Factors Affecting the Oral Communication Assessment in ESL Students Essay

Factors Affecting the Oral Communication Assessment in ESL Students - Essay Example However, there are several issues that are thrown against the ways in which the English language are taught. Perhaps one of the most significant issue that concerns the study of the English language among these students are the ways in which oral communication is taught as distinct from the written communication. Moreover, these two major forms of communication have significant uses in which they are utilized appropriately. The oral communication which involves the speaking ability of the person is utilized most of the time as he or she is required to speak upon personal interaction with various people. One is expected to exhibit proficiency in the oral communication such that it is one of the most common forms of interaction. The inability to showcase good speaking skills creates an impression of incompetence. On the other hand, the written form of communication is yet another major form, however, not as often used as the oral form. Mostly utilized in academic and creative aspects of communication, it is considered that the written form of communication is the ones that focus more on the technical aspect of the English language because there is enough room to evaluate the language's technical aspects such as grammar and sentence construction. Oral commThe Oral Communication and its Proficiency Test Oral communication is observed to be the most and the widely used form of communication, thus lies the need to help student in this area is considered to be greater than in the written form. In one's daily undertakings, he communicates more orally then in the written form. Therefore, the use of the English language in oral communication must be given as much attention that is necessary especially among English as a second language (ESL) learners. Being able to communicate proficiently in using the English language had become a measure of an ESL student's communicative competence. As the dominant form of communication in one's daily interaction, oral communication - in the form of conversation - a person is able to demonstrate his skill and ability to participate actively and appropriately in group discussions. This communication skill is what second language learners would need to achieve, not alone for competitiveness in the job market, but for self-confidence as well. (Kormos, 1999) Competency in participating actively and appropriately in a group discussion encourages various rooms for improving ones oral communication skills. When a second language learner is able to take part in a group discussion, he is provided with an overwhelming opportunity to show his skills in a conversation. According to Kormos (1999), conversational competence is illustrated in oral communication into the various situations. If a person is able to "perform openings, re-openings, closings and pre-closings, establish and change topics, hold and yield the floor, backchannel, interrupt and to collaborate, as well as recognize and produce adjacency pair," therefore he has mastered the art of conversation. When a second language learner is able to perform these factors that are deemed important in a conversation, he is then able to exhibit competency in oral communication. (Kormos, 1999) On the other hand, Annie Brown (2003) made a contrasting

The importance of caterpillar inc in mining

The importance of caterpillar inc in mining Caterpillar Inc is the largest maker of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines and industrial gas turbines in the world (Caterpillar Inc, 2010, p.1). It was started in 1925, and is based in Peoria, Illinois. Its operations are divided into three segments: machinery, engines, and financial business segments (Businessweek, 2010). With a global footprint, Caterpillar Inc.s product line boasts of more than 300 products, manufactured in twenty three countries (Caterpillar Inc, 2010). In the sections that follow, an internal analysis of the firm is carried out and its distinctive capabilities and core competencies evaluated. Its corporate, functional, and competitive strategies are also analyzed. Distinctive capabilities: The resource-based view of the firm asserts that an organizations resources and capabilities underpin the bedrock upon which the firms competitive advantage and strategy is based. While resources refer to the productive assets owned by the firm (Saloner, Shepard, and Podolny, 2008, p.12), capabilities refer to what the firm can do (Saloner, Shepard, and Podolny, 2008, p.12). Three types of resources have been identified: tangible resources, intangible resources, and human resources. As far as Caterpillar Inc is concerned, these are discussed below: Tangible Resources: Financial Resources: Caterpillar has a strong and healthy cash flow position. Net cash flows have increased from $592,000 in 2007 to $1,614,000 in 2008 and $2,131,000 in 2009 (Yahoo Finance, 2010). It enjoys strong market capitalization, which stands at $39.8 billion compared to only $6.29 billion for its closest competitor and the industry average of $1.71 billion. Its operating margins as well as price earnings ratio are well above the industry average (Yahoo Finance, 2010). Caterpillars sales revenues, profits, and other financial indicators have shown a consistent improvement over the years. For instance, sales revenues have risen from $30.3bn in 2004 to $51.3bn by 2008, surpassing the firms 2010 target of $50bn with two years to go. Over the same period, profits have risen from $2bn to $3.6bn. Other financial ratios have also witnessed a strong climb-up (Annual Report). The firm also boasts of an investment-grade credit rating as well as easy access to the capital (Caterpillar I nc, 2009). Marketing Resources: Caterpillar Inc has a marketing and distribution system that spans the entire globe. Additionally, it holds the market leadership position in the construction and mining industries as well as in the construction of natural gas, diesel, and industrial engines (Caterpillar Inc, 2009). With the broadest global footprint in the industry, it is very well diversified in terms of geographical spread and derives only 33% of its revenues in the US market. With over 300 products in its product line, its product base can be described as broad and well diversified which can help cushion it against downturns in specific product areas. Its customer service can also be described as superior, given that the firm offers among others quality assurance underpinned by a three year warranty, as well as fixed rate long-term financing tailored to specific customer needs (Caterpillar Inc, 2009). Physical Resources: Caterpillar Inc boasts of hi-tech manufacturing facilities spread in at least twenty three countries, and geared towards production in thirteen different industries. Under the Caterpillar Production System (CPS), it has a world class manufacturing, supply chain, and distribution system that are closely aligned with the flexible manufacturing philosophy (Caterpilar Inc, 2009). Intangible Resources: Technology: the number of patents which Caterpillar Inc has received has continued to increase year after successive year. By 2010, it had 620 patents. This is in line with its expenditure on RD which has grown from just $928 million in 2004 to $1.73bn by 2008 (Caterpillar Inc, 2009). Reputation: the market leader in the construction and mining industries and in the natural gas, industrial, and diesel engine industries, Caterpillar enjoys strong brand recognition as well as a strong reputation for machines distinguished by their specialist expertise, durability, design, as well as dealer and service excellence. According to Saloner, Shepard, and Podolny (2008, p.12), resources by themselves cannot give a firm a competitive advantage but must be blended together to give the firm capabilities. Based on the inventory of Caterpillar Inc.s resources presented above, the firms capabilities can be given as follows: strong financial position which also gives the firm a high ability to finance innovation (RD) and working capital requirements, raise credit financing to expand its operations or investments, as well as the ability to finance its customers and dealers purchases over the long run. Strong innovation capabilities as evidenced by the increasing number of patents it holds and the sustained investment in RD activities. Supply chain efficiencies (flexibility, cost effectiveness, etc) as evidenced by its Caterpillar Production System (CPS). Strong manufacturing and distribution capabilities as evidenced by its global configuration of production, supply, and distribution facilities. Strong marketing capabilities as defined by its market leadership position, broad product portfolio (over 300 products in thirteen different industries), its strong brand recognition and reputation, and superior customer service and excellence. Selznick (1990) coined the term distinctive competences / capabilities to describe those things which the organization does extremely well relative to its marketplace rivals. In the case of Caterpillar Inc, its distinctive capabilities can be said to include: its innovation and financial capabilities as well as its well-diversified product base and geographical spread. Core competencies: Prahalad and Hamel (1990) define core competencies as those capabilities which are central to an organizations achievement of a sustainable competitive advantage. For the capability to be termed as a core competence, it has to meet four criteria as spelled out by the VRIO framework. It must be valuable, rare, inimitable, and the organization must be sufficiently organized to exploit it. While Caterpillar Inc has a very broad product line and wide geographical spread, this can be easily replicated by its rivals through a deliberate strategy of market development and product diversification. Its supply chain capabilities can also be easily replicated through undertaking demand and supply chain integration activities such as maintaining low inventory levels and adopting flexible manufacturing systems. Its main core competencies therefore are its innovation capabilities, its superior financial position, and its superior customer service. Strategy: Strategy formulation has been described as taking place at three levels: the corporate level, business level, and the functional level. Robbins and Coulter (2005) identify three types of corporate strategies. These include growth, retrenchment, and stability strategies. Traditionally, Caterpillar has pursued the growth strategy which involves aggressively expanding into new markets and introducing new products so that by 2008 it had more than 300 products. Apart from its domestic US market, it has spread to most countries in Asia Pacific, Africa, Europe and Middle East, and Latin America. However, prompted by the increasingly cyclical nature of the industries across which it operates as well as the recent global economic recession, the firm put brakes on its growth strategy and pursued a retrenchment strategy instead. This was characterized by cost reduction initiatives, closure of underperforming business units, and employee layoffs (Caterpillar Inc, 2009). According to its annual report, the firms trough planning initiative has involved: Scaling down the number of its employees by more than 20,000, through voluntary as well as forced layoffs. Additionally, the firm has done away with many contingent workers (that is, temporary, agency, and contract employees). Reducing working hours as well as closing some plants temporarily in many of its global facilities. In some areas, the firm has introduced shorter working weeks. The firm has also undertaken various measures to optimize its supply chain management. These include reduction of inventories (which is expected to lead to lower inventory carrying costs), forging closer relationships with key suppliers, and the alignment of its logistical processes to conform to its flexible manufacturing system dubbed the Caterpillar Production System (CPS). It has drastically reduced compensation levels for its employees and managers, in some instances by as much as half. This is expected to drive cost savings. According to Robbins and Coulter (2005), firms which pursue the corporate strategy of growth have various strategic alternatives at their disposal. These include: concentration, vertical integration, horizontal integration, and diversification strategies. Of the four strategies, Caterpillar Inc has primarily made use of the diversification and horizontal integration strategies. Diversification involves expanding the firms scope of operations into other industries and product lines and this can be seen in the firms expansion to over 300 products and in thirteen industries. The horizontal integration strategy involves merging operations with other players in the same industry with a view of enhancing the firms competitive thrust and lowering competition in the industry. In the case of Caterpillar, this is evidenced by: Combination of its operations with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in 1965 in the Japanese market; joint venture with Navistar International Corporation which led to the creation of a new entity known as NC2 Global LLC in 2009; and a joint venture agreement with China Yuchai Machinery Co. Ltd in 2009 (Businessweek, 2010). The Ansoff Matrix has further identified the strategies which can be pursued by a firm deploying the corporate strategy of growth as: product development, market development, diversification, and market penetration strategies (Mercer, 1996). The firm has predominantly made use of the product development strategy which involves the introduction of new products for existing markets. Cases in point include the introduction by the company of next generation mining trucks, the first ever electric drive tracks in the industry, as well as the innovation of the revolutionary cat 175 engine (Caterpillar Inc, 2009). The market development strategy is also evident in the firms strategic posture, especially in its forays into more countries through geographic expansion. Some of the countries recently ventured into by Caterpillar include Saudi Arabia and India (Caterpillar Inc, 2009). At the business level, three main strategies have been identified. These include the overall low cost leadership strategy, the differentiation strategy, and the niche / focus strategy. The niche strategy has further been distinguished as either a differentiated niche strategy or focused low cost strategy. Additionally, an organization may follow a stuck in the middle approach where it simultaneously pursues two or more of these strategies (Porter, 1998). Of the three generic strategies, Caterpillar Inc can be described as following the generic strategy of differentiation. As its annual report (Caterpillar, 2009) attests, this strategy is based on two of its core competencies: its innovation capabilities and superior customer service. Functional level strategies are strategies which are implemented at the functional level in order to support the business level and ultimately, the corporate level strategies (Robbins and Coulter, 2005). For example, as far as the human resource is concerned, the firm continues to put a lot of emphasis on the training and development of its personnel. In 2008 for example, it spent up to $60 million in training and development initiatives. By ensuring that its employees are well trained and developed, the firm can see to it that creativity and innovation is fostered and that the staff are in a position to deliver exceptional levels of customer service. Its customer service strategy for example has involved offering three year warranties, and long term financing for customers and dealers (Caterpillar Inc, 2009). Its manufacturing strategy has involved upgrading of its facilities. For example, in 2008, the firm spent up to $2.4 billion in initiatives aimed at modernizing its manufacturing infrastructure. Other functional level strategies include ensuring costs are kept within manageable levels while maintaining high quality standards through initiatives such as the Six Sigma program, and ensuring that the organization is aligned with emerging market needs (Caterpillar Inc, 2009).

Robotics :: essays papers

Robotics Mechanics Introduction What is mechanics? If you've ever been around a physics teacher or engineer, they are always talking about mechanics, and its seems that no one really understands what mechanics really is. Quite simply, mechanics is the knowledge of design and construction of machinery. In robotics, this translates into the physical construction of the robot. Since every game is different (thus requiring different mechanical solutions), this section will be an introduction of the different options for robot construction available to the Robotics Team through the kit of parts from F.I.R.S.T. as well as the basics of mechanical design/planning. Before we begin, it is time for the one rule: There is only one real rule which should be followed regardless of the situation: Whatever I say is okay and whatever you say is okay. Repeat it with me: "Whatever I say is okay and whatever you say is okay." The important thing to remember is that we are all on a team. There is not one person on this team whose ideas are more valid than another's. Every single person has the right to express their ideas and every person should respect that right. I think everyone will agree with that, so I'll stop preaching. Where do we start? Traditionally, robot construction proceeds as follows: †¢ 1. Develop and Decide on Strategy Since every year the game changes, the primary task after the kickoff in January is planning the actual strategy for the team. This generally involves brainstorming in little groups and then presenting each strategy to the collective group. Then, pros and cons will be weighed for each strategy and then a strategy will be selected. From this strategy can be developed necessary task for our robot to execute, which leads to an actual working design of the robot. Before we move on, everyone should understand that no one is always correct. The very nature of any engineering project (including this one) makes it impossible for a single person to design the best project. That is why it is necessary to have a lot of people brainstorming together on the same project. More people also make troubleshooting a lot easier, so it is important to not only question your own ideas, but also those of others. Actually, please, please, please ask questions. In fact always question. There is no design which is perfect and no idea which is flawless. Continually question, dissect, take apart, stare at every single part of the robot.

Pathogenic Parasite and Waterborne Diseases in Three Stations

Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION Background of the Study Rivers are the bodies of water bearing an immense biological importance. Though they contain only about 0. 0001% of the total amount of water in the world at any given time, rivers are vital carriers of water and nutrients to areas all around the earth, they are essential components of the hydrological cycle, for they act as drainage channels for surface water and they serve as habitat for various organisms (Hebert, 2011). With rapid increase of the country’s population and urbanization, bodies of water tremendously began to be polluted.This event commenced the contamination of drinking water as well as the widespread occurrence of waterborne diseases. Waterborne diseases are often caused by parasites which are directly transmitted through consuming contaminated drinking water. Any water reserve, infested with pathogenic parasites, used in the preparation of food can be considered as a source of foodborne disease and could be easi ly transmitted through consumption of the same pathogenic parasites. These diseases commonly affect the digestive tract as well as the other vital parts of the body that may be fatal to anyone especially those who are immunocompromised (WHO, 2004).Globally, waterborne diseases such as diarrhea accounts for 1. 5 million deaths annually according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on its report in 2010. It is considered one of the most dangerous diseases that could be acquired in flowing water and is a major health problem for developing countries. Also, according to World Health Organization (WHO) on its report in 2004, diarrheal disease accounts for an estimated 4. 1% of the total Disability-adjusted Life Year (DALY) global burden of disease and is responsible for the deaths of 1. million people every year. It was estimated that 88% of that burden is attributable to unsafe water supply, sanitation and hygiene, and is mostly concentrated in children in developing count ries. Over the time – from 2004 up to the present – , rapid increase in population, urbanization, and industrialization reduce the quality of Philippine waters, especially in densely populated areas and regions of industrial and agricultural activities. The discharge of domestic and industrial wastewater and agricultural runoff has caused extensive pollution of the receiving ater-bodies. This effluent is in the form of raw sewage, detergents, fertilizer, heavy metals, chemical products, oils, and even solid waste. Each of these pollutants has a different noxious effect that influences human livelihood and translates into economic costs. Access to clean and adequate water remains an acute seasonal problem in urban and coastal areas in the Philippines. The National Capital Region (Metro Manila), Central Luzon, Southern Tagalog, and Central Visayas are the four urban critical regions in terms of water quality and quantity.The Government’s monitoring data indicates that just over a third or 36 percent of the country’s river systems are classified as sources of public water supply, up to 58 percent of groundwater sampled is contaminated with coliform and needs treatment, approximately 31 percent of illness monitored for a five-year period were caused by waterborne sources, and many areas are experiencing a shortage of water supply during the dry season. Nearly 2. 2 million metric tons of organic pollution are produced annually by domestic (48 percent), agricultural (37 percent), and industrial (15 percent) sectors.In the four water-critical regions, water pollution is dominated by domestic and industrial sources. Untreated wastewater affects health by spreading disease-causing parasites, makes water unfit for drinking and recreational use, threatens biodiversity, and deteriorates overall quality of life. Known diseases caused by poor water include gastro-enteritis, diarrhea, typhoid, cholera, dysentery and hepatitis. The number of water- related health outbreaks including deaths reported in newspapers is going up.However, awareness regarding the need for improved sanitation and water pollution control, reflected by the willingness-to-pay and connection to a sewerage system where they are easily available, is very low (Philippines: Environment Monitor, 2003; Greenpeace 2007). Davao City has been expanding and growing in terms of population, economy and industry. In this manner, more raw materials are being demanded by these different sectors and as a result destruction of the natural resources is inevitable. Davao river ranks number seven among the largest river basins in the Philippines.This is largest of the city’s nine principal watersheds. The river is the main natural reservoir of the aquifer in the city’s jurisdiction. Its length is about 143 kilometers. It has received domestic and industrial wastewater. Since the sewage systems have not yet been fully developed, the garbage has been discharge in to the river leading to a wide-scale contamination of Davao River (Pascua et. al. , 2011). At present, residents within Davao River unceasingly make use of the water for bathing and washing which may present various threats to them.Some use the river for livelihood e. g. sand quarrying and fishing and for recreational activities. But they are blinded by the fact that they can be infected by pathogenic parasites that would eventually lead to waterborne diseases. This study aims to determine the level of pathogenic parasites in the water. Having everyone in the community know the specific parasites present in the selected stations of Davao River – Bankerohan, Bucana and Magallanes – would eventually lead to a more effective prevention and disease control among the residents of the community.The goal of clean water for everyone has to be achieved in a growing population of a city. This study also aims to measure the level of waterborne diseases in Davao River. Through thi s study, we can help the people be oriented with the danger of using contaminated water from Davao River. Related Literature The importance of urban rivers and streams for urban ecology and quality of life in cities is an increasing concern worldwide. The present state of rivers is much dependent on the history and trends of the society in each country.In many situations water quality is still unsatisfying. Restoration of urban rivers is challenging because of intensive land use, danger of flooding and impacts of human activities for water quality and for the ecology of rivers (Jormola, 2008). Today about 50% of the global population are living in urban areas, placing one-third of their inhabitants into slums, and creating huge challenges to their environment and sanitation. Poor sanitation, poor treatments of waste water, as well as catastrophic floods introduce pathogenic bacteria into rivers, infecting and killing many people.The goal of clean water for everyone has to be achieve d with a still growing human population and their rapid concentration in large cities, often megacities. How long introduced pathogens survive in rivers and what their niches are remain poorly known but essential to control waterborne diseases in megacities. Biofilms are often niches for various pathogens because they possess high resistances against environmental stress. They also facilitate gene transfers of antibiotic resistance genes which become an increasing health problem.Beside biofilms, amoebae are carriers of pathogenic bacteria and niches for their survival (Abraham, 2011). The World Health Organization says that every year more than 3. 4 million people die as a result of water related diseases, making it the leading cause of disease and death around the world. Most of the victims are young children, the vast majority of whom die of illnesses caused by organisms that thrive in water sources contaminated by raw sewage (Berman, 2009). Waterborne Diseases Many illnesses, con taminants, and injuries can be water, sanitation, or hygiene-related.Waterborne diseases are caused by organisms that are directly spread through water. Water-related illnesses can be acquired due to lack of water for good hygiene and lack of sanitation. It is important to know how these diseases and contaminants affect humans where they are found, and how to reduce the chance getting ill or suffering injury. This will allow individuals to make informed decisions about water, hygiene, and sanitation-related activities (CDC, 2012). Parasitic Organisms Parasites may be present in food or in water and can be identified as causes of waterborne illness.They range in size, from tiny single-celled organisms to worms visible to the naked eye. Their lifecycle may also vary. While some parasites use a permanent host, others go through a series of developmental phases using different animal or human hosts. The illnesses they can cause range from mild discomfort to debilitating illness and poss ibly death (USDA, 2011). Parasites cause over 2 billion infections per year worldwide. In the immunocompromised host these infections generally represent reactivation of infection from donor or in the allograft recipient often long after the initial infection (Wiley, 2004).Inland and coastal surface waters can be contaminated by human waterborne zoonotic enteropathogens such as Cryptosporidium parvum, Giardia lamblia, Encephalitozoon intestinalis, E. hellem and Enterocytozoon bieneusi (Graczyket et. al, 2008). The aquatic ecosystem harbors many kinds of organisms. Some of these organisms are parasitic protozoa such as Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. , which have recently been recognized as important causes of water and food-borne disease outbreaks associated with fecal contamination (Doron, 2000; Karanis et al. , 2006).Cryptosporidium is a parasite commonly found in lakes and rivers, especially when the water is contaminated with sewage and animal wastes. There have been six m ajor outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis in the United States as a result of contamination of drinking water. One major outbreak in Milwaukee in 1993 affected over 400,000 persons. Cryptosporidial infection can thus be transmitted from fecally contaminated food and water, from animal-person contact, and via person-person contact. The probability of transmission from just a small amount of contamination is fairly high, since a recent study has determined that the 50% infective dose of C. arvum is only 132 oocysts for healthy persons with no previous serological immunity to cryptosporidiosis (Hannahs, G. 1995). Cryptosporidium is very resistant to disinfection, and even a well-operated water treatment system cannot ensure that drinking water will be completely free of this parasite. Cryptosporidium has caused several large waterborne disease outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness, with symptoms that include diarrhea, nausea, and/or stomach cramps (Freedrinkingwater. com, 2009). Cryptosporid iosis, a common finding in pediatric patients hospitalized for diarrhea in urban Manila, Republic of the Philippines.Urban areas, particularly in the developing countries, frequently experience severe overcrowding with concomitant diminished sanitation. This situation is conducive to the transmission of enteric pathogens. It would be reasonable to expect that cryptosporidium oocysts are readily passed from human-to-human, human-to-animal and animal-to-human hosts. In rural areas around the world, human cryptosporidiosis is putatively associated with close human-animal contact, as in the case of animal handlers and similar agricultural situations (Laxer, M. 2003).Giardia lamblia is the protozoan parasite responsible for the disease Giardiasis. Symptoms of acute Giardiasis include diarrhea, nausea, weight loss, malabsorption, abdominal cramps, flatulence, and anemia. The mode of transmission of Giardia is through fecal to oral route or ingestion of cysts. A person can become infected after accidentally swallowing the parasite; but cannot become infected through contact with blood. You can become infected with Giardia lamblia if you swallow contaminated recreational water. Recreational water such as in swimming pools, hot tubs, jacuzzis, fountains, lakes, rivers, prings, ponds, or streams that can be contaminated with sewage or feces from humans or animals (Vdresearch. com, 2008). The prevalence of Giardia and Cryptosporidium among 3,456 diarrheic patients corrected from May 2004 to May 2005 in the Philippines was determined. Of 133 (3. 8%) positive samples, 69 (2. 0%) were positive for Giardia and 67 (1. 9%) for Cryptosporidium. Three samples had co-infection with Giardia and Cryptosporidium. Luzon had the highest positive samples (5. 0%) followed by Mindanao (4. 9%), then Visayas (2. 2%). Giardia was most prevalent in Mindanao (3. 6%) while Cryptosporidium was most prevalent in Luzon (3. %). The prevalence of Giardia (2. 0%) among pediatric patients (0-18 years ) did not significantly differ from that (1. 9%) among adults (>18 years old). However, for Cryptosporidium, the prevalence (2. 9%) among pediatric patients was significantly higher compared to that (0. 2%) among adult patients. In the pediatric population, the highest percentage of patients with Giardia was the 5-9 year old age group, while that of Cryptosporidium was in the 0-4 year old group. The prevalence of Giardia, but not Cryptosporidium, was significantly higher in male than female adults (Natividad, F. 008). Amoebic dysentery (amoebiasis) which is the agent of Entamoeba histolytica is widely seen around the world. About 50 million people has become infected a year and eventually over 100,000 people lose their lives. Amoebiasis come into being in consequence of taken of quad-core mature cysts from water, foods, goods or hands by orally. E. histolytica trophozoites are placed into the colon mucosa and submucosa then forms a bloodymucus diarrhea table. It forms abscesses by m oving through blood to liver, lungs, brain and other tissues (Kaya, O. 2011).The infection is common in developing countries and predominantly affects individuals with poor socioeconomic conditions, nonhygienic practices, and malnutrition (Rivera, W. 1998). Related Studies Waterborne diseases are the most prevalent infectious diseases in the developing countries especially in new settlements along the river. Waterborne diseases occur worldwide, and outbreaks caused by the contamination of community water systems and accidental ingestion of recreational waters have the potential to cause disease in large numbers of consumers. Statistics on outbreaks linked to contaminated water have been vailable in the USA since 1920 (Craun 1986), and since 1971, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), and the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists have maintained a collaborative surveillance system for collecting data pertaining to the occurr ence and causes of outbreaks of waterborne disease (Barwick et al. 2000; Lee et al. 2002). In Europe during 1986–96, 277 outbreaks associated with drinking and recreational water were reported from 16 European countries (Kramer et al. 2001). At least 325 water-associated outbreaks of parasitic protozoan disease have been reported.North American and European outbreaks accounted for 93% of all reports and nearly two-thirds of outbreaks occurred in North America. Over 30% of all outbreaks were documented from Europe, with the UK accounting for 24% of outbreaks, worldwide. Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium parvum account for the majority of outbreaks (40. 6% and 165; 50. 8%, respectively), Entamoeba histolytica and Cyclospora cayetanensis have been the aetiological agents in nine (2. 8%) and six (1. 8%) outbreaks, respectively, while Toxoplasma gondii and Isospora belli have been responsible for three outbreaks each (0. %) and Blastocystis hominis for two outbreaks (0. 6%). Balantidium coli, the microsporidia, Acanthamoeba and Naegleria fowleri were responsible for one outbreak, each (0. 3%). Moreover, the occurrence of Giardia and Cryptosporidium (oo)cysts in recreational rivers from Malaysia was reported. It was carried out in water samples at two rivers, ‘Sungai Congkak’ and ‘Sungai Batu’, located in Selangor State. The occurrence of both Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum (oo)cysts was higher in Sungai Congkak (50% or 15/30 and 10% or 3/30 respectively) than Sungai Batu (16% or 5/30 and 3. % or 1/30 respectively). The mean density of cysts/L was 0. 72 in Sungai Congkak and 0. 023 in Sungai Batu, and that of oocysts/L was 0. 023 in Sungai Congkak and 0. 0033 in Sungai Batu, showing that the occurrence of Giardia was higher and more frequent than Cryptosporidium in both rivers. On the other hand, the Giardia and Cryptosporidium (oo)cysts were more concentrated at the downstream station, followed by midstream and upst ream stations which might be due to human factors where settlements and recreation areas were located around and between midstream and downstream stations.Failure to meet basic human needs for water in China leads to waterborne diseases and preventable deaths, especially among children. The OECD Environmental Indicators in China report issued in July 2007 estimated 30,000 rural children die each year from diarrhea caused by polluted water (OECD, 2007). The World Health Organization reported an incidence of 108. 4 mortalities per 100,000 persons from diarrhea-related illness in China in 2002. In 2003, the National Statistics Office said diarrheal diseases ranked second among the top causes of morbidity in the Philippines with 615,692 cases recorded (World Bank, 2006).Diarrhea is considered a major cause of morbidity, especially in developing countries. In the Philippines, it was the leading cause of morbidity for the years 2001 and 2003, and the second in 2002 (National Statistics Of fice, 2006). Common causes of diarrhea are infections due to protozoa. These causative agents are either foodborne or waterborne. Among enteric protozoa, Giardia lamblia (syn. G. intestinalis or G. duodenalis) and Cryptosporidium spp. are the most commonly reported causes of water-borne diarrhea outbreaks (Natividad et al,2008).The protozoa G. lamblia was first reported in the Philippines in 1977 and since then has been identified as a common intestinal parasite. Studies done in Luzon, in various localities in the Visayas, and in the southern islands of Mindanao indicate wide distribution of Giardia in the Philippines. (Natividad et al, 2008). Stool examinations in the Philippines typically included the identification of the common etiologic agents of diarrheas such as G. lamblia and Cryptosporidium.According to the most recent nationwide survey of Giardia and Cryptosporidium provides basic information on the prevalence of these enteric protozoa in the Philippines. (Buerano et al, 2 008). The worsening water quality is related to incidence of waterborne diseases, and is likely to increase a negative impact of floods on human health. Example of this is an unusual flood that occurred in Marikina City, resulting in high mortality and morbidity rates due to gastroenteritis and other waterborne diseases (The Asian Disaster Preparedness Center, August 2008).The pollution of the surface water in Agusan River could cause a variety of contagious diseases. Those diseases could outbreak through several routes such as: infection by parasites (such as schistosome), which inhabit in the water and drinking of and/or contact with the polluted water river that may cause dysentery and diarrhea (Lomboy, 2011). Instead of developing Davao River as an economic resource, it is currently being used as a central septic tank according to the Davao River Conservation Coordinating Committee.A study conducted by the committee showed that about 11 drainage systems in the city are moving in to the Davao River (Manila Bulletin Publishing Corp. , 2004). Currently, Davao River has become a dumping site for garbage, biological wastes, chemical wastes and other pollutants carried by the residents and even people just within the area (Pascua et. al. , 2011). Thus, areas near or within the urbanized populace such as Bankerohan, Magallanes and Bucana, are considered polluted and may be the source of detrimental effects to those who live nearby. Conceptual FrameworkINDEPENDENT VARIABLEDEPENDENT VARIABLE Fig. 1 Conceptual Paradigm Showing the Relationship of Independent and Dependent Variables of the Study Presented in Fig. 1 above is the conceptual paradigm showing the independent variable, the pathogenic parasites and its levels on the three stations of Davao River namely Bankerohan, Magallanes and Bucana and is the subject of the study. The waterborne diseases and its levels would depend on what pathogenic parasites are found on the three stations of Davao River and is consid ered the dependent variable of the study.Statement of the Problem This study specifically aims to answer the following questions: 1. What is the level of pathogenic parasites in the following stations of Davao River: 1. Bankerohan? 2. Magallanes? 3. Bucana? 2. Is there a significant difference among the levels of pathogenic parasites? 3. What is the level of waterborne diseases in the following stations of Davao River: 1. Bankerohan? 2. Magallanes? 3. Bucana? 4. Is there a significant difference among the levels of waterborne diseases? 5.Is there a significant association between the level of pathogenic parasites and the level of waterborne diseases? Null Hypotheses 1. Hypothesis free 2. There is no significant difference among the levels of pathogenic parasites in the three stations of Davao River. 3. Hypothesis free 4. There is no significant difference among the levels of waterborne diseases in the three stations of Davao River. 5. There is no significant association between the level of pathogenic parasites and the level of waterborne diseases in the three stations of Davao River. Significance of the StudyThe results of this study would provide advantages to various fields namely: Government – They would be able to implement policies and ordinances regarding proper waste management and the dos and don’ts regarding the use of water from the river. The affected residents within the area would be supported and information dissemination within the community would be implemented. Environmental Groups and Agencies – Having been aware on the situation of the 3 stations of Davao River, they would be able to provide solutions to lessen its contamination and prevent increase on water pollution.Community – They would be given health awareness as well as the possible implementation of preventive measures and disease control. Teachers – This study would serve as an educational supplement and could be regarded as a learning material th at could give additional knowledge to those who would desire to conduct a study related to pathogenic organisms found in urbanized rivers. Students – This study could serve as a reference material for further researches. Definition of Terms Davao River. It is one of the largest rivers in the Philippines and the largest in Davao Region.It has a length of 143 kilometers. Salug River located in San Fernando, Bukidnon is its source and the mouth is located at the Davao Gulf. Bacteria. They are single-celled prokaryotic microscopic living organisms that could be pathogenic or likely to cause disease especially waterborne diseases since they could live in water and easily multiply. Parasite. It is an organism that lives in or on another organism (its host) and benefits by getting nutrients directly to its host. It is usually acquired through ingestion of contaminated food or water.Waterborne disease. It is a disease acquired by drinking water contaminated at its source or in the di stribution system, or by direct contact with environmental and recreational waters. It is a disease which results from infection with pathogenic microorganisms or chemical poisoning. Pathogenic microorganisms include viruses, bacteria, protozoans and helminthes. ———————– Waterborne diseases †¢ Bucana †¢ Magallanes †¢ Bankerohan Pathogenic Parasites †¢ Bucana †¢ Magallanes †¢ Bankerohan

Language Teaching And Application Of Communication Technologies Education Essay

CALL – short for Computer-assisted linguistic communication acquisition is a signifier of computer-based acquisition focused on bettering individualised acquisition as it is a student-centered accelerated larning tool intended to ease the linguistic communication larning procedure. The beginning of the word CALL comes from the abbreviation CAI ( Computer-Accelerated Instruction ) and is a term viewed as an assistance for instructors. Some describe CALL as an attack to learning and larning foreign linguistic communications via the computing machine and different computer-based resources such as the Internet. However CALL is neither designed nor intended to replace face-to-face linguistic communication instruction but instead to better the self-study 1. The Computer-assisted linguistic communication acquisition can really good be used to supplement the group instruction. Since every bit early as the 1960s computing machines have helped linguistic communication instruction. Early in the yearss CALL developed into a symbiotic relationship between the development of engineering and pedagogy.The development of CALL can be divided into three phases: Behavioristic CALL, Communicative CALL and Integrative CALL. The first stage of CALL was based on the then-dominant behaviourist theories of larning. Programs of this stage entailed insistent linguistic communication drills and can be referred to as â€Å" drill and pattern † . In â€Å" drill and pattern † the computing machine serves as a vehicle for presenting instructional stuffs to the pupil. The 2nd stage of CALL was based on the communicative attack to learning which became widely used during the 1970s and 80s. This attack felt that the plans of the old decennary did non let adequate communicating and could non be of much value. The communicative CALL avoids stating pupils they are incorrect and is flexible to a assortment of pupil responses and uses the mark linguistic communication entirely and creates an environment in which utilizing the mark linguistic communication feels natural. The 3rd stage of CALL, the Integrative CALL, tries to incorporate the instruction of linguistic communication accomplishments into undertakings or undertakings to supply way and coherency. It coincides with the development of multimedia engineering. Name in this period is used for widening instruction beyond the schoolroom and reorganising direction. The design of modern CALL lessons by and large takes into consideration rules of linguistic communication teaching method derived from larning theories. Recent researches in CALL are in favor of a learner-centered exploratory attack where pupils are encouraged to seek different possible solutions to a job. Call and computational linguistics are separate but mutualist Fieldss of survey. The intent of computational linguistics is to learn computing machines to bring forth grammatically right sentences utilizing natural and fluid English. Since the computing machines have become so widespread in schools and places and they have become such valuable portion of people s mundane life that it obliged teaching method to develop in new ways to work the computing machine ‘s benefits and to work around its restrictions. A huge figure of pedagogical attacks have been developed in the computing machine age including the communicative and integrative attacks. Others include constructivism, whole linguistic communication theory and sociocultural theory. Using the constructivism theory pupils are urged to build new cognition based on experience so they can integrate new thoughts in their already-established scheme of cognition. Whole linguistic communication theory insists that in position of linguistic communication larning focal point alterations from the whole to the portion and instead than constructing sub-skills like grammar pupils should concentrate on higher abilities such as reading comprehension the manner to larn to utilize linguistic communication is the opposite.The sociocultural theory provinces that acquisition is a procedure of going portion of a desired community and larning through communities regulations of behaviour. Although all attacks are different in general they all take the focal point of larning off the instructors and province that pupils larning experiences has more to make with eloquence over truth in order to let pupils to collaborate, instead than vie. In malice of altering the function of the instructors in the educational system CALL does non extinguish the demand for a instructor wholly. In position of being the centre of pupils attending, instructors now become ushers as they help the pupils complete the assigned undertakings instead than merely educating them. Restricting the instructors presence has been shown to take to better quality of communicating such as more fluidness and more sharing of pupils personal egos. On the other manus, the pupils instead than passively absorbing information now they must absorb new information through interaction and coaction with each other. This should raise their self-esteem and assist their cognition to better linguistic communication scholars four accomplishments – hearing, speech production, reading and composing. Most CALL programmes are geared toward these receptive and productive accomplishments because of the current province of technological progresss. And those programmes h ave helped for the development of talking abilities a batch. Using confab has been shown to assist pupils routinize certain often-used looks to advance the development of talking accomplishments. The usage of engineering inside or outside the schoolroom tends to do the category more interesting. However, certain design issues impact merely how interesting the peculiar tool creates motive. Some ways to actuate the pupils is to personalise information, to hold animated objects on the screen or to supply a context that is non straight language-oriented. One benefit of increased motive is that pupils tend to pass more clip on undertakings when on the computing machine. Without computing machines, pupils can non truly act upon the patterned advance of the category content but computing machines can accommodate to the pupil. This normally means that the pupil controls the gait of the acquisition and that pupils can do picks in what and how to larn. With existent communicating Acts of the Apostless, instead than teacher-contrived 1s, pupils feel empowered and less afraid to reach others. Students believe they learn faster and better and larn more about civilization with computer-med iated communicating. The impact of CALL in foreign linguistic communication instruction has been modest. The restrictions of the engineering, due to the job with cost have been debatable. Computer engineering has improved greatly in the last three decennaries and demands placed on CALL have grown even more so. However, most of the jobs that appear in the literature on CALL have more to make with instructor outlooks and apprehensivenesss about what computing machines can make for the linguistic communication scholar and instructor. The most important factor that can take to the failure of CALL, or the usage of any engineering in linguistic communication instruction is non the failure of the engineering, but instead the failure to put adequately in teacher preparation and the deficiency of imaginativeness to take advantage of the engineering ‘s flexibleness. As active tool making positive motive in linguistic communication instruction and larning CALL is rooted in visual image as establishing rule in methodological analysis. Verbal and ocular are the two faces of the same coin.

How to Turn a Worksheet into an Engaging Activity

How to Turn a Worksheet into an Engaging Activity Lets face it, worksheets are not fun. To students, the mere presence of them means boring and for us teachers, they are just another thing that we have to give students to help them learn or reinforce a concept. But, what if I told you that you can take these boring worksheets and turn them into something fun, and something that would required no extra prep time? The Cornerstoneforteachers.com came up with 5 no prep ways that you can do this that are genius. Heres how. 1. Worksheet Cut-Up Place students into groups of five and give them one worksheet per group that has each question on the sheet cut up. For example, if your worksheet has ten questions on it, all ten questions would be cut up into a separate strip of paper. Next, students will each take turns choosing a role. The roles for the game are as follows: Person 1 - reads the questionPerson 2 - Paraphrases the question and may or may not offer a few cluesPerson 3 - Gives their answer and explains why they chose that answerPerson 4 - Agrees or disagrees with person 3 and explains their reasoningPerson 5 - Places the strip of paper into a pile that agrees or disagrees with the answer, then they take on the role of person number 1 for the next question. The roles continue to shift until all of the question strips are answered. At the end of the game, students look through their disagree pile and try to find some kind of consensus. 2. Everybody Agrees For this activity you must divide students into teams of four. Each team member is given a number 1-4. The teacher asks all groups the same question (from the worksheet) and gives teams a few minutes to come up with an answer. Next, you randomly call a number 1-4 and whoever is that number for each group must share their groups answer. This answer should then be written on a dry erase board to ensure that each answer is unique to the group, and that no one changes their answers. For each correct answer that group gets a point. At the end of the game the group with the most points wins! 3. Lines of Communication Have students stand in two lines facing each other. Choose one question from the worksheet and ask students to discuss the answer with the person that is across from them. Then, randomly ask any person to give an answer. Next, have students in one row move to the right so for the next question they will have a new partner. This goes on until all of the questions on the worksheet are completed and discussed. 4. Making Mistakes This is a fun activity that really gets students excited about learning. For this worksheet activity have students complete all of the questions or the problems on the worksheet, but randomly make one mistake. Then, ask students to exchange papers with the person next to them and have them see if they can find the mistake. 5. Classroom Rotation Have students move their desks so that all students are sitting in a huge circle. Then, have students count off so that each child is either a one or a two. Students then complete one problem on the worksheet with a person next them. When they are finished, call upon a random student to discuss the answer. Next, have all of the twos move down a seat so that all of the ones now have a new partner. Continue to play until the worksheet is completed. Looking for more group activities? Try these cooperative learning activities, or this sample group lesson.

Mesopotamia essays

Mesopotamia essays Before man started recording history, the beginning of civilisation, they were hunter-gatherers. This meant they moved around from place to place using only what they needed from the natural resources. Historical evidence, though fragmentary, suggests that once they started domesticating the animals they were hunting and the seeds of the plants they were gathering there was no need to constantly move. One of the earliest areas that we have historical evidence on is Mesopotamia. Mesopotamia was an area in and around the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. At the southern base of these two rivers, where they join, are alluvial flood plains. Both rivers are surrounded by land which is mainly very hot desert and marshes, much as it is today. We know they had started herding and developed agriculture around small villages. The evidence shows men developed as they do today. From the fragments we do have we know that cultures and social rolls changed according to changed circumstances. The new knowledge was passed on from one generation from the next and improved upon. It seems that settled villages encouraged people from the hills to gather in these villages. More people meant more herding and agriculture, more permanent fixtures to house the larger populations and the food. The different peoples brought with them different knowledges and as they all integrated significant technologies we re passed on and developed. Some of the significant technologies they developed were baked clay, used for bricks for homes, pottery, urns and other kitchen utensils, and also for calved statues and ornaments. It is these technologies, that archaeologists have dug up, that we get most of the knowledge about this culture. The reason they used clay was that it was readily available. There does not seem to be too much stone. Although some stone axes have been found. They would have seen that when the fertile clay was dried out in the sun it became ro ...