Recycling E-waste An Essential Solution to a Growing Problem in Essay

Recycling E-waste An Essential Solution to a Growing Problem in Clayton County, Georgia - Essay Example There is a shortage of existing programs and resources dedicated to such recycling and proper disposal" (Georgia General Assembly). There are hardly a few recognized, licensed re-cycling agents for electronic goods in Georgia. This is a proposal from EFEWROPS or the "Environment Friendly Electronic Waste Recycle Options" - a non-profit organization with registered body volunteers (with plans to take in two paid workers), who possess the knowledge and expertise required for careful handling and re-cycle of electronic waste materials. This body aims to offer useful, qualitative service in the much needed arena of electronic-re-cycling by providing 1) on-site inspection services, 2) free-consultations regarding recycle options, 3) more collection centers, as well as 4) adding one more electronic re-cycling unit in Clayton County, Georgia, at a total approximate cost of $ 30,000 with aid from Solid Waste Trust Fund Program, Georgia DCA and philanthropists and private donors. In a report titled "Is a PC landfill tax inevitable" Declan McCullagh (cnet.com 2005) cites the California Democrat Mike Thompson stating that, the about 3000 tons of obsolete electronic items were trown away in the United States, everyday. Electronic discards affects the Clayton community in two important ways a) the availability of space in landfills and warehouses for storing the discarded products, b) the environment because of the potential leak of toxins such as lead, chromium, and mercury into the atmosphere c) water contamination too may take place as the toxins dissolve in landfills (Research from University of Florida cited in Pilot Project 2003, p.2). Environmental Protection Agency has reported that the lead, cadmium, the hexa-valent chromium, found in CRTs cpabale of causing nervous problems and mental retardation in children, are carcinogenic, and may cause high blood pressure (Meyer, El Ella, & Young 2004, p.1). Fortunately for Georgia, there has been no contamination of groundwater due to electronic materials wasting away in landfills (Pilot Project 2003, p.3). However, in a bid to prevent such occurrence, the General Assembly of Georgia has reckoned the necessity to include in the Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Act, "to develop and assist in the establishment of pilot programs and ongoing programs for the recycling and proper disposal of computer equipment." (Code Section 12-8-33.1) It is the aim of EFEWROPS to join hands with the state, with the support of the community to take positive preventive measures to minimize pollution and all its related problems. This program is necessary because, it is likely to affect the health of 267,966 people (Wikipedia 2007) - the population of Clayton County (2005 Census estimate, see Table 1). One of the County Council member has kindly agreed to make available his old warehouse in Jonesboro, for the good cause, until a permanent place is fixed with the help of the concerned authorities. While other parts of Georgia like the Hall County, Floyd County and Athens-Clarke County have been covered by the

Product investagition Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Product investagition - Assignment Example .........................................................................................................†¦...7 Energy Source†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦.8 Labels†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦...8 Use†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦8 Maintenance†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚ ¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦......9 Disposal†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.....9 References†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦10 i. Functions and Purposes An electrical screwdriver is a general hand-tool that comes in numerous versions that serve different functions. Screwdrivers are used to supplant or restore a mass of objects. Electrical screwdrivers are used in lessening and tightening screws. Screwdriver and screws are imperative factors in the completion of any project. A screwdriver tightens screws used to hold together plastic, wood, metal and other materials. Screwdrivers rotate a screw and drive it into a m etal, wood or plastic material (Kinghorn, 2007). The spiral design of the screws adds security and stability to such items. Other than driving screws, screw drivers also serve other purposes according to their design. There are four primary electrical screwdrivers: Flat-head screwdriver, Phillip’s head screwdriver, Allen Wrench screwdrivers and Star screwdrivers. A flat-head electrical screw driver is differentiated by its undeviating metallic edge. It is used to drive in or out screws with a single opening at the top. This screwdriver has magnetic properties that can be used to lift metallic screws from a tin or a hole when stuck. It is also used in small items (Kinghorn, 2007). The Philip’s head screwdriver is a modern screwdriver used in computers, household appliances, calculators, mobile phones and other electronics. It comes in different sizes and is easily stripped. It is used in screwing in and out screws in home appliances, laptops, computers, mobile phones an d calculators. Arguably, screwdrivers assist in completing projects by driving screws into a metal, plastic and wood material, and satisfactorily ensure that such items are stable and secure (Kinghorn, 2007). ii. Components Driving a screw into a material has been made one of the easiest operations in homesteads. An electrical screwdriver comprises of the electric motor, rechargeable battery, the switch, a gear system, the chuck, and the screw steel bar, and the handle (Cheng, 2007). The electric motor operates under magnets and magnetism. It utilizes magnetism to generate motion. The like poles in the motor oppose each other, and this creates the motion of the motor that rotates the screwdriver to drive the screw into a material (Miller, 2007). The switch avoids flow of unnecessary electricity to the motor and supplies power to the motor. It is covered to avoid electrocution. The gear system consists of the primary part of the device. It gives the device adequate strength and power to drill into a piece of wood or plastic. The gear system

The Role of Women In The U.S. Military Research Paper

The Role of Women In The U.S. Military - Research Paper Example They were first introduced in military in World War I (1914-1918). Initially, the women did serve the military as nurses and also did a number of clerical jobs. After World War II, they were given permanent positions in US military under the Women Armed Services Integration Act, 1948. However, they were restricted to only 2% of the total US military. They were also not allowed higher positions of Generals in army. In 1978, female auxiliaries found in military branches were abolished by Congress and integrated forces were created for the first time. Women were also allowed to take part in many jobs other than those of healthcare and technicians. However, they were still restricted to be included in combat positions. The need of inclusion of women in combat positions was first recognized after the Gulf war in 1991. The women supported the armed forces on combat positions in the war. This brought the women to front lines. Their impressive and extraordinary services in the war gave groun d for the Defense Department of America to reconsider the ban imposed on the women to be included for combat positions. In 1993, the women were allowed to render their services on combat warships and aircrafts. Many military female officers welcomed the alterations. However, critics were of the view that these changes would damage the fighting ability of US forces. However, despite all criticism, more and more women were included for combat positions of US military. During Serbian conflict of 1999, women served as combat pilots in US Air force. Women were took part in Navy combat positions. However, during Iraq War, when two female Johnson and Lynch were captured, a debate regarding women services on combat positions started again. The role of women in US military for technical and healthcare jobs is acceptable for everyone. However, the deployment of women on combat positions is still a controversial issue. There are two view points, one that supports the deployment of women on com bat positions; and other that opposed such deployment. Both have their own arguments supporting their stand. DEPLOYMENT OF WOMEN FOR COMBAT POSITIONS IS ACCEPTABLE: SUPPORTERS’ VIEWS: The critics of women inclusion in combat points argue that the gender-integration of military will damage the morale of the women. This is the same argument which was made before when the US military was being integrated after the long segregation of whole military on racial basis. However, it is noticed later on that the racial integration of the army did not decrease the morale of the army. The same is the case with the inclusion of women for combat roles. The supporters argue that it is just a vague argument that the gender-desegregation of military will reduce the morale and efficiency of the military just as made previously about racial-desegregation of army. The supporters also criticize the point that women are physically weaker than men naturally. It is true but in non-physical attribute s, women are as much stronger as men are. They are psychologically stronger than men. However, some psychologists say that women are subjected to mental disorder same like men. Gender-integration may bring some positive effects on the overall performance of military. It increases the professional standards level of military and also brings cohesion which is by no means defective or less effective than found among men. So, there is no reason to believe that gender-desegregated units on combat positi

HND in Business Accounting& Management Essay Example for Free

HND in Business Accounting Management Essay Operations Management explores the way organizations produce and distribute goods and services. Everything you wear, eat, sit on, use or read comes to you courtesy of the operations managers who organized its production and distribution. Goods such as automobiles, airplanes, computers and houses, must be produced, as do the services provided by hospitals, ski resorts, trucks, and airlines. Its the job of an operations manager to make sure these activities occur when and how they are planned. This explanation reflects the essential nature of operations management: it is the central activity in organizing things. Operations Management is the systematic development and control of the processes that transform inputs into goods and services. The operations function comprises a significant percentage of the employees and physical assets in most organizations. Operations Managers are concerned with each step in providing a product or service. They determine what should go into an operating system, such as equipment, labour, facilities, materials, energy, and information, to produce the output. Operations Managers are also responsible for critical activities such as materials management, capacity planning, purchasing, scheduling and quality. The importance of Operations Management has increased dramatically in recent years. Significant competition, shorter product and service life cycles, better educated and quality-conscious consumers, and the capabilities of new technology have placed pressures on the operations function to improve productivity while providing a broader array of high-quality products and services. Such like IEKA An organization that gets the binomial concept operations and business management right is more likely to experience short-term success and run efficient activities. The business might, for example, prevent errors in its record-keeping processes and rein in waste in money-eating mechanisms a perennial source of concern for top management. Given the importance of operational management, company principals may work with department heads and business-unit chiefs to draw up strategic blueprints and ask them to remain discreet about the companys operational tactics. The goal is not to convene a periodic top-level meeting and plot strategy in a warlike room, but to set sound procedures to make sure the architects of the companys blueprint keep mum about its objectives, resources and action plans. TASK2 Ikea because according to the specific market environment for the correct operation strategy, that was a huge commercial success.Ikeas household concept in the beginning of its creating had clear definition, that is: to provide a wide variety, beautiful and practical, ordinary people can afford the household articles for use.However, with the development of The Times, and constantly changing consumer demand, ikeas household concept also constantly enrich and perfect.Then, on the basis of the original, ikea household concept began with environmental factors.In particular, household concept of ikea is mainly in household concept of the masses.In most cases, expensive home furnishings is well-designed for a few people can afford to buy.From the early stages of creation, ikea will chose a different path, ikea decided to stand with most people.This means that ikea should meet the household needs of most people in the world, which meet with many different need, grade, dreams, and financial resources, at the same time hope to improve household needs and create a better life.In ikea, everywhere can see pasted on the wall of the ikea business motto: ikea will provide a wide range of design at a low price beautiful, fully functional household products, ensure that most people have the ability to buy.General household the management idea of success is based on partnership between ikea and customers.On the one hand, ikea ikea do the right thing to do.First of all, ikea designers and manufacturers to cooperate, in order to find out the use of the existing production process manufacturing furniture clever way.Then, ikeas purchasing companies around the world with the most appropriate suppliers of raw materials.Finally, ikea in global bulk purchase, ensure that ikea can get the lowest price.On the other hand, the customer do what they should do, namely through the ikea catalogue, visit the ikea store, choose furniture and customize the warehou se take delivery.Since most goods using tablet packaging, customers can easily to carry it home and assembled.In this way, customers can save a lot of cost.As a result, building with ikea low price, together create a better everyday life.Visible, ikea shows popular household concept for most people service business ideas.In high-end household take the high-quality goods in the 1950 s, ikea this breakthrough will surely shows its forward-looking strategies. Ikea is not just a product, it has its own retail system.Ikeas retail chain system adopted the operating strategy, in the global retail business through a wholly-owned crown stores and franchisees two modes of operation (blue and red group).As of August 31, 2003, 186 ikea stores in 43 countries and regions, including Europe, Asia, North America and Oceania region, ikea also continues to increase.There are 165 as a wholly owned stores, distribution in 29 countries and regions.In addition, in Australia, the united Arab emirates, Gre ece, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Israel, Malaysia, Singapore, Iceland and Hong Kong, China, Taiwan and other 14 countries and regions, there are 21 franchise, except for the ikea group a franchisor to own and run.Ikeas chain operation has been a huge success, and thus a high international reputation for ikea.In 2004, ikeas operating income of 12.8 billion euros, net profit more than 1.1 billion euros, employs 84000 workers, as the worlds biggest household goods retailer.Low price strategy is refers to through continuous compression cost, thus reduce prices, to win the market strategy.Ikea has been that only provide beautifully designed, practical series of products is not enough, also should make most people can afford to buy, in order to for most people rather than a few people to create a better life.After all, money is not much can meet the needs of the household consumer satisfaction.Therefore, ikea emphasizes the low-price strategy in the management strategy.Low price strategy ikea is the core of the operating strategy, ikea has unusual significance.Both household concept, cost control and other aspects of management measures, in the final analysis is to ikeas low price strategy.The success of ikeas low price strategy mainly from the following several aspects: adhere to the principle of small profit, principle of small profit in business is braving the down the sharp weapon, but also an important guarantee of ikeas low price strategy to success.After 60 years of development, ikea has always unswervingly implement the principle.Low-cost system, guara ntee the normal way of thinking of most enterprises, first in terms of product design and pricing, however, ikea has a tradition, price the product first and then followed by the specific design, finally find suppliers according to the established design.So it will be in the system design ensures the ikea, low prices.Ikeas pricing method is also unique, often use price matrix method for new product pricing.Ikea has three price high, medium and low grade, four basic style, modern, country and young Swedish northern Europe.In order to identify market opportunities, which is responsible for the product will take in charge of the committees instructions, the existing product prices to fill him in grid, and then look for space.First start from the little space of committee instructions, for example, have been found in the high price of ikea products for a large number of independent kitchen island, but he has lost those suitable for apartment or office cheap kitchen supplies.Then, head of products through the investigation to determine the cost of the new product competition, the goal is to lower than competitors prices by 30% ~ 50%, in this way, the price of ikea point occurs.This is the product manager for the low price of products of ikea kitchen utensils and appliances.The pricing model is kill two birds with one stone, it reflected the ikea has always been the production of standard and sales of the original and cheap, and also contains all to determine the content of the device in the conceptual design . TASK3 Operational management deals with the nitty-gritty basics of how a company operates, such as keeping track of spending costs and cash flow as well as maintaining a supply line. Some of the best managers have been those who have found ways to make the basic operations of a company more efficient. Operational management requires knowledge of a constantly changing variety of data and variables, and skillful and flexible planning is required. Strategic management does not merely have to do with setting broad and lofty goals, but works to establish a plan over the long term that will work toward those goals. This involves taking into account such factors as competition and consumer demand. The most successful business visionaries have been able to establish very realistic pictures of the market and operate within the constrictions that they were given by the market. Strategic management takes a great deal of common sense. Despite the clear distinctions we are making it is also important t o understand that operational and strategic planning are interrelated and complementary decision processes, which must link to each other, inform and support one another for effective management of strategies. Operational planning is the day-by-day, week-by-week, and month-by-month planning for a myriad of local and functional activities; strategic planning sets the overall direction of your organisation as a whole, its destiny if you will. The decisions that constitute the strategic plan include what the enterprise is not currently doing, but should be doing. The choices of what to do imply other things that the organization deliberately chooses not do. The strategic plan embodies very big decisions with major consequences for the overall performance. Strategic and tactical planning are different in kind. The two forms of planning must be linked, and integrated, and must not be confused. About IKEA: IKEA is a privately-owned company founded in Sweden by Ingvar Kamprad. He first started to sell pens, wallets, picture frames, table runners, jewellery and nylon stockings and decided to add furniture in 1947. IKEA has now around 260 stores, much of which are located in Europe, the United States, Australia and Asia. Nowadays IKEA is known for selling modern and utilitarian furniture at low prices their vision is To create a better everyday life for the many people. IKEA motto is Affordable Solutions for Better Living. Their operations management are strongly focused on achieving this goal; they use their resources effectively to gain profit by developing a more economic way for the production of their wide range of service. This has involved them in working closely with their suppliers in order to control aspects of their business from the production line. Unlike most furniture stores, IKEA sells goods which need to be assembled by the consumer; this has enabled them to use space more efficiently in their warehouse. The company has developed methods to satisfy customers with their Unique Selling Point (show room, children’ area) and a wise use of technology (stock control, internet). TASK4 TASK5 The three-es that is economy, efficiency and effectiveness. MANAGEMENT EFFICIENCY Efficiency can be measured in terms of the inputs required to generate the outputs. It is about the way in which work is completed. It is part of a manager’s job to help improve efficiency. For example, if the same work can be completed using less inputs or resources then efficiency has improved. Measuring efficiency means that the process followed to complete the work must be defined and then each part of the process studied to see what resources are required. This becomes the starting point or benchmark for measurement. Future work is then measured against the benchmark to see if it has taken more or less resource. Process changes are also measured to see if they are more or less efficient. It is also useful to measure one team’s efficiency against another and then adopt the most efficient methods as best practice– always assuming that effectiveness is maintained. MANAGEMENT EFFECTIVENESS Effectiveness can be explained in terms of what is achieved. It is about whether targets are met or not. Performing effectively means that the right work is being completed. Managers are responsible for making sure that this happens. If a team is working really hard but not delivering what is needed, then they are not effective. Effectiveness is measured by setting out clear objectives before work starts and then evaluating whether the objectives have been met or not. MANAGEMENT ECONOMY Economy is the third element of the three Es model, covering the financial aspects of work being done. It could be argued that economy or finance is just one of the factors to consider when improving efficiency, but because finance is so important in today’s organisations, economy has become the third element. Economy is measured by looking at the cost of the resources consumed and the value of the output delivered. TASK6 The maximization of quality and productivity in each and every individual industry is the foundation of every economy aspiring to prosperity.Improve the companies income by making the production more acceptable to the customers: by providing longlife, greater usefulness, maintainablity,etc.Giving employees control includes giving them the power to make job-related decisions, the flexibility to organize their work in the way they find optimal, and the authority to find make improvements on how their job is done. Making this work requires providing employees with the training, coaching, and information they need to make intelligent decisions. Make Sure Supervisors Know How to Bring Out the Best in People Supervisors play a huge role in employee morale, performance, and stress level. Supervisors who know how to provide guidance, support, and encouragement minimize employee stress. Supervisors with poor management skills or with personal problems, not only cant help employees deal with stressful times, they themselves are a tremendous source of stress. The time and financial resources you invest in selecting and training managers will pay huge dividends in reducing employee stress, increasing productivity, and minimizing turnover.

A burn injuries

A burn injuries Interpretation Exercise Burn injuries are most often caused when the skin comes in direct contact with a naked flame or a hot surface. Scalding can occur when there is contact with a hot liquid. There are several other types of burns such as chemical, caused by strong acids or bases, and radiation, the most commonly known example being sunburn from UV light. Burns are classified by degree, where severity increases with a higher degree. A newer classification system separates burns into three categories: superficial, partial thickness and full thickness burns. The patient in the scenario has a full thickness third degree burn. This usually results in loss of the outer skin layer (epidermis) causing the patients skin to be numb and feel hard and leathery to the touch. This degree of burn requires immediate medical attention as they do not heal on their own. Proteins at the site of injury denature and cells eventually die, marked by the formation of black eschar at the centre of the wound. Once the skin barrier has been broken, the homeostatic functions of the skin are lost. There is rapid loss of body fluid and blood plasma which can sometimes cause visible swelling. As the skin is the bodys first line of defence, burn wound infections correlate with the size of the burn injury. The epidermis constantly sheds off and takes harmful bacteria with it. Furthermore, the acidic nature of the skin prevents the entry of microorganisms that generally prefer neutral conditions. Burns are also associated with a depressed immune response. Given this information, it is no surprise that infection is the principal cause of death in burn victims. As it is a third degree burn, the patient will have spent some time in hospital where there is a greater risk of infection. Patient to patient contact via hospital equipment and staff allows rapid transmission of pathogenic bacteria. The burn wound is a favourable site for opportunistic colonization by pathogens because the eschar provides a moist, protein rich environment which encourages bacterial growth. The excess of necrotic tissue provides a rich growth medium for the microorganism. In the clinical presentation, the patient complained of fever, chills and an unpleasant smelling discharge from the burn wound. These are all signs of infection so the doctor was correct to prescribe the patient an antibiotic. However, on the basis of the array of microbiology data collected in the laboratory, the doctors choice of antibiotic was incorrect. A two week course of flucloxacillin 500mg was prescribed to the patient to be taken orally 4 times daily. Flucloxacillin is an antibiotic belonging to the penicillin group. It is used to treat infections caused by gram-positive bacteria, most commonly Staphylococcus aureus. In the laboratory, the microscopic slide was examined under a microscope using the oil immersion lens. Rod shaped microorganisms were observed and they were stained a pink/red colour. This indicates the bacteria present in the pus samples is gram negative. Therefore, flucloxacillin would have no therapeutic effect to the patient as it is only bactericidal again st gram-positive cells. The three agar plates were examined and observations on the colour, shape, size and smell of the colonies was noted. There was no visible growth on the Mannitol salt agar (MSA) plate. This type of selective agar is used to isolate Staphylococcus aureus as it inhibits most other bacteria due to its high sodium chloride concentration (7.5 %w/v). The absence of growth on the MSA plate provides further evidence that there is no Staphylococcus aureus colonisation in the patient. The colonies on the cetrimide agar were a pale, cloudy brown colour and gave off the smell of rotting fruit. The use of cetrimide agar as a selective and differential agar allows for the isolation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a gram-negative microorganism. Cetrimide is an ammonia compound which inhibits most bacteria, including some Pseudomonas species (but not P. aeruginosa). It also enhances production of the pigment pyocyanin which results in bright green colonies. However, some strains of P. aeruginosa do not produce the pigment. The growth on this plate confirmed the pathogen present in the patient is Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the colourless colonies indicate it is a non-pigment producing strain. There was also growth on the MacConkey agar where the colonies were somewhat colourless but had an orange tinge. MacConkey agar is a selective differential medium used to identify gram-negative bacteria and determine whether they are lactose fermenters. Fermenters appear as bright red colonies whilst non-fermenters are relatively colourless. As there was growth on this plate, the microorganism is definitely gram-negative but not a fermenter due to the absence of red colonies. P. aeruginosa does not ferment lactose which explains the colour of the colonies. An oxidase test was carried out which gave a positive result, indicated by a deep blue colour at the end of the test stick. An oxidase positive microbe possesses the enzyme required in the final stage of respiration to form metabolic water. Only aerobic or facultatively anaerobic microorganisms give a positive result. This biochemical test presents further evidence that P. aeruginosa is the infection causing bacteria because it is an obligate aerobe and therefore possess the cytochrome oxidase enzyme. Broth bottles containing growth medium, a bacterial culture and an antibiotic at five different concentrations (all in  µg/ml) were observed. Cloudy broth dilutions indicated the bacteria was resistant and was able to grow. Clear broth dilutions showed the bacteria was sensitive to the antibiotic and its growth was inhibited. The bacteria was resistant to erythromycin at all concentrations used (1.25-20 µg/ml). Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic related to penicillin. The results indicate it would have no therapeutic effect if prescribed to the patient. Amoxicillin showed antimicrobial activity against the microorganism at concentrations of 20 µg/ml and 40 µg/ml. However, at concentrations above 12 µg/ml, the bacterium is considered resistant to amoxicillin so it has no therapeutic effect to the patient. Penicillins do not seem to have significant antimicrobial effects for this pathogen which shows the doctor was incorrect in his prescription of flucloxacillin as it is too a member of the penicillin group. The dose of 500mg will unlikely be high enough to be beneficial and any therapeutic doses would be at too high a concentration and therefore impractical. Cefuroxime, a second generation cephalosporin, was effective at concentrations of 16 µg/ml and 32 µg/ml. Again, this was above the intermediate concentration range so does not benefit the patient. A newer generation cephalosporin may need to be used as they provide coverage against a broader spectrum of bacteria. The broth dilution containing ticarcillin was clear at concentrations of 8 µg/ml and 16 µg/ml. The intermediate concentration range for this drug is 10-20 µg/ml so the minimum inhibitory concentration is 8 µg/ml. This drug is a carboxypenicillin a sub group of the penicillin family. The bacteria showed moderate sensitivity to the drug but only at fairly high concentrations. Amikacin was also effective below its intermediate range (6-10 µg/ml) and inhibited bacterial growth at concentrations of 4 µg/ml, 6 µg/ml and 8 µg/ml. Amikacin is an aminoglycoside and is a suitable antibiotic to use against this pathogen as it showed high sensitivity to the drug. The doctors choice of antimicrobial therapy will not be beneficial to the patient as flucloxacillin is effective against gram-positive bacteria only and the patient is infected with gram-negative P. aeruginosa. Unnecessary use of this antibiotic could cause bacterial resistance. P. aeruginosa is naturally resistant to a wide range of antibiotics and thus infections where it is the causative agent can be difficult to treat. Broad-spectrum agents are required as they are the only drugs which provide coverage against the bacteria. The patient could be treated with an aminoglycoside such as amikacin. Gentamicin could also be used but the experimental data shows the pathogen is definitely sensitive to amikacin and studies have found that P. aeruginosa is more likely to develop resistance to gentamicin than amikacin. Aminoglycosides are bactericidal and act by interfering with the bacterial ribosome, leading to incorrect reading of messenger RNA. This would be used along with a third gener ation cephalosporin such as ceftazidime. Carboxypenicillins could also be used (e.g. ticarcillin) but they have only moderate activity against Pseudomonas species and research has shown that bacteria quickly develop resistance to them. Third generation cephalosporins provide coverage against P. aeruginosa, unlike 1st and 2nd generation which have a more limited spectrum of activity. They are also bactericidal and exert their effect by interfering with cell wall synthesis. Although there is no significant evidence of the benefits to using the two drugs in combination, it is rational to do so as it prevents the emergence of mutant genes resistant to one of the agents. Both drugs are also thought to have a synergistic effect when used together. Neither of these drugs are absorbed via the gastrointestinal tract so must be administered via the parenteral route. Amikacin is given via intramuscular injection at a dose of 15mg/kg daily in two divided doses. The dose must be decided carefull y as high levels of amikacin in the blood stream can cause damage to the ear (ototoxicity). Ceftazidime is given by intravenous infusion at a dose of approximately 2g every 12 hours, depending on the severity of the infection. In summary, the available microbiology data indicates that the doctors presumptive diagnosis was incorrect and that the patient has a burns infection caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The absence of growth on the MSA plate disproved the idea of a staph aureus related infection. Gram-negative rods observed on the slide and growth on the MacConkey agar clarified that the microorganism was gram-negative. Growth on the cetrimide agar plate confirmed the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the patients pus sample. Examination of the broth dilutions helped determine a suitable combination of antibiotics for the patient to take. These would be need therapeutic and possess antimicrobial activity against the pathogen, unlike the doctors prescription of flucloxacillin. Use of a third generation cephalosporin with an aminoglycoside should effectively clear up the infection in the patient following completion of the course of antibiotics.

Effect of Nematode on Tobacco

Effect of Nematode on Tobacco Tobacco 1.0 Introduction Tobacco (Nicotina tabacum L.) is one of the most important non- food crop and widely grown commercially (Akerhust, 1981). This plant had a high economic value and widely demanded throughout the world for the usage of the nicotine, cigarettes, cigars and other tobacco product (Akerhust, 1981). Nowadays, in Malaysia, Tobacco industry is very crucial in uplifting the socio-economic status of farmer in Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and Perlis. There were 20,524 farm families, 355 tobacco curers, 1300 grower and 25384 station workers. This industry generates about 150 million in income per year. 38% of the income goes to the farmers and 18% to the curers (http://www.malaysiayellowpages.net/mpi/details/TOBACCO.htm). This plant can give a stable income and therefore increased the income of farmer (Wells, 1987). Tobacco was cultivated as a rotation with the paddy for a side income (Anon, 1981). Tobacco plant can be infected by bacteria, fungus, virus, and parasitic nematode. Disease infection lower the tobacco yield and also quality. This research focused on effect of plant parasitic nematode on tobacco. Plant parasitic nematode can be found wherever tobacco is grown. The severity of the damage they caused depended on climate and soil type (Luc, Sikora et al. 2005). Nematode infection may lower the quality and yields. Annual report from North Carolina in 2008, showed Meloidogyne spp. it self cause loses around $2,505,126 in 2004, $1,596,452 in 2005, $ 1,772,819 in 2006, $1,542,864 in 2007, and $4,096,321 in 2008 while other nematodes cause $146,297 in 2004, $2281 in 2005, $529,188 in 2006 and $208,612 in 2008 (www.dowagro.com/soil/products/tobacco/economic.htm). In Malaysia, the effect of nematode on tobacco yield reduction has not been fully understand or revealed. Therefore, the objectives of this project were: To observe the effect of nematode on tobacco. To observe the relationship of soil physical properties on nematode population density and disease severity. 2.0 Literature review 2.1 Tobacco Tobacco was one of the most important non- food crop and widely grown commercially (Akerhust, 1981). This plant originated came from South America (Tso, 1972). However according to Gerstel (1961), Nicotina tabacum not occurring in wild state it was amphidiploids which come from hybridization of Nicotina sylvestris and Nicotina tomentosiformis. This plant has a high economic value and has been widely demanded throughout the world for the usage of the nicotine such as cigarettes, cigars and other tobacco product (Akerhust, 1981). This plant also important for the research purposes (Tso, 1972). Many researches have been done by using this plant mostly in Plant physiology and Genetics (Bateman Millar, 1966; Albersheim et. al., 1969; Kosuge, 1969). In Malaysia, Tobacco was first introduced in year 1959 by Malayan Tobacco Company (now known as Malaysia Tobacco Company, MTC) in Kelantan cultivation area for 8 hectares (Anon., 1976). Nowadays, in Malaysia, Tobacco industry has been very crucial in uplifting the socio-economic status of farmer in Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and Perlis. There were 20,524 farm families, 355 tobacco curers, 1300 grower and 25384 station workers. This industry generated about 150 million in income per year. 38% of the income goes to the farmers and 18% to the curers (Ministry of primary industry, 2010). This plant can give a stable income and therefore can increase the income of farmer (Wells, 1987). Tobacco is cultivated as a rotation with the paddy for a side income (Anon, 1981). However, product and quality of tobacco leaf are quite low due to encountering many problems, including diseases. For Tobacco cultivation, a deep and well drained soil is needed. This is where nematodes problem develop rapid ly (Luc, Sikora et al. 2005). 2.2 Nematodes related with the Tobacco Plant parasitic nematode can be found wherever tobacco is grown. The severity of the damage they caused may depended on climate and soil type (Luc, Sikora et al. 2005). Many tobacco producing countries are near or within the inter-tropical zone. The dominant nematodes that parasitize tobacco plant were Meloidogyne spp. (a root-knot nematode). Most of important species from this genus were M.arenaria, M.incognita, M.javanica, and M.hapla. M.incognita and M.javanica were important species in Malaysia. Other Meloidogyne spp., were rarely reported. Similarly, Pratylenchus spp. were also dominant species that parasitize tobacco plant (Kimpinski and Thompson 1990). Apart from Meloidogyne spp. and Pratylenchus spp., Tylenchorhynchus spp., Globodera spp., Ditylenchus dipsaci and Aphelenchus ritzemabosi were reported to parasitized tobacco plant in certain restricted area. Other nematodes such as Helicotylenchus, Rotylenchus, Scutellonema, Rotylenchulus sp., Tetylenchus and Crinomella sp. hav e been found to infect tobacco plant but not normally associated with losses. Some nematode species such as Xiphinema, Longidorus, Trichodorus, and Paratrichodorus have been reported to transmit viruse to tobacco (Luc, Sikora et al. 2005). Nematodes also may cause disease complex. For example Meloidogyne spp. a root-knot nematodes has been proved to increase the incident of Fusarium wilt even when their population were incapable to cause direct damage to the tobacco plant (Webster, 1972). Another example was interaction between Pratylenchus brachyurus (lesion nematode) and Phyptopthora parasitica var. nicotianae (cause black shank disease). Inagaki and Powell (1969) found that P. brachyurus caused more severe and rapid diseased development of black shank symptom than when the fungus alone. 2.3 Root-knot nematodes, Meloidogyne spp. 2.3.1 Distribution Meloidogyne spp. are always important parasites in tobacco cultivation, wherever the climate favours them (Nusbaum, 1960; Daulton, 1964; Barker et al., 1981; Rich et al., 1982). There were 61 species and two subspecies in this genus at the end of 1988 (Eisenback, 1985; Eisenback Hirschmann, 1991). Nowadays until year 2000 there were 80 species have been describing (Carneiro et al., 2000). Parasitism of Meloidogyne spp. was first reported by Tisdale (1922) in Florida. This genus was also a serious pest in Southern Africa in the late 1920s (Jack, 1927; NaudÑ?, 1929). Meloidogyne incognita and M. javanica were mostly found parasitize the tobacco plant. Their infection was very relying on the climate, since M.javanica had a higher tolerance towards drought and high temperature compared with M.incognita (Daulton Nusbaum, 1969, 1962; Taylor et al., 1982). Meloidogyne arenaria and M.hapla were the next mostly found to cause infection on tobacco plant. Meloidogyne hapla was reported to be found in the cooler parts of the world. Report from fields survey in Florida showed M.javanica was found in 65% of fields survey area, M.incognita 33% and M.arenaria was rarely found (Rich Garcia, 1985). Report from North Carolina showed M.arenaria population had increased gradually although M.incognita was the predominant species there. This observation also showed the same in South Carolina (Fortnum et al., 1984; Schmitt Barker, 1988). Apart from that, M.javanica and M.hapla was reported to be found in North Carolina. Reported showed that there were 64% of M.incognita and 29% of M.javanica to be found in Philippines (Madamba, 1981). Meloidogyne incognitagraham, M.microcephala, M.mayaguensis, M.cruciani, M.enterolobii, M.ethiopica, M.platani, M. themesi were also reported to parasitize reproduce tobacco plant but their importance was very restricted (Cliff hirschmann, 1984; Jepson, 1987; Rammah 1988; Rammah and Hirshmann, 1988). 2.3.2 General morphology The morphology of this genus were almost all same the except for some characteristic which usually were very useful for species identification. They were usually sexually dimorphic. Adult female have swollen, saccate bodies (pear shape like body). The size of female ranged in median length 0.44-1.30 mm and width about 0.33-0.70 mm (Eisenback, 1985). They have protrudes neck anteriorly while vulva and anus were located terminally. The female of this genus have pearly white body with moderately thick cuticle. Stylet were short, moderately sclerotized and protrusibly hollow. The stylet size was 10-24ÂÂ µm in length which consists of cone, shaft and knobs. The morphology of the stylet was quite varying between species in this genus. The morphology of stylet should be one of the supplemental characteristic to be observed for species identification. The stylet functions like hypodermic needle which was moved by protractor muscles. The shaped of the cone, shaft, and knobs also differ a mong female species in this genus. At the posterior of stylet knobs, there was dorsal esophageal gland orifices (DEGO). DEGO was the two sub ventral gland orifices open into the esophagus lumen. DEGO had a varied distance among species which also can be supplemental character for species identification. The excretory pore of the Meloidogyne spp. female situated anterior to median bulb valve plat and usually near stylet base. They also have two convoluted genital tracts. The major part of the total body content consists of two gonads which were very long and greatly convoluted. There were ovary with germinal zone and growth zone, narrow oviduct, globular spermatotheca and long uterus in each gonad. Spermatotheca were differing among species. Therefore this character can also be use for species identification. Apart from that, the cuticle in the perineal region of female from this genus forming a finger print-like pattern (the perineal pattern) which also had been use for species iden tification. This is because, the perineal pattern hold most characteristic of female such as tail terminus, phasmids, lateral lines, anus, and vulva which surrounded by cuticular striae or folds. They also have six large unicellular rectal glands situated in the posterior body region. These rectal glands were connected to the rectum. This gland produce very large amount of gelatinous matrix material. This material was excreted through the rectum and act as protective egg sac (Nickle, 1991). Different with the female, male of Meloidogyne sp. are vermiform. The size of the body vary between species which are about 700-2,000 ÂÂ µm (Eisenback, 1985). This is because the varying environmental condition existing during their development. Body of the male usually twisted through 180ÃÅ'Ã…   upon heat relaxation. The male stylet vary in size which are about 13-30 ÂÂ µm. The stylet and head of male from this genus are robust. Apart from that, size and shape of the stylet cone, shaft, and knobs can be use for species identification (Eisenback and Hirschmann, 1981). The location of DEGO is 2-13 ÂÂ µm posterior to the stylet knob base. The isthmus is short and most of the species have ventrally two overlapping gland lobe instead of normally three esophageal nuclei. The hemizonid located at the front to excretory pore. However some species the hemizonid located at the posterior of excretory pore. In normal male there is only one gonad while in sex-reversed males have two gonads. There is long vas deferens packed with developing sperm in the gonad. Among the species, the size of the spicules range from 19 to 40 ÂÂ µm. The spicules usually robust and the bursa are absent. Tail is short (hemispherical shape). There is also variation of tail shape between species (Nickle, 1991). A second stage juvenile was the infective stage of Meloidogyne sp. It has varied body length from 290 to 912ÂÂ µm (Eisenback, 1985). The head of second stage juvenile basically just same with the male. It has a delicate stylet with 8 to 18ÂÂ µm in length. The DEGO distance are varied among species with the distance mostly 2 to 8ÂÂ µm. The esophagus of the second stage juvenile is narrow with faintly outline procorpus. The median bulb is well defined. Median bulb has a large valve plate and three long ventrally overlapping glands that are use for molting and feeding. The second stage juvenile has a varied position of excretory pore. The hemizoid located posteriorly to the pore. The tail length of second stage juvenile varied among species. Usually the length is 15 to 100ÂÂ µm. At the end of the tail there is hyaline terminus. In this genus, second stage juveniles are group base on the tail length and tail shape (Whitehead, 1968; Jepson, 1984). Jepson (1987) showed that differences in either mean tail and or mean hyaline terminus are very large. These vast differences can be very useful to distinguish species within groups (Nickle, 1991). 2.3.3 Life cycle Meloidogyne sp. shows sexually dimorphism, which is the female are pyriform or saccate, while the males vermiform (Eisenback, 1987). The differences in body shaped between female and male occurred during the postembryonic development of Meloidogyne sp.. From the embryonic development, the egg hatched once to become first-stage juvenile and then molted as a second stage juvenile. The second-stage juvenile was infective stage. It moved into the soil and entered the root of suitable host plant. This second-stage juvenile then formed host-parasites relationship with the plant when it find preferred feeding site. The morphology of second-stage juvenile changed to flask-shape as it feeds on the special nurse cell. Then, without further feeding it molted three times into the third and fourth stage juvenile, and finally become an adult. The saccate adult female resumed feeding on the special nurse cell shortly after the last molt and continued to do so for the remainder of her life. The repr oductive system of both female and male of this genus developed into functional gonads during the postembryonic development (Triantaphyllou and Hirschmann, 1960). From the number of the gonad, we can differentiate the sexes. Females always have two gonads while males usually have one. During fourth-stage juvenile, the shape of saccate male juvenile changed to the vermiform adult males. The metamorphosis occurred in which the body elongates from saccate to a vermiform shape. Fully developed male emerges after the final molt of enclosed fourth-stage male which enclosed within the cuticles of second-stage and third-stage. The adult male leaved the root and move freely through the soil and it does not feed. The mode of reproduction determined the function of the male for mating. Depending on particular species reproduction whether amphimixis or parthenogenesis, the male enters the root searching for the female to mate or just remain in the soil and die. Temperature plays a vital role fo r the length of the life cyle. For example, the first adult female of M.incognita on Tomato appear 13-15 days after root penetration at temperature approximately 29 ÃÅ'Ã…  C, the female laid the first egg about 19-21 days after penetration (Triantaphyllou and Hirschmann,1960). The life span of female is much longer than the male from 2 to 3 month. 2.3.4 Effect of Meloidogyne spp. on Tobacco plant Meloidogyne sp. caused formation of galls on Tobacco root. Usually, second stages juvenile entered via behind the root cap which involves mechanical penetration by using stylet (Linford, 1942). According to Bird et.al, (1975), the penetration also involve some enzymatic action (cellulolytic or pectolytic) which secreted by esophageal gland. Then, the second-stage juvenile moved through the cortex to the region of cell differentiation. This differentiation cell was the feeding site for them which later transformed into highly specialized feeding cells called giant cells. This cell was the permanent feeding site for them (Hussey at al., 1994). According to Dropkin (1972) and Hussey (1987), the multinucleate giant cell was the result of the introduction of secretion produced by subventral esophageal gland cells of the feeding second stage juvenile. Giant cells serve as sourced of food. The nutrient from giant cells was transferred to the nematode (Jones and Northcote, 1972). According t o McClure (1977) these cells act as metabolic sink. These giant cells affected the function of the root as it caused extensive distortion and blocked of the vascular tissue which slowed water and nutrient transport. Therefore, the absorption of nutrient and water greatly reduced. Plant growth and yield may be suppressed as photosynthates were mobilized to the giant cells. Above- ground symptoms showed chlorosis of foliage and temporary wilting (premature wilting) when water stress occurred usually during drought or sunny day. Plant was stunted and the leaves were yellow and thin. The formation of gall was due to the root tissues around nematode and giant cells undergo hyperplasia and hyperthrophy. The worse was when secondary larval invasion occurred which caused the gall to coalesce and finally the root begins to decay (Nickle, 1991). Nematode also had the ability to form disease complex with other plant pathogens. The giant cell produced by root-knot nematode was highly suitable f or development of Fusarium wilt ( Porter and Powell, 1967). 2.4 Root lesion, Pratylenchus spp. 2.4.1 Distribution Pratylenchus spp. is migratory endoparasites root-lesion nematodes. This genus was just slightly less economic important compare with Meloidogyne spp. in the tropical and subtropical regions. However, some species from this genus were responsible for significant yield loss in some tobacco cultivation area. Pratylenchus pratensis, P.negletus, P.brachyurus and P.zae have been reported to parasitized tobacco in North America while in South Africa P.hexincisus, P.thornei, P.vulnus, P.brachyurus, P.minyus, and P.zae have recorded on tobacco (Milne, 1961; Honey, 1967). In Hungary, P.pratensis had been reported to parasitize tobacco cultivation. Pratylenchus penetrans was responsible to cause yield loss in Iraq. In some region in Canada, P.penetrans, P.crenatus, and P.neglectus were mostly found in tobacco fields (Mountain, 1954; Kimpinski et. al., 1976). Canter-Vissher (1969) had found Pratylenchus penetrans in New Zealand while Singh (1974) has found Pratylenchus zae in Trinidad. In gener al Pratylenchus brachyurus and P.zae are mostly found in tropical areas while P.penetrans, P.thornei, and P.minyus are common species in temperate regions (Webster, 1972). In Malaysia, this Pratylenchus sp. was locally important. However their distribution were not clearly report (Luc, Sikora et al. 2005). 2.4.2 General morphology In general the morphology of species in this genus was very similar. There was no marked sexually dimorphism in form of anterior region. Adults have body length range from 0.3 to 0.9 mm. Their body was rather stout. Because increasing of uterus volume and the presence of eggs, the gravid females were stouter than nongravid ones. The cuticle of this genus generally thin and shows fine transverse striation. There were four longitudal lines marking the lateral field. However, additional longitudal line may be present in the central zone. Because of cuticle of gravid female were quite stretch, the lateral field was indistinct. The head of this genus was low and flattened with lip region divided into two,three, or four annules. This annules was continuous with the body countour. Cephalic framework of Pratylenchus sp. was heavily sclerotized. The apical anule among most species were round except for P.brachyurus which was angular. There were three types of head structure that can be found under SEM (Corbett and Clark, 1983). The stylet of Pratylenchus sp. were quite short around 11-25 ÂÂ µm. The stylet was stout with well-developed basal knobs. There was tapering procorpus in the pharynx which was usually roundish median bulb. The isthmus was short which overlapped with the anterior end of the mid-intestine on the ventral side. There were three unicellular glands in the lobe. The length of the ventrosublateral was unequal (Seinhorst, 1971). At 2-4 ÂÂ µm behind the stylet base, there was orifice of the dorsal pharyngeal gland duct. There was no deirids in this genus. The oesophagus of both male and female was equally developed. The tail of male was short and dorsally convex-conoid. Female of Pratylenchus spp. are monoprodelph. The genital branch of most species in this genus occurred as a short sac which usually undifferentiated. The uterus of female often tricolumellar (Nickle, 1991). Different with male, female tail usually two to three anal body diameter long. The bisexual species in this genus, have oval or round spermatheca which was filled with sperm (Luc, Sikora et al. 2005). 2.4.3 Life cycle Some species in this genus reproduced sexually while most of them parthenogenetic. This migratory endoparasitic root lesion nematode fed and laid eggs in the root cortex. Most of them can be found in roots, rhizomes, or tubers and somehow can also be found in stem or fruits. Usually after penetrate the root; this endoparasitic nematode will multiply to very large numbers (10,000-35,000 specimens per 10 g of root). All the stage starting from second stage juvenile entered the root. However with unknown reason, they moved in the soil for some time and goes for a new host root. The female laid the eggs in the root and starting from there their whole life cycle is in that root. Usually, the life cycle was completed in 50-60 days (Nickle, 1991). 2.4.4 Effect of Pratylenchus sp. on Tobacco plant Pratylenchus sp. usually moved and fed on the root cortex. This activity caused disintegration of root cortex and leading to browning of the root tissue. This was known as brown root rot (Mountain, 1954). Symptoms of this disease were pruning-root, water soaked, and lesion on the root. If the infection occurred under aseptic conditions the symptoms showed less severe in the certain experimental condition (Mountain, 1954). The above ground symptoms showed that the stunted plant wilt prematurely and in worse condition died. Inagaki and Powell (1969) reported that this genus caused disease complex with the other plant pathogens. Pratylenchus.brachyurus showed to increase infection of Blackshank by wounding the root which served as entry site. 3.0 Material and method: 3.1 Soil sample: 24 soil samples were collected from Terengganu, Perlis and Kelantan state. Collected soil sample were naturally infested with nematodes and Fusarium spp. Soil samples were store in polyethylene bags. Soil sample were kept in moist condition and out of direct sunlight. 3.2 Tobacco seedling preparation: Sterilized seeds were sown to sterile sandy soil. (River sand). After sown, seedlings were kept out of direct sunlight. Fertilizer applied for twice a week via foliar application. After 30 days of nursery tobacco seedlings were transferred to each soil. 3.3 Inoculation of tobacco seedlings: 6 kg of soil samples (naturally infested) were transferred into plastic container (33x22x10 cm) with drains. Then, 30 days of healthy Tobacco seedlings were transferred to each soil container. Each soil samples were planted with 10 Tobacco seedlings. Fertilizer was applied twice a week via foliar application. Ground symptoms were observed everyday. Tobacco plants were all harvested after 6 weeks. 3.4 Plant observation: Harvested Tobacco plants were observed for the disease symptoms, size of the plant, number of leaf, leaf area, plant weight and disease severity index. Wet weight of Tobacco was measured by using a weigher. Plant size was determined by using ruler. Size of the plant was measured from crown up until shoots. Number of leaf was counted including the number of undeveloped leaf. Root gall disease severity index was determined by using following scale: 0= no root galls 1= 1-25% root galls 2= 26-50% root galls 3= 51-75% root galls 4= 75-100% root galls Disease severity index for root lesion was determined by using following index: 0= no root lesion 1= 1-25% root lesions 2= 26-50% root lesions 3= 51-75% root lesions 4= 75-100% root lesions Root then was stored in the FAA (Formaldehyde 100ml, Glacial acetic acid 50ml, Distilled water 850ml) suspension. 3.5 Isolation of nematode from soil samples: Isolation of nematode and soil inhabiting forms were extracted from soil samples by using Modified Baerman Funnel Technique (Hooper,1968; Viglierchio and Schmitt,1983).This was the simplest technique to isolate nematode and soil inhabiting forms. By using this technique we can avoid lack of oxygen and possibility of nematode lodging on the sloping funnel sides due to instead of using funnel we used a shallow dish. For this experiment instead of funnel a round shallow plastic container was used. A supporting gauze was put onto the plastic container with 0.5cm space between them. A milk filter paper with 50cc soil was put on the supporting gauze. Distilled water was added until the material was almost awash. After 5 days, the content of the dish was transfer into test tube. FAA was added to prevent population changes during storage. 3.6 Nematode counting: Nematode suspension collected via Modified Baerman Funnel was shaked. Then, 1ml was taken and transfer onto disposable plastic Petri dish. The number of all nematodes and parasitic nematodes were counted under a dissecting microscope by 5x to 10x magnification. Counting was repeated for three times. Percentage of parasitic nematodes was calculated. 3.7 Isolation of nematode from root: Nematode from root part was isolated by direct isolation. For root-knot nematodes especially female, the root tissue was carefully tease away with forceps and a fine needle to release the head and neck. Infected plant part was put onto slide and squash to check for the existence of nematode. The nematode then was stain with Phyloxine 1%. 3.8 Isolation of Fusarium spp. The root part was washed with running tap water to eliminate remaining soil particle. Then, the root was cut including healthy part (0.5cm). After that, the pieces of root were dipped in 70% ethanol for 1 minute. Then, the pieces were transferred into 5% sodium Hypochlorite solution to sterilize its surface for 3 to 5 minutes. The pieces then were transferred to sterilized distill water to rinse the pieces for 3 times each for 1 minute. After that, the plant pieces was put on sterile filter paper to eliminate excess water and then, were put on the acidified water agar medium. Finally, the dishes were sealed with parafilm and were incubated for a few days. Growing colonies were observed. 3.9 Soil pH: The soil pH was determined using a soil suspension (Rowell, 1994). 10 ÂÂ ± 0.1 gram of air dry soil sample was used in this experiment. 25 ml of water was added to the soil sample. Then, soil suspension was shacked occasionally by hand over 15 minutes period. The pH meter was calibrated at pH 4 and then pH 7 consistent reading. The soil suspensions were stirred and insert the electrodes. The pH was recorded after 30 second. 3.10 Soil moisture percentage: The water content of soils was determined by drying soil samples at 105 ÃÅ'Ã…  c (Rowell, 1994). For this experiment, soil samples were air dry for two days. Then, weight air dry soil samples for 10ÂÂ ±0.1 gram (W1). Instead of using a moisture can, aluminums foil was used. The aluminum foil was weighed (Wo). Then, weighed soil samples were put on the aluminum foil and placed them in an oven at 105 ÃÅ'Ã…  C for 24 hour. The weigh of soil sample with aluminum foil was weighed (W2). To calculate the weight of soil samples after oven dry the following formulae was applied: Weight oven dry soil (W3) = (W1+Wo)-W2 To calculate moisture percentage of soil samples, the following formulae was use: Moisture percentage (%) = W3/ (W2-Wo) x 100 3.11 Soil particle density: Determination of soil particle density involves the measurement of the volume of a known mass of particles. The soil is dispersed in water and all the air is expelled from the suspension. In a known volume of suspension the volume occupied by the particles is then found (Rowell, 1994). A clean and dry 50ml volumetric flask including stopper was weigh (Wo). Ten grams of oven dry soil samples were added into the volumetric flask. The volumetric flask was filled with distilled water until one-half full. The volumetric flask (without stopper) then was put in boiling water heating with a water bath for 30 minutes and gently agitated the content to prevent loss of soil by foaming. The volumetric flask and its content then cooled to room temperature. Distilled water was added up to the 50 ml mark. Water drop on the outer-side of the volumetric flask was wiped, insert the stopper and weighed (W2). The soil particle density was determined by using the following formulae: Soil particle density (Dp) = Soil mass/Particle volume Particle volume = Conical flask volume volume of water in flask Volume of water in flask = mass of suspension -mass of soil Mass of suspension = W2-W0 3.12 Soil texture analysis: Texture of soil samples were determined by using Hydrometer method (Bouyoucos, 1962; Page, 1982). Then, texture of soil samples determined by referring to USDA Textural triangle after calculation of the percentage of each particle (Brady, 1984). For this experiment, 50g of soil samples were placed into 600 ml beaker. Then, 100 ml of 6% hydrogen peroxide was added to decompose the organic matter. The mixture was kept remaining at room temperature overnight. After that, the beaker was placed on a hot plate at 90 ÃÅ'Ã…   C for 10 minutes. Then, 50ml of 1N Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) (dispersing agent) was added to the suspension and increase the volume to 400 ml with distilled water. The suspension was left for 20 minutes. Then, beaker was placed on a stirrer and stirred thoroughly for 10 minutes. The suspension was transferred to 1000 ml measuring cylinder. Then, distilled water was added to 1000 ml mark. Suspension was allowed to equilibrate thermally and the temperature was recorded. Mo uth of the measuring cylinder was covered with a parafilm and inverted for several times until the contents are thoroughly mixed. Mixture was left in a cool, shaded place. Then, the hydrometer was immediately into the suspension and reading was taken after 40 seconds until consistent reading. Hydrometer was removed and cleaned. The temperature of the suspension was recorded with thermometer. The thermometer was removed and remixes the suspension. Then, let the cylinder sit for 2 hours. At exactly 2 hours later, the hydrometer was again placed into the suspension and data was read. The temperature of the suspension was also seconded with thermometer. The actual reading must be corrected in order to get revised value depending upon the actual temperature. a. Add 0.36 g/L to hydrometer reading for each degree >20 ÃÅ'Ã…  C b. Subtract 0.36 g/L from hydrometer reading for each c. Density reading should also be corrected from the density of the dispensing solution (NaOH+ distilled water) without soil. These reading are must be subtract with the soil solution density reading. Finally, after calculating the percentage of each particle, use the USDA Textural triangle to determine the textural class of soil samples. Readings from specific gravity hydrometer was converted to soil g/l by using converting table (http://classic.globe.gov/fsl/html/templ.cgi?conversionlang=ar). Table 3.1 Hydrometer converting table Specific Gravity Grams Soil/L Specific Gravity Grams Soil/L Specific Gravity Grams Soil/L 1.0024 0.0 1.0136 18.0 1.0247

The Age of Computers :: Essays Papers

The Age of Computers Believe it or not, but the age of computers is upon us. I believe Computers are not only here to stay, but in my opinion computers are the wave of the future. Only a device like the computer can change the way we work, live, and think. I see computers taking us places where no man has gone before. Twenty years ago people were just not up to date with computers back then. I mean if you ask someone about a computer, they probably would say something like, what in the world our you talking about, or what the hell is a computer. Today just about anybody you ask, can tell you something about a computer. Papia Bhattacharyya , says: "Technology has bounded onto the center stage in the last few years"(59). The earliest existence of the modern day computer's ancestor is the abacus. The abacus dates back to almost 2000 years ago. It is simply a wooden rack holding beads which are strung on wires. The next step in computers took place in 1694 when Blaise Pascal invented the first digital calcu lating machine, which was designed to help Pascal's father who was a tax collector. Now we look at Charles Babbage, who many say is the father of computers. Charles Babbage was a professor of mathematics. In the 1800's Babbage designed an automatic calculation machine. This machine was steam powered and could store up to 1000 50-digit numbers. Charles Babbage was so ahead of his time, that the machines that were used back then were not even precise enough to make the parts for his computer. Gulliver, states: The first major use for a computer in the US was during the 1890 census. Two men, Herman Hollerith and James Powers, developed a new punched-card system that could automatically read information on cards without human intervention (Gulliver 82). In the 1930's punched-card machine techniques had become so well established that Howard Hathaway Aiken, together with engineers at IBM, came up with the automatic computer called Mark I. The Mark I ran by using prepunched paper tape. The Mark I was slow, and required 3 to 5 seconds to perform multiplication.