunti" was launched to hunt for the murderer.
The ops is led by Christopher Wan with a special team comprises police personnel from Bukit Aman, and Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Sentul district and Petaling Jaya district police contingent headquarters.
Coindentally, September 26 is the day Bar Council went on a "Save the Judiciary" rally in Putrajaya, from Palace of Justice to PM’s Office which attracted about 2000 protesters which consist of laywers, activists, NGOs, bloggers and civilians who’re concerned with the independence of our country’s judiciary system.
Surprisingly, it was a total black-out on Bernama regarding the incident and that’s when the rumor that a suspect was arrested in connection with the murder was reported by Bernama. The motive? God knows but Bernama is yet to clarify on the false report.
Subsequently, the report was taken down from the website, in which blogger Aisehman condemned the incorrect reporting as most unprofessional, unethical and unkind. (Click here to read the article posted on the blog In Memory of Nurin Jazlin)
Today, Bukit Aman CID director Christopher Wan Soo Kee said in a statement that police arrested five people between 27 and 33 years old, including a woman, in separate raids in Shah Alam last night to assist their probe into the murder.
The arrest was made following a public tip-off and the first since "Ops Sunti" was launched to hunt for the murderer.
The ops is led by Christopher Wan with a special team comprises police personnel from Bukit Aman, and Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Sentul district and Petaling Jaya district police contingent headquarters.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Facts about global warming
Global warming is the increase in the temperature of the earth’s atmosphere, land masses and ocean. The cause of global warming is due to the fact that human activities that contributed the increase in the average global temperature by contributing negatively to greenhouse effect. The fossil fuels in the form of oil were mined and burned about years ago, these gases began to release at atmosphere. It caused the increase of carbon dioxide content of earth’s atmosphere. The greenhouse effect refers to a natural process that occurs in earth’s atmosphere, it this were disrupted it become global warming. The sun rays hit the earth, heat is bounced back to the atmosphere where those gases contain heat warm the planet, this important for natural process and allow life forms to survive. Global warming also can affect the behavior of winds and create a harsher and drier elimate with strong hurricanes, because warmer water on earth will evaporate quickly. El Niño also caused by global warming, changes I temperature contribute frequency. The agricultural revolution also contributed global warming, lastly many of the world governments encouraged implementation try to countries this problem and respect the environment.
How to prevent global warming
We can renewable energy , such as solar power and wind it can reduce our reliance on coal. Burning power plants. drive smart a well- turned car with properly inflated tires burns less gasoline and saving your money at pump . reduce driving , you can walk pr cycle when you can or use public transport .replace the incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. Compact fluorescent produce the same amount of light as normal bulbs. But use about a quarter of electricity at least ten times as long ,each switch you can make helps clean air today , curb global warming and save your money . we can be a smart consumer. Install the decreasing performance, reduce water hearer at home ,we also can plant a tree to protect a forest .protect the forest is a big step to curb global warming by reducing the heat at atmosphere . lastly important thing reduce, reuse and recycle this can prevent pollution and save our materials , so prevent the global warming and our world will peace and we does not have greenhouse effect.
How to prevent global warming
We can renewable energy , such as solar power and wind it can reduce our reliance on coal. Burning power plants. drive smart a well- turned car with properly inflated tires burns less gasoline and saving your money at pump . reduce driving , you can walk pr cycle when you can or use public transport .replace the incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. Compact fluorescent produce the same amount of light as normal bulbs. But use about a quarter of electricity at least ten times as long ,each switch you can make helps clean air today , curb global warming and save your money . we can be a smart consumer. Install the decreasing performance, reduce water hearer at home ,we also can plant a tree to protect a forest .protect the forest is a big step to curb global warming by reducing the heat at atmosphere . lastly important thing reduce, reuse and recycle this can prevent pollution and save our materials , so prevent the global warming and our world will peace and we does not have greenhouse effect.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Senaman untuk jantung sihat
PENYAKIT kardiovaskular (CVD) ialah pembunuh no. 1 di Malaysia. Ini tidak menghairankan kerana 25 peratus daripada penduduk kita digolongkan sebagai gemuk - tiga juta mempunyai kadar kolesterol yang tinggi, 2.1 juta menghidap kencing manis dan 10,000 kes strok dicatatkan setiap tahun.
Aktiviti fizikal yang tidak mencukupi menjadi faktor risiko utama bagi sakit jantung koronari. Secara perbandingannya, risiko sakit jantung koronari yang dikaitkan dengan ketiadaan aktiviti fizikal adalah antara 1.5 hingga 2.4, iaitu peningkatan risiko yang sebanding dengan kadar kolesterol tinggi, tekanan darah tinggi dan merokok.
Sebenarnya kegiatan ringan atau sederhana, walaupun dilakukan selama 30 minit sehari boleh membawa manfaat. Aktiviti yang dimaksudkan termasuk berjalan kaki sambil bersiar-siar, naik tangga, berkebun, membersihkan laman, kerja rumah yang sederhana atau berat, menari dan senaman di rumah.
Senaman berbentuk aerobik yang lebih cergas seperti berjalan pantas, berlari, berenang, berbasikal, luncur kasut roda dan lompat tali pula merupakan cara terbaik untuk meningkatkan tahap kecergasan jantung dan paru-paru.
Ramai orang tidak sedar tentang manfaat bersenam untuk menjaga kesihatan jantung, justeru mereka tidak begitu mengendahkannya. Menyedari hakikat ini, kami telah menyediakan jawapan kami untuk menjawab beberapa persoalan yang mungkin bermain dalam fikiran anda:
Jika saya bersenam, bolehkah saya mencegah sakit jantung?
Tidak bersenam, seperti juga merokok, tekanan darah tinggi dan kolesterol darah yang tinggi, merupakan salah satu daripada faktor risiko utama sakit jantung yang boleh diubah.
Senaman tidak akan menjamin anda bebas daripada sakit jantung tetapi anda boleh mengurangkan kebarangkalian menghidap penyakit ini jika anda sanggup mengelakkan faktor risikonya.
Patutkah saya berjumpa doktor sebelum mula melakukan kegiatan fizikal?
Mereka yang dalam lingkungan usia pertengahan dan lanjut yang tidak aktif dan menghadapi risiko sakit jantung yang tinggi (atau yang sudah mengalami masalah kesihatan) harus mendapatkan nasihat perubatan sebelum meningkatkan tahap kegiatan fizikal masing-masing dengan ketara.
Sebenarnya orang yang sihat, tanpa mengira usia, boleh menjalankan kegiatan fizikal tahap sederhana. Contohnya berjalan kaki secara sederhana, berkebun dan membersihkan laman tanpa perlu berjumpa doktor terlebih dahulu.
Berapa banyak kegiatan fizikal perlu dilakukan?
Jika anda tidak aktif, apa jua bentuk dan kadar kegiatan fizikal lebih baik daripada bergoyang kaki sahaja! Kajian menunjukkan bahawa orang yang mempunyai tahap kecergasan rendah berkemungkinan besar meninggal dunia lebih awal berbanding mereka yang sederhana cergas.
Jika anda mahu meningkatkan lagi tahap kecergasan, anda perlu bersenam 30 hingga 60 minit, kebanyakan hari dalam seminggu, pada kadar 50 - 80 peratus daripada keupayaan maksimum anda.
Perlukah saya melakukan senaman be- rat?
Untuk mencapai manfaat kesihatan, senaman berat tidak perlu. Kegiatan yang sederhana selalunya sudah memadai untuk mengurangkan risiko kesihatan.
Jika anda berhasrat mencapai tahap kecergasan kardiovaskular yang tinggi, anda perlu meningkatkan kadar senaman secara beransur-ansur dan bersenam kebanyakan hari dalam seminggu, selama 30 - 60 minit pada 50 - 80 peratus daripada keupayaan maksimum anda.
Adakah senaman meringankan kesan berbahaya faktor risiko lain?
Kajian menunjukkan bahawa kecergasan fizikal mengurangkan risiko sakit jantung walaupun di kalangan orang yang mengalami masalah kesihatan lain seperti tekanan darah tinggi dan kolesterol darah tinggi.
Untuk mengurangkan risiko, anda seharusnya bergiat cergas dan mengelakkan faktor risiko lain yang boleh diubah, seperti asap rokok, tekanan darah tinggi, tahap kolesterol darah tinggi dan berat badan berlebihan.
Bagaimana untuk menjaga kecergasan fizikal anak-anak saya?
Anda boleh menjadi teladan yang baik kepada mereka dengan melakukan kegiatan yang sihat untuk jantung. Hadkan aktiviti yang banyak duduk seperti menonton televisyen, video, dan permainan komputer kepada tidak lebih daripada dua jam sehari.
Lakukan kegiatan aktif semasa bercuti atau keluar bersiar-siar bersama keluarga atau sertai acara larian bersama mereka. Galakkan mereka melakukan kerja-kerja di rumah (potong rumput, sapu daun, berus lantai dan lain- lain) yang memerlukan pergerakan fizikal.
Cuba perhatikan sama ada anak anda berminat bersukan, kemudian galakkan perkembangan fizikal mereka dengan menghantar mereka menjalani latihan atau menyertai acara sukan.
Senaman baik untuk jantung!
Semua orang sedar betapa pentingnya senaman untuk menjaga kesihatan jantung tetapi tidak melakukannya kerana tidak tahu tentang manfaatnya. Berikut adalah beberapa faedah bersenam untuk jantung:
* Mengurangkan risiko sakit jantung dengan meningkatkan aliran darah di seluruh badan
* Mengawal berat badan
* Memperbaiki tahap kolesterol darah
* Mencegah dan menguruskan tekanan darah tinggi
* Meningkatkan tenaga
* Membantu mengurangkan tekanan
* Mengurangkan ketegangan
* Melegakan kebimbangan dan kemurungan dan menaikkan minat dan semangat
* Memupuk amalan yang menyihatkan jantung di kalangan kanak-kanak dan mengurangkan masalah yang menyebabkan sakit jantung dan strok (kegemukan, tekanan darah tinggi, kandungan kolesterol tinggi, amalan gaya hidup kurang baik dan sebagainya) apabila usia lanjut
* Di kalangan orang yang lebih tua, ia membantu mencegah atau mengelakkan penyakit kronik dan penyakit yang dikaitkan dengan proses penuaan dan mengekalkan kualiti kehidupan dan kemampuan untuk berdikari.
Arus pemodenan telah menjadikan kehidupan kita lebih mudah dan selesa. Pernahkah anda tertanya mengapa moyang dan datuk nenek kita hidup lebih lama daripada anak-anak kita hari ini.
Puncanya mungkin sikap pemalas dan kurang melakukan kegiatan fizikal. Sudah tiba masanya kita menjaga kesihatan jantung dengan bersenam hari ini!
Aktiviti fizikal yang tidak mencukupi menjadi faktor risiko utama bagi sakit jantung koronari. Secara perbandingannya, risiko sakit jantung koronari yang dikaitkan dengan ketiadaan aktiviti fizikal adalah antara 1.5 hingga 2.4, iaitu peningkatan risiko yang sebanding dengan kadar kolesterol tinggi, tekanan darah tinggi dan merokok.
Sebenarnya kegiatan ringan atau sederhana, walaupun dilakukan selama 30 minit sehari boleh membawa manfaat. Aktiviti yang dimaksudkan termasuk berjalan kaki sambil bersiar-siar, naik tangga, berkebun, membersihkan laman, kerja rumah yang sederhana atau berat, menari dan senaman di rumah.
Senaman berbentuk aerobik yang lebih cergas seperti berjalan pantas, berlari, berenang, berbasikal, luncur kasut roda dan lompat tali pula merupakan cara terbaik untuk meningkatkan tahap kecergasan jantung dan paru-paru.
Ramai orang tidak sedar tentang manfaat bersenam untuk menjaga kesihatan jantung, justeru mereka tidak begitu mengendahkannya. Menyedari hakikat ini, kami telah menyediakan jawapan kami untuk menjawab beberapa persoalan yang mungkin bermain dalam fikiran anda:
Jika saya bersenam, bolehkah saya mencegah sakit jantung?
Tidak bersenam, seperti juga merokok, tekanan darah tinggi dan kolesterol darah yang tinggi, merupakan salah satu daripada faktor risiko utama sakit jantung yang boleh diubah.
Senaman tidak akan menjamin anda bebas daripada sakit jantung tetapi anda boleh mengurangkan kebarangkalian menghidap penyakit ini jika anda sanggup mengelakkan faktor risikonya.
Patutkah saya berjumpa doktor sebelum mula melakukan kegiatan fizikal?
Mereka yang dalam lingkungan usia pertengahan dan lanjut yang tidak aktif dan menghadapi risiko sakit jantung yang tinggi (atau yang sudah mengalami masalah kesihatan) harus mendapatkan nasihat perubatan sebelum meningkatkan tahap kegiatan fizikal masing-masing dengan ketara.
Sebenarnya orang yang sihat, tanpa mengira usia, boleh menjalankan kegiatan fizikal tahap sederhana. Contohnya berjalan kaki secara sederhana, berkebun dan membersihkan laman tanpa perlu berjumpa doktor terlebih dahulu.
Berapa banyak kegiatan fizikal perlu dilakukan?
Jika anda tidak aktif, apa jua bentuk dan kadar kegiatan fizikal lebih baik daripada bergoyang kaki sahaja! Kajian menunjukkan bahawa orang yang mempunyai tahap kecergasan rendah berkemungkinan besar meninggal dunia lebih awal berbanding mereka yang sederhana cergas.
Jika anda mahu meningkatkan lagi tahap kecergasan, anda perlu bersenam 30 hingga 60 minit, kebanyakan hari dalam seminggu, pada kadar 50 - 80 peratus daripada keupayaan maksimum anda.
Perlukah saya melakukan senaman be- rat?
Untuk mencapai manfaat kesihatan, senaman berat tidak perlu. Kegiatan yang sederhana selalunya sudah memadai untuk mengurangkan risiko kesihatan.
Jika anda berhasrat mencapai tahap kecergasan kardiovaskular yang tinggi, anda perlu meningkatkan kadar senaman secara beransur-ansur dan bersenam kebanyakan hari dalam seminggu, selama 30 - 60 minit pada 50 - 80 peratus daripada keupayaan maksimum anda.
Adakah senaman meringankan kesan berbahaya faktor risiko lain?
Kajian menunjukkan bahawa kecergasan fizikal mengurangkan risiko sakit jantung walaupun di kalangan orang yang mengalami masalah kesihatan lain seperti tekanan darah tinggi dan kolesterol darah tinggi.
Untuk mengurangkan risiko, anda seharusnya bergiat cergas dan mengelakkan faktor risiko lain yang boleh diubah, seperti asap rokok, tekanan darah tinggi, tahap kolesterol darah tinggi dan berat badan berlebihan.
Bagaimana untuk menjaga kecergasan fizikal anak-anak saya?
Anda boleh menjadi teladan yang baik kepada mereka dengan melakukan kegiatan yang sihat untuk jantung. Hadkan aktiviti yang banyak duduk seperti menonton televisyen, video, dan permainan komputer kepada tidak lebih daripada dua jam sehari.
Lakukan kegiatan aktif semasa bercuti atau keluar bersiar-siar bersama keluarga atau sertai acara larian bersama mereka. Galakkan mereka melakukan kerja-kerja di rumah (potong rumput, sapu daun, berus lantai dan lain- lain) yang memerlukan pergerakan fizikal.
Cuba perhatikan sama ada anak anda berminat bersukan, kemudian galakkan perkembangan fizikal mereka dengan menghantar mereka menjalani latihan atau menyertai acara sukan.
Senaman baik untuk jantung!
Semua orang sedar betapa pentingnya senaman untuk menjaga kesihatan jantung tetapi tidak melakukannya kerana tidak tahu tentang manfaatnya. Berikut adalah beberapa faedah bersenam untuk jantung:
* Mengurangkan risiko sakit jantung dengan meningkatkan aliran darah di seluruh badan
* Mengawal berat badan
* Memperbaiki tahap kolesterol darah
* Mencegah dan menguruskan tekanan darah tinggi
* Meningkatkan tenaga
* Membantu mengurangkan tekanan
* Mengurangkan ketegangan
* Melegakan kebimbangan dan kemurungan dan menaikkan minat dan semangat
* Memupuk amalan yang menyihatkan jantung di kalangan kanak-kanak dan mengurangkan masalah yang menyebabkan sakit jantung dan strok (kegemukan, tekanan darah tinggi, kandungan kolesterol tinggi, amalan gaya hidup kurang baik dan sebagainya) apabila usia lanjut
* Di kalangan orang yang lebih tua, ia membantu mencegah atau mengelakkan penyakit kronik dan penyakit yang dikaitkan dengan proses penuaan dan mengekalkan kualiti kehidupan dan kemampuan untuk berdikari.
Arus pemodenan telah menjadikan kehidupan kita lebih mudah dan selesa. Pernahkah anda tertanya mengapa moyang dan datuk nenek kita hidup lebih lama daripada anak-anak kita hari ini.
Puncanya mungkin sikap pemalas dan kurang melakukan kegiatan fizikal. Sudah tiba masanya kita menjaga kesihatan jantung dengan bersenam hari ini!
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
MALAYSIA’S NATIONAL POLICY ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY
MALAYSIA’S NATIONAL POLICY
ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY
(Official declaration: Thursday, April 16 1998, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,
Ministry of Science, Environment and Technology)
VISION
TO TRANSFORM MALAYSIA INTO A WORLD CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN CONSERVATION,
RESEARCH AND UTILISATION OF TROPICAL BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY BY THE YEAR 2020
POLICY STATEMENT
TO CONSERVE MALAYSIA'S BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY AND TO ENSURE THAT ITS
COMPONENTS ARE UTILISED IN A SUSTAINABLE MANNER FOR THE CONTINUED
PROGRESS AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE NATION
PRINCIPLES
Conservation and sustainable utilisation of the nation’s biological diversity will be based
on the following principles:
(i) The conservation ethic, including the inherent right to existence of all living
forms, is deeply rooted in the religious and cultural values of all Malaysians;
(ii) Biological diversity is a national heritage and it must be sustainably managed
and wisely utilized today and conserved for future generations;
(iii) Biological resources are natural capital and their conservation is an investment
that will yield benefits locally, nationally and globally for the present and future;
(iv) The benefits from sustainable management of biological diversity will accrue,
directly or indirectly, to every sector of society;
(v) The sustainable management of biological diversity is the responsibility of all
sectors of society;
(vi) It is the duty of Government to formulate and implement the policy framework
for sustainable management and utilisation of biological diversity in close
cooperation with scientists, the business community and the public;
(vii) The role of local communities in the conservation, management and utilisation of
biological diversity must be recognized and their rightful share of benefits should
be ensured;
(viii) Issues in biological diversity transcend national boundaries and Malaysia must
continue to exercise a proactive and constructive role in international activities;
(ix) The interdependence of nations on biological diversity and in the utilisation of
its components for the well-being of mankind is recognized. International
cooperation and collaboration is vital for fair and equitable sharing of biological
resources, as well as access to and transfer of relevant technology;
(x) Public awareness and education is essential for ensuring the conservation of
biological diversity and the sustainable utilisation of its components;
(xi) In the utilisation of biological diversity, including the development of
biotechnology, the principles and practice of biosafety should be adhered to.
ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY
(Official declaration: Thursday, April 16 1998, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,
Ministry of Science, Environment and Technology)
VISION
TO TRANSFORM MALAYSIA INTO A WORLD CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN CONSERVATION,
RESEARCH AND UTILISATION OF TROPICAL BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY BY THE YEAR 2020
POLICY STATEMENT
TO CONSERVE MALAYSIA'S BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY AND TO ENSURE THAT ITS
COMPONENTS ARE UTILISED IN A SUSTAINABLE MANNER FOR THE CONTINUED
PROGRESS AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE NATION
PRINCIPLES
Conservation and sustainable utilisation of the nation’s biological diversity will be based
on the following principles:
(i) The conservation ethic, including the inherent right to existence of all living
forms, is deeply rooted in the religious and cultural values of all Malaysians;
(ii) Biological diversity is a national heritage and it must be sustainably managed
and wisely utilized today and conserved for future generations;
(iii) Biological resources are natural capital and their conservation is an investment
that will yield benefits locally, nationally and globally for the present and future;
(iv) The benefits from sustainable management of biological diversity will accrue,
directly or indirectly, to every sector of society;
(v) The sustainable management of biological diversity is the responsibility of all
sectors of society;
(vi) It is the duty of Government to formulate and implement the policy framework
for sustainable management and utilisation of biological diversity in close
cooperation with scientists, the business community and the public;
(vii) The role of local communities in the conservation, management and utilisation of
biological diversity must be recognized and their rightful share of benefits should
be ensured;
(viii) Issues in biological diversity transcend national boundaries and Malaysia must
continue to exercise a proactive and constructive role in international activities;
(ix) The interdependence of nations on biological diversity and in the utilisation of
its components for the well-being of mankind is recognized. International
cooperation and collaboration is vital for fair and equitable sharing of biological
resources, as well as access to and transfer of relevant technology;
(x) Public awareness and education is essential for ensuring the conservation of
biological diversity and the sustainable utilisation of its components;
(xi) In the utilisation of biological diversity, including the development of
biotechnology, the principles and practice of biosafety should be adhered to.
For more information about the MALAYSIA’S NATIONAL POLICY ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY, please go to this link http://www.arbec.com.my/NBP.pdf
Thanks....
Religious populations
Hinduism - Percentage by country
MORE ABOUT THE RELIGIOUS
Christianity
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity
Islam
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam
Hinduism
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism
Buddhism
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism
SIPADAN ISLAND
Sipadan is the only oceanic island in Malaysia, rising 2,000 feet or 600m from the seabed. It is located east of Tawau (Borneo), in the Celebes Sea. It was formed by living corals growing on top of an extinct volcanic cone that took thousands of years to develop. Sipadan is located at the heart of the Indo-Pacific basin, the centre of one of the richest marine habitats in the world. More than 3,000 species of fish and hundreds of coral species have been classified in this ecosystem.
Rare diving scenes such as schools of greenback turtles and hawksbill turtles nesting and mating, schools of barracuda & big-eye trevally in tornado-like formations, pelagic species such as manta rays, eagle rays, scalloped hammerhead sharks and whale sharks can be seen here.
A mysterious turtle tomb lies underneath the column of the island, formed by an underwater limestone cave with a labyrinth of tunnels and chambers that contain many skeletal remains of turtles.
Rare diving scenes such as schools of greenback turtles and hawksbill turtles nesting and mating, schools of barracuda & big-eye trevally in tornado-like formations, pelagic species such as manta rays, eagle rays, scalloped hammerhead sharks and whale sharks can be seen here.
A mysterious turtle tomb lies underneath the column of the island, formed by an underwater limestone cave with a labyrinth of tunnels and chambers that contain many skeletal remains of turtles.
History
In the past, the island was at the centre of a territorial dispute between Malaysia and Indonesia. The matter was brought for adjudication to the International Court of Justice and, at the end of 2002, the Court awarded the island along with the island of Ligitan to Malaysia, on the basis of the "effective occupation" displayed by the latter's precedessor (Malaysia's former colonial power, Great Britain) and the absence of any other superior title. The Philippines had applied to intervene in the proceedings on the basis of its claim to Northern Borneo, but its request was turned down by the Court early in 2001.
In year 2004, the Government of Malaysia ordered all on-site dive & resort operators of Sipadan to move their structures out of the island by the 31st of December 2004. This move is mainly to conserve a balanced eco-system for Sipadan and its surrounding. Diving will continue to be allowed in Sipadan for divers who are ferried in and out by dive & resort operators from the mainland and surrounding islands.
On May 15, 2006, a barge carrying thousands of tonnes of building material breached on the island, destroying a portion of reef between the old pier and Barracuda Point, said to be about 372sq metres. Thankfully the damage is limited to a small area and is difficult to spot underwater. The purpose of the building supplies (mainly concrete and gravel) was apparently for a USD1.3 million tourist facility including resthouse, toilets and scuba shop, said the State Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Tan Sri Chong Kah Kiat but denied by the Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman. Later, it was reported that it was a Federal Government funded project.
Diving Sipadan
Ever since diving celebrity Jacques Cousteau raved about the diversity of marine life, this dive mecca has been indisputably the most famous scuba destination in Malaysia. It is located off the east coast of Sabah, Malaysia's eastern most state, and lies on the north-eastern corner of Borneo, the world's third largest island.
The Sipadan diving legend has passed through the world's dive community to the extent that all divers with an interest in visiting the best sites in the world, have this small island near the top of their wish list.
Pulau Sipadan Island was at the top of Rodale's Scuba Diving Magazine Gold List for 'The Top Dive Destination in the World'. In fact the island shared its top spot with two other destinations known for the amazing diversity of their marine life - the Galapagos Islands and Truk in Micronesia
The list of attractions is quite staggering and all the more exceptional as it involves big fish encounters, something very rare in Asia these days - at Barracuda Point you can find yourself surrounded by a spiralling vortex of barracuda, so large that the sunlight is often clouded out. At South Point there are scores of reef sharks, large schools of passing trevally and herds of massive marauding bumphead parrotfish. When diving in Sipadan everywhere you turn you'll see turtles, munching on the sponges and algae, or lazing on the wall ledges. If you take the time to look closely at the walls you'll see a wealth of macro life and fish species to rival most destinations, although this is often overlooked due to the other major attractions vying for your attention.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Prostate Cancer
The prostate is the gland below a man's bladder that produces fluid for semen. Prostate cancer is the third most common cause of death from cancer in men of all ages. It is rare in men younger than 40.
Levels of a substance called prostate specific antigen (PSA) is often high in men with prostate cancer. However, PSA can also be high with other or prostate conditions. Since the PSA test became common, most prostate cancers are found before they cause symptoms. Symptoms of prostate cancer may include
Problems passing urine, such as pain, difficulty starting or stopping the stream, or dribbling
Low back pain
Pain with ejaculation
Prostate cancer treatment often depends on the stage of the cancer. How fast the cancer grows and how different it is from surrounding tissue helps determine the stage. Treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or control of hormones that affect the cancer.
Eating healthy and exercising regularly are key to living a healthy life. It also helps keep you from getting ALS/ Lou Gehrig’s disease. Living healthy involves eating healthy food, such as, salads, fruits, and grains such as rice. Stay away from foods such as, large quantities of red meat, very fattening foods, and very greasy foods. Soy products are also good to help stay healthy and away from ALS.
Daily Food Recommendations:
Grains: 6-12 servings
Fruit: 3-4 servings
Vegetables: 4-5 servings
Meat: 2-3 servings
Dairy: 2-3 servings
Sugars: Not recommended, okay in small amounts
BREAST HEALTH TIP
Breast Health Tip #12: Exercise
© Christine Horner M.D., F.A.C.S
BREAST HEALTH TIP #12: Exercise At least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise three to five times a week may lower your risk of breast cancer by as much as 30-50%.
The right type of activity, at the proper time of the day, produces a cascade of powerful chemicals and hormones that decrease the risk of a multitude of disorders, especially breast cancer. For instance, engaging in activities that elevate your heart rate on a regular basis lowers your risk of breast cancer in eight major ways.
First, it lowers the production of estrogen in your body. Breast cancer is strongly linked to estrogen. The more estrogen your body produces and that you are exposed to from other sources over your lifetime, the higher your risk of breast cancer.
Second, regular vigorous activities have been found to lengthen the menstrual cycle. With each menstrual period, your body produces a surge of estradiol the strongest type of estrogen and the one most linked to breast cancer. The longer your menstrual cycles are, for example, they occur every 30 days instead of every 28 days -- the fewer the number of menstrual periods you will have over your lifetime. The fewer menstrual cycles you have, the lower the amount of estrodiol you will produce, and the lower you risk of breast cancer will be.
Third, when you exercise in the proper amounts, the strength of your immune system is boosted. On the other hand, exercising too little, or too much, weakens your immune defenses. Keeping your immune system strong is important because it is composed of cells that provide your body's main defense against foreign invaders like bacteria, viruses and cancer cells. A robust immune system is crucial for preventing and fighting breast cancer.
Fourth, aerobic exercise regulates blood sugar. Sugar is the preferred food for cancer, so it is best not to eat very much of it. Another important reason to keep your blood sugar from getting too high has to do with the hormone insulin. When you eat sugar, especially simple or refined sugars, your blood sugar zooms up and your pancreas responds by releasing a lot of insulin - the hormone that facilitates sugar getting into your cells. Insulin can cause big problems when it comes to your risk of breast cancer. Women with the highest insulin levels are found to have a 283% increased risk of breast cancer. Insulin is also dangerous for women with breast cancer. Breast cancer cells have insulin receptors on them, and when insulin attaches to them, it makes the cancer cells grow faster.
Fifth, aerobic exercise lowers blood fat and keeps body fat in check. Obesity is thought to cause about 20-30% of all post-menopausal breast cancers. After menopause, your fat cells are the primary site for estrogen production in your body. The more fat cells you have, the more estrogen your body will produce. So keeping your body weight down is a good way to lower your risk of breast cancer.
Sixth, exercise relieves depression. According to researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, women who are depressed have a 400% higher incidence of breast cancer. When you engage in strenuous physical activity, your body releases endorphins and other powerful mood-boosting hormones. These chemical changes are extremely effective at relieving depression. In fact, several studies show that exercise works just as well at improving this condition as most commonly prescribed anti-depressant medications.
Seventh, exercising releases stress. Stress has been linked to 90% of all illness according to the National Institute of Health. Research shows that women under severe stress, or that have recently suffered a major stress, like death of a loved one, or loss of a job, are much more prone to developing breast cancer.
Finally, regular exercise has been found to lower IGF-1 or insulin-like growth factor. Keeping the amount that our body produces of this naturally occurring growth factor low is crucially important, because it is the most powerful stimulator of breast cancer known. It is also imperative to be aware that excess amounts of this dangerous growth factor can get into our bodies from consuming dairy products from cows that have been injected with growth hormones. Since most of the cows on conventional American farms are given growth hormones, the only way to avoid ingesting dangerous amounts of IGF-1 is to either not eat dairy products, or to consume only those that are low-fat and have been organically produced.
All of these breast cancer risk-lowering benefits of exercise add up to a lot of protection. Research shows that if you exercised regularly during your teen years, your risk of breast cancer will be 30% lower for the rest of your life. But it is never too late to begin exercising. If you start regularly participating in invigorating movements as an adult and keep it up, you can drop your risk of breast cancer by 30-50%.
© Christine Horner M.D., F.A.C.S
BREAST HEALTH TIP #12: Exercise At least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise three to five times a week may lower your risk of breast cancer by as much as 30-50%.
The right type of activity, at the proper time of the day, produces a cascade of powerful chemicals and hormones that decrease the risk of a multitude of disorders, especially breast cancer. For instance, engaging in activities that elevate your heart rate on a regular basis lowers your risk of breast cancer in eight major ways.
First, it lowers the production of estrogen in your body. Breast cancer is strongly linked to estrogen. The more estrogen your body produces and that you are exposed to from other sources over your lifetime, the higher your risk of breast cancer.
Second, regular vigorous activities have been found to lengthen the menstrual cycle. With each menstrual period, your body produces a surge of estradiol the strongest type of estrogen and the one most linked to breast cancer. The longer your menstrual cycles are, for example, they occur every 30 days instead of every 28 days -- the fewer the number of menstrual periods you will have over your lifetime. The fewer menstrual cycles you have, the lower the amount of estrodiol you will produce, and the lower you risk of breast cancer will be.
Third, when you exercise in the proper amounts, the strength of your immune system is boosted. On the other hand, exercising too little, or too much, weakens your immune defenses. Keeping your immune system strong is important because it is composed of cells that provide your body's main defense against foreign invaders like bacteria, viruses and cancer cells. A robust immune system is crucial for preventing and fighting breast cancer.
Fourth, aerobic exercise regulates blood sugar. Sugar is the preferred food for cancer, so it is best not to eat very much of it. Another important reason to keep your blood sugar from getting too high has to do with the hormone insulin. When you eat sugar, especially simple or refined sugars, your blood sugar zooms up and your pancreas responds by releasing a lot of insulin - the hormone that facilitates sugar getting into your cells. Insulin can cause big problems when it comes to your risk of breast cancer. Women with the highest insulin levels are found to have a 283% increased risk of breast cancer. Insulin is also dangerous for women with breast cancer. Breast cancer cells have insulin receptors on them, and when insulin attaches to them, it makes the cancer cells grow faster.
Fifth, aerobic exercise lowers blood fat and keeps body fat in check. Obesity is thought to cause about 20-30% of all post-menopausal breast cancers. After menopause, your fat cells are the primary site for estrogen production in your body. The more fat cells you have, the more estrogen your body will produce. So keeping your body weight down is a good way to lower your risk of breast cancer.
Sixth, exercise relieves depression. According to researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, women who are depressed have a 400% higher incidence of breast cancer. When you engage in strenuous physical activity, your body releases endorphins and other powerful mood-boosting hormones. These chemical changes are extremely effective at relieving depression. In fact, several studies show that exercise works just as well at improving this condition as most commonly prescribed anti-depressant medications.
Seventh, exercising releases stress. Stress has been linked to 90% of all illness according to the National Institute of Health. Research shows that women under severe stress, or that have recently suffered a major stress, like death of a loved one, or loss of a job, are much more prone to developing breast cancer.
Finally, regular exercise has been found to lower IGF-1 or insulin-like growth factor. Keeping the amount that our body produces of this naturally occurring growth factor low is crucially important, because it is the most powerful stimulator of breast cancer known. It is also imperative to be aware that excess amounts of this dangerous growth factor can get into our bodies from consuming dairy products from cows that have been injected with growth hormones. Since most of the cows on conventional American farms are given growth hormones, the only way to avoid ingesting dangerous amounts of IGF-1 is to either not eat dairy products, or to consume only those that are low-fat and have been organically produced.
All of these breast cancer risk-lowering benefits of exercise add up to a lot of protection. Research shows that if you exercised regularly during your teen years, your risk of breast cancer will be 30% lower for the rest of your life. But it is never too late to begin exercising. If you start regularly participating in invigorating movements as an adult and keep it up, you can drop your risk of breast cancer by 30-50%.
HOW TO MAKE SATAY
Recipes: SATAY WITH PEANUT SAUCE
Select Other Recipies: SATAY WITH PEANUT SAUCE CURRY CHICKEN CHICKEN RENDANG CHICKEN RICE FRIED KWAY TEOW LASSI MEE SIAM NASI GORENG (Fried Rice) NASI LEMAK (Rice in coconut milk) PEANUT SAUCE (for Satay) ROTI CANAI SAMBAL BELACAN SAMBAL IKAN BILIS
Ingredients
1.5kg chicken, deboned and cubed
1 tsp cumin
½ tsp cinnamon
8 shallots, diced
1 tsp coriander
2.5 cm piece fresh turmeric
1 tsp sugar
1 stalk lemon grass
2 tbsp roasted peanuts
Salt to taste
2 tbsp cooking oil
MethodPound coriander, cumin, turmeric, peanuts, salt and sugar. Add cinnamon, shallots and 1 tbsp cooking oil and mix well. Marinate the chicken in this mixture for several hours, preferably overnight. Thread the marinated strips of meat through satay skewers. Grill over burning coal until meat is evenly browned on both sides and cooked through. While grilling, sprinkle cooking oil over the meat using crushed lemon grass. Serve immediately with peanut sauce. (Serves 6-8)
Select Other Recipies: SATAY WITH PEANUT SAUCE CURRY CHICKEN CHICKEN RENDANG CHICKEN RICE FRIED KWAY TEOW LASSI MEE SIAM NASI GORENG (Fried Rice) NASI LEMAK (Rice in coconut milk) PEANUT SAUCE (for Satay) ROTI CANAI SAMBAL BELACAN SAMBAL IKAN BILIS
Ingredients
1.5kg chicken, deboned and cubed
1 tsp cumin
½ tsp cinnamon
8 shallots, diced
1 tsp coriander
2.5 cm piece fresh turmeric
1 tsp sugar
1 stalk lemon grass
2 tbsp roasted peanuts
Salt to taste
2 tbsp cooking oil
MethodPound coriander, cumin, turmeric, peanuts, salt and sugar. Add cinnamon, shallots and 1 tbsp cooking oil and mix well. Marinate the chicken in this mixture for several hours, preferably overnight. Thread the marinated strips of meat through satay skewers. Grill over burning coal until meat is evenly browned on both sides and cooked through. While grilling, sprinkle cooking oil over the meat using crushed lemon grass. Serve immediately with peanut sauce. (Serves 6-8)
Monday, July 16, 2007
Male and female veterans receive similar health care
Men and women receive remarkably similar outpatient care from the US Department of Veteran's Affairs (VA) health care system, according to an Aug 8, 2005, news release from the VA. Researchers looked at nine measures of quality care that are equally appropriate for men and women to determine what percentage of VA patients receive appropriate care for their gender. ResuLts showed that men were more likely to receive appropriate services in five of the nine categories and women were more likely to receive appropriate services in the other four categories
Few studies have looked at disparities in care between men and women in ambulatory care settings other than VA settings; however, several studies have shown that women often receive poorer care than men after being admitted to hospitals for congestive heart failure, coronary heart disease, and other common medical conditions. ApproximateLy 10% of VA patients are women veterans, and this percentage is expected to grow in the future as the number of women in the military increases.
Few studies have looked at disparities in care between men and women in ambulatory care settings other than VA settings; however, several studies have shown that women often receive poorer care than men after being admitted to hospitals for congestive heart failure, coronary heart disease, and other common medical conditions. ApproximateLy 10% of VA patients are women veterans, and this percentage is expected to grow in the future as the number of women in the military increases.
DETECTION OF E. COLI IN RECREATIONAL WATER
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
The recreational waters are referring to any areas which are suitable for swimming activities or other human water activities like dive, and boating. Examples of the recreational places are river, lake, and swimming pool. The hygienic quality for recreational water is important to society. Clear water is not an accurate indicator that a water source for recreational waters area is free of bacterial contamination. One of the most important and identifiable aspects of water quality is the presence of fecal coliform bacteria, especially Escherichia coli (E. coli). For make this area suitable for any recreational activities, water quality is the important aspect and it must monitoring in specific scale like total of bacteria concentration, present of fecal contamination, hardness and total dissolve solid.
1.1 Overview of Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Escherichia coli (E. coli) found by Theodor Escherich in 1885. E. coli is
in the family of Enterobacteriaceae. The E. coli is made up with gram-negative cell walls. They have rod shaped, and move or motile by use of flagella. E. coli are commonly found in soil, on vegetation and in surface of water. They also live in the intestine of warm-blooded animals include human. Coliform is name given for a colony of bacteria that in it have bacteria called E. coli. The usual E. coli cells size are 1-2µm in length and 0.1- 0.5 µm in diameter. The presence of coliform bacteria in water commonly effect by fecal contamination.
1.1.1 Sources of Escherichia coli
The E. coli are normally presence in the water surface. The sources of this pathogen in water are including agricultural runoff and infiltration, domestic animal, urban runoff, septic system, sewage lines, straight pipes and wild life. For swimming pool, the contamination sources are like the human fecal, hair, urine, and also bacteria on the surface of human skin or body.
1.2 Detecting of Escherichia coli
The methods for detecting Escherichia coli are depend on the purpose of
study. Usually the method we can use to detect these bacteria in water sources are determined by the taste of water, appearance and the water smell. The appearance of cloudy water gives a sign of the present of the coliform or E. coli. In laboratory, uses of agar medium are the one effective method to detect the coliform bacteria.
The sign of illness also can give the sign for bacteria present. If a person drinking any water sources that contaminated with high concentration of coliform or E. coli, the person will show symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, fever, and diarrhea.
1.3 Problem statement
Now days, we frequently heard about the water pollution happened to our
water sources. From this problem, it can make our recreational water in high risk of water problem. The recreational water qualities are important to protect the society from the waterborne disease like cholera, thypoid fever and intestinal problem. All of this diseases affected by the pathogens include E. coli and other bacteria in water. Recreational water quality measured based on concentrations of fecal-indicator bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli). E. coli preferred as indicator of the quality of freshwater recreational waters.
1.4 Significant of study
This study will help us to identify the quality of recreational water.
Through this study also we will notice or tell the people to take care our water sources from contamination. This is important to make sure our water supplies for daily uses and recreational activities are not contaminated with high concentration of bacteria.
Beside that, this study is important for to know the level of contamination in different recreational water categories surrounding us. Also, this study is important in order to plan the rules to control recreational water sources for future.
1.5 Objectives
1.5.1 To detect the coliform / E. coli in various sources of recreational water.
1.5.2 To calculate the total bacteria count in different recreational water samples.
1.5.3 To identify the water quality in different recreational water sample
CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW
This chapter will discuss about the previous study on the recreational water quality and to carry out any information about the detection of E. coli for this study. For this chapter also will discuses about the sources of recreational water contamination and others suitable discussion.
2.1 Introduction
The presence of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in surface waters is often attributed to fecal contamination from agricultural and urban or residential areas. However, variation in E. coli concentrations from site to site and the contribution of human vs. agricultural sources are not readily understood. In addition, E. coli concentrations at any site of water sources may vary depending on the bacteria level already in the water. The concentration of E. coli in surface water depends on various sources of contamination (Burton et al., 1987).
Sediments may effect to the survival of E. coli in water surface. Sediments will provide protection to the E. coli and other bacteria can lead to higher concentrations of E. coli in sediments than in the overlying water column (Burton et al., 1987). Thus, the sediment acts as a reservoir for E. coli in the stream. In addition, fecal bacteria may persist in stream sediments and contribute to concentrations in overlying waters for months after initial contamination (Sherer et al., 1992).
High temperatures of the air and water, contribute to rapid growth of E. coli bacteria (Schultze & Rohde, 2000). Contamination of recreational water by pathogenic this bacteria associated with fecal waste has significant impact on public health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have reported several waterborne diseases are caused by the E. coli bacteria (CDC, 1999).
2.2 E. coli as indicator organism
Maintaining water that is safe for swimming, routine monitoring for
enteropathogens (which cause gastrointestinal diseases and are disseminated through fecal contamination of water) is necessary. Routine monitoring of enteropathogens, which can cause serious diseases such as cholera, typhoid, salmonellosis, and dysentery, is unreliable since these organisms are difficult to detect (Atlas and Bartha, 1993). Instead, an indicator organism, E. coli, is used to determine fecal contamination.
E. coli is considered as specific indicator of fecal contamination (Francy et al., 1993). The E. coli test recommended by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA, 1986) confirms presumptive fecal coliforms. Indicator organisms are used to monitor the microbiological quality of water and provide information on the possible presence of pathogens. Indicator organisms are microorganisms that are associated with the intestinal tract of warm blooded animals and are consistently present in fecal waste. They occur in greater numbers than the associated pathogens, and their presence in water indicates fecal contamination of the water (OWML, 2005).
2.3 Recreational water quality standard
Escherichia coli (E. coli) is the most reliable indicator of fecal bacterial
contamination of surface waters in the U.S. according to water quality standards set by the EPA. E. coli bacteria are typically pathogenic in high concentration presence, an extensive epidemiological study demonstrated that E. coli concentrations are the best predictor of swimming-associated gastrointestinal illness. EPA state that the bacterial water quality standards is based on the concentration of E. coli in water which the health risk from waterborne illness is acceptably high (Dufour, 1984).
The EPA recommended the standard of water quality for E. coli is based on two criteria: 1) a geometric mean of 126 organisms/100 ml based on several samples collected during dry weather conditions or 2) 235 organisms/100 ml for any single water sample (EPA, 1986). If either criterion is exceeded, the site is not in water quality standards and not recommended for swimming. The current EPA water quality standard for E. coli corresponds to approximately eight gastrointestinal illnesses per 1000 swimmers (Dufour, 1984).
`The standard of water quality currently adopted by the state of Vermont for class B recreational waters are based on a threshold concentration of 77 organisms/100 ml water for any single sample (Vermont Water Resources Board, 1996). Any sample that exceeds this threshold will be in violation of the standard. This criterion corresponds to approximately four expected illnesses per 1000 swimmers (Dufour, 1984).
Unlike the EPA standards that are based on a geometric mean of several samples over time, the Vermont standards are based on a threshold concentration for any single water sample. The current threshold standard remains unchanged in the Vermont Water Quality Standards adopted June 10, 1999 that becomes effective on July 2, 2000 (Vermont Water Resources Board, 1999).
2.4 Detection of E. coli in water
There is not having any specific method for the detection of E. coli in
water that is accepted throughout the world. In the US, a standard method using membrane filter has been established (American Public Health Association, 1986).
In the UK, the definition of E. coli in water is also based on the ability to produce gas from lactose and produce indole from tryptophan at 44°C. A method for enumeration employs a standard multiple tube test with a modified glutamate synthetic medium at 37°C as a first selective step, followed by further cultivation in standard media at 44°C (American Public Health Association, 1986).
Single agar layer (SAL) is a method that documented and approved by US. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). The type of agar used must have ability to detect the presence of E. coli and must be done under sterile condition. For different type of agar it contained different kind of nutrient that made it. These differences can effect the period and types of bacteria growth. SAL method is quantitative and limited to samples volume of 100ml (OWML, 2005).
2.5 Sources of Escherichia coli
Sources of Escherichia coli are commonly from fecal material of warm-
blooded animals and humans. From total count of bacteria in water sample that take from public recreational water area in German not only containing E. coli but include with several of bacteria such as Salmonella thypi, Salmonella paratyphi, vibrio cholera and also Mycobacterium avioum (Logsdon, et,al, 1975). Another studies show that the 12,000 dogs living in a suburban Washington D.C. watershed leave behind more than 5,000 pounds of "solid waste" every day. An estimated 238,000 working farms and ranches in the United States generate about 500 million tons of manure each year. Through this study also found that also can presence in unusual sources. From the study have been done, water runoff collected directly from the parking lots can contain between 9000 and 100000 E. coli per ml (Von Sigler, 2003).
Table 2.1: Concentration of enteric pathogens in feces.
Source from: Meier et al, 2000
Swimming pool is a location that has direct contact with water and human. Every person who used the swimming pool will contribute in microbiological contamination in water. Each person will bring out average 50ml urine and0.5 – 1.0 gram of organic material like human feces and skin. From this fact, a person who using the swimming pool will contribute about 1- 10 million of colon bacteria (Heinz, 1975).
INTRODUCTION
The recreational waters are referring to any areas which are suitable for swimming activities or other human water activities like dive, and boating. Examples of the recreational places are river, lake, and swimming pool. The hygienic quality for recreational water is important to society. Clear water is not an accurate indicator that a water source for recreational waters area is free of bacterial contamination. One of the most important and identifiable aspects of water quality is the presence of fecal coliform bacteria, especially Escherichia coli (E. coli). For make this area suitable for any recreational activities, water quality is the important aspect and it must monitoring in specific scale like total of bacteria concentration, present of fecal contamination, hardness and total dissolve solid.
1.1 Overview of Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Escherichia coli (E. coli) found by Theodor Escherich in 1885. E. coli is
in the family of Enterobacteriaceae. The E. coli is made up with gram-negative cell walls. They have rod shaped, and move or motile by use of flagella. E. coli are commonly found in soil, on vegetation and in surface of water. They also live in the intestine of warm-blooded animals include human. Coliform is name given for a colony of bacteria that in it have bacteria called E. coli. The usual E. coli cells size are 1-2µm in length and 0.1- 0.5 µm in diameter. The presence of coliform bacteria in water commonly effect by fecal contamination.
1.1.1 Sources of Escherichia coli
The E. coli are normally presence in the water surface. The sources of this pathogen in water are including agricultural runoff and infiltration, domestic animal, urban runoff, septic system, sewage lines, straight pipes and wild life. For swimming pool, the contamination sources are like the human fecal, hair, urine, and also bacteria on the surface of human skin or body.
1.2 Detecting of Escherichia coli
The methods for detecting Escherichia coli are depend on the purpose of
study. Usually the method we can use to detect these bacteria in water sources are determined by the taste of water, appearance and the water smell. The appearance of cloudy water gives a sign of the present of the coliform or E. coli. In laboratory, uses of agar medium are the one effective method to detect the coliform bacteria.
The sign of illness also can give the sign for bacteria present. If a person drinking any water sources that contaminated with high concentration of coliform or E. coli, the person will show symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, fever, and diarrhea.
1.3 Problem statement
Now days, we frequently heard about the water pollution happened to our
water sources. From this problem, it can make our recreational water in high risk of water problem. The recreational water qualities are important to protect the society from the waterborne disease like cholera, thypoid fever and intestinal problem. All of this diseases affected by the pathogens include E. coli and other bacteria in water. Recreational water quality measured based on concentrations of fecal-indicator bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli). E. coli preferred as indicator of the quality of freshwater recreational waters.
1.4 Significant of study
This study will help us to identify the quality of recreational water.
Through this study also we will notice or tell the people to take care our water sources from contamination. This is important to make sure our water supplies for daily uses and recreational activities are not contaminated with high concentration of bacteria.
Beside that, this study is important for to know the level of contamination in different recreational water categories surrounding us. Also, this study is important in order to plan the rules to control recreational water sources for future.
1.5 Objectives
1.5.1 To detect the coliform / E. coli in various sources of recreational water.
1.5.2 To calculate the total bacteria count in different recreational water samples.
1.5.3 To identify the water quality in different recreational water sample
CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW
This chapter will discuss about the previous study on the recreational water quality and to carry out any information about the detection of E. coli for this study. For this chapter also will discuses about the sources of recreational water contamination and others suitable discussion.
2.1 Introduction
The presence of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in surface waters is often attributed to fecal contamination from agricultural and urban or residential areas. However, variation in E. coli concentrations from site to site and the contribution of human vs. agricultural sources are not readily understood. In addition, E. coli concentrations at any site of water sources may vary depending on the bacteria level already in the water. The concentration of E. coli in surface water depends on various sources of contamination (Burton et al., 1987).
Sediments may effect to the survival of E. coli in water surface. Sediments will provide protection to the E. coli and other bacteria can lead to higher concentrations of E. coli in sediments than in the overlying water column (Burton et al., 1987). Thus, the sediment acts as a reservoir for E. coli in the stream. In addition, fecal bacteria may persist in stream sediments and contribute to concentrations in overlying waters for months after initial contamination (Sherer et al., 1992).
High temperatures of the air and water, contribute to rapid growth of E. coli bacteria (Schultze & Rohde, 2000). Contamination of recreational water by pathogenic this bacteria associated with fecal waste has significant impact on public health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have reported several waterborne diseases are caused by the E. coli bacteria (CDC, 1999).
2.2 E. coli as indicator organism
Maintaining water that is safe for swimming, routine monitoring for
enteropathogens (which cause gastrointestinal diseases and are disseminated through fecal contamination of water) is necessary. Routine monitoring of enteropathogens, which can cause serious diseases such as cholera, typhoid, salmonellosis, and dysentery, is unreliable since these organisms are difficult to detect (Atlas and Bartha, 1993). Instead, an indicator organism, E. coli, is used to determine fecal contamination.
E. coli is considered as specific indicator of fecal contamination (Francy et al., 1993). The E. coli test recommended by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA, 1986) confirms presumptive fecal coliforms. Indicator organisms are used to monitor the microbiological quality of water and provide information on the possible presence of pathogens. Indicator organisms are microorganisms that are associated with the intestinal tract of warm blooded animals and are consistently present in fecal waste. They occur in greater numbers than the associated pathogens, and their presence in water indicates fecal contamination of the water (OWML, 2005).
2.3 Recreational water quality standard
Escherichia coli (E. coli) is the most reliable indicator of fecal bacterial
contamination of surface waters in the U.S. according to water quality standards set by the EPA. E. coli bacteria are typically pathogenic in high concentration presence, an extensive epidemiological study demonstrated that E. coli concentrations are the best predictor of swimming-associated gastrointestinal illness. EPA state that the bacterial water quality standards is based on the concentration of E. coli in water which the health risk from waterborne illness is acceptably high (Dufour, 1984).
The EPA recommended the standard of water quality for E. coli is based on two criteria: 1) a geometric mean of 126 organisms/100 ml based on several samples collected during dry weather conditions or 2) 235 organisms/100 ml for any single water sample (EPA, 1986). If either criterion is exceeded, the site is not in water quality standards and not recommended for swimming. The current EPA water quality standard for E. coli corresponds to approximately eight gastrointestinal illnesses per 1000 swimmers (Dufour, 1984).
`The standard of water quality currently adopted by the state of Vermont for class B recreational waters are based on a threshold concentration of 77 organisms/100 ml water for any single sample (Vermont Water Resources Board, 1996). Any sample that exceeds this threshold will be in violation of the standard. This criterion corresponds to approximately four expected illnesses per 1000 swimmers (Dufour, 1984).
Unlike the EPA standards that are based on a geometric mean of several samples over time, the Vermont standards are based on a threshold concentration for any single water sample. The current threshold standard remains unchanged in the Vermont Water Quality Standards adopted June 10, 1999 that becomes effective on July 2, 2000 (Vermont Water Resources Board, 1999).
2.4 Detection of E. coli in water
There is not having any specific method for the detection of E. coli in
water that is accepted throughout the world. In the US, a standard method using membrane filter has been established (American Public Health Association, 1986).
In the UK, the definition of E. coli in water is also based on the ability to produce gas from lactose and produce indole from tryptophan at 44°C. A method for enumeration employs a standard multiple tube test with a modified glutamate synthetic medium at 37°C as a first selective step, followed by further cultivation in standard media at 44°C (American Public Health Association, 1986).
Single agar layer (SAL) is a method that documented and approved by US. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). The type of agar used must have ability to detect the presence of E. coli and must be done under sterile condition. For different type of agar it contained different kind of nutrient that made it. These differences can effect the period and types of bacteria growth. SAL method is quantitative and limited to samples volume of 100ml (OWML, 2005).
2.5 Sources of Escherichia coli
Sources of Escherichia coli are commonly from fecal material of warm-
blooded animals and humans. From total count of bacteria in water sample that take from public recreational water area in German not only containing E. coli but include with several of bacteria such as Salmonella thypi, Salmonella paratyphi, vibrio cholera and also Mycobacterium avioum (Logsdon, et,al, 1975). Another studies show that the 12,000 dogs living in a suburban Washington D.C. watershed leave behind more than 5,000 pounds of "solid waste" every day. An estimated 238,000 working farms and ranches in the United States generate about 500 million tons of manure each year. Through this study also found that also can presence in unusual sources. From the study have been done, water runoff collected directly from the parking lots can contain between 9000 and 100000 E. coli per ml (Von Sigler, 2003).
Table 2.1: Concentration of enteric pathogens in feces.
Source from: Meier et al, 2000
Swimming pool is a location that has direct contact with water and human. Every person who used the swimming pool will contribute in microbiological contamination in water. Each person will bring out average 50ml urine and0.5 – 1.0 gram of organic material like human feces and skin. From this fact, a person who using the swimming pool will contribute about 1- 10 million of colon bacteria (Heinz, 1975).
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