My First Experience in Malaysia

My first experience of PhD study in Malaysia

I'm a lecturer from Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Teuku Umar University. Previously, I have strategy position as Head of Marine Science Department. Alhamdulillah, after finishing my tenure. I have opportunity to continue my PhD study in the Institute of Marine Biotechnology (IMB), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu. I'm the 2nd semester to conduct Lab work regarding the antifouling chemical profiling of selected seaweed from Indonesia. I have many experience and gain new insight and knowledge from Malaysia. Alhamdulillah, I have a scholarship from Petronas via my supervisor, Prof. Dr. Noraznawati Ismail and Dr. Jasnizat. I would like to thank to Allah and them that supported my living allowance and research projects during PhD by research in Malaysia. Wish Allah give them the blessing, Aameen.

in the Weekend, I visited beautiful place in Terengganu for example Drawbridges Terengganu vector. I enjoy my life. I always share to my family including my wife and my children about my daily activities in Malaysia. I wish I can bring my family to visit the amazing place in Malaysia. not only in Malaysia but also other neighboring countries such as Thailand, Vietnams, Singapore and others.

I have a lot of friend from many countries. We always assist each other. we always discussed about research methodology. My advise for all students in the around the world, if you want to success, you must have passion in yourself. you must be brave to go out in comfortable zone. Every problem sometimes follow you, but you must be patient to face a lot of challenges in your life. Keep tough and worship on time💪.

Written  by : Mohamad Gazali (PhD Candidate)

YOGYAKARTA IS A HISTORICAL CITY...

I have new experience again. With travelling, I got many knowledge and experience. I was 15 year old,        I liked to read history textbook. I usually read regarding the Majapahit Kingdom,Sriwijaya and other interesting book. I had showed the Borobudur Temple in the book of Indonesia's history. I imagined in myself  in past time, I wanna visited in the Yogyakarta. I wanna step on the Borobudur Temple and Now, Alhamdulillah. I can visit the Borobudur Temple directly..

The Borobudur Temple is considered as one of the seven wonders of the world. This temple is located at Borobudur District, South of Magelang, Central Java. Borobudur was built by Sanmaratungga in the 8th century, and belongs to Buddha Mahayana. Borobudur was revealed by Sir Thomas Stanford Raffles in 1814. The temple was found in ruined condition and was buried. Based on the inscription dated 842 AD, Casparis suggested that Borobudur was one time a place for praying. The inscription stated a phrase such as: “Kawulan i Bhumi Sambhara”. Kawulan means the origin of holiness, “bhumi sambhara” is a name of a place in Borobudur. Paul Mus stated that Borobudur Temple had the structure of stupa (conical form) with double expression. As a whole, the Borobudur Temple was an open-flat stupa, but on the other hand, the temple expressed the idea of a “closed world”  (Daud AT, 1987). 

anything else, other interesting place in Yogyakarta that visited with my friend. I already visit the Kraton (Palace). hehehe.. it's great moment. Previously, I want to narate regarding kraton of Yogyakarta because I'm really loved a history so, I must engrave my history too. How ?? I keep achievement and good deed to each other. I think, we can become a good example for our next generation. Okey. 

Yogyakarta is a city and the capital of Yogyakarta Special Region in Java, Indonesia. It is renowned as a centre of classical Javanese fine art and culture such as batik, ballet, drama, music, poetry, and puppet shows

Keraton Kasultanan Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat or now better known by the name of Yogyakarta Palace is the center of Javanese culture living museum that is in the Special Region Yogykarta (Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta). Not just becomes the place to live for the king and his family, the palace is also a main direction of cultural development of Java, as well as the flame guard of the culture (Wikipedia, 2013).

I ever visited Malioboro and Monument of Yogyakarta, all clothes, purse, bag, and others have batik's feature. I admired to seen it's product. It's unique and romantic.

 

Next,  How the history of Yogyakarta ???

 

The Dutch Colonial Government arranged for the carrying out autonomous self-government, arranged under a political contract. When the Indonesian independence was proclaimed, the rulers, the Sultan of Yogyakarta and Prince of Pakualaman made a declaration they would become part of the Republic of Indonesia. Those two regions were unified to form the Yogyakarta Special Region and the sultan became the Governor of Yogyakarta and the Prince of Pakualaman as the vice-governor; both were responsible to the President of Indonesia. The Special Region of Yogyakarta was created after the independence war ended and legalized on August 3, 1950 (Wikipedia, 2013).

Figure 1. Yogyakarta Sultanate located in the central of Java island.

 

 

maybe, That my story. may be useful.  Wassalam...

 

THE MANGROVE FOREST IN JAKARTA

Mangrove forest is the coastal ecosystem that plays important role in the coastal area. We know, Jakarta already contaminated with polutant derived from vehicle, industries and other pollutan. Adverse effect already felt by community in Jakarta. The mangrove forest are able to absorb many carbon in the air, trapping of sediment from run off.  Actually, mangrove forest posses many function including biology aspect, ecology aspect and economy aspect. In Jakarta, mangrove forest located in middle of city. For example, Area of Mangrove Forest at Pantai Indah Kapuk.

Several days ago, I come to Pantai Indah Kapuk which was become Area of mangrove ecotourism. I and other student of undergradute from Marine Science and Technology IPB held research in that area.              we observed the mangrove forest. There are four genera of mangrove forest at Pantai Indah Kapuk Ecotourism including Rhizophora sp, Avicennia sp, Sonneratia sp and X. granatum. We took sample of  mangroves and measured the water quality in the Mangrove area including pH, DO, Salinity, Nitrat and Phospat.

This research had supervised and led by Dr. Ir. Neviaty P. Zamani, M.Sc  and Dr. Ir. Etty Riani, MS. We would like to thank to our supervisor for give the guidance.  I invite to all of you to keep the mangrove forest because without mangrove we will lost of many potencies especially renewable resources..

MY EXPERIENCE THE MOST IMPRESSED IN  JAPAN 

In the first time, I went to Japan. I was glad because I could achive my dream. Previously, I would like to thank to Allah SWT upon the enjoyment to me. On August 2013, I depart to Japan by Japan Airlines on 21.55 PM. I arrived in Narita Airport on Noon.  The Narita Airport is very beautiful, It's impressed.

I seek counter of Limousin Bus to continued in Haneda Airport, Alhamdulilah. I got the tickect in the counter, it's true, the japanese women is beautiful. Allah created His creature with perfectly.

it's good idea, I used the limousine bus, I can look many beautiful city in Japan.Never forgotten in my memories. I see many industry of japan in Tokyo. I felt different situation, yeah. I asked in my heart. Where I am ?? hehehe. I'm awesome..

After I arrived in Haneda Airport, I have constraint, I go astray. so, I seek center of  information for request the guidance. Alhamdulillah, I have direction :) I went downstairs by elevator ladder. I ask again to keeper in Haneda Airport.  They showed me that counter for give my flight itinerary. Alhamdulillah, I can depart to Kushiro City. I arrived in Kushiro city, that airport is unique and beautiful. that symbol of  Kushiro city airport is crane animal.

I picked up by laboran in the Akkeshi Marine Station, Hokkaido University. Waw, it's a beautiful city in Kushiro Town. I welcomed by international student in the Dormitory like Philipines and Germany.  Tommorow morning I went to Sapporo city, is one of the most biggest city in Japan. I and Prof. Nakaoka Sensei arrived in station of Sapporo city after that we picked up other student from Taiwan. we walked around in the Sapporo city, it's awesome. Japan is developed country.

 
it's a great moment in Japan.  I stayed in Hotel, in tommorow. We went to Hokkaido University and we visited the museum. I admired that museum.

a lot relics in the Hokkaido Museum. so, I always got picture. The museum is available of explanation regarding the relics in Japan. After we got lucnh, we prepared to go to train station. we would go to Muroran city. We picked up by Prof. Motomura and his assistant by car. we arrived there in the afternoon.

I have fuuny experience, it's time, rain away. I given a card and I don't know, that card can open dormitory door. I go back in the office, I said to Prof. Sir.I can't open the door. They said to me ; you must used your card. Oh, God., I hunged my card but I don't that card is useful. hehe.

I got many knowledge about biology and ecology in Muroran city, I received lecture from Prof.Motomura and Prof.Nakaoka. I did sampling in the field. it's great. the first time, I hold kelp. brown algae that grow in temperate environtment. I observe ephypitic of surfgrass, cell of algal, phytoplankton and other faunas. I never forgotten.

These great moment in Muroran city, I have other great moment in Akkeshi. it's awesome too.
after  I have studied in the Muroran Marine Station. I visited the Mariculture Industry in Muroran. I saw  a lot of marine organisms that maintained.

and then I continued travelling in the Akkeshi by car. I sit down the front of car. so, I can observed the beautiful place, I saw tunnel under mountain and beyond  farmland. the plant is luxuriant. Many plant that planted like corn, potatoes, and others. I arrived in Akkeshi Marine Station late afternoon. Tommorow we sail by boat for sampling fauna in the seagrasses beds in Akkeshi Bay and Akkeshi Lake. It's very cold. I can't endured this temperature. I joined seminar from lecturer in Japan. Hokkaido University have sophiscated instrument. I admired it. so, I have a wish to continued my study in Japan. Insya Allah, I will come back, JAPAN.

I have friend from Philippine, Thailand and Taiwan, I felt different but difference is mercy. hehehe.
No dream No future. I believe with my ability.  Praying, Hard Work and Submitting my self to Allah.



Written by : Mohamad Ghazali

EVOLUTION AND BIOGEOGRAPHY OF KELP

Introduction

The kelp forest are most important component of ecosystem of temperate and polar rocky shores. They ensure high productivity, biodiversity, healthy ecological condition of marine biota and the constitute habitat and breeding ground  for a large diversity of marine life forms (Klochkova et al, 2012)

The kelp create a marine "forest" that provide a habitat for diversity of marine organisms. These brown algae are  also commercially valuable foods and sources for alginates and are used in medicine (Lee, 1989 in Yoon et al. 2001)

Evolution and Biogeography 

The biogeography is the study of the geographic distribution of organisms throughout the landscape examines the how geographical variation in the biotic component that inhabit in the area (Klappenbach, 2012).

The evolution is change over time. under this broad definition, evolution can refer to variety of changes that occur over time the uplifting of mountains, the erosion of riverbeds, or creation of new species. The term biological evolution is a more specific type of evolution (Klappenbach, 2012).

What's Kelp ?

The term "kelp" refer to marine algae belonging to taxonomic order Laminariales (Phylum : Heterokontophyta) . The most widely recognized species are giant kelps (Macrocystis sp), although there numerous other genera such as Laminaria, Ecklonia, Lessonia, Alaria, and Eisenia. Several species of the kelp namely :

Specific feature of kelp :

The large bodies are made up of 3 part :

• Blade or the leaf like extension are deciduous (annual)
• Stipe or stem may contain an enlarged air bladder pneumatocysts from flotation blades.
• Holdfast is a root like mass of tissue.

 

 Where does kelp grow ?

 The kelp can grow on :

• The rocky shores 
• in area with abundant nutrients
• Moderate water motion, cool, clear, and salty water
• Ideal temperature are 5 up to 20 celcius degree

Evolution theory of kelp :

 According to Yoon et al (2001) :

 The phylogeny tree of kelp the following is :

Source : (Yoon et al. 2001)

The most recent contructed phylogenic tree has shown that Macrocystis, Laminaria, Nereocystis and others is part of group of closely related taxa (see tree at the right). Using ribosomal data, Druehl et al (1997), concluded that the moleculer tree doesn't agree with the current classification of kelp. this has led to realization that kelp are very recently evolved group and proper classification need further investigation. 

The very enlighting article by Estes and Steinberg (1988) present a model of kelp evolution which leads them suggest :

• That kelp had a North Pasific origin
• That radiated extensively within the North Pasific during the Late Cenozoid
• That the evolved in environment in which intensity of herbivory was low because of the limiting predatory influences of mammals that consumed kelp eating sea urchin 

According to Bolton (2010), the biogeographical evidence suggests  three main lines of subsequent evolution :

1.  A diversification producing the four "derived" families Alariaceae, Laminariaceae, Costariceae and Lessoniaceae and most extant genera in the temperate Northern Pasific, probably during the Miocene.
2. The evolution of an Arctic Flora which invaded the North Atlantic following the opening of the Bering Strait ca. 5.5 Mya.
3. At least four separate crossing by different genera, of tropical regions from Northern To Southern Hemisphere.

 

When is the kelp appear ?

 

The kelp are thought to have appeared in the miocene epoch, 23 to 6 Mya. By the Miocene the drake 's passage opened up between Antartica and South America, as had the passage between Tasmania and Antartica, making way for  a circumpolar current of cold water.

 

Fossil laminarialean brown algae (Julescraneia grandicornia)

There is finding of laminarian fossil in Los Angeles which is this species calcareous at the Miocene epoch

 

 

 

 

 

There are many other fossil of brown algae the following is :

 

These brown algae fossils were found in the Monterey Formation California

Source : (Parker and Dawson, 1965)

 

Distribution of the kelp 

 

According to Luning (1990) that the order Laminariales diverse spread in the North Pasific, but only a few species that can reach the North Atlantic that they have family ties in both continent. This evidence suggests that in the North Pasific is a richer source of cold climate.

Distribution of Laminaria digitata

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The center of origin of the kelp 

 

References Cites :

Bold, S. dan M.J. Wynne. 1985. Introduction to the Algae. Prentice Hall Inc. Englewood   Clift. J. J. New Jersey. USA.

Bolton, J. J. 2010. The biogeography of kelps (Laminariales, Phaeophyceae): a global   analysis with new insights from recent advances in molecular phylogenetics. Helgol.Mar.Res. 64:263-279. Downloaded at http://rd.springer.com. 

Climateincontext. blogspot.com., 2008. The Evolutionary History of the Earth. Downloaded   at  http://climateincontext. blogspot.com. Dated 28 November 2012.

Digplanet.com., 2012.  Kelp Forest. Downloaded at   http://www.digplanet.com/wiki/Kelp_forest.

Downing, D., 1988.  Kelp Evolution : a comment. Howard University. Washington DC.

Druehl, L. D., Mayes, C., Tan, I. H., and Saunders, G. W. 1997. Molecular and morphological   phylogenies of kelp and associated brown algae. In “Origins of Algae and their   Plastids” (D. Bhattacharya, Ed.), pp. 221–235. Springer-Verlag, Wien.

Luning, K., 1990.  Seaweeds ; Their Environment, Biogeography, and Ecophysiology.   Biologische Anstalt  Helgoland Hamburg. Federal Republic of Germany.

M.D. Guiry in Guiry, M.D. & Guiry, G.M. 2012. AlgaeBase. World-wide electronic   publication, National University of Ireland, Galway. http://www.algaebase.org

 

Mcdanil, 2012. Large algae. Downloaded at    http://www.mcdanil.edu/biology/99both/higheralgae/largealga  emainhtm. Dated   16   November 2012.

Klochkova et al,  2012. Morphology and Phytogeography of Laminaria appressirhiza and L. inclinatorhiza (Phaeophyceae) from the Sea of Okhotsk. Downloaded at   http://dx.doi.org/10.4490/algae.2012.27.3.139.  Dated 15 November 2012.

Yoon, H.S et al, 2001. Phylogeny of Alariaceae, Laminariaceae, and Lessoniaceae   (Phaeophyceae) Based on Plastid-Encoded RuBisCo Spacer and Nuclear-Encoded ITS Sequence Comparisons. Department of Biology, Chungnam National University,   Daejon 305-764, Korea and †Department of Biological Sciences, University of Iowa.    Downloaded at http://springer.com/journal/10152.  Dated 15 November 2012.

Klappenbach, L, 2012.  Biogeography. Downloaded at about.com.     Dated 14 November 2012.

                  

Parker, B  and Dawson, Y.E.  1965. Monterey Formation  : Macroalgae.  Downloaded at    http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/greenalgae/greenalgae.htm  Date : 14 November 2012.