Benefits Of Text Messaging For Children Essay

It turns out that text messaging positively affects a child’s literacy and, in fact may even improve it, according to a new study conducted by a Coventry University in Britain. The University researchers involved a group of 88 children between the ages of 10 and 12, for their study. Their goal was to figure out what are the effects of text messaging on children’s communication skills. All the kids were given 10 different scenarios and were asked to write text messages about them, describing each situation. The textisms were divided into categories such as shortenings, contractions, symbols, acronyms, and non-conventional spellings, and examined for the use of the language in comparison with the school performance. When the researchers compared later the number of text messages being used, with a different research that focused on the reading ability of children, they discovered that those kids who used more textisms turned out to be much better readers. The follow-up study and its preliminary results revealed that textism rather improved literacy than had a harmful effect. The alarming warnings in the media are based on selected anecdotes but in fact when analyzing the examples of text speak in essays experts were not able to find many of them, according to the researchers. In opposite, students appeared to completely understand when they were making contractions and taking the shortcuts, that are very common in text conversations. In addition, when asked to write something in a serious way, the kids were able to put those textisms aside. The kids are actually taking the whole language to a new level, even if critics do not agree with it and say that it is not the right one. Basically, every expression and intonation that are being used during normal conversation, has to be inserted in a text message, however in most cases young people who send SMS-s on a regular basis, have no time to do so. Instead, they start using abbreviations, which allow them to write even the most complex and long phrases and expressions with only a few letters or words. One way to achieve this is just removing all the vowels from a word, leaving only consonants. With practice, words that at a first glance seem like a mess, and message with no sense, can actually turn out to be quite simple to understand. The experts also wrote that the association between text messaging and phonological awareness has been found during their study. Dr. Beverly Plester and her colleagues at the Coventry University believe that when the kids are exposed to the text that is based mostly on phonetics, they are better improving their literary skills. According to the researchers phonological awareness has been associated with good reading skills for a long time. This way kids are using more written language and it is a great fun for them. The experts acknowledge the fact that in any case no final conclusions can be yet made, and say that their study does not claim that text messaging plays a major role in children’s ability of word reading. However, they say that the experience and skill can contribute to the â€Å"prediction† of their word reading ability, and that messaging skills deserve additional study. In the conclusion, the researchers added that no link so far was found between the use of text conversations and the spelling abilities of all the study participants. â€Å"This suggests that, as anticipated, at this stage of development there is no evidence of a detrimental effect of textisms exposure on conventional spelling,† they stated in their report. And no matter what is the case, it is becoming more of an accepted fact that texting is neither hurting children, nor it makes them any dumber, or kills the English language. The results of the study are published in the British Journal of Developmental Psychology. Advantages Text messaging is a non-voice communication tool that enables a user to send short messages to another user. The service is available on all modern phones. Text messaging has some advantages over other means of communication. Cheaper: Sending a text message is less expensive than placing a regular phone call or video call. Record keeping: A person can easily deny or misrepresent the information you gave them on a phone call, but when you send a text message, it is stored in your â€Å"sent items,† while for the receiver, it is available in their inbox. It is a good way to keep record and remember contents of a conversation. Signal economy: Text messaging is more efficient in terms of managing service signals. Text messaging uses less amounts of service signals than phone calling, video calling and/or email, which may require the availabilty of at least 3G. Discretion: Text messaging is a good alternative in situations where phone calling is not appropriate, for example, during a meeting, or you don’t want others to hear your conversations. Mild interruption: Unlike a regular phone call, you can respond to a text message at your convenience. A phone call demands your immediate response whether it is convenient for you or not. Reduces unneeded talk time: Text messaging reduces the amount of time spent talking. A phone call could lead to unnecessary talks, but with a text message, you go straight to the point. Most phones have t9 text input which enhances speed typing. Read more: http://www.mobiletechnologybits.blogspot.com/2013/01/advantages-of-text-messaging.html Disadvantages Text messaging facilitates the exchange of short messages. Text messaging can serve as a substitute to phone calling, could be used in a remote control system, participation in a contest, service requests, advertising, and so forth. However, text messaging has some disadvantages. Limited storage: There is a limit to the number of text messages that could be stored in the phone. If your inbox gets full, your phone can no longer receive anymore messages unless you delete some of them. If your SIM card or phone goes bad, you could lose your messages, if not backed up. However, some service providers have deployed a way around this, for example, Glo SMS4Ever. Length: Text messaging when the content is lengthy is not convenient. A page of a text message could contain 160, 140 or 70 characters [including spaces] depending on the bit of the characters. Although you can send a multi-page text message, the higher the number of pages, the higher the probability of delivery failure. Content: A text message is what it is; it can contain only text. It does not support other media, including videos, pictures, melodies or animations. To be able to send a multimedia message, you must use Enhanced Messaging Service (EMS) or MMS. Not suitable in emergencies: In situations that require immediate response, text messaging may not be the most viable option. Security issues: Gartner has recommended that confidential messages shouldn’t be sent using the regular consumer SMS as the contents of a common text message could be seen by the network’s systems and personnel. Not applicable to certain physically disadvantaged persons: For example, a blind person cannot read the contents of a text message on a phone’s regular display. Read more: http://www.mobiletechnologybits.blogspot.com/2013/01/disadvantages-of-text-messaging.html http://www.mobiletechnologybits.blogspot.com/2013/01/advantages-of-text-messaging.html

Use Of Statin Therapy Health And Social Care Essay

Morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease ( CVD ) are two to five times higher in patients with type 2 diabetes. With mortality rates of up to 80 % among the diabetic population, CVD is considered to be the primary complication of type 2 diabetes. The usage of pharmacological agents and lifestyle alterations to better glycemic control have demonstrated a decrease in hazard of the microvascular complications associated with type 2 diabetes, nevertheless, the consequence these have in cut downing the hazard of macrovascular complications remains ill-defined. It has hence been suggested that hydroxymethylglutaryl- CoA reductase inhibitors ( lipid-lowering medicines ) are indicated for the primary bar of CVD in all patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Lipid-lowering medicines work by suppressing the HMG-COA enzyme which catalyses the transition of HMG-CoA to mevalonic acid, an early measure in cholesterin synthesis. This produces effects which result in the decrease of enti re cholesterin, LDL cholesterin and triglyceride. Other benefits reported ensuing from the usage of long term lipid-lowering medicine therapy include: suppression of arterial smooth musculus cell proliferation, bar of oxidization of LDL cholesterin, plaque stabilisation effects on macrophages, betterment of endothelial map and anti thrombotic and anti inflammatory effects all of which contribute to the bar of cardiovascular events. A recent meta analysis conducted by the Cholesterol Treatment Trialists ‘ Confederates ( 2008 ) analysed statin therapy in 17 220 persons with type 2 diabetes within 14 indiscriminately controlled tests ( RCTs ) with a average continuance of follow up was 4.3 old ages. The writers reported a 21 % decrease in major cardiovascular events per mmol/l decrease of LDL-C. It was besides found that the effects of statin therapy were similar regardless of any pre bing history of CVD and other baseline features. It was concluded that statin therapy should be considered for all persons who are at high hazard of CVD. The meta analysis survey design allows the writers to show the over all consequence the intercession of lipid-lowering medicine therapy has on the bar of CVD in patients with type 2 diabetes. The inclusion of merely randomly controlled tests ( RCTs ) is a strength of the analysis as they are considered to be the ‘gold criterion ‘ in reasearch design as the minimise the possibility of systematic prejudice. However in a meta analysis whether or non a RCT was genuinely random or non to a great extent relies on the writers reading of the methodological analysis. One restriction of this survey is the possible for publication prejudice by the knowing exclusion of surveies which demonstrate conflicting consequences. However the writers addressed this by discoursing two surveies which demonstrated no important decreases in primary results in patients having statin therapy and concluded that including them in the analysis would hold made no important diference to the overall conse quences of the survey. The Heart Protection Study, 2003 aimed to look into the effects of cholesterin take downing with Zocor in people with diabetes. The paper describes a randomized placebo controlled test in which 5963 ( 90 % of which had type 2 diabetes ) people with diabetes and 14, 573 people with arterial occlusive disease but no diabetes were indiscriminately allocated to have 40mg of simvastatin day-to-day or a placebo drug. The primary result for analysis was fatal or non fatal vascular event. Following induction of statin therapy participants were seen for modus operandi follow up cheques at 4, 8 and 12 months until the concluding follow up visits which averaged at 4.6 old ages. ( bosom protection survey ) Findingss related to patients with diabetes demonstrated 25 % decrease in the incidence of first primary result. The writers concluded due to the broad scope of diabetic patients surveies that the consequences provided grounds that cholesterin take downing therapy is good for people with diabetes even if they do non hold pre bing cardiovascular disease or high cholesterin concentrations and hence statin therapy should be considered routinely for all diabetic patients. ( HPS and Role of lipid-lowering medicines ) The HPS RCT design allows both the Zocor group and the placebo group to be followed up and analysed in footings of the results defined at the beginning of the survey. As the writers provided baseline features such as cholesterin, age and continuance of diabetes guaranting the groups were every bit similar as possible, the results can hence be attributed to the intercession of Zocor. Prior to the Heart protection survey similar RCTs had included a upper limit of 1500 patients with diabetes. The big sample size of 5963 patients with diabetes produced a good balance between the two groups and allowed the writers to successfully observe a important statistical difference between the results of Zocor and the placebo. The 4 twelvemonth follow up period demonstrated that these effects were sustained. The writers of the survey were besides responsible for the survey design, informations aggregation, information analysis, informations reading and authorship of the study, which minimises the possibility of any possible struggle of involvement. The Collaberative Lipitor diabetes study ( CARDS ) , 2003, was similar to the HPS in footings of its purposes and findings but was the first test to measure statin therapy specifically in patients with type 2 diabetes. The CARDS test was a random placebo controlled survey in which 2838 patients aged between 40 and 75 were indiscriminately allocated to have either 10mg of atorvastatin day-to-day or a placebo with an intended follow up period of 6 old ages. The inclusion standard was no history of cardiovascular disease, an LDL-cholesterol concentration of 4 & A ; Acirc ; Â ·14 mmol/L or lower, a fasting triglyceride sum of 6 & A ; Acirc ; Â ·78 mmol/L or less, and at least one other hazard factor. The primary end point was clip to first happening of the followers: acute coronary bosom found disease events, coronary revascularisation, or shot. The writers reported that the group treated with Lipitor had an mean decrease of 26 % in entire cholesterin and a 40 % decrease in LDL-C. The hazard decrease for primary end points was reduced by 37 % with atorvastatin day-to-day compared with placebo. The writers concluded that Atorvastatin daily is safe an in cut downing the hazard of first cardiovascular disease events, in patients with type 2 diabetes irrespective of low baseline LDL-C degrees and that patients with type 2 diabetes should reciecve lipid-lowering medicine therapy regardless of LDL- C degrees. As with The HPS one of the chief strengths of the CARDS test was the survey design. The random allotment of participants to groups helped to minimise systematic prejudice and the similarity in the baseline features described between each group increased the internal cogency of the consequences. As this piece of research was original in footings of the fact that it was the first survey to specifically look into the effects of statin therapy specifically in patients with type 2 diabetes the significance of the consequences themselves are another strength of the survey and played a major function in the development of the American diabetes association guidelines which now recommend that all grownups over the age of 40 with diabetes should have lipid-lowering medicine therapy. At the 2nd interim analysis a important difference was reported in favor of Lipitor at and following reccomendations from the safety supervising board the tests was terminated 2 old ages earlier than anticipated. H ad the test been allowed to go on the consequences may hold showed even greater benefits of lipid-lowering medicine therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes and more clearly demonstrated the sustainability of these effects. The multicenter facet of the survey design should hold allowed for a wider scope of population groups ( e.g. people from different cultural, environmental or cultural backgrounds ) and the ability to compare consequences among Centres, all of which would increase the generalizability of the survey. However participants included in the CARDS test were 78 % male and 95 % white which may non be representative of the type 2 diabetic population in the UK and Ireland and which question the dependability of any decisions made from the survey findings. The CARDS test was partially funded by Pfizer Incooperated an atorvastatin maker who were besides responsible for planing the computing machine generated randomization codifications and pre boxing all the drugs used in the survey. Although the study itself was prepared independently of support beginnings, while Pfizer Incooperated have an involvement in showing the benefits of atorvastatin struggle of involvement can non be ruled out. The Atorvastatin Study for Prevention of Coronary Heart Disease Endpoints ( ASPEN ) , 2006 once more, aimed to look into the consequence of 10mg of Lipitor versus a placebo on cardiovascular bar in patients with type 2 diabetes and LDL-C degrees below the current guideline marks. This paper describes a survey which was originally designed as a randomized dual blind placebo controlled analysis. 2410 participants were indiscriminately assigned to have either 10mg of atorvastatin day-to-day or a placebo drug with a follow up continuance of 4 old ages. Inclusion standards were work forces and adult females with diagnosed type 2 diabetes and LDL-C degrees of less than3.6 mmol/l. The primary end points for analysis were cardiovascular related decease or major cardiovascular event such as: myocardial infarction or shot. The writers found that those participants allocated to have 10mg of atorvastatin day-to-day demonstrated a average decrease of about 0.9 mmol/l and a 10 % decrease in primary results over the 4 twelvemonth follow up period. The writers concluded that although the ASPEN survey did non corroborate the benefit of lipid-lowering medicine therapy it does non alter the fact that the bulk of diabetic patients are at hazard of cardiovascular disease and merit LDL cholesterin take downing to recommended marks. The dual blind survey design strengthened the dependability of the ASPEN test findings as both the participants and the research workers were incognizant of who had been allocated to which intervention group. This minimized the possibility of research worker prejudice which could hold potentially invalidated the consequences. The survey had an extended exclusion standards including with type 1 diabetics and any patient who had experienced a myocardial infarction, interventional processs or episode of unstable angina 3 months prior to the start of the survey. This resulted in a sample of participants with fewer hazard factors than in old surveies which meant that the consequences can be more confidently attributed to the intervention. ? ? ? However patients with implicit in vascular disease were included in the survey therefore theintervention of lipid-lowering medicine therapy could be considered secondary bar which could potentially impact consequences. The survey was conducted 14 different states in 4 continents nevertheless the writers mention no analysis to find the baseline similarity in baseline features of the sample. The sample was 84 % white and 64 % male which is unrepresentative people with type 2 diabetes worldwide and therefore it is hard generalise the findings of this survey. Another survey which questioned the the justification for current guidelines associating to statin therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes was conducted by Wanner et Al. ( 2005 ) . The test was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, prospective survey of 1255 topics with type 2 diabetes having care haemodialysis. Participant were indiscriminately assigned to have either 20 milligram of atorvastatin per twenty-four hours or a duplicate placebo. The primary terminal points were cardiovascular related mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and shot. The survey found that Lipitor had no important consequence on the decrease of primary terminal points in those patients allocated to have atorvastatin day-to-day. The writers concluded that everyday lipid-lowering medicine intervention to forestall the cardiovascular hazard factors associated with type 2 diabetes is non warranted in patients who are having care hemodialysis. Similar to old surveies the design of this test maximized the dependability and cogency of its findings by utilizing a dual blind method to cut down the possibility of research worker prejudice. The usage of a control group besides allowed comparings to be made between the effects of Lipitor and the placebo. The sample size of 1255 was calculated to be suffcient to let a 90 % power to observe a 27 % decrease in primary terminal points and the follow up period of 4 old ages demonstrated the permanent consequence of these consequences. The survey sample included a broad age scope of people between the ages of 18 and 80 from 178 Centres across Germany increasing the representativeness of the findings. Despite the fact that the survey demonstrated no cardiovascular hazard decrease, the possibility that the pathogenesis of cardiovascular events in patients having hemodialysis possibly different from those patients with type 2 diabetes but no terminal phase nephritic disease must be consid ered when pulling decisions sing the bar of CVD utilizing statin therapy.

Discuss the view that businesses exist to make profits and that we Essay

Discuss the view that businesses exist to make profits and that we should not expect them to take on social responsibilities.( SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY OF BUSINESS - Essay Example According to Waddock, Corporate management can not avoid corporate social responsibility, as it is the basis for the formation of Corporate Citizenship / Waddock, 2005/ The Committee for Economic Development suggested one more definition of CSR, which is based on â€Å"three concentric circles† approach. In this approach the inner circle is composed of primary economic functions like economic development, company production and jobs offered. The next, intermediate, circle states the necessity for awareness of modification of social values in the process of goods production. Finally the third, outer, circle includes new and therefore still vague responsibilities, which are important for the company seeking to improve social environment / Committee of Economic Development, 1971/. However, the attitude to corporate social responsibility is not such simple. Some experts are quite inspired by the concern of the companies and their desire to make contributions to the society. Their opponents consider that the primary task of any business is to make money not to make the world better. It is not new that companies benefit from being socially responsible. It should be noticed that different companies experience different kinds and different levels of benefits from their CSR policies. This depends greatly on the nature of the business itself, on the country, where the company operates. Besides, it is quite difficult to measure the extend of the benefit from CSR. The question of the benefit to the companies from being socially responsible was one of the primary ones since the introduction of the practice of social responsibility policy. There exist a number of literature investigations focusing on the influence of the corporate social responsibility policy on the performance of the company of the market. Among the best-known

Research paper about Gasoline crises Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

About Gasoline crises - Research Paper Example Oil is essential for all the vehicles irrespective whether it is moving on air, water or land. Though many alternative solutions have been suggested as fuel instead of oil for vehicles like solar energy, electrical energy etc, nothing evolved as a permanent and convenient option yet. The exhausting of current oil sources has created major crises in the current world as many experts believe that the available oil resources may last for maximum 30 to 40 more years considering the nature of consumption at present. This paper briefly explains gasoline crises based on the oil price variations and its impact on global economy. Oil is an essential commodity for the world’s economy. It is impossible for us to think about our body without blood. Same way oil is the blood of world economy. Any problems in occurred in this blood (oil) can cause severe damages to the body (economy). Oil is an essential commodity required everywhere, but unfortunately the oil resources are confined to some areas or regions only which made oil trade an essential economic activity in the current world. Major oil producing countries have monopolized the world market and they have varied the prices of oil as per the supply and demand theory. Around three years before the oil prices has reached an all time high of around $ 150 per barrel whereas it has come down to as low as around $ 30 per barrel recently because of global financial crisis and low demand of oil products. America is one of the topmost oil consumers in the world because of the huge amount of automobile vehicles used for different purposes in this country. Irrespective of developed, developing or underdeveloped, all the countries need oil and the oil trade has started between countries as early as the oil and automobiles were discovered. One of the rapidly growing economies in the world Brazil has reportedly engaged in a, bilateral trade of US$ 8.192 billion in 2004 with the Arab countries. (BRAZIL:

Classical Music(1750-1820) Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Classical Music(1750-1820) - Term Paper Example Johann Christian and Carl Emanuel are considered as the founders of classical music. Sonata form is considered as one of the most important forms and development of this period. The composers of Baroque music also wrote sonatas, however, the sonatas of classical music are quite different from that of Sonatas written by Baroque composers. The classical sonata uses conflict which makes them distinct from other baroque sonatas. The sonata form later resulted in the development of modern concerts, trio and symphony. Thus, expressive and structural refinement in the music is achieved in this period of classical music and it has become the most significant characteristic of this period. Thus, the period of classical music (1750-1820 A.D) is dominated by the slow movement of the music from baroque style to the classical style. Carl Phillip, Johann Christian, Wolfgang Mozart and Joseph Haydn are some of the important composers of that time. The former two initiated a gradual shift from baroq ue style to the classical music while the latter two further refined the classical music style on the basis of sensibility and symmetry. This structured music dominated the period spanning from 1750 to 1820 A.D. However, in 1820 A.D., the classical music reached its peak. ... The baroque style of music was dominating the Western society at that time. However, slowly and gradually, the classical music replaced the baroque style and made it obsolete. It also significantly influenced the Western culture. It was due to classical music that the tradition of public concerts was flourished in the West. Before that period, most of the composers were the employees of a person or a family. Their chief purpose was to sooth that person and family and so, the music was composed with the intention of soothing particular individual. With the growth and expansion of public concerts, the composers were able to feature and compose music of their own choice. These public concerts also attracted much larger audience. With the expansion of public concerts, the need for orchestra was also increased. Further, the composers also started to expand orchestra size and thus, accommodated the expanded vision of this music. Orchestral public concerts also resulted in the development o f symphonic music. It was by the midst of 18th century that the composers started writing music for symphonies. Symphonies mostly scored for orchestra. Another significant feature of this period is the replacement of harpsicord by piano. But the main significance of this period is the development of Sonta form. All these characteristics greatly influenced the development of music in the Western world and also the style of classical music. AESTHETICS OF CLASSICAL MUSIC AGE: The classical music age is considered very aesthetic and creative in the field of music. Different styles of music together with different musical instruments were developed in this period. The most significance is the replacement of baroque by new style of music known as classical music. The

Napoleon Bonaparte The Man behind the Soldier Essay

Napoleon Bonaparte The Man behind the Soldier - Essay Example On the other side of the spectrum, there are people who believed that Napoleon was too harsh, heartless, very rigid, and greedy which led to his eventual downfall. Up to this day, Napoleon Bonaparte, his conquests, and his personal life are still alive in society through books including his biography which are studied in schools, through discussions and forums in schools, and through analysis of the courses of events in his life. There is great scrutiny as to factors or influences which contributed to Napoleon's style of leadership or to how he ran his empire. There is a mix of factors that contribute to a person's system of actions, reactions, and initiatives. Employing certain styles or strategies in any activity does not only take into account the present situation or the present environment, it is composed of a combination of personality, life experiences including childhood and adolescence, and predispositions acquired from exposure to the activities and personalities of family members and friends. This paper aims to conduct a discourse on the factors and influences of Napoleon's personal life to the way he ran his empire or to his ruling style. It will first present an introduction, followed by Napoleon's youth and his education. The third part is Napoleon's Marriage and Family then synthesis of the paper will be reflected in the Conclusion. The paper will not expound on the French revolution or on the battles or conquests of Napoleon, but it will only touch on brief segments of history to show the qualities of Napoleon in the different stages of his life. Events relating to military transitions of power and the chronology of Napoleons rise to power will not be points of focus. Instead, fragments of Napoleon's life history will be presented. Napoleon's Youth and Education Napoleon Bonaparte was born in the year 1789 on the 5th of August. He was born in Corsica in a time when France has just defeated Corsica. After Corsica's defeat under France, Corsica rebels fled to the mountains where they continued with their fight. Napoleon's father, Carlo however readily showed his support to French rule. This angered Napoleon and resented his father for forsaking his Corsican heritage. It also created in him an aversion for the French people. Napoleon's mother, Letizia was a plain and tough woman. She was hard on her children and physically punished them in order to teach them discipline and sacrifice. There were even times when Napoleon was sent to bed without supper as punishment. His innate sense of discipline, propriety and punishment systems in the course of his reign as Emperor could very well be the influence of his mother who imposed stringent rules on Napoleon and his siblings. Carlo, Napoleon's father became a Corsican parliament representative where he saw grandeur of the French court. He was able to acquire a scholarship for Napoleon to study at Brienne which was a private academy in France. In 1778, nine year-old Napoleon who could barely speak French went to France for the first time. He had a

Contract law Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Contract law - Assignment Example 150, 000. Mr. Robbins sought the services of an accountant who estimated his total estate to be in the region of ? 165, 000. He then advised him to forego the remainder of the debt owed and instead accept ? 10 in full settlement of the debt. It later turned out that Mr. Zute, who was known for his practical jokes had played one on the Plaintiff and had not even included him in his will. The Plaintiff then decided to reactivate the loan agreement. Mr. King after being asked to only pay ? 10 in full settlement of the debt had gone on to renounce material wealth and donated all his wealth. The court held that according to the principle of estoppel, the debt had been extinguished and therefore the Plaintiff had been estopped from claiming further payment. It is our view that the ruling of the Court of Appeal represents a gross injustice to our client who is denied his right to claim further payment. We hereby invite the court to overule this decision and decide in our favour. In analysin g this case, it is important to keep in mind the facts of this case. We shall look at several case laws while analysing this case. This case is more similar to Foakes v Beer (1884) 9 App Cas 605 where the court raised the question as to the sufficiency of consideration. In deciding this case, the court relied on the principles of  Pinnel's Case  [1602] 5 Co. Rep. 117a: i. ... Robbins than fulifllment of the whole debt. ii. However, it should be noted that payment of a lesser sum cannot be satisfaction of the whole debt simply because it is impossible for a lesser sum to satisfy a greater sum. But Mr. Robbins also received payment in a lesser sum and therefore this cannot be said to have settled the whole debt. It should be noted that the law merely requires that consideration be sufficient and note necessarily adequate. This means that consideration must be something of value (Ollek). The same was reiterated by Jim Riley (2012) in his article Elements of Contract- he stated that parties in a contract must receive something of value to act as consideration. It is of paramount importance to make a mental note of the essential elements of a contract which includes consideration inter alia. For a contract to be valid all these elements must be present. In Robbins vs King, the subsequent agreement did not meet this criteria. Not all the essential elements of a contract were there and therefore it cannot be said that an agreement had been made. There lacked consideration. The debate concerning substitute agreements was put to rest by Lord Denning in D & C Builders v Rees [1966] 2 QB 617. In this case, the Plaintiffs entered into a contract with Rees who was a shop owner. The work done in the shop amounted to ? 746. Rees paid ? 250 and received a ? 14 discount thus leaving his debt to amount to ? 482. The Plaintiffs experienced financial difficulties and became desperate for the money. Fully aware of their financial position, Rees offered to pay ? 300 in full settlement of the debt. The Plaintiffs stated that this would not satisfy the debt but since they were in dire need of the money they simply had to agree to take it. They signed an

The career of Mozart Wolfgang Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

The career of Mozart Wolfgang - Research Paper Example In order to understand the value of orchestration for Mozart’s works it should be necessary to refer primarily to the characteristics of orchestration, as a technique used while performing music pieces with different requirements in terms of their performance environment. In its most common form, orchestration can be described as ‘the division of a musical composition among the instruments of an orchestra for artistic effects’. These effects are not standardized. For certain composers, such as Mozart, emphasis would be given on the sense of unity of the music piece. Other effects, such as the unexpected change on a music piece’s tone, could be also achieved using orchestration. The first concerns for the potential value of orchestration in regard to the performance of music works have appeared in the 18th century (Keefe 2003). During that period, the need for a technique for increasing the tone effects of music works was made clear. Instrumental effects could be used for securing a ‘grand tone, like a Pindaric one’, but up to a point.... e contribution of Mozart in the promotion of orchestration is made clear through the following fact: orchestration, as part of performing music works, was known by the late 18th century (Keefe 93). However, in the past, before Mozart, orchestration was related only to ‘wind instruments’ (Zaslaw 439). Mozart introduced orchestration as a technique for increasing the tone effects of a music piece by engaging all instruments of the orchestra, a practice that has been unknown by then (Zaslaw 439). Indeed, it was just in Paris Symphony of Mozart that the potentials of orchestration were full revealed. During the performance of the above work all instruments of the orchestra were employed for achieving unique, up to then, orchestral effects, such as the sense of ‘unity and of coloristic nuance’ (Zaslaw 439) in regard to all parts of a music piece. At this point, the following issue should be explored: which are the factors that influenced Mozart in choosing orches tration as a key technique for presenting his works to the public? In addition, it should be made clear at what level orchestration has been part of Mozart’s works. Finally, the key tools used by Mozart for promoting orchestration should be presented. Different factors tend to influence composers and performers when having to choose instruments that will be used in performing music works. For example, when composers were asked to develop music works for ‘a powerful person who loved to play a particular music instrument and wished to combine it with others’ (Honigsheim 98), the music work ordered needed to meet the following criterion: it should be based solely on ‘the combination of this instrument with others’ (Honigsheim 98). Mozart has responded to such requests developing music pieces based

Research paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 16

Research paper - Essay Example Business administrators therefore believe that if advertisement is carried in the right way, at the right place, via the appropriate media as well as within a particular time limit, it can also attract new customers. As a result, advertising assists in capturing the market as well as increasing the advertiser’s sales. Secondly advertising is critical in the promotion of services, ideas, goods as well as events. This implies goods such as cosmetics, stationary, cosmetics .Services that can be promoted include banking, hospitality, consultancy etc. Promotion of ideas leads to encouragement of the general public by the entrepreneur to invest in his/her idea. Events that can be promoted include exhibitions, festivals, rallies as well as ceremonies (Christina & Demand, 2013). Advertising is also responsible for increasing or boosting sales. This is because advertising creates awareness in masses regarding the advertised products or services .This awareness is responsible for creation of demand in the market which leads to increased or higher sales. According to business administrators, the advertisers will thus fulfill his key objective in advertising. For such impressive results to be maintained, a business ought to sustain excellent price-quality ratio alongside constant and continued advertisement campaigns. Advertising is also used by businesses to create consumer awareness-business professionals are of the perception that constant advertising generates awareness basically by informing potential customers and consumers. Awareness is created amongst consumers by bringing to their attention the availability of a particular service or product in the market. Advertising tries to pass to them why a particular service or product is superior to the other available alternatives. Customers are also informed mostly about different benefits, features, prices as well

SM - Strategic Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

SM - Strategic Management - Essay Example It has a niche market in the soft drink business and has its presence in almost all parts of the world. The extent of the business of the company is evident from the fact that the Coca-Cola Company owns four of the top five soft-drink brands in the world. Some of the best known and most popular brands of the company include Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Fanta, and Sprite. The company also owns other less known but nevertheless popular brands such as Barqs, Minute Maid, POWERade, and Dasani water. In North America, the company has products such as Groupe Danones Evian. Coca-Cola also sells Crush, Dr Pepper, and Schweppes outside Australia, Europe, and North America. The company either makes or licences more than 400 drink products in more than 200 nations. The mission of the company is to create value in the food industry. A SWOT analysis is used to assess the strengths and weaknesses of a company based on many factors such as market data, historical performance of the company, internal and external factors that impinge the companys performance etc. A SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis will help to analyse or rather predict the performance of a company in future. It will also give a clear idea as to where the company could be heading with regards to its business performance. Perhaps one of the most important strengths of the company is that it is a world renowned brand. Apart from negative popularity in some countries because of political fallouts, the brand is relatively well known all through the world. Regarding the brand image of the company, the brand is well known and obvious and is easily recognised thanks to the many years that it has been in business. Another important internal strength of the company is that it has a lot of finance at its disposal. The company has been able to generate revenues that are substantially better than most beverage companies. This allows room for the company to expand

Nation’s Advantages of Affirmative Actions Essay Example for Free

Nation’s Advantages of Affirmative Actions Essay Consistent with the exact characterization of affirmative action, the truth is that affirmative action programs have improved the gender, ethnic, and racial diversity of many workplace, educational, etc. settings in the United States. This diversity helped enhance the lives of every American in several ways, including better health, improved learning, and more secured communities. Affirmative action benefited the higher education since social and intellectual development of both minority and non-minority students are improved in ethnically and racially diverse educational settings (American Psychological Association, 1999, p. 1). One outcome, for instance, is the increase in the numbers of students belonging to ethnic minorities who grow to be student peers of majority students. The Nation’s Health, on the other hand, also benefited from affirmative action in the sense that much can be medically learned from the racial and ethnic groups that will consequently result to the benefit of every Americans. For instance, despite the fact that ethnic minority Americans usually experience poorer physical condition than non-minorities, yet in several cases and even in the face of extreme poverty rates and other risks to health, these groups experience lesser levels health problems, particularly chronic disease, which can be the basis for several medical research (American Psychological Association, 1999, p. 1). The Need of Persistent Implementation of Affirmative Action Decades ago, an African-American mother was three times as expected to die of complications in the course of childbirth as white mother, and at present she is over three times as expected to die in the course of her childbirth (Richey, 2003). The mortality rate for blacks was twice that for whites, and at present it is a little over twice as whites (Richey, 2003). From 1978 to present, four times as many African-American families survived with incomes lower than the poverty line than white families. For black teens, the unemployment rate is thrice that of whites, and for black adults it is twice as whites. Unfortunately at present, every statistics relatively remained unchanged. In 1978, African-American corresponded to 11. 5 percent of the United States’ population, but they were only 1. 2 percent of the judges and lawyers, 2. 3 percent of the dentists, 2 percent of the physicians, 2. 6 percent of university and college professors, and 1. 1 percent of the engineers (Richey, 2003). At present, blacks correspond to roughly 12. 3 percent of the country’s population, and are 5. 1 percent of the judges and lawyers, 4. 1 percent of dentists, 5. 6 percent of physicians, 6. 1 percent of university and college professors, and 5. 5 percent of engineers (Richey, 2003). Although such statistics proved that affirmative action has helped to strengthen the black professionals’ ranks, yet African-American in general has been left behind. Notwithstanding all the discussions of the establishment of a black middle class, the position of the black community to white American has relatively remained the same. As such, affirmative action must be continually asserted to put in place mandatory and voluntary efforts by local, state, and federal governments, schools, and private employers to combat inequalities and encourage fair hiring and promotions of qualified individuals. Reverse Discrimination Stimulated by annoyed white men, a reaction against affirmative action started to accumulate. To conservatives, the system opened the door for education, promotions, or employments to minorities and at the same time, closed the door on whites. Conservatives resented the thought that a number of incompetent minorities were receiving blanket advantages on the American system (Brunner, 2007). Quotas and preferential treatment turned into contempt expressions. Even more controversial was the allegation that a number of minorities benefited from playing the part of professional victim. By the late 70s, deficiencies in the policy started to show up in the course of its excellent objectives. In 1978, reverse discrimination became a concern, exemplified by the celebrated Bakke case (Brunner, 2007). Because of a certain medical school’s separate admissions policy for minorities and reservation of 18 out of 100 places for minority students, the school had been rejecting Allan Bakke, a white male, for two years in a row and in its place had accepted less competent minority applicants. Because of unjust discrimination against a white applicant, the Supreme Court banned affirmative action programs’ rigid quota systems. However, in the same ruling, the Court sustained affirmative action’s legality per se. The dispute concerning affirmative action has as well grown more difficult and murky as the public has come to realize its complexity. Several liberals, for instance, can appreciate the prejudice of affirmative action given that white employees with seniority were laid off, whereas black workers often retained their jobs. Many conservatives, on the other hand, were pushed to get a hold of a better option to the imposition of a stringent quota system.

Types of Parasites

Types of Parasites Chapter 1 General Introduction 1.0 Introduction 1.1 Fish Parasites Parasitism is an obligatory association between two distinct species, in which one species parasite is dependent on its host for nutrients and shelter (Elmer Glenn, 1961). The parasites can be divided into two groups which are ectoparasites and endoparasites. Ectoparasites are found on the external surfaces of the host such as skin, fins and gills, while endoparasites usually hide within the internal tissues or organs in the host (Cheng, 1986). Fishes acts as hosts to a wide variety of parasites such as the protozoans, platyhelminthes, acanthocephalan, nematodes and crustaceans (Lim, 1987). Parasites are typically smaller than their host. A distinct host usually found to be infected by a group of parasites (Zander, 1998). The chemical and physical factors which are either in micro-environment or macro-environment play an important role to determine the distribution and density of parasites (Cheng, 1986). Parasites show a preference among different age groups (Zander et al., 1993), sex of host (Lim, 1987) or according to host density and behaviour (Cheng, 1986). Remarkably, parasites have a distinguished ability to deal with the normal physiological and structural changes of the host, for example, the peristaltic movement and intestinal mucosa (Cheng, 1986) for survival, and starting their parasitism phase. Apart from that, the presence of parasites commonly irritates the host, causing immunological change (Lim, 1979) and may eventually cause death (Zander, 1998). Parasites penetrate the hosts tissue, causing chronic body system problems to the host. Moreover, the irritation site will initiate secondary infection by micro-organisms to the host (Cheng, 1986). 1.2 Specific parasite Gobies play a role as main host and transmitters (Zander, 1993) of parasites. Varieties of protozoan, helminthes, mollusks, crustaceans have been described as parasites of fish (Lim, 1987). They are able to reproduce either sexually or asexually. Some species of parasites have specific attachment to enable them to hold onto the host for food, transport (Cheng, 1986) or shelter (Elmer Glenn, 1961). The phylum Platyhelminthes consists of a large group of free-living invertebrates but most live as parasitic species on or in other organisms. There are 3 main classes under this phylum, namely, class Monogenea, class Trematode, and class Cestoda (Solomon et al., 2002). Monogeneans are typical gillworms (Bunkley-Williams E. H. Williams, 1994). Some species attach themselves on the body surface or invade into the inner organ of aquatic species (Reed, Francis-Floyd Klinger, 1996). Monogeneans have a series of hooks that enable them to attach on the host (Reed et al., 1996). They usually inhabit the gill and feed on skin mucosa (Lim, 1987). Reed et al. (1996) mentioned that a monogenean, Dactylogyrus sp., usually attaches itself to the gills of freshwater fish. It reproduces by laying eggs, while Gyrodactylus is typically found on the skin and fins of fish. This parasite produces live young or can be described as viviparous during its whole life. Digenea was formerly described as digenetic trematodes and this species of flukes usually has at least two hosts in their life cycle (Smyth, 1962). The parasite usually has a terminal opening mouth with a sucker which is subterminal or ventral. It may or may not have an oral sucker (Yamagutti, 1958). They are particularly found as endoparasites in the digestive tract, but are sometimes found throughout the inner organ systems of vertebrates (Yamagutti, 1958). The adult digeneans are commonly hermaphroditic but reproduction still requires two worms. Digeneans have a complex life cycle with two to three intermediate hosts (Cheng, 1986). Cestode is a parasitic flatworm or commonly known as tapeworm (Solomon, et al., 2002). An adult worm consists of a scolex which maybe armed with suckers and sometimes hooks for attachment on host (Solomon et al., 2002); and a strobila which is a linear series that be formed by one or more segments (also described as proglottides) which contain reproductive structures (Yamagutti, 1959). Most of the cestodes are monoecious and each proglottid has a male reproductive system and a female reproductive system. Both self and cross-fertilization will take place in cestode (Smyth, 1962). Nematode is commonly called as round worm (Solomon et al., 2002) that can infect a vertebrates eye, mouth, alimentary system, body cavity and the other parts (Smyth, 1962). This species can also be found as a parasite of many species of fishes. Some species parasitize plants and are described as an important agricultural pest (Campbell, 2002). It is smooth and consists of a cylindrical body, a pointed tail and cuticle layer surrounding its body (Solomon et al., 2002). Nematodes are typically dioecious. The female is generally larger than the male (Cheng, 1986). Apart from that, nematode life cycles differ depending on the species of the nematode (Smyth, 1962). 1.3 The Family of Gobiidae The members which form the family Gobiidae are known as gobies. It is the largest family of marine fishes and consists of two hundred genera (retrieved from Wikipedia). The members of the Family Gobiidae have their own special characteristics. They have a cylindrical body and the pelvic fins usually form an adhesive disc (Maurice Anthony, 1993). This species usually inhabits the shore in shallow bays and estuaries and also freshwater swamps and lakes (retrieved from Wikipedia). Some species are restricted to coral reefs, rocky coast, sandy, mangrove swamp or muddy beaches (Murdy, 1989). 1.4 Oxudercine Gobies (Mudskippers) The mudskippers are known as ‘ikan belacak, ‘ikan tembakul or ‘ikan belukor in Malay. The members of the goby family classified as mudskipper species based on body traits and behaviours (Murdy, 1989). Oxudercine gobies are described as the members of mudskippers (Murdy, 1989). There are thirty four species from ten genera found throughout the world (Murdy, 1989). They are Apocryptes, Zappa, Pseudapocryptes, Apocryptodon, Parapocryptes, Oxuderces, Scartelaos, Boleophthalmus, Periophthalmodon and Periophthalmus. Only seven genera of mudskippers (Periopthalmodon, Periophthalmus, Boleophthalmus, Scartelaos, Oxuderces, Parapocryptes and Pseudopocryptes) were found along the Selangor coast (Khaironizam, 2004). According to Khaironizam (2004), Cantor (1849) had identified five species of mudskippers while Koumans (1953) had noted eight species in Malaysia. Apart from that, there were four species already reported by Macne (1968) and five species were described by Berry (1972). He also mentioned that Murdy (1989) stated 11 species of mudskippers in Malaysia while Takita (1999) had studied 12 species of mudskippers (refer to Appendix A5). The mudskippers are euryhaline and semi-terrestrial species (Clayton, 1993). They have a rounded body and united pelvic fins. They also have a pair of protruding eyes and one to two rows of teeth in the upper jaws. Besides this, they can survive for a long time above water and move on land. Commonly, the males are smaller than the females. The mudskippers usually feed on crabs, insects, and other small organisms (Clayton, 1993). There are several adaptations that allow the mudskippers to survive successfully out of the water. Their bronchial chamber can fill up with water which allows them to walk on land for up to several hours. They spend much of their lives out of water and are able to undergo osmoregulation as well as oxygen uptake via their skin and gills (Clayton, 1993). They are abundant in muddy areas or mangroves. Oxudercine gobies often build mud towers around their burrows as refuge from predators (Clayton, 1993). The mudskippers have certain economic importance which provide substituted fishery for the period of torrential rain in some coastal countries. These fishes are commonly eaten in China, Taiwan, India and some parts of Malaysia. Nowadays, the mudskippers are also used as feed for aquarium fish (Clayton, 1993) 1.4.1 World Distribution of Mudskippers Mudskippers can be found around the tropical world as well as in the coastal regions of Asia, from Indonesia to Borneo (see 3). A few species are also found in Africa and Australia, whereas none are found in the new world (refer to Appendix A1). 1.5 Literature Reviews on Gobiid Parasites (refer to Appendix A7) There is too few research on parasitological studies of mudskipper in the Asian region. Most of the studies nowadays concentrate on the behavior and ecology of oxudercinae gobies (Khaironizam, 2004); taxonomic and cladistic of the oxudercine gobies (Murdy, 1989); and the nitrogen excretion of mudskipper in water and on land, the growth of mudskipper, habitat of mudskipper and osmoregulation system among this species (Clayton, 1993). Mhaisen and Al-Maliki (1996) mentioned that Myxobolus pfeifferi (Sporozoa), Diplozoon sp. (Monogenea) and Neoechinorhynchus sp. (Acanthocephala) were found in dark-blotched mudskippers, Periophthalmus waltoni, from the mudflats of the Khor Al-Zubair estuary. A new record showed the heterophyid (trematode) had served Boleophthalmus pectinirostris and Scartelaos sp. as second intermediate host (Sohn et al., 2005). Clayton (1993) indicated that cestode, agamofilarial and acanthocephalid cysts have been described as parasite in Periophthalmus koelreuteri (Pearse, 1933), Periphthalmodon schlosseri and Boleophthalmus boddarti (Khoo, 1966). Besides, the larval ascarid nematodes infected Periophthalmodon schlosseri (Khoo, 1966). Pseudapocryptes lanceolatus were found to be infected by parasitic copepod, Gnathia sp. A larval cestode was also described by Pearse (1932) in Periophthalmus modestus. A study by Choudhury and Nandi (1973) did not establish any parasitic infection on Boleophthalmus boddarti and Scartelaos histophorus. The intestinal flagellates were also noted by Pearse (1933) in Boleophthamus boddarti. The bacterial flora had been observed by Morii and Kasama (1989) to be in the intestine of Boleophthalmus pectinirostris and Periophthalmus modestus. In West Africa and Singapore, a new species of acanthocephalan was detected in Periophthalmus barbarus and Periophthalmus schlosseri. Eighteen Gyrodactylus species were collected from gobies of the genus Pomatoschistus and the host-parasite relationship was discussed (Huyse et al., 2003). Geets et al. (1999) found that three gobies (Pomatoschistus minutus, P. lozanoi and P. pictus) were infected by Gyrodactylus arcuatus in the North Sea and noted that Gyrodactylus longidactylus n. sp. is host specific (Geets et al., 1998). This study showed that monogenea was found in Pomatoschistus lozanoi from the North Sea (Geets et al., 1998) Longshaw et al. (2003) discovered that Gyrodactylus quadratidigitus n. sp. (Monogenea: Gyrodactylidae) was found on the on the gills and body surface of Thorogobius ephippiatus (Lowe). Neogobius fluviatilis, Neogobius kessleri and Neogobius melanostomus from Slovakia were investigated by OndraÄ kovà ¡ et al. (2003) and were found to be infected by a metazoan parasite.According to Garcia et al. (2004), Lepidogobius lepidus that has been newly recorded as being a host to thirty three cestode pleroceroides of Phyllobothrium sp. Digenea (Aphalloides timmi, Apatemon gracilis, Podocotyle atomon, Cryptocotyle concavum, Cryptocotyle lingua) and nematode (Hysterothylacium sp.) are found to be present externally and internally in Pomatoschistus minutus, P. pictus, P.microps, Gobiusculus flavescens and Gobius niger (Zander, 2004). Pampoulie et al. (1999) noted that infection of Aphalloà ¯des cÅ“lomicola has a bad impact on Pomatoschistus microps (Krà ¸yer, 1838). Gobies were described as main host and transmitters (Zander, 1993) of parasites. Zander (1998) noted that goby fishes serve the digenean, cestode, nematode and acanthoceplalan serve the goby fishes as their intermediate host. Pomatoschistus microps is the final host of Podocotyle atomon and Aphalloides timmi and these parasites had different abundance according to different seasons (Zander et al., 2002). Malek (2001) mentioned that Labratrema minimus and Cryptocotyle concavum have infected gobies (Pomatoschistus microps and Pomatoschistus minutes). According to Charlebois et al. (1997), there were 144 collected round gobies parasitized by 7 species of parasites. They are Diplostomum sp.(digenean), Eustrongylides tubifex(nematode), Rhabdochona decaturensis, Spinitectus sp., Spiroxys sp.(nematode), Leptorhyncchoides thecatus (class Palaeacanthocephala) and glochidia (larvae of freshwater bivalves). Apart from that, another study showed that four of the 67 gobies had parasites and three of them were infected by Acanthocephalus dirus while the latter was infected by nematode. Parasite infection of the male gobies was higher than female (Appleby, 1996). Most of the parasites were found from the gills, oral cavity and pharynx of gobies. Marianne et al. (2004) mentioned that Ellipsomyxa gobii (Myxozoa) infected goby, Pomatoschistus microps, as fish host. According to Lynda et al. (2004), there were four species of freshwater parasites were found in round goby, Neogobius melanostomus. These parasites included trematodes and crustaceans. Schistocephalus solidus, Aphalloides timmi and Apatemon gracilis including a metacecaria had been found in the goby fishes (Zander, 2001). These gobies have a low richness, prevelance, mean intensity and mean abundance of parasite. The gobies are intermediate host of digenean which is Diplostomum sp., acanthocephala (Acanthocephalus dirus) and nematode, Eustrongylides sp. (Camp et al., 1999). 1.6 Objectives of Study This is a general study on the parasites of oxudercine gobies (mudskippers) along the Selangor coastal area. The study is divided into two parts with the first part being a general survey of parasites on mudskippers while the second part discuss the relative factors affecting distribution of parasites. It also had an observation on the occurrences mudskippers along Selangor coast. Chapter 2 Materials and Methods 2.0 Introduction The present study focuses on the mudskippers found along the coastal area of Selangor. The fishes were caught from Jeram, Sementa (2 sites), Carey Island (3 sites) and Morib. A total of 127 specimens belonging to 7 species of mudskippers were collected and they included Boleophthalmus boddarti, Periophthalmus chrysospilos, Periophthalmus novemradiatus, Periophthalmus modestus, Periophthalmodon schlosseri, Pseudapocryptes elongates (Pseudapocryptes lanceolatus) and Scartelaos histophorus. Fish parts including the body surface, gills and gut were observed. The weight and the size of each specimen (standard size and the length) were recorded. Apart from that, the diet of mudskippers also was documented according to their stomach contents. Next, the parasites found from different parts of fish specimens were identified and tabulated. ANOVA, Coefficient of Dispersion, the Chi Square Test and population parameters were used to analyze data. 2.1 Methodology i) Fish collection site The fish specimens were caught by having the sampling at Jeram, Sementa, Carey Island and Morib (see 4). The field works were carried out during spring tide because the low tide was the lowest level while the high tide had the highest point when compared to the normal time. The salinity and pH of water were recorded. Fishes were caught by using different sizes of scoop net (medium or small). Otherwise, the fish can be caught using the cast net or by angling. Some crustaceans or small fishes were used as bait to attract fishes. The mudskippers were kept in water-filled aquarium to make sure that they may survive longer. (If the fishes die during sampling, some ice cubes can be added into plastic bag to freeze the dead fish). Species identification was done using a taxonomic characteristic key. 2.2 Fish Dissection Each fish was killed by a blow on their head or by severing the nerve cord. The weight and the size of specimen (standard size and the length) were recorded. After that, the gill and alimentary system of the fish were taken out step by step for observations. The parts examined were placed in a petri dish (with some drops of seawater in it. The seawater possibly contained the protozoans, copepods, mud, sea grasses and the others) Gill removal The operculum (a bony plate) was lifted and the gill parts were examined. Next, the operculum was cut across its base and the gill was being exposed. The gills were removed by cutting the upper and lower attachments of the arch. The gill apparatus were separated one by one into 8 pieces and the isolated gills were placed into a petri dish partially-filled with water. A pipette was used to suck and separate the parasite from the mucus, blood blot or tissues. A needle or a pair of fine forceps was usually used to scrape the mucus or tissue so as to separate the parasites from mucus or tissue. Alimentary system or gut part removal The alimentary system is a canal which starts from the esophagus and ends below the rectum. The body of the fish was cut longitudinally from the operculum parts till the tail part of the fish. After getting out the gill apparatus, it was lifted out together with the alimentary system by using a pair of forceps. The alimentary tract was cut into 4 parts (stomach, small intestine, big intestine and rectum). Again, a needle or forceps was used to scrape the mucus or tissue to separate the parasites from the mucus or tissue. The food items from the stomach content of the fish were recorded because this could possibly gives us some informations on the life cycle of parasite (Mhaisen and Al-Maliki, 1996) 2.3 Parasite collection Scalpel or dissecting needles were used to scrape gently the gill filaments and gut dermis of the fish. The parasite were sucked out by using a small pipette (if they were too small) or a pair of forceps (if they were bigger) and placed into a cavity block filled with some drops of seawater. Then, the parasite was examined under a dissecting microscope. The parasite was preserved using different methods according to the species of parasites. i) Fixation of the monogenean or any unknown species of parasite A coverslip was placed over the parasite after it was placed at the centre part of a slide. The slide-fixed parasite would be examined with a dissecting microscope to make sure the slide contained the specimen. After leaving the slide to be dry for a few minutes, a clear nail varnish was used to fix the four edges of the coverslip on the slide to prevent any movement of the coverslip. Ammonium picrate glycerin was added to the sides of the coverslip to allow it to seep under the coverslip, to fix and to clear the specimens. ii) Preservation methods for different types of parasite There were different parasite preservation methods used depending on the species and quantity of the collected parasites (see Table 1) Table 1: Preparation methods for different types of parasite Parasite Preparation methods Nematode Warm 70% alcohol was poured over the worms and later the specimens were transferred to fresh 70% alcohol for storage Trematode Digenea Warm 10% formalin was poured over the worms and the specimens were kept overnight in the fixative. They were transferred into fresh 70% alcohol for storage Cestode Warm 70% alcohol was poured over the worms and later transferred to fresh 70% alcohol for storage 2.4 Data analysis Coefficient of Dispersion (C.D) The coefficient of dispersion (C.D) was calculated to see how the population is dispersed, such as random, uniformed or clumped. It is calculated by dividing the variance over the mean and the relative relationship between mean and variance would establish the distribution pattern of the parasites in a population. If the C.D is close to or equals to one, the population is randomly dispersed. If the C.D is more than one, the population is clumped or over-dispersed. If the C.D is less than one, it shows that the population is uniformly dispersed or under-dispersed. The ratio of the mean to the variance is called the Coefficient of Dispersion (C.D) and the calculated formula is as below: The Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) The Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) (refer to Appendix A4) was used to test for significant differences among the variances. In this study, ANOVA was used to test for significant differences among the variances of parasites in the mudskippers sampled around the Selangor coastal area. In addition, the relative test had exhibited the interaction among the different factors affecting the occurrences and quantity of parasites. A test was calculated to show the correlation between the interaction of the different independent variables and the quantity of parasites on the gills and gut of the mudskipper. The significant result for fish survival in relation to the quantity of different parasite species under different variables was also documented. Chi Square Test The Chi Square Test was done to test whether a sample from a population follows a specified distribution or not. The Chi Square value was calculated as follow: Where as: = The observed number of cases which be written off as i row number of j column number = The expected number of cases which under the H0 to be characterized with i row number of j column number = It is run over all cells r = The number of rows in Chi-square table k = The number of columns in Chi-square table The calculated value was tested at a significance level of 95%. The value was yielded by the formula which was approximated by distribution with (r-1) (c-1). If the calculated value exceeded the tabulated one, the null hypothesis would be rejected at p = 0.05. Population Parameter The basic parasitological parameters which are prevalence, abundance and intensity were calculated for each parasite. According to Cox (1982), prevalence is defined by the percentage of host. Formula calculation of each basic parasitological parameter is as below: Prevalence is to look at how common a host (mudskipper) is infected in a population. Prevalence = Number of infected host X 100% Number of host examined Intensity is the quantity of parasite found in the host samples (mudskippers). Intensity = Total number of parasites Total number of infected host Abundance is the total number of parasites found in all the examined hosts. Abundance = Intensity Total number of host examined Chapter 3 Results and Discussions 3.0 Introduction This study focuses on parasites of oxudercine gobies (mudskippers) along Selangor coast. The fishes were caught (see Chapter 2) from Jeram, Sementa (2 sites), Carey Island (3 sites) and Morib (refer to 4). There were totally 127 mudskippers caught for study. The collected fish were identified by using taxonomic keys and cladistic analysis of family Gobiidae. 127 mudskippers consist of 7 species from 5 genera were collected. They were 27 Boleophthalmus boddarti, 36 Periophthalmus chrysospilos, 54 Periophthalmus novemradiatus, 1 Periophthalmus modestus, 1 Periophthalmodon schlosseri, 7 Pseudapocryptes elongates (Pseudapocryptes lanceolatus) and 1 Scartelaos histophorus (refer Appendix A3). In this study, parasites of the gills, the gut and the body surface of fish were investigated (see Chapter 2). There was found nothing from the body surface of fish. Five groups of parasites found from the whole study. They were monogenean, digenean, nematode, cestode and some unknown parasite cysts. Apart from that, the environmental factors (pH and salinity of water) also were discussed (see Table 2; Appendix A2). 3.1 Parasites of oxudercine gobies (mudskippers) Table 2 showed the summarized parasite data of oxudercine gobies (mudskippers) (refer to Appendix A2). Parasites species differ among oxudercine gobies (mudskippers) based on studied sites. Five groups of parasites were detected from this present study (see Table 3; 5-11). Identification is not easily to be done based on general main beliefs about parasite. There are varies in morphology and biological characters among parasites (see Satyu Yamaguti, 1953). The collected parasite consists of digeneans (see section 1.2; 5-8), monogenean (see section 1.2; 9), nematode (see section 1.2), cestode (see section 1.2; 10), and unidentified parasite cysts (see 11). Digeneans inhabit the gills and the gut of mudskippers (see Table 3). In this study, three types of digeneans were found in the gut of mudskippers. However, two of these three types of digeneans were also found in the gills. These digeneans are probably regurgitated from the gut as they have the same morphology with the guts digeneans. Gyrodactylus sp. (Monogenea, Gyrodactylidae) was described from the gills of mudskippers (see 8). The gills are the preferred part for monogenean. Table 3 showed that cestode and nematode inhabit the gut of fish specimens. Most of them found as encysted form in the mudskippers. In this study, the unidentified parasites cysts were found in the gills and gut of the mudskippers (see Table 3; 11). The unidentified parasites found in the gut of the mudskippers are probably cysts of cestode or nematode. However, some unknown parasites cysts which were found in the gills are considered as myxosporid. Table 2 Excel Table 3: Parasite record of the examined fish Parasite species Number of Species Microhabitat i) Digenea (see 5-8) 3 Gut and gill ii) Monogenea (see 9) 1 Gill iii) Cestode (see 10) 1 Gut iv) Nematode 1 Gut v)Unidentified parasite cysts 3.2 Parasites and their hosts Table 4 showed the presences of parasites on oxudercine gobies (mudskippers). Eight monogeneans were found limited to Pseudapocryptes lanceolatus (see Table 4 Table 5). Monogenean seems to be host specific and it prefers to inhabit the gills of Pseudapocryptes lanceolatus. Next, digeneans occurred in Periophthalmus chrysospilos and Periophthalmus novemradiatus (see table 4). There were 136 digeneans found in Periophthalmus chrysospilos while ten digeneans were detected from Periophthalmus novemradiatus (see Table 5). It is possibly because digeneans are able to adapt well in Periophthalmus chrysospilos. Periophthalmus chrysospilos, Periophthalmus novemradiatus and Periophthalmodon schlosseri were infected by cestodes (see Table 4). Most (twenty eight cestodes) were found in Periophthalmus novemradiatus (see Table 5). According to Table 5, there were twenty five nematodes found from Periophthalmus novemradiatus. Nematodes also occurred in Periophthalmodon schlosseri, mostly in the encysted form in the gut of mudskippers. There were 402 unidentified parasite cysts (see section 3.1) observed in Boleophthalmus boddarti, Periophthalmus modestus and Periophthalmus novemradiatus (see Table 4 Table 5). Most were found in Boleophthalmus boddarti. . Table 4: Parasites from Different Mudskippers Species Parasite Species Boleophthalmus boddarti Periophthalmus modestus Periophthalmus novemradiatus Host Species Periophthalmus chrysospilos Periophthalmodon schlosseri Pseudapocryptes Lanceolatus Scartelaos hisphorous Monogenea + Digenea + + Cestode + + Nematode + + + Unknown parasite cysts + + + = Parasite detected; = Parasite not detected Table 5: The Quantity of Compound Parasite Community Present in the Different Mudskipper Species Host Species Parasites Digenea Monogenea Nematode Cestode Unidentified cysts Boleophthalmus boddarti 0 0 0 0 395 Periophthalmus chrysospilos 136 0 0 1 0 Periophthalmus novemradiatus 10 0 7 28 6 Periophthalmus modestus 0 0 0 0 1 Pseudopocryptes lanceolatus 0 8 0 0 0 Periophthalmodon schlosseri 0 0 25 4 0 Scartelaos histophorus 0 0 0 0 0 3.3 Parasite and their habitat The salinity and pH of the water from the specimen collection areas were recorded (see table 2). Table 6 showed that site Sementa 2 with salinity reading from 23†° to 25†° and pH of water between 7.35 and 7.58 had the highest parasitic infection rate. There were 29 out of 40 samples found to have parasitic infection. Morib recorded the lowest parasitic infection rate (6%), only one out of 18 mudskippers was infected with parasite cysts. The parasitic infection rate of the mudskippers may perhaps vary with a distinct study area. The abundance of parasite was probably affected by the salinity of the macro-habitat (Zander Reimer, 2002). Monogenean prefers to inhabit in water with pH 7.44 (see Table 7; 13). Digeneans can be found in water with pH ranging from 5.71 to 8.71 (Table 7). Most digeneans were found in water with pH 7.35. Cestode and nematode occurred individually in the inner body of the host. Cestodes were found from the site Carey Island 2, site Sementa 2 and Morib (see Table 2). Table 7 showed that twenty-eight cestodes were found from site Carey Island 2 (see Table 2) with water pH measured as 5.71. Nematodes could be found in water with a wide range of pH ranging from 5.71 to 8.71 (Table 7). With reference to Table 7, the unidentified parasite cysts were found more abundantly in water pH 7.35 (Table 7; 14). The abundance of parasites in a distinct area differs with pH of water based on their own optimum pH and tolerance to the environment. Table 6: The Parasitic Infection of Mudskipper in Different Locations along Selangor Coast Locations Total of Samples pH water(†°) Salinity Parasitic infections Infection Rate Jeram 5 N.A N.A 2 40% Carey Island 1 5 7.44 11 3 60% Carey Island 2 36 5.71 17 14 39% Carey Island 3 3 8.17 11 2 67% Sementa1 20 6.81 28 5 25% Sementa2 40 7.35-7.58 23-25 29 73% Morib 18 7.21 25-30 1 6% 2 Table 7 : Parasites in different pH range. pH of water Parasite 5.71 6.81 7.21 7.35 7.44 7.58 8.17 Digenea 10 0 1 135 0 0 1 Cestode Types of Parasites Types of Parasites Chapter 1 General Introduction 1.0 Introduction 1.1 Fish Parasites Parasitism is an obligatory association between two distinct species, in which one species parasite is dependent on its host for nutrients and shelter (Elmer Glenn, 1961). The parasites can be divided into two groups which are ectoparasites and endoparasites. Ectoparasites are found on the external surfaces of the host such as skin, fins and gills, while endoparasites usually hide within the internal tissues or organs in the host (Cheng, 1986). Fishes acts as hosts to a wide variety of parasites such as the protozoans, platyhelminthes, acanthocephalan, nematodes and crustaceans (Lim, 1987). Parasites are typically smaller than their host. A distinct host usually found to be infected by a group of parasites (Zander, 1998). The chemical and physical factors which are either in micro-environment or macro-environment play an important role to determine the distribution and density of parasites (Cheng, 1986). Parasites show a preference among different age groups (Zander et al., 1993), sex of host (Lim, 1987) or according to host density and behaviour (Cheng, 1986). Remarkably, parasites have a distinguished ability to deal with the normal physiological and structural changes of the host, for example, the peristaltic movement and intestinal mucosa (Cheng, 1986) for survival, and starting their parasitism phase. Apart from that, the presence of parasites commonly irritates the host, causing immunological change (Lim, 1979) and may eventually cause death (Zander, 1998). Parasites penetrate the hosts tissue, causing chronic body system problems to the host. Moreover, the irritation site will initiate secondary infection by micro-organisms to the host (Cheng, 1986). 1.2 Specific parasite Gobies play a role as main host and transmitters (Zander, 1993) of parasites. Varieties of protozoan, helminthes, mollusks, crustaceans have been described as parasites of fish (Lim, 1987). They are able to reproduce either sexually or asexually. Some species of parasites have specific attachment to enable them to hold onto the host for food, transport (Cheng, 1986) or shelter (Elmer Glenn, 1961). The phylum Platyhelminthes consists of a large group of free-living invertebrates but most live as parasitic species on or in other organisms. There are 3 main classes under this phylum, namely, class Monogenea, class Trematode, and class Cestoda (Solomon et al., 2002). Monogeneans are typical gillworms (Bunkley-Williams E. H. Williams, 1994). Some species attach themselves on the body surface or invade into the inner organ of aquatic species (Reed, Francis-Floyd Klinger, 1996). Monogeneans have a series of hooks that enable them to attach on the host (Reed et al., 1996). They usually inhabit the gill and feed on skin mucosa (Lim, 1987). Reed et al. (1996) mentioned that a monogenean, Dactylogyrus sp., usually attaches itself to the gills of freshwater fish. It reproduces by laying eggs, while Gyrodactylus is typically found on the skin and fins of fish. This parasite produces live young or can be described as viviparous during its whole life. Digenea was formerly described as digenetic trematodes and this species of flukes usually has at least two hosts in their life cycle (Smyth, 1962). The parasite usually has a terminal opening mouth with a sucker which is subterminal or ventral. It may or may not have an oral sucker (Yamagutti, 1958). They are particularly found as endoparasites in the digestive tract, but are sometimes found throughout the inner organ systems of vertebrates (Yamagutti, 1958). The adult digeneans are commonly hermaphroditic but reproduction still requires two worms. Digeneans have a complex life cycle with two to three intermediate hosts (Cheng, 1986). Cestode is a parasitic flatworm or commonly known as tapeworm (Solomon, et al., 2002). An adult worm consists of a scolex which maybe armed with suckers and sometimes hooks for attachment on host (Solomon et al., 2002); and a strobila which is a linear series that be formed by one or more segments (also described as proglottides) which contain reproductive structures (Yamagutti, 1959). Most of the cestodes are monoecious and each proglottid has a male reproductive system and a female reproductive system. Both self and cross-fertilization will take place in cestode (Smyth, 1962). Nematode is commonly called as round worm (Solomon et al., 2002) that can infect a vertebrates eye, mouth, alimentary system, body cavity and the other parts (Smyth, 1962). This species can also be found as a parasite of many species of fishes. Some species parasitize plants and are described as an important agricultural pest (Campbell, 2002). It is smooth and consists of a cylindrical body, a pointed tail and cuticle layer surrounding its body (Solomon et al., 2002). Nematodes are typically dioecious. The female is generally larger than the male (Cheng, 1986). Apart from that, nematode life cycles differ depending on the species of the nematode (Smyth, 1962). 1.3 The Family of Gobiidae The members which form the family Gobiidae are known as gobies. It is the largest family of marine fishes and consists of two hundred genera (retrieved from Wikipedia). The members of the Family Gobiidae have their own special characteristics. They have a cylindrical body and the pelvic fins usually form an adhesive disc (Maurice Anthony, 1993). This species usually inhabits the shore in shallow bays and estuaries and also freshwater swamps and lakes (retrieved from Wikipedia). Some species are restricted to coral reefs, rocky coast, sandy, mangrove swamp or muddy beaches (Murdy, 1989). 1.4 Oxudercine Gobies (Mudskippers) The mudskippers are known as ‘ikan belacak, ‘ikan tembakul or ‘ikan belukor in Malay. The members of the goby family classified as mudskipper species based on body traits and behaviours (Murdy, 1989). Oxudercine gobies are described as the members of mudskippers (Murdy, 1989). There are thirty four species from ten genera found throughout the world (Murdy, 1989). They are Apocryptes, Zappa, Pseudapocryptes, Apocryptodon, Parapocryptes, Oxuderces, Scartelaos, Boleophthalmus, Periophthalmodon and Periophthalmus. Only seven genera of mudskippers (Periopthalmodon, Periophthalmus, Boleophthalmus, Scartelaos, Oxuderces, Parapocryptes and Pseudopocryptes) were found along the Selangor coast (Khaironizam, 2004). According to Khaironizam (2004), Cantor (1849) had identified five species of mudskippers while Koumans (1953) had noted eight species in Malaysia. Apart from that, there were four species already reported by Macne (1968) and five species were described by Berry (1972). He also mentioned that Murdy (1989) stated 11 species of mudskippers in Malaysia while Takita (1999) had studied 12 species of mudskippers (refer to Appendix A5). The mudskippers are euryhaline and semi-terrestrial species (Clayton, 1993). They have a rounded body and united pelvic fins. They also have a pair of protruding eyes and one to two rows of teeth in the upper jaws. Besides this, they can survive for a long time above water and move on land. Commonly, the males are smaller than the females. The mudskippers usually feed on crabs, insects, and other small organisms (Clayton, 1993). There are several adaptations that allow the mudskippers to survive successfully out of the water. Their bronchial chamber can fill up with water which allows them to walk on land for up to several hours. They spend much of their lives out of water and are able to undergo osmoregulation as well as oxygen uptake via their skin and gills (Clayton, 1993). They are abundant in muddy areas or mangroves. Oxudercine gobies often build mud towers around their burrows as refuge from predators (Clayton, 1993). The mudskippers have certain economic importance which provide substituted fishery for the period of torrential rain in some coastal countries. These fishes are commonly eaten in China, Taiwan, India and some parts of Malaysia. Nowadays, the mudskippers are also used as feed for aquarium fish (Clayton, 1993) 1.4.1 World Distribution of Mudskippers Mudskippers can be found around the tropical world as well as in the coastal regions of Asia, from Indonesia to Borneo (see 3). A few species are also found in Africa and Australia, whereas none are found in the new world (refer to Appendix A1). 1.5 Literature Reviews on Gobiid Parasites (refer to Appendix A7) There is too few research on parasitological studies of mudskipper in the Asian region. Most of the studies nowadays concentrate on the behavior and ecology of oxudercinae gobies (Khaironizam, 2004); taxonomic and cladistic of the oxudercine gobies (Murdy, 1989); and the nitrogen excretion of mudskipper in water and on land, the growth of mudskipper, habitat of mudskipper and osmoregulation system among this species (Clayton, 1993). Mhaisen and Al-Maliki (1996) mentioned that Myxobolus pfeifferi (Sporozoa), Diplozoon sp. (Monogenea) and Neoechinorhynchus sp. (Acanthocephala) were found in dark-blotched mudskippers, Periophthalmus waltoni, from the mudflats of the Khor Al-Zubair estuary. A new record showed the heterophyid (trematode) had served Boleophthalmus pectinirostris and Scartelaos sp. as second intermediate host (Sohn et al., 2005). Clayton (1993) indicated that cestode, agamofilarial and acanthocephalid cysts have been described as parasite in Periophthalmus koelreuteri (Pearse, 1933), Periphthalmodon schlosseri and Boleophthalmus boddarti (Khoo, 1966). Besides, the larval ascarid nematodes infected Periophthalmodon schlosseri (Khoo, 1966). Pseudapocryptes lanceolatus were found to be infected by parasitic copepod, Gnathia sp. A larval cestode was also described by Pearse (1932) in Periophthalmus modestus. A study by Choudhury and Nandi (1973) did not establish any parasitic infection on Boleophthalmus boddarti and Scartelaos histophorus. The intestinal flagellates were also noted by Pearse (1933) in Boleophthamus boddarti. The bacterial flora had been observed by Morii and Kasama (1989) to be in the intestine of Boleophthalmus pectinirostris and Periophthalmus modestus. In West Africa and Singapore, a new species of acanthocephalan was detected in Periophthalmus barbarus and Periophthalmus schlosseri. Eighteen Gyrodactylus species were collected from gobies of the genus Pomatoschistus and the host-parasite relationship was discussed (Huyse et al., 2003). Geets et al. (1999) found that three gobies (Pomatoschistus minutus, P. lozanoi and P. pictus) were infected by Gyrodactylus arcuatus in the North Sea and noted that Gyrodactylus longidactylus n. sp. is host specific (Geets et al., 1998). This study showed that monogenea was found in Pomatoschistus lozanoi from the North Sea (Geets et al., 1998) Longshaw et al. (2003) discovered that Gyrodactylus quadratidigitus n. sp. (Monogenea: Gyrodactylidae) was found on the on the gills and body surface of Thorogobius ephippiatus (Lowe). Neogobius fluviatilis, Neogobius kessleri and Neogobius melanostomus from Slovakia were investigated by OndraÄ kovà ¡ et al. (2003) and were found to be infected by a metazoan parasite.According to Garcia et al. (2004), Lepidogobius lepidus that has been newly recorded as being a host to thirty three cestode pleroceroides of Phyllobothrium sp. Digenea (Aphalloides timmi, Apatemon gracilis, Podocotyle atomon, Cryptocotyle concavum, Cryptocotyle lingua) and nematode (Hysterothylacium sp.) are found to be present externally and internally in Pomatoschistus minutus, P. pictus, P.microps, Gobiusculus flavescens and Gobius niger (Zander, 2004). Pampoulie et al. (1999) noted that infection of Aphalloà ¯des cÅ“lomicola has a bad impact on Pomatoschistus microps (Krà ¸yer, 1838). Gobies were described as main host and transmitters (Zander, 1993) of parasites. Zander (1998) noted that goby fishes serve the digenean, cestode, nematode and acanthoceplalan serve the goby fishes as their intermediate host. Pomatoschistus microps is the final host of Podocotyle atomon and Aphalloides timmi and these parasites had different abundance according to different seasons (Zander et al., 2002). Malek (2001) mentioned that Labratrema minimus and Cryptocotyle concavum have infected gobies (Pomatoschistus microps and Pomatoschistus minutes). According to Charlebois et al. (1997), there were 144 collected round gobies parasitized by 7 species of parasites. They are Diplostomum sp.(digenean), Eustrongylides tubifex(nematode), Rhabdochona decaturensis, Spinitectus sp., Spiroxys sp.(nematode), Leptorhyncchoides thecatus (class Palaeacanthocephala) and glochidia (larvae of freshwater bivalves). Apart from that, another study showed that four of the 67 gobies had parasites and three of them were infected by Acanthocephalus dirus while the latter was infected by nematode. Parasite infection of the male gobies was higher than female (Appleby, 1996). Most of the parasites were found from the gills, oral cavity and pharynx of gobies. Marianne et al. (2004) mentioned that Ellipsomyxa gobii (Myxozoa) infected goby, Pomatoschistus microps, as fish host. According to Lynda et al. (2004), there were four species of freshwater parasites were found in round goby, Neogobius melanostomus. These parasites included trematodes and crustaceans. Schistocephalus solidus, Aphalloides timmi and Apatemon gracilis including a metacecaria had been found in the goby fishes (Zander, 2001). These gobies have a low richness, prevelance, mean intensity and mean abundance of parasite. The gobies are intermediate host of digenean which is Diplostomum sp., acanthocephala (Acanthocephalus dirus) and nematode, Eustrongylides sp. (Camp et al., 1999). 1.6 Objectives of Study This is a general study on the parasites of oxudercine gobies (mudskippers) along the Selangor coastal area. The study is divided into two parts with the first part being a general survey of parasites on mudskippers while the second part discuss the relative factors affecting distribution of parasites. It also had an observation on the occurrences mudskippers along Selangor coast. Chapter 2 Materials and Methods 2.0 Introduction The present study focuses on the mudskippers found along the coastal area of Selangor. The fishes were caught from Jeram, Sementa (2 sites), Carey Island (3 sites) and Morib. A total of 127 specimens belonging to 7 species of mudskippers were collected and they included Boleophthalmus boddarti, Periophthalmus chrysospilos, Periophthalmus novemradiatus, Periophthalmus modestus, Periophthalmodon schlosseri, Pseudapocryptes elongates (Pseudapocryptes lanceolatus) and Scartelaos histophorus. Fish parts including the body surface, gills and gut were observed. The weight and the size of each specimen (standard size and the length) were recorded. Apart from that, the diet of mudskippers also was documented according to their stomach contents. Next, the parasites found from different parts of fish specimens were identified and tabulated. ANOVA, Coefficient of Dispersion, the Chi Square Test and population parameters were used to analyze data. 2.1 Methodology i) Fish collection site The fish specimens were caught by having the sampling at Jeram, Sementa, Carey Island and Morib (see 4). The field works were carried out during spring tide because the low tide was the lowest level while the high tide had the highest point when compared to the normal time. The salinity and pH of water were recorded. Fishes were caught by using different sizes of scoop net (medium or small). Otherwise, the fish can be caught using the cast net or by angling. Some crustaceans or small fishes were used as bait to attract fishes. The mudskippers were kept in water-filled aquarium to make sure that they may survive longer. (If the fishes die during sampling, some ice cubes can be added into plastic bag to freeze the dead fish). Species identification was done using a taxonomic characteristic key. 2.2 Fish Dissection Each fish was killed by a blow on their head or by severing the nerve cord. The weight and the size of specimen (standard size and the length) were recorded. After that, the gill and alimentary system of the fish were taken out step by step for observations. The parts examined were placed in a petri dish (with some drops of seawater in it. The seawater possibly contained the protozoans, copepods, mud, sea grasses and the others) Gill removal The operculum (a bony plate) was lifted and the gill parts were examined. Next, the operculum was cut across its base and the gill was being exposed. The gills were removed by cutting the upper and lower attachments of the arch. The gill apparatus were separated one by one into 8 pieces and the isolated gills were placed into a petri dish partially-filled with water. A pipette was used to suck and separate the parasite from the mucus, blood blot or tissues. A needle or a pair of fine forceps was usually used to scrape the mucus or tissue so as to separate the parasites from mucus or tissue. Alimentary system or gut part removal The alimentary system is a canal which starts from the esophagus and ends below the rectum. The body of the fish was cut longitudinally from the operculum parts till the tail part of the fish. After getting out the gill apparatus, it was lifted out together with the alimentary system by using a pair of forceps. The alimentary tract was cut into 4 parts (stomach, small intestine, big intestine and rectum). Again, a needle or forceps was used to scrape the mucus or tissue to separate the parasites from the mucus or tissue. The food items from the stomach content of the fish were recorded because this could possibly gives us some informations on the life cycle of parasite (Mhaisen and Al-Maliki, 1996) 2.3 Parasite collection Scalpel or dissecting needles were used to scrape gently the gill filaments and gut dermis of the fish. The parasite were sucked out by using a small pipette (if they were too small) or a pair of forceps (if they were bigger) and placed into a cavity block filled with some drops of seawater. Then, the parasite was examined under a dissecting microscope. The parasite was preserved using different methods according to the species of parasites. i) Fixation of the monogenean or any unknown species of parasite A coverslip was placed over the parasite after it was placed at the centre part of a slide. The slide-fixed parasite would be examined with a dissecting microscope to make sure the slide contained the specimen. After leaving the slide to be dry for a few minutes, a clear nail varnish was used to fix the four edges of the coverslip on the slide to prevent any movement of the coverslip. Ammonium picrate glycerin was added to the sides of the coverslip to allow it to seep under the coverslip, to fix and to clear the specimens. ii) Preservation methods for different types of parasite There were different parasite preservation methods used depending on the species and quantity of the collected parasites (see Table 1) Table 1: Preparation methods for different types of parasite Parasite Preparation methods Nematode Warm 70% alcohol was poured over the worms and later the specimens were transferred to fresh 70% alcohol for storage Trematode Digenea Warm 10% formalin was poured over the worms and the specimens were kept overnight in the fixative. They were transferred into fresh 70% alcohol for storage Cestode Warm 70% alcohol was poured over the worms and later transferred to fresh 70% alcohol for storage 2.4 Data analysis Coefficient of Dispersion (C.D) The coefficient of dispersion (C.D) was calculated to see how the population is dispersed, such as random, uniformed or clumped. It is calculated by dividing the variance over the mean and the relative relationship between mean and variance would establish the distribution pattern of the parasites in a population. If the C.D is close to or equals to one, the population is randomly dispersed. If the C.D is more than one, the population is clumped or over-dispersed. If the C.D is less than one, it shows that the population is uniformly dispersed or under-dispersed. The ratio of the mean to the variance is called the Coefficient of Dispersion (C.D) and the calculated formula is as below: The Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) The Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) (refer to Appendix A4) was used to test for significant differences among the variances. In this study, ANOVA was used to test for significant differences among the variances of parasites in the mudskippers sampled around the Selangor coastal area. In addition, the relative test had exhibited the interaction among the different factors affecting the occurrences and quantity of parasites. A test was calculated to show the correlation between the interaction of the different independent variables and the quantity of parasites on the gills and gut of the mudskipper. The significant result for fish survival in relation to the quantity of different parasite species under different variables was also documented. Chi Square Test The Chi Square Test was done to test whether a sample from a population follows a specified distribution or not. The Chi Square value was calculated as follow: Where as: = The observed number of cases which be written off as i row number of j column number = The expected number of cases which under the H0 to be characterized with i row number of j column number = It is run over all cells r = The number of rows in Chi-square table k = The number of columns in Chi-square table The calculated value was tested at a significance level of 95%. The value was yielded by the formula which was approximated by distribution with (r-1) (c-1). If the calculated value exceeded the tabulated one, the null hypothesis would be rejected at p = 0.05. Population Parameter The basic parasitological parameters which are prevalence, abundance and intensity were calculated for each parasite. According to Cox (1982), prevalence is defined by the percentage of host. Formula calculation of each basic parasitological parameter is as below: Prevalence is to look at how common a host (mudskipper) is infected in a population. Prevalence = Number of infected host X 100% Number of host examined Intensity is the quantity of parasite found in the host samples (mudskippers). Intensity = Total number of parasites Total number of infected host Abundance is the total number of parasites found in all the examined hosts. Abundance = Intensity Total number of host examined Chapter 3 Results and Discussions 3.0 Introduction This study focuses on parasites of oxudercine gobies (mudskippers) along Selangor coast. The fishes were caught (see Chapter 2) from Jeram, Sementa (2 sites), Carey Island (3 sites) and Morib (refer to 4). There were totally 127 mudskippers caught for study. The collected fish were identified by using taxonomic keys and cladistic analysis of family Gobiidae. 127 mudskippers consist of 7 species from 5 genera were collected. They were 27 Boleophthalmus boddarti, 36 Periophthalmus chrysospilos, 54 Periophthalmus novemradiatus, 1 Periophthalmus modestus, 1 Periophthalmodon schlosseri, 7 Pseudapocryptes elongates (Pseudapocryptes lanceolatus) and 1 Scartelaos histophorus (refer Appendix A3). In this study, parasites of the gills, the gut and the body surface of fish were investigated (see Chapter 2). There was found nothing from the body surface of fish. Five groups of parasites found from the whole study. They were monogenean, digenean, nematode, cestode and some unknown parasite cysts. Apart from that, the environmental factors (pH and salinity of water) also were discussed (see Table 2; Appendix A2). 3.1 Parasites of oxudercine gobies (mudskippers) Table 2 showed the summarized parasite data of oxudercine gobies (mudskippers) (refer to Appendix A2). Parasites species differ among oxudercine gobies (mudskippers) based on studied sites. Five groups of parasites were detected from this present study (see Table 3; 5-11). Identification is not easily to be done based on general main beliefs about parasite. There are varies in morphology and biological characters among parasites (see Satyu Yamaguti, 1953). The collected parasite consists of digeneans (see section 1.2; 5-8), monogenean (see section 1.2; 9), nematode (see section 1.2), cestode (see section 1.2; 10), and unidentified parasite cysts (see 11). Digeneans inhabit the gills and the gut of mudskippers (see Table 3). In this study, three types of digeneans were found in the gut of mudskippers. However, two of these three types of digeneans were also found in the gills. These digeneans are probably regurgitated from the gut as they have the same morphology with the guts digeneans. Gyrodactylus sp. (Monogenea, Gyrodactylidae) was described from the gills of mudskippers (see 8). The gills are the preferred part for monogenean. Table 3 showed that cestode and nematode inhabit the gut of fish specimens. Most of them found as encysted form in the mudskippers. In this study, the unidentified parasites cysts were found in the gills and gut of the mudskippers (see Table 3; 11). The unidentified parasites found in the gut of the mudskippers are probably cysts of cestode or nematode. However, some unknown parasites cysts which were found in the gills are considered as myxosporid. Table 2 Excel Table 3: Parasite record of the examined fish Parasite species Number of Species Microhabitat i) Digenea (see 5-8) 3 Gut and gill ii) Monogenea (see 9) 1 Gill iii) Cestode (see 10) 1 Gut iv) Nematode 1 Gut v)Unidentified parasite cysts 3.2 Parasites and their hosts Table 4 showed the presences of parasites on oxudercine gobies (mudskippers). Eight monogeneans were found limited to Pseudapocryptes lanceolatus (see Table 4 Table 5). Monogenean seems to be host specific and it prefers to inhabit the gills of Pseudapocryptes lanceolatus. Next, digeneans occurred in Periophthalmus chrysospilos and Periophthalmus novemradiatus (see table 4). There were 136 digeneans found in Periophthalmus chrysospilos while ten digeneans were detected from Periophthalmus novemradiatus (see Table 5). It is possibly because digeneans are able to adapt well in Periophthalmus chrysospilos. Periophthalmus chrysospilos, Periophthalmus novemradiatus and Periophthalmodon schlosseri were infected by cestodes (see Table 4). Most (twenty eight cestodes) were found in Periophthalmus novemradiatus (see Table 5). According to Table 5, there were twenty five nematodes found from Periophthalmus novemradiatus. Nematodes also occurred in Periophthalmodon schlosseri, mostly in the encysted form in the gut of mudskippers. There were 402 unidentified parasite cysts (see section 3.1) observed in Boleophthalmus boddarti, Periophthalmus modestus and Periophthalmus novemradiatus (see Table 4 Table 5). Most were found in Boleophthalmus boddarti. . Table 4: Parasites from Different Mudskippers Species Parasite Species Boleophthalmus boddarti Periophthalmus modestus Periophthalmus novemradiatus Host Species Periophthalmus chrysospilos Periophthalmodon schlosseri Pseudapocryptes Lanceolatus Scartelaos hisphorous Monogenea + Digenea + + Cestode + + Nematode + + + Unknown parasite cysts + + + = Parasite detected; = Parasite not detected Table 5: The Quantity of Compound Parasite Community Present in the Different Mudskipper Species Host Species Parasites Digenea Monogenea Nematode Cestode Unidentified cysts Boleophthalmus boddarti 0 0 0 0 395 Periophthalmus chrysospilos 136 0 0 1 0 Periophthalmus novemradiatus 10 0 7 28 6 Periophthalmus modestus 0 0 0 0 1 Pseudopocryptes lanceolatus 0 8 0 0 0 Periophthalmodon schlosseri 0 0 25 4 0 Scartelaos histophorus 0 0 0 0 0 3.3 Parasite and their habitat The salinity and pH of the water from the specimen collection areas were recorded (see table 2). Table 6 showed that site Sementa 2 with salinity reading from 23†° to 25†° and pH of water between 7.35 and 7.58 had the highest parasitic infection rate. There were 29 out of 40 samples found to have parasitic infection. Morib recorded the lowest parasitic infection rate (6%), only one out of 18 mudskippers was infected with parasite cysts. The parasitic infection rate of the mudskippers may perhaps vary with a distinct study area. The abundance of parasite was probably affected by the salinity of the macro-habitat (Zander Reimer, 2002). Monogenean prefers to inhabit in water with pH 7.44 (see Table 7; 13). Digeneans can be found in water with pH ranging from 5.71 to 8.71 (Table 7). Most digeneans were found in water with pH 7.35. Cestode and nematode occurred individually in the inner body of the host. Cestodes were found from the site Carey Island 2, site Sementa 2 and Morib (see Table 2). Table 7 showed that twenty-eight cestodes were found from site Carey Island 2 (see Table 2) with water pH measured as 5.71. Nematodes could be found in water with a wide range of pH ranging from 5.71 to 8.71 (Table 7). With reference to Table 7, the unidentified parasite cysts were found more abundantly in water pH 7.35 (Table 7; 14). The abundance of parasites in a distinct area differs with pH of water based on their own optimum pH and tolerance to the environment. Table 6: The Parasitic Infection of Mudskipper in Different Locations along Selangor Coast Locations Total of Samples pH water(†°) Salinity Parasitic infections Infection Rate Jeram 5 N.A N.A 2 40% Carey Island 1 5 7.44 11 3 60% Carey Island 2 36 5.71 17 14 39% Carey Island 3 3 8.17 11 2 67% Sementa1 20 6.81 28 5 25% Sementa2 40 7.35-7.58 23-25 29 73% Morib 18 7.21 25-30 1 6% 2 Table 7 : Parasites in different pH range. pH of water Parasite 5.71 6.81 7.21 7.35 7.44 7.58 8.17 Digenea 10 0 1 135 0 0 1 Cestode