My Green Corner

 Basics of Prostate Glands

A walnut-sized gland in the male reproductive system is the “Prostate Gland”. Changes occur in this gland as the man ages can cause disruptions in his life. The change may be from annoying urinal symptoms to the dangerous prostate cancer. Although younger persons can be affected by the prostate problems, mostly the prostate problems come to the surface after 50 years of age. The causes are exactly not known but studies show that a combination of genetic, hormonal and environmental factors such as diet also plays a role.

Prostate inflammation with painful or difficulty in passing urine is “Prostatitis”. The erectile function is not affected by ‘Prostatitis’. “Prostatitis” frequently strikes younger men unlike other prostrate diseases and treatment can be difficult.

Non-cancerous enlargement of the prostrate that can interfere with urination is “Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)”. Erectile function is not altered by this disease called “Prostatitis”. Prostrate cancer is common in older men. About 70% of the men aged over 65 are diagnosed with prostate cancer. It is more common in African American men than any other group and tends to hereditary.

Location of prostate is in front of the rectum and just below the bladder. The tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body wraps around the upper part of the urethra. The connective and glandular tissues found in the prostrate glands produces a thick milky-white fluid that forms part of the semen that is a liquid ejaculated during sexual activity. The prostate gland requires adequate amount of certain hormones for functioning properly such as testosterone that is produced by the testicles as well as other hormones from the pituitary and adrenal glands.

Prostate Disorder Diagnosis

Digital Rectal Examination (DRE)

DRE is used to determine whether the prostate is swollen or has any lumps or abnormally textured area in which the doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger in to the rectum and feels the surface of the prostate glands. DRE also helps doctors to screen diseases of the rectum such as rectal cancer. All men ages 50 or older have to take a yearly DRE, advises the ‘American Cancer Society’.

Conflicting results are produced by the studies and the study conducted by ‘Mayo Clinic’ demonstrated that men who get DREs are less likely to develop prostate cancer.  DRE is a useful screening test. The accuracy of DRE depends on the skill of the doctor and interpreting the test. DRE cannot detect early cancerous tumors as they are too small and cannot be located by the doctor’s fingers also. Because of this DRE sometimes miss the smallest and most treatable tumors. Tumors which cannot be felt by the physicians are less likely to be dangerous.

PSA Test

PSA is a blood test which measure the level of a protein called “Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)” which is produced by the prostate. This is used to detect prostrate cancer but cannot provide a correct diagnosis. Because an above normal PSA level does not always shows the presence of cancer i.e. more than 4 nanograms per milliliter of blood and the levels of 4 ng/ml or less than that does not mean that the person is completely prostate cancer free.

The clues besides cancer also can provide by the PSA test. The mildly elevated PSA levels do not have cancer. The non-cancerous conditions such as “Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia” and “Prostatitis” are accompanied by elevated PSA levels. An elevated PSA also means that prostate glands naturally release more protein in to the blood. According to some studies the ejaculation can elevate PSA levels for up to 48 hours. Doctors also use PSA test for follow-up after prostate cancer treatment and also to predict which patients with BPH are likely to develop troublesome symptoms.

PSA Screening

Prostate cancer is more common but only 3%-4% of men die of prostrate cancer.

Screening increases the chance of finding prostate cancer but does not decrease of having it.

It can detect early stage cancers.

A normal PSA level does not mean that the person is cancer free.

Higher PSA level may force the person to seek treatment resulting in possible urinary and sexual side effects.

BPH and Prostatitis are also the conditions that can elevate the PSA level.

Home gardens normally have space limitations. For a home gardener the ‘space-management’ becomes an important feature. Well planned gardening strategy is required which should be oriented according to seasonal aspects along with several other criteria.

Selection of plants therefore becomes one of the most important aspects of this gardening strategy. Because of limitations pertaining to space you might be often facing indecisiveness as what you should plant in your garden.

There are several alternatives available but they often create a big confusion as which one is the most suitable for your needs. In order to arrive at a final selection you will have to adapt certain specific alternatives, tools, and methods which are your need specific.

There are some common strategies that the gardeners across the world apply. You must have visited several nurseries looking around the plants you should have in your garden and you could have felt quite uncertain as which plant would be more suitable and will do well in your yard.

One good way for you could be to approach professional horticulturists at local nurseries or garden centers. Professional horticulturists and gardening experts are also available at many online nurseries now days. These professional horticulturists would happily answer your queries and would help you out in selecting the right plants for your garden.

While taking help from these sources you should never forget taking certain precautions.  One of the most common psychological aspects that affect normally every gardener ending up in wasting time, energy, and money is “Impulsive buying”. This is one such psychological behavior that you must be wary of.

Plants that bloom that week normally feature on the list of garden centers because these plants sell well this way. A plant that is looking great and fascinating in the nursery may not be fit for your garden. So be careful and extra-cautious while choosing the plants.

Many experts have designed several types of pre-defined tools and resources for gardeners that they claim to serve the basic purposes. These tools are definitely advantageous and if you take help of these specific pre-defined tools then it is more likely that you will end up selecting the most suitable plants for your garden.

It is always advisable that you must have a complete knowledge about the growing conditions of your garden. This includes all possible aspects like soil quality, watering facility, sunlight, and several other related aspects. This preparation based selection of plants would help you in selecting the right plants for your garden.

In order to derive more benefits it is even better if you are well equipped with plant reference books, reputed internet resources including good informative websites on gardening, local public gardens , and the universities having agriculture, horticulture or related Departments.

You may find it beneficial to have a check whether your local land-grant university has any coordination with the horticulture cooperative extension service covering your area. You can check this online as well. You could also explore establishing an access to respective plant database, ongoing plant trials, new plant introductions, and plant recommendations with such types of resource centers in your area.

Referring to the “Plant Awards List (PAL)” is a great idea in itself. A typical ‘plant award list’ is one of the best tools available which will definitely facilitate you with narrowing of your choices. The plants with proven performance in different regions are included in this list. The “Plant Awards Lists (PALs)” serve as a basis of setting standards for plant breeders. These awards also provide quick references for superior performances for general public. A selection of plants for your garden which is based on these recommendations has a high probability of suitability for your garden as it is based on several factors including gardener’s conveniences.

Plant awards and recommendation are generally based on certain specific factors including trials, public polls, competitions organized by horticultural societies, professional organization’s conventions, and experienced gardeners and amateur growers. Trials of plants are generally conducted by botanical gardens, professional gardeners and growers, universities, and other horticultural institutions.

The “Plant Awards Lists (PALs) also have a “general rating system” in place which is provided to all the plants that have been included in the plant award lists. These plant ratings are based on several important factors like ornamental values, disease resistance and many other features.

Such types of ‘Plant Award Lists (PALs)’ are certainly one of the immensely helpful resource base and tool facilitating you with the best and most suitable plants selection for your garden.

Gardeners therefore avoid a situation of indecisiveness as this consumes a lot of time. Better take help of these tools and give your garden a new look every time.

The term “Recreation” refers to refreshment, restoration, or recovery. Just because the term has a contextual relevance and is complex in nature, it signifies different implications in terms of time, culture, and place. That is the reason you would find several types of definitions credited to this term. Principally, the meaning of “recreation” revolves around the reinstatement in terms of body, mind, or spirit.

In the contemporary contextual relevance, there are certain key elements which are considered to be intrinsic to recreation. A concept impelled by an internal feeling to indulge in certain activities which are chosen voluntarily and depends on one’s interests, outlook and tastes to bring variety and refreshment in one’s life. Recreation keeps imbibing new meaning and immensity as it ranges between a varieties of activities including leisure. While leisure is directed more towards relaxation and rest, recreation is comparatively more activity based and aiming at revitalization and entertainment. In today’s sedentary life, recreation has attained a special relevance and importance.

Recreation Activities  

Recreational activities contain a variety of activities and there is virtually no limit to the imagination. Several activities composed for other purposes also tend to have recreational components. Some of the most common recreation activities include Conversing, Eating and drinking, Hobbies, Hunting and fishing, Playing games, Reading a book, Sexual behavior, Shopping, Kite flying, Sports and  exercise, Travel and tourism, Martial arts, Yoga, Using the Internet,Visiting an amusement park, Recreational drug usage, by itself and in combination with the many of the above. This list is almost endless.

During recent years, more ‘exciting’ forms of recreation have received much attention in the public eye. Some of these activities include skiing, snowboarding, bungee jumping; sky diving, hang gliding, paint balling, rock climbing, backpacking, caving, BASE jumping, and adventure tourism.

Recreation is not just limited to these outdoor activities only. Indoor activities are also a part of the recreation equally. Many types of recreational activities can be undertaken at one’s home comfort like swimming, volleyball, table tennis, squash, badminton and football. For such indoor recreation, you will also find well established clubs having well equipped facilities and professionally qualified trained staff.

However, some recreational activities are considered to be illegal because of some kind of immoral impact attached with them. These include activities like gambling, substance abuse, some forms of sex, viewing or producing pornography, and some forms of dancing. This aspect can be better understood in cultural context as often one form of an activity is viewed as immoral by a culture while other forms are viewed as acceptable. For example, certain forms of sexual activities have been outlawed in certain regions while other forms of sex are acceptable. Another example is recreational drug use. In most of the world, conscientious alcohol consumption is legal and acceptable by the moral standards. In much of the Western world, decriminalization of so-called soft drugs is increasingly accepted.

Best Time for Recreation

Timings are very important when it comes to recreation. It will certainly be different for everyone. The choice of hours for recreation is restricted for the students by the school hours. For the employees it is normally determined and controlled by the requirements of, and agreements with, the employer. Thos who are having their own business are also restricted by the requirements of the work, such as the opening hours of the business. By and large, the weakened and holidays are most common and befitting time for recreation, though recreation may take place at virtually any time. As a matter of fact, recreation commonly occurs during an individual’s discretionary or free time.

Healthy Effects of Recreation:

For some people recreation could largely be a non-productive and unimportant activity. No doubt, excessive recreation can never be considered healthy. Prolonged and excessive recreation therefore could be labeled as diversion. However, research has shown that recreation contributes to life satisfaction, quality of life, health and wellness, and has even the therapeutic impact like in case of certain cases of chronic pain and other health impairments. Recreation and active living helps people live longer healthily, adding up to two years to life expectancy. According to research cited in Time magazine, stress is a major factor in many of the leading causes of death in the United States. Recreation certainly helps in easing out the stress.

Recreation’s Personal Benefits

When considered the other face, there are various benefits of recreation as well. For an individual, recreation is basically a medium for relaxation or adding thrill to life that helps in enhancing the levels of self-sufficiency, mental health, and life-satisfaction. Society also benefits as ‘Recreation’ is often the catalyst that builds ‘strong, self-sufficient communities’ and leads to improvement in public health, gives support to social pride, and unity among the people. Recreation at the same time helps in strengthening family structures, decrease crime, and enhance rehabilitation of individuals. Outdoor recreation props up environment protection, tourism and also plays an important educational role.

Environmental and Economic Aspects related to Recreation

Recreation and tourism are often collective factors which cause extensive damage to the environment. Edward Abbey, an American author and essayist along with many other activists and advocates of environmental issues have noted that industrial tourism is among the prime accused reason which destroys wild areas and animal habitats. Activists also condemn and criticize the public land policies being responsible for such damages.

Aquatic ecosystems also gets adverse impacts by the increased tourist trade and the consequential building of hotel accommodations, sewage disposal works, roads, car parks and landing jetties on banks and coastlines, increased angling, swimming, water skiing, shooting or use of motor-boats in the water body. These all produce direct deadly effects including shore damage, chemical changes in the water, and sediments and biological changes in the flora and fauna.

Despite all these grey areas, ‘Recreation’ is among the fastest growing businesses around the world and it facilitates creating millions of jobs and strengthening the economic vitality. In 2001 American consumers spent nearly $100 billion on recreational and leisure activities. In the same year more than 80 million Americans age 16 or older enjoyed some sort of recreation related to wildlife like fishing, hunting, bird watching, or wildlife photography. Through all these years charm for recreational and leisure activities had increased manifold.

Creating a rich application involves both RIA and SIO. In all the previous three parts we have seen that integrating the RIA programming is simply the half of the whole task. Other half requires integration of SIO to make it a complete platform for web development.

All the existing sets of web 2.0 toolkits and other frameworks have been focusing upon RIA and have almost negligible support for creating serves and other applications. In such a situation, it has become more complex for web developers who would be required to make extra efforts for SIO integration. This complexity in turn leads to additional application development and maintenance which is much time consuming and not easy.

It becomes very important that the next generation RIA+SIO should bridge this gap in an efficient manner and only then it will be providing an integrated services platform for the future web developers. There are three such important features which will be helpful in bridging this gap by providing;

1.        <!–[if !supportLists]–>

           This is the support for web developers for creating applications and specific  

           services with the application of any available programming language.

2.       ??????????????

           It is simply the “Seamless Interoperability” which links the different RIA and   

           SIO represented as ?

3.         <!–[endif]–>

             It is the ability of a functional unit in the platform to consume any local mock service.

Conventionally, almost all the existing web-based frameworks have been woven around some particular programming language. This traditional approach seems to be obsolete now. This is why the RIA+SIO have no such specifically developed programming language. RIAs are completely programming language agnostic and simply require an exchange of application data with the services. A lightweight message-based contract forms a basis for only required link between the RIA and its SOA based services. The link however is quite open. This loose hook between RIA and SIO facilitate developers with an integrated service platform which will enable them to apply any programming language for creating a service. Such creations would not affect the RIA tier of the application in any way.

Seamless interoperability between the RIA and SIO tiers is essential for any future integrated service platform. A developer should feel comfortable with handling the service routing and data marshalling.

Let’s understand this concept with the help of another example demonstrating a really simple integrated approach for creating a particular service using JavaScript;

@Service (request = ‘login.request’, response =’login.response’)

protected void loginRequest (Message req, Message resp)

                                throws Exception

{

     String username = req.getData().getString(”username”);

     String password = req.getData().getString(”password”);

     User user = UserDAO.login(username,password);

     if (user !=null)

     {

     response.getData().put(”success”,true);

     response.getData().put(”user”,user);

     return;

}

response.getData().put(”success”,false); 

} 

You could easily notice two different aspects in the above example. Firstly, a “service” annotation was added to Java for transforming a plain Java object in to a specific service. This changed annotation encompasses service request and service response message both. Doing this makes the routing configuration comfortable.

Secondly, it is very simple and comfortable while working with service request and response data. You could easily spot out that the response message contains complete user object. This way handling with data marshalling becomes easy with service platform.

All this helps a web developer lot. There is no need to focus on writing glue code. Instead, a web developer may only write the service logic. Such transformation would facilitate them with faster development while writing minimum codes.

Coming to the final step would be creating a local mock service. It becomes easy when the link between RIA and its service is based upon message. Local mock service will create responses for remote requests while remaining local in the RIA only. This powerful function will create fully functional RIA prototypes and for this a web developer does not require writing even a single line of service code. Depending upon the requirements, all such mock services may be put in to even a single file which can also be deleted when the process of interface development is completed.

Let’s understand it with an example;

<!– Progress indicator –>

<img src=”images/indicator.gif” style=”display:none

on=”r:login.request then show or r:login.response then hide”/> 

<!– Login form –>

Username: <input type=text” fieldset=”login” id=”username”/>

Password: <input type=”password” fieldset=”login” id=”password”/>

<input type=”button” value=”Login”

on=”click then r:login.request”/> 

Login Form 

<app:script on=”r:login.request then execute after 1s”>

     $MQ(‘r:login.response’,{‘success’:true,’username’:'foo’});

</app:script>

All the examples used in this four part concept presentation were based on “Appcelerator” and written by Nolan Wright. There could be many other approaches for creating such a next generation web platform. There may be different sets of specific implementations and approaches but finally the general characteristics of a web platform would remain the same.

Compared to conventional approaches of creating web-based applications the RIAs development would need significantly more use of the ‘user interface coding’. This becomes more important that the future RIAs which would also be the next generation platforms must provide an improved model for integrated RIA programming. Such a model would further simplify specific key user interface programming tasks. Such tasks would practically involve ‘Event Handling’, ‘DOM Manipulation’, and ‘Service Consumption (Ajax)’.

All these tasks enable the “rich” in rich internet application. They are directly related to each other.

Here is a model for instance.

Typical steps required with an RIA login form submission would be;

Click login Button - Event Handling

Send Service Request - Ajax

Display specific type of activity indicator - DOM Manipulation

Return Service - Ajax

Hide Activity Indicator - DOM manipulation

Display Login “Success” Message - DOM Manipulation

Majority of the existing frameworks and libraries help with light integration within these three factors despite being a direct relationship. A web-developer will have to work extra to fill out the space left.

This can be better understood with an example code. This includes setting the contents of one combo box while value of second combo box caries. Using JQuerry the code would be written as;

Example:1

 $(function(){

  $(”select#comboOne”).change(function(){

    $.getJSON(”/combo.php”,{id: $(this).val(), ajax: ‘true’}, function(j){

      var options = ”;

      for (var i = 0; i < j.length; i++) {

        options += ‘<option value=”‘ + j[i].optionValue + ‘”>’ + j[i].optionDisplay + ‘</option>’;

      }

      $(”select#comboTwo”).html(options);

    })

  })

})

Example : 2 

This time you will observe accomplishing the same task with the help of an integrated approach involving DOM Manipulation, Event handling, and Ajax;

<select id=”comboOne”

on=”change then r:load.combo2.request”>

</select>

<select id=”comboTwo”

on=”r:load.combo2.response then value[property=rows,text=text,value=value]”>

</select>

Both the above examples accomplished same task with two different approaches. You can easily notice that in the first example it required mode coding and it was all in JavaScript. The second example on the other hand used a real simple expression language for the same task.

A close look at the syntax displays;

on=”change then r:load.combo2.request” 
This is an expression with Ajax request message, r: load.combo2.request and it will be sent when <select> receives a “change” event. It is really that simple.

Have a look at another expression;

on=”r:load.combo2.response then value[property=rows,text=text,value=value]”

Contents of second combo box are set depending on the data received in the response message when Ajax response message is received as- r: load.combo2.response

Going one step ahead and adding a visual queue on receiving this response message this expression would be;

<select id=”comboTwo”

on=”r:load.combo2.response then value[property=rows,text=text,value=value]

and effect[Highlight]”>

</select>

Here simply by adding -and effect [Highlight]”> to the expression it is possible to include a subtle effect and user will come to know that the combo box values have been changed.

All these coding examples are indicative of simplicity and usefulness of ‘Event handling, DOM manipulation, and Ajax’ integration. Now it becomes far easier for those web developers who are not comfortable with JavaScript. It is easier to learn this new expression. Since this new approach does not require complex languages therefore it increases overall productivity of web developers. And it never stops using JavaScript for those who like it.

Thus, we arrive at another principle that the RIA programming model must support JavaScript in the same way it supports the separation of behavior from markup. It is termed as “Unobtrusive JavaScript”.

It can be understood with an example;

<img id=”progress_image” src=”images/indicator.gif”/>
 $(”progress_images”).on(”r:login.request then show”).on(”r:login.response then hide”);
 

Here the <img> markup becomes separate from JavaScript code defining its behavior. It means, “show” on receiving the login message and “hide” when receiving the login response.

Programming model like this would be much more beneficial for web developers because of its facilitating JavaScript in RIA programming.

An ideal RIA+SIO platform would obviously include RIA programming model. Web developers will find it as a single integrated approach for accomplishing their specified RIA programming activities. Development of rich user interface will be much faster with less coding this way.