Orangutans at Greater Danum

The orang-utan was selected as a flagship species for conservation in Malaysia, and is therefore an ambassador for the protection of habitat and other wildlife. Since the past 40 years, this species has been thoroughly studied in Sumatra and Borneo including Sabah. John MacKinnon was the first field worker to have done complete observation on orangutans in the wild in 1968. Followed by Birute Gladikas at Tanjung Puting, Horr at Lokan-Kinabatangan, Rijksen at Ketambe and Rodman at Kutai more or less around the same time. These areas differ in many ways in types of habitat and orang-utan composition. Populations at Ketambe and Tanjung Puting held confiscated orang-utans while the rehabilitation centre initiated by Barbara Harrisson in 1965 for orangutans released at Sepilok are at semi-wild state. In 1998, the Kinabatangan Orang-utan Conservation Prject was established, resulting from the collaboration between Hutan, a French NGO and the Sabah Wildlife Department. A research station was set up in Sukau, Kinabatangan and has employed 30 trained local staffs to do collection of observation data, faecal sampling for genetic work and density counts around the state of Sabah. Faunal survey was also part of the work genre, including commuunity work such as awareness programme, wise alternative use of natural resources and a community based tourism model project and homestay programmes, as well as appointed game wardens, and wildlife control unit for improvement of social economics along with the protection of wildlife.

I dreamt of Africa

The Angels That Came was named because of the people who were involved in this project. Its aim is popularizing Science and is a dedication to the people who spent most of their lives in conserving nature and its species. It's a mixture of romance with particular interest on the subject of orangutan where the ecology of the animal is being discussed stipulated with the knowledge of physics. The motive of this book is to promote the concept of evolution and findings on biomass. The book is a mix of Indian mythology and touches a deep aspect of culture in North Borneo where orangutans are found. The book also enlightens the reader by telling a bit of history, culture and socio-economic status as pragmatic as possible. The orangutan is recognized as a protected species and is prioritized as an emblem for tourism and nature conservation. Hopefully, this book succeeds in educating society on its existence and act as an introduction to this beautiful world of ape and people co-existing together.

From a Kalimantan boy

But not today (By Agung) I shall grow old perhaps but not today. Not while my hopes are young, my spirits strong. My vision clear, because life has a way. Of smoothing out the wrinkles with a song. I shall grow old perhaps, but not today. Not while my dreams, remaining a shining shield. My faith a lance, and neath a sky of Grey. My colours wave uppon the battlefield. I shall grow old perhaps, but today. Not while this pen can write upon a page. And memories turn winter into May. Shall this stout heart be brought in terms By age. I shall grow old, perhaps but not today. And scorning Time who would enlist my tears. I stand convinced there is a better way. Of occupying Time all the coming years. I shall grow old, perhaps but not today. In my own style and in my own sweet time. No night so dark here does not fall a ray. Of light along the pathway that I climb. Just say of me, when my last hour slips. Like one bright leaf so softly rest among the other.. Life was Summer to the heart. One who died believing he was young.

Photochemical

After the industrial revolution, many factories are booming ever since. In the eagerness to cope with the modern phase, human tends to forget the adverse impacts caused by these increasing factories. Factories are the main source of air pollution. Air pollution consists of gases, liquids or solids present in the atmosphere in high level enough to harm humans, animals, plants and materials. Chemistry There are many air pollutants that exist as the result of human activities but according to Raven, Berg and Johnson (1995) there are only six main ones. This includes particulate nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, carbon oxides, hydrocarbons and ozone. Air pollutants can also be divided into two categories: primary and secondary. Primary air pollutants are harmful chemicals that enter directly into the atmosphere. The major ones arecarbon dioxides, nitrogen oxides, sulfure dioxide, particulate and hydrocarbons. Secondary air pollutants are harmful chemicals that form other substances that have been released into the atmosphere. Ozone and sulfure trioxide are secondary pollutants because both are formed by chemial reactions that take place in the atmosphere. The top three source of toxic air pollutants are the chemical industry, the metal industry and paper industry. Particulate matter consists of solid and liquid particles that are suspended in the atmosphere. Solid particulate matter is referred as dust whereas liquid suspensions are called mist. Particulate includes soil, soot, lead, asbestos and sulfuric acid droplets. Coarse dust particle, larger than micrometers in diameter, settles quickly and causes trouble only near their source. Smaller dust particles travel farther and are referred to as aerosols that remain suspended in the air for a long period of time. Aerosols reflect the sun’s heat and prevent it from reaching the Earth thus reducing visibility. Particle less than 2 or 3 micrometers in size can penetrate into the lungs that may result in respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, and chronic lung disease. Particle matter corrodes metals, erodes buildings and sculpture when the air is humid, and soil clothing and draperies. Nitrogen oxides are gases produced by chemical interactions between nitrogen and oxygen. They consist of nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O). Nitrogen oxides inhibit plant growth and are involved in photochemical smog, acid deposition and global warming. Sulfur oxides are produced by sulfur and oxygen. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a colourless and non-flammable gas with a strong, irritating odor. When sulfur dioxide reacts with oxygen in the air, sulfur trioxide (SO3), a secondary pollutant is formed. Sulfur trioxide in turn reacts with water to form another secondary pollutant, sulfuric acid. Sulfur oxides form acid rain which corrodes metals and damage building structures. Sulfuric acid and sulfate salts damage plants and irritate the respiratory tract of animals and humans. Carbon oxides are gases such as carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2). Carbon monoxide, a colourless and tasteless gas is poisonous. It may reduce the blood’s ability a transport oxygen by combining with hemoglobin in the blood to form carboxyhemoglobin. Carbon monoxide can also cause dizziness, headaches, and slow driving reactions thus increase traffic accidents. Carbon dioxide is also colourless and odorless. It traps heat in the atmosphere which can cause global climate to change. Hydrocarbons are a diverse group of organic compounds that contain only hydrogen and carbon. Some hydrocarbons are straight or branched chains, and some are cyclic (form rings); the simplest form is methane (CH4). The smaller hydrocarbons are gaseous at room temperature; methane for example, is a colourless and odorless gas that is the principle component of natural gas. Medium-sized hydrocarbons are liquids at room temperature, although many are volatile, or evaporate easily. The largest hydrocarbons are in solid form in room temperature. All hydrocarbons are involbed in the production of photochemical smog except methane. Methane is involved in global climate change. Besides that, benzopyrene, the most potent hydrocarbon can cause lung cancer. Ozone (O3) is considered a pollutant in one part and an essential component in another. In the stratosphere, oxygen reacts with ultraviolet radiation from penetrating to the Earth’s surface. Unlike stratospheric ozone, tropospheric ozone is a human-made air pollutant. Tropospheric ozone is a secondary pollutant that forms when sunlight catalyzes a reaction between nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons. Ozone damage plants and contribute to the forest decline and is also involved in global climate change. Social relevance Photochemical smog

Photochemical smog is a brownish haze formed by chemical reactions involving sunlight and is absorbed by nitrogen dioxide (NO2). The highly energised molecule (NO2*) then decomposes or photolyzes into nitrogen oxide (NO) and atomic oxygen (O). The latter reacts with molecular oxygen (O2) to form ozone (O3). If no energy-absorbing molecule (M) is present, the ozone will rapidly decompose. With a 3r4d body (M) present, a stable ozone molecule is formed. If nitric oxide is present, it reacts with the ozone to form more NO2 and a molecule of oxygen. These reactions are shown by the following chemical equations: NO2 + hv NO2* NO2* NO + O O + O2 + M O3 + M O3 + NO NO2 + O2 Some atomic oxygen, ozone and nitrogen can react with hydrocarbons to produce a variety of products such as peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN). PAN is one of the photochemical smog’s most harmful component. There are also several negative impacts associated with photochemical smog. Photochemical smog can damage plant. A shiny, oily effect that appeared on the leaf’s lower surface developed into a glaze and turned silver is attributed to smog. Besides that, the cost of smog damage to vegetable production in the United States is approximately $10 million per year. Ozone could also damage the palisade layers of the top leaf and appears as flecking or stippling on broad leaves as streaks on the leaves of cereal crops, and as browning on the tip of pine needles. Flecking of tobacco leaves reduces their value particularly as cigar wrappers. Ozone has also caused the destruction of many acres of ponderosa pine in the San Bernadino Mountains. Whereas PAN iinjury appears as bronzing, silvering and glazing on lower leaf surfaces. Another subject that may be affected by photochemial smog is human. Formaldehyde acrolein, and PAN are the contributors to eye irritation. Ozone is a broncho-pulmonary irritant, which affects mucous lining of the lungs, which may lead to breathing problems such as bronchitis and emphysema. Annual deaths in the United States caused by photochemical smog is estimated to be 7000 – 180000. On top of that, this smog may also have an impact on materials. Ozone can cause cracking of stretched rubber. It can also attack the celulose in textiles, reducing the strength of such items. In addition, oxidants may cause fading of fabrics and polyster. Erosion of exterior painted surfaces due to attack on organic binder in the paint also occurs. The atmosphere has also been affected by photochemical smog. Visibility has in many cases been reduced prior to photochemical smog. In 1982, an incident once happen where MAS has to cancel all flights to due to the haze. Acid deposition Acid deposition is a type of air pollution that includes acid, which falls from the atmosphere to the Eath as precipitation or dry acidic particles. When sulfur and nitrogen oxides react with water, they form acids. This is called precipitation and it incldues acid rain, acid snow and acid fog. Dry deposition includes the direct updatake of gases such as SO2 and Nox by vegetation, soil and water surfaces plus the gravitational setting of particulate aerosols. Acid deposition has been proven to have adverse effects on plants, marine life, food chain, man-made structure and human. Global warming Carbon dioxide and certain other gases including methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), chloroflurocarbons (CFCs) and tropospheric ozone (O3) are accumulating in the atmosphere as th result of human activities. The concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide has increased from about 280 parts per million approximately 200 years ago (before the Industrial Revolution began) to 360 per million today. Global warming occurs because these gasees prevent infrare radiation to dissipate into space from the Earth thus causing the atmosphere to warm. Some of the heat is also transferred to the ocean and raises their temperature as well. As the atmosphere and ocean warm, the overall temmperature of the Earth rises. Because carbon dioxide and other gases trap the sun’s radiation as glass does in a greenhouse, global warming produced in this manner is known as the greenhouse effect.

Jaco

I'm cleaning the house right now with my mom. Quite litteraly I'm not doing anything at the moment after having fun with my family during X'mas and the New Year. I've actually spoken a lot in between time running a discourse for my second book. We actually have a guest staying at our house by the name Jaco. And he works with the marine company. Returning back to Africa by next week. My mom on the other hand brought a friend from Saudi. Both for just a short visit in our guest room. My mother's friend as well my sister's friend kind of enjoyed their stay over here. Having visited the whole of Sabah with Rina's Mitsubishi car. I gave them my book for the Christmas and she on the other hand gave me a scarf. Jaco gave me some chocolates. I on the other hand gave many presents which I hope could further expand to the rest of the clan. I made quiche and Portuguese desserts enjoyed by the older folks. Our celebration of New Year were celebrated by bathing in cold water and pouring water over our heads. Thank you for buying my book. From a Christmas well spent. From the author Sheena James.

Xlibris Coorporation

My book, Angels That Came was written based on the facts of orang-utans and some pragmatic issues I found about the socio-economy of the welfare State of Sabah. But because I embedded some stories of ingenuine Indian myth and how it applies to my result, I thus predictably put the whole story line into the category of non-fiction. But basically what it tells about, is the story of my life as a researcher and through my eyes of how I see the world of apes and the community I work with. I also integrate some story background about my family, which quite anecdotely tells a context about genetics and how it applies to the result which I am conducing. There were some dedications that I'd like to make but I quite commitedly said it should addressed to my friend Agung, as it narrates a story about provincial economic situation that confronts oil palm, the animal, people and reputation. Which bears into meaning of labeling and image. To read a synopsis of my book, please go to http://www.sheenajames.com

  How I came to publish this book? I saw an advertisement in the internet commercialised by Xlibris Corporation. And I ask myself, would I want to write a book. I already have a draft in hand which I had long before thought that I should be an author. So this gave me the opportunity to establish myself into this career. I asked my mom if she could lend me some money in order to materialise this project which she said yes. And so I was on my path to this enroute vision of myself owning my very personal book. This book enriches the mind in the world of basic mathematics, admaths, physics, chemistry and the mysterious reknown body knowledge of biology and the world of evolution. It is a small book which congregates many daily facets of life and as we know it how do we apply to ourselves as we work ourselves way out within the bonds of animals and it's stake.

  Hopefully, I will write again a book that promotes tourism from my diary and experience as a traveler around the state as a youth. And in addition, a book that simply narrates my findings on the behaviour of orang-utans explicitly told from my observation in the field. That will take another time for some wealthy vantage point of exploration and report.

Sheena James.

Charity

I have always wanted to do an education programme. Which is why I thought that doing a PhD will be good for me to spread awareness as well do a research. I don't know where could I find money for this. That would be a next step to this question. I need the money to buy genetic kits for the purpose of assessing population linkage.

About the topic of charity. I have so far, written to my publisher of giving my profits and as well to give discounts to two main charity works. I am in particular interested in the Orangutan Land Trust and the redape.org. The redape project us under United Nations Environmental Programme. I hope to see the dissemination of my book throughout Africa and Asia if this succeeds.

This is because my book, called Angels That Came will educate students about maths, biology, physics and chemistry all in one written in a comprehensive story of understanding. As well the come about of evolution which I partnered with my Dutch professor who I collaborated with in his project in the university.

I am after all, am asked to update about my book in my very own web-site. But my publisher is yet to give me that link. I am also waiting to accept my full package of sales and marketing strategy to promote my book.

I hope to get a head start once I begin to distribute the press release to book-stores and newspapers. I already have one journalist friend committed of writing an interview story about myself as an author.

By book is now out in the Amazon.com, and bn.com. To read the excerpt of my book, go to Xlibris.com.

Sheena James