Protein Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 6250 words

Protein - Research Paper Example Results indicated antibacterial activity to be present in pepsin-digested lactoferrin and F2 sample. Thus, purification of lactoferricin obtained through peptic digestion of bovine lactoferrin was accomplished by fractionation of the hydrolysate using cation exchange chromatography. Lactoferrin (Lf) is an iron-binding glycoprotein and, as the name suggests, is a constituent of milk. It is also found, to a lesser extent, in various mucosal (exocrine) secretions of mammals that are commonly exposed to normal flora such as tears, nasal exudate, saliva, bronchial mucus, gastrointestinal fluids, cervicovaginal mucus and seminal fluid (Weinberg, 2003). Also, Lf is produced by secondary granules of polymorphonuclear neutrophils for deposition at septic sites. The granular contents of neutrophils can be released into inflammatory fluids after neutrophil death, by what is known as "holocrine secretion". The protein is closely related to transferrin, the iron-transport protein present in the plasma. Lactoferrin is a multifunctional innate-defense protein, known to exert a broad-spectrum primary defense activity against microbes including bacteria, fungi, protozoa and viruses (Orsi, 2004), and even some antibiotic-resistant pathogens (Wakabayashi et al., 2003). Lf is foun d in high concentrations in breast milk (~3–7 mg/ml) and tear fluid (1–4 mg/ml) (Rogan et al., 2006). Among the many constituents of milk which have revealed antimicrobial activity, lactoferrin exhibits both bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity against a wide array of microorganisms, including those causing gastroenteric infections, food poisoning, listeriosis and mastitis (Dionysius et al., 1993). Recently, clinical trials have demonstrated that bovine lactoferrin (bLF) administration can reduce the risk of colon carcinogenesis in humans (Tsuda et al., 2010). A key role of Lf is to scavenge non-protein-bound iron in body

Outline in a 1,500 words the characteristics of Social Media and Coursework

Outline in a 1,500 words the characteristics of Social Media and Generation Y and the close relationship between the two with a case example - Coursework Example 89). The paper will reveal the characteristics of social media and the generation Y and will advance to show the close linkage between social media and this generation based on a case example on how social media has facilitated product e-marketing and will go a notch higher to reveal the pros and cons resulting from e-marketing such as increased sales and fraudulent and scamming acts through giving a platform for the scammers and the fraudsters which are mainly the generation Y’s component. Identity distortion is a major issue in social media as people misuse this platform and hide their identities as they try to investigate on other peoples’ ware bouts and will get every detail of the targeted people which is later used to advance their ill motives on such victims. The belief on the existence of the data shadows has made it possible for the monitoring previous transactions made by web user online which are the generated into data necessary for follow ups. An explanation to the definition of social media can be highlighted as situation recently taking over the web presenting a more expansive exposure in respect to degree of connectivity and social networking that facilitates the continuous conveyance of information through the feedback and contribution of web users belonging to any given virtual community. This is a generation that is also known as Millenniums or Echo Boomers which precedes generation X and preceded by generation Z. generation Y is estimated to entail the youths born between the years 1977 and 2000. It is not clear as some state that this generation should the people born between 1978 and 1989. Due to this dissenting explanation is extended to include the age bracket from 1977 to 2000 (Bondarouk & Olivas-Lujan 2013, p. 111). According to Strauss and Howe, the period between 1982 and 2004 formed the bracket of the generation Y in USA. Social media has increased intimacy among the people as people are daily connected via the

Germany Culture Essay Example for Free

Germany Culture Essay Have you ever wondered where the Christmas tree came from? Along time ago, in the early 700’s a monk, called St. Boniface, was preaching to a group of Germanic Druids. The Druids idolized oak trees. And in order to stop the Druids idolatry of oak trees, the monk chopped down a huge one. Crashing down to the earth, the tree crushed everything in its path, except for a small fir sapling. The monk declared that this was a miracle that this one single sapling wasn’t killed and concluded, â€Å"Let this be called the tree of the Christ Child. † And this is how to custom of having a tree during the Christmas season came to be. It was started by the Germans, and moved to Europe, who brought it to America. [Marples] German Americans have had a very large impact on the American society. One of the largest reasons could be that people with German ancestry comprise about 51 million people, which makes up 17% of all of the U.S’s population. That’s roughly one fifth of all America’s population where one of their ancestors originated from Germany. [American] Germans started coming to the British Colonies of the New World, now the northeastern part of America, in the 1680s. Many immigrants from German continued to come to America during the 19th century. Many immigrated to America because of shortage of land, and religious or political oppression in Europe. [Zane] Even in recent times, Germans have helped shape America into what it is today. German Americans have influenced almost every field of American society, including science, architecture, industry, sports, entertainment, theology, government, and the military. Generals Baron von Steuben, John Pershing, Dwight Eisenhower, and Norman Schwarzkopf commanded the United States Army in the American Revolutionary War, World War I, World War II, and the Persian Gulf War. John D. Rockefeller, William Boeing, Walter Chrysler, George Westinghouse, and Donald Trump have also been an important part of American industry and business. Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Jack Nicklaus, Doris Day, and Leonardo DiCaprio became famous athletes or actors. And finally Albert Einstein and Wernher von Braun, two German Americans, greatly effected America and the whole world. Many famous, well known, and people who have changed America greatly have been German Americans. [German] German Americans have also changed the American food greatly also. Germans brought hog dogs and hamburgers to the America’s, which is now known as the â€Å"American Food†, or the food that people think of when they hear America. They also have the beer brewing dominated for most of America. German immigrants Eberhard, Anheuser, Adolphus Busch, and others have greatly changed America’s beer market. [Mittelman] [Home of the Hamburger] Overall, the effect that German Americans have had on America is huge. They have helped shake America in many ways including holiday traditions, science, sports, entertainment, and government. America is not made of one people, but of many. And their idea’s and traditions all mixed together is what makes this such a great country.

Cross Layered Approach for Network Selection

Cross Layered Approach for Network Selection A Cross Layered Approach for Network Selection in Heterogeneous Wireless Networks M. Deva Priya, Dr. M. L Valarmathi, D.Prithviraj Abstract: Service delivery in a heterogeneous wireless network environment requires the selection of an optimal access network. Selection of a non-optimal network can result in undesirable effects such as higher costs or poor service experience. Consequently, network selection techniques play a vital role in ensuring quality of service in heterogeneous networks. Network selection in such an environment is influenced by several factors, with different relative importance, the access network selection problem is usually looked at from the aspect of multi-criteria analysis. The proposed mechanism is based on a modified Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) steps to assist the Mobile Subscriber Stations (MSSs) in selecting the top candidate network dynamically. The performance analysis reveals that this network selection scheme yields a better results in selecting the better network. Keywords: MCDM, Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), WiMAX–Wi-Fi Scenario Introduction: The 4th Generation (4G) wireless networks aims at integrating various heterogeneous wireless access networks such as GPRS, 3G, Wi-Fi, WiMAX over an Internet Protocol (IP) backbone. With the integration of different access networks, wider ranges and higher Quality of Service (QoS) can be provided to the users. The next generation wireless networks have been designed to provide support for multimedia services with different traffic characteristics, different QoS guarantees and to satisfy different types of service level agreements (SLAs) for an increasing number of mobile users. The integration of different wireless network technologies is required to provide a â€Å"seamless† interoperability, integration and convergence among the heterogeneous technologies. Several heterogeneous wireless networks that consist of Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) and Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) networks have started to be operated. IEEE 802.16 WiMAX: WiMAX, a broadband wireless technology, developed by the WiMAX Forum [IEEE standard] is based on the 802.16 standard. The main objective is to provide high speed data transfers over the air. It has a frequency range of about 2-11 GHz for Non-Line-of- Sight and 10-66 GHz for Line of Sight. The signal range for Line of Sight and Non Line of Sight are 30 miles and 5 miles respectively. There are two types of WiMAX, say Fixed and Mobile WiMAX. WiMAX supports different types of traffics like Best Effort (BE), Unsolicited Grant Service (UGS), nrtPS (Non- Extended Real-Time Polling Service), rtPS (Extended Real-Time Polling Service) and ertPS (Extended Real-Time Polling Service). It is a technology for next generation with potential applications such as cellular backhaul, hotspot, VoIP mobiles and broadband connection etc. Itis a standard based wireless technology that provides internet access and multimedia services at very high speed to the end user. IEEE 802.11 Wi-Fi: WLAN (or WiFi) is an open-standard technology that enables wireless connectivity between equipments and local area networks. Public access WLAN services are designed to deliver LAN services over short distances. Coverage extends over a 50 to 150 meter radius of the access point. Connection speeds range from 1.6 Mbps, which is comparable to fixed DSL transmission speed, to 11 Mbps [Part 11 -1]. New standards promise to increase speeds to 54 Mbps. Today’s WLANs run in the unlicensed 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radio spectrums [Part 11 2]. The 2.4 GHz frequency is already crowded—it has been allocated for several purposes besides WLAN service. The 5 GHz spectrum is a much larger bandwidth, providing higher speeds, greater reliability, and better throughput [Part 11 3]. Handover Process: When a Mobile Subscriber Station (MSS) moving in an overlapping area, continuous service must be need so the technique â€Å"HANDOVER† is done. The handover technique is mainly used to redirect the mobile user’s service network from current network to a new network or one base station (BS) to another BS or one access point (AP) to another AP with same technology or among different technologies to reduce the processing delay in the overlapping area. Handover technique has the two types, Horizontal Handover and Vertical Handover. The homogenous wireless network performs horizontal handover, if there are two BSs using the same access technology, in current system called horizontal handover. This type of mechanism use signal strength measurements for surrounding BSs to trigger and to perform the handover decision. In heterogeneous wireless networks, the MSS or BS will be equipped with multiple network interfaces to reach different wireless networks. When an emerging mix of overlapping heterogeneous wireless networks deployed, vertical handover is used among the networks using different access technologies. Handover technique has the four phases: Handover Initiation, System discovery, Handover decision, Handoff execution. Handoff Initiation phase: The handover process was modified by some criteria value like signal strength, link quality etc. System discovery phase: It is used to decide which mobile user discovers its neighbour network and exchanges information about Quality of Service (QOS) offered by these networks. Handover Decision phase: This phase compares the neighbour network QOS and the mobile users QOS with this QOS decision maker makes the decision to which network the mobile user has to direct the connection. Handoff Execution phase: This phase is responsible for establishing the connection and release the connections and as well as the invocation of security service. The scope of our work is mainly in handover decision phase, as mentioned in the decision phase; decision makers must choose the best network from available networks. Multi – Criteria Decision Making: Handover decision problem deals with making selection among limited number of candidate networks from various service providers and technologies with respect to different criteria. Network selection schemes can be categorized in to two kinds: Fuzzy Logic based schemes and multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) based schemes. Three different approaches for the decision of the optimal access network selection are as follows: the network centric, the user centric and the collaborative approaches [Hwang, C. L, Meriem, K]. In network centric approach, the decision for the access network selection is made at the network side with goal to optimize the network operator’s benefit. The majority of network centric approaches are using game theory in order to select the network that will optimize the network operator’s profit. In the user centric approach, the decision is taken at the user terminal based only on the minimization of the user’s cost without considering the n etwork load balancing or other users. The selection of the access network is determined by using utility or cost or profit functions or by applying MCDM methods. The selection of an access network depends on several parameters with different relative importance such as the network and application characteristics, user preferences, service and cost etc., the access network selection problem can be solved by applying different MCDM algorithms. In the collaborative approach, the decision for the access network selection is made at the profits of both users and network operator. Multiple criteria decision making deals with the problem of selecting an alternative from a set of alternatives which are categorized in terms of their attributes. Generally there are two processes in MCDM techniques: (1) Weighting and (2) Ranking. Most popular classical MADM algorithms are SAW, TOPSIS, AHP, and GRA. In Simple Additive Weighting (SAW), overall score of a candidate network is determined by weighting sum of all the attribute values. In Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), the chosen candidate network is one which is closest to ideal solution and farthest from the worst case solution. Analytical hierarchical Process (AHP) decomposes the network selection problem in to several sub-problems and assigns a weight value for each sub-problem. Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) is then used to rank the candidate networks and selects the one with highest ranking. Related Work A novel optimization utility is presented [Pervaiz, Haris, Qiang Ni, and Charilaos C. Zarakovitis] to incorporate the quality-of-service (QoS) dynamics of the available networks along with heterogeneous attributes of each user. The joint network and user selection is modelled by an evolutionary game theoretical approach and replicator dynamics is solved to seek an optimal stable solution by combining both self-control of users’ preferences and self-adjustment of networks’ parameters, our study innovates over related efforts. This paper [Mehbodniya, Abolfazl, Faisal Kaleem, Kang K. Yen, and Fumiyuki Adachi] presents a novel approach for the design and implementation of a multi-criteria vertical handoff decision algorithm for heterogeneous wireless networks based on the fuzzy extension of the Techniques for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) which is used to prioritize all the available networks within the coverage of the mobile user and to achieve seamless mobility while maximizing end-users satisfaction. A network selection mechanism based on two multi attribute decision making (MADM) methods namely multiple analytic hierarchy process (M-AHP) and grey relational analysis (GRA) method is proposed [Lahby, Mohamed, and Abdellah Adib]. The M-AHP is used to weigh each criterion and GRA is used to rank the alternatives. This paper [Rao, K. R., Zoran S. Bojkovic, and Bojan M. Bakmaz] provides a survey on fundamental aspects of network selection process and deals with network selection concept as a perspective approach to the always best connected and served paradigm in heterogeneous wireless environment. A cross-layer architectural framework for network and channel selection in a Heterogeneous Cognitive Wireless Network (HCWN) [Haldar, Kuheli Louha, Chittabrata Ghosh, and Dharma P. Agrawal] is proposed. A novel probabilistic model for channel classification based on its adjacent channels’ occupancy within the spectrum of an operating network is also introduced. Further, a modified Hungarian algorithm is implemented for channel and network selection among secondary users. A two-step vertical handoff decision algorithm [Liu, Chao, Yong Sun, Peng Yang, Zhen Liu, Haijun Zhang, and Xiangming Wen] based on dynamic weight compensation is proposed. It also adopts the filtering mechanism to reduce the system cost and improves the conventional algorithm by dynamic weight compensation and consistency adjustment. A speed-adaptive system discovery scheme [Yang, Peng, Yong Sun, Chao Liu, Wei Li, and Xiangming Wen] before vertical handoff decision, which effectively improves the update rate of the candidate networks set is introduced. Then a vertical handoff decision algorithm based on fuzzy logic with a pre-handoff decision method which reduces unnecessary handoffs, balancing the whole network resources and decreasing the probability of call blocking and dropping. A context-aware service adaptation mechanism [Chang, Jie, and Junde Song] under ubiquitous network relying on user-to-object, space-time interaction patterns which helps perform service adaptation is presented. Similar Users-based Service Adaptation algorithm (SUSA) is proposed, by combining entropy theory and fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process algorithm (FAHP). This approach adopts a suitably defined utility function [Pervaiz, Haris, and Qiang Ni], which at the same time takes into account the users importance for the considered attributes and the quality offered for these attributes by the available networks. The dynamics of network selection in cooperative wireless networks is modeled using an evolutionary game theory where an evolutionary equilibrium is sought as a solution to this game. A bandwidth allocation algorithm is proposed [Fei, Wenchao, Hui Tian, and Rongrong Lian] for Constant Bit Rate (CBR) and Variable Bit Rate (VBR) services depending on utility fairness among different networks and the fairness between new arrival and ongoing services. A utility function is introduced whose parameters are determined by the modified multi-state Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) which adapts to different load levels according to dynamic thresholds. A novel load balancing algorithm based on analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is proposed [Song, Qingyang, Jianhua Zhuang, and Rui Wen], which helps the heterogeneous WLAN/UMTS network to provide better service to high-priority users without decreasing system revenue. A novel selection policy [Sasaki, Misato, Akira Yamaguchi, Yuichi Imagaki, Kosuke Yamazaki, and Toshinori Suzuki] for a communication system in heterogeneous wireless networks, which applies the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) algorithm by taking into account the mobility of the user terminals is proposed. An intelligent context-aware solution based on advanced decision approaches like fuzzy logic and analytic hierarchy processes that considers both users and services requirements is proposed in [Zekri, Mariem, Badii Jouaber, and Djamal Zeghlache]. REFERENCES: IEEE Std 802.16-2009. IEEE standard for local and metropolitan area networks. Part 16: Air interface for broadband wireless access systems; 2009. Part 11: Wireless LAN Medium Access Control (MAC) and Physical Layer (PHY) Specification, IEEE 802.11 WG, Aug. 1999. Part 11: Wireless LAN Medium Access Control (MAC) and Physical Layer (PHY) Specification: High-Speed Physical Layer Extension in the 2.4 GHz Band, IEEE 802.11b WG, Sept. 1999. Part 11: Wireless LAN Medium Access Control (MAC) and Physical Layer (PHY) Specification: High-Speed Physical Layer in the 5 GHz Band, IEEE 802.11a WG, Sept. 1999. Hwang, C. L., Yoon, K. (1981). Multiple attribute decision making: Methods and applications. In A state of the art survey. New York: Springer. Meriem, K., Brigitte, K., Guy, P. (2008). An overview of vertical handover decision strategies in heterogeneous wireless networks. Elsevier, Journal of Computer, Communication, 37(10). Pervaiz, Haris, Qiang Ni, and Charilaos C. Zarakovitis. User adaptive QoS aware selection method for cooperative heterogeneous wireless systems: A dynamic contextual approach.Future Generation Computer Systems(2014). Mehbodniya, Abolfazl, Faisal Kaleem, Kang K. Yen, and Fumiyuki Adachi. A novel wireless network access selection scheme for heterogeneous multimedia traffic. InConsumer Communications and Networking Conference (CCNC), 2013 IEEE, pp. 485-489. IEEE, 2013. Lahby, Mohamed, and Abdellah Adib. Network selection mechanism by using M-AHP/GRA for heterogeneous networks. InWireless and Mobile Networking Conference (WMNC), 2013 6th Joint IFIP, pp. 1-6. IEEE, 2013. Rao, K. R., Zoran S. Bojkovic, and Bojan M. Bakmaz. Network selection in heterogeneous environment: A step toward always best connected and served. InTelecommunication in Modern Satellite, Cable and Broadcasting Services (TELSIKS), 2013 11th International Conference on, vol. 1, pp. 83-92. IEEE, 2013. Haldar, Kuheli Louha, Chittabrata Ghosh, and Dharma P. Agrawal. Dynamic spectrum access and network selection in heterogeneous cognitive wireless networks.Pervasive and Mobile Computing9, no. 4 (2013): 484-497. Liu, Chao, Yong Sun, Peng Yang, Zhen Liu, Haijun Zhang, and Xiangming Wen. A two-step vertical handoff decision algorithm based on dynamic weight compensation. InCommunications Workshops (ICC), 2013 IEEE International Conference on, pp. 1031-1035. IEEE, 2013. Yang, Peng, Yong Sun, Chao Liu, Wei Li, and Xiangming Wen. A novel fuzzy logic based vertical handoff decision algorithm for heterogeneous wireless networks. InWireless Personal Multimedia Communications (WPMC), 2013 16th International Symposium on, pp. 1-5. IEEE, 2013. Chang, Jie, and Junde Song. Research on Context-Awareness Service Adaptation Mechanism in IMS under Ubiquitous Network. InVehicular Technology Conference (VTC Spring), 2012 IEEE 75th, pp. 1-5. IEEE, 2012. Pervaiz, Haris, and Qiang Ni. User Preferences-Adaptive Dynamic Network Selection Approach in Cooperating Wireless Networks: A Game Theoretic Perspective. InTrust, Security and Privacy in Computing and Communications (TrustCom), 2012 IEEE 11th International Conference on, pp. 1609-1616. IEEE, 2012. Fei, Wenchao, Hui Tian, and Rongrong Lian. Utility-Based Dynamic Multi-Service Bandwidth Allocation in Heterogeneous Wireless Networks. In Vehicular Technology Conference (VTC Spring), 2012 IEEE 75th, pp. 1-5. IEEE, 2012. Song, Qingyang, Jianhua Zhuang, and Rui Wen. Load Balancing in WLAN/UMTS Integrated Systems Using Analytic Hierarchy Process. InRecent Advances in Computer Science and Information Engineering, pp. 457-464. Springer Berlin Heidelberg, 2012. Sasaki, Misato, Akira Yamaguchi, Yuichi Imagaki, Kosuke Yamazaki, and Toshinori Suzuki. Novel Communication System Selection Applying the AHP Algorithm in Heterogeneous Wireless Networks. InWireless Communications and Applications, pp. 241-249. Springer Berlin Heidelberg, 2012. Zekri, Mariem, Badii Jouaber, and Djamal Zeghlache. Context aware vertical handover decision making in heterogeneous wireless networks. InLocal Computer Networks (LCN), 2010 IEEE 35th Conference on, pp. 764-768. IEEE, 2010.

A Writing History Essay -- Personal Narrative Writing

A Writing History Every great writer, whether it is a poet, novelist, journalist, or any other type will share a common beginning with every person, this I see. Where they take it from there is up to them, the choice is free. The common beginning is simple, even quite easy. It usually starts in kindergarten learning the ABC's. From there you learn to form and read words-the first step of literacy. In my opinion, writing can be fun, but it did not always seem that way to me. This paper will give a brief background on my steps in the writing experience; this is my writing history. Kindergarten, the first step. This is where I started to hate writing; it all began with the alphabet. Writing had a bad first impression on me. Every day or so I would write that long list of loathsome letters repeatedly for an hour or three. With that mastered, words soon would follow. This was not such a big step, not too hard to swallow. At first I learned simple words, things like dog, cat, and colors (if memory serves). In fifth grade I wanted my writing to be sophisticated and distinguished. That is when I discovered calligraphy-the Old English. It was like winning a shopping spree for the mind. Little by little I memorized the style. I used it all the time. I suppose I compare learning calligraphy to a "shopping spree" because it cost me nothing to learn it. It was all free. I used calligraphy on any project that allowed me to be creative. I got so used to calligraphy it became native. It was in me as if I was born into it; my birthright. When I used this art form time was lost; I would write day and night. Although I now hardly use this classical style in my art (writing poetry and lyrics), calligraphy will forever remain in my writi... ... beginning made on what I wrote; the changes the break up made were just as exciting. I wrote the "break up" poems just to get it off my mind and on to something else, like paper. Here's an example of what I was writing: "My heart is too much of a hole to to tell you to hold. So I say goodbye and remember you till I'm old. But I still live the day I found your love was fool's gold." When I was finished with writing "ex-girlfriend" poems I went back to my old style. I felt normal again. I was all warmed up like a track star that just ran his first mile. I won't blow off creative writing assignments like I did in junior high. Now they'll be all mine. And that's just about it-the brief background of my writing history. I don't know if I'll always write poetry and lyrics, I'm not sure. I could write less or write more. That's up to my writing future.

Physics of Image Processing Essay -- physics photo photograph digital

Missing Figures Characteristics of Light There are a few fundamental characteristics of light that are useful to be aware of before proceeding with the discussion on how CCD's and Film can function to save a useful, meaningful image. One of these important fundamental qualities is the fact that visible light is electromagnetic radiation. Electromagnetic Radiation, Photons, and Energy Levels Electromagnetic radiation has many different classifications. Some such classifications include AM/FM Radio Waves, microwaves, visible light, x-rays, and gamma rays. A key factor in these classifications is that each different type or "level" of electromagnetic radiation contains different energy levels. These energy levels are determined by the speed or rate that charges from a given source move to create an electric field (for instance, moving charges through an antenna or lightbulb) (Serway 1090). Hence, this oscillating electric field has two very important characteristics: it has a frequency and a wavelength. Furthermore, light can also behave as a particle in some instances. This particle of light is called a photon, and is essentially the amount of energy that a light wave has at a certain frequency (the energy of a photon is not dependent on the intensity of the light, but rather only dependent upon its frequency) (Serway 1107). It is this "duality of light" that allows CCD's and film to function as they do, as energy is transferred to materials through light via. photons. Since the energy of a photon is only related to its frequency, an equation (discovered by Einstein) relates photons to the electrons they produce by: E = h * f Where E is the energy of the produced electron, h is Planck's constant (6.63 * 10^-34 J... ...graphic Sensitivity. 2001. 31 Mar. 2003 Gambhir. The Photographic Process: Silver Bromide Crystals. 1 April 2003 Harris, Tom. How Cameras Work. How Stuff Works. 1 April 2003 Light - Part VIII. 1 April 2003 Spectral Configuration Guide. 31 March 2003 Thompson, Tom. "Charge-coupled device." Computerworld 6 Aug. 2001: 49 Visible Light Waves.2 April 2003 Woodworth, Charles. How Photographic Film Works. How Stuff Works. 1 April 2003

Balance Based Literacy: Is it the Best Solution?

Literacy has become an important consideration in the field of education. To address literacy problems, educators (Strickland, n. d. ; Frey et al. , 2004) use the Balance Based Literacy Program, which specifically stresses the use of varied approaches to teaching literacy. According to California Department of Education (as cited in Frey et al. , 2004), the term balanced literacy originated in California in 1996. This was made into a curriculum in response to low reading scores of students on a national examination. It promotes the concept that reading and writing must go hand in hand to promote literacy.In contrast to using a specific approach to teaching literacy such as Phonics Approach or Whole Language Approach, Balance Based Literacy combines these approaches and more in order to ensure meeting the goal of literacy. Believing that every student has the capability to learn how to read and write, Balance Based Literacy allows students to achieve a certain literacy level through a combination of approaches relevant to their ability. The literacy model established with balance allows students to plan their own personal progress, and attempt new techniques in learning, with the support of teachers and resources.Based on Frey et al. (2004), many authors believe that combining a balance of teacher-directed instruction and student-centered activities is the most effective way of teaching literacy. In addition, Asselin, and Pearson (as cited in Frey) believe that Balance Based Literacy must include elements of community, authenticity, integration, optimism, modeling, and student control and connectedness. Activities incorporated in Balance Based Literacy include reading and writing aloud, shared reading and writing, guided reading and writing, and independent reading and writing. According to Mrs.Stewart’s Kindergarten Web site, one model of Balance Based Literacy being employed nowadays is the Literacy Collaborative Model. This comprehensive model is desig ned to provide a school-wide approach to improve reading and writing. This model includes a wide range of individual, small-group, and large-group reading and writing activities (Literacy Collaborative Web site). One component of Balance Based Literacy is Reading and Writing Aloud. In Reading Aloud, students learn the language through acquisition. It supports the idea that language is acquired, thus students are asked to read aloud a text to other students.By doing such, the read language registers in the mind of the students, making them learn the language. However, beyond the purpose of learning, the goals of Reading Aloud are to promote enjoyment and emphasize the uses of print (Mrs. Stewart’s Web site). It exposes the students to the uses of printed materials, and develops discussion skills by motivating them to ask questions during the activity. During Reading aloud, students do not need to view the read text. The focus is not on the content of the text, but what the stu dent reads or explains about the text.The selection for such activities may be fiction or nonfiction, or it can be a narrative, or a picture book Another component of Balance Based Literacy is Shared Reading. During Shared Reading, students reformulate ideas from the context. Either the teacher or a proficient student reader reads to the class, while the rest of the students are invited to join in the reading. One important component of shared reading is an enlarged text which is readable by all children. The text used may contain songs, poems, charts, or lists created by the teacher or developed with the class during shared writing activities.During the reading, the teacher or student reader points to or glides a locator on the reading material to guide the students in reading. This is to draw students’ attention to the print in order to promote familiarity with words in the text. Shared reading activities involve multiple readings of books over several days. During the init ial reading, the teacher emphasizes reading for enjoyment while subsequent readings are done to increase participation, and teach vocabulary, ideas, author’s style, and intonation patterns.Through repeated readings of a particular text, children become familiar with word forms and build up recognition of words and phrases used in the text (Bridge, Winograd, & Haley; Pikulski & Kellner, as cited in Frey et al. , 2004). The third reading component of Balance Based Literacy is Guided Reading. In this kind of activity, students are given more chances to express their ideas and feelings through inquiry. As such, it requires more student participation. In most cases, students are grouped together according to their level, and asked to read a text appropriate to their reading ability.In this case, the teacher needs to carefully identify each student’s level to ensure proper assessment. The fourth reading component is Independent Reading. This activity allows the student to ch oose from a wide variety of texts. It aims to make students become confident, motivated and enthusiastic about their ability to read. Considered as an advanced approach to reading, this activity makes use of skills learned during the Reading Aloud, Shared Reading, and Guided Reading activities. The writing components of Balance Based Literacy also ensure variety in the application of approaches and resources.One component is the Shared Writing activity. In this activity, the teacher and the students together decide to write a text in which the teacher acts as the scribe. The activity requires discussion of what they are writing about, and modeling of the teacher on the board how the text should be written. The students are asked to verbally interact with the teacher before, during, and after the activity to help make connections. The second writing component is the Interactive Writing activity. In this activity, either the teacher and the class, or students in groups collaborate to write a material.The students articulate the words or sounds that they are about to write, and discuss with the teacher or group mates what they are writing about. The third component is the Guided Writing or Writing Workshop. This intends to allow students to spend time daily to write about things that interest them. Students are guided to experiment with a variety of genres. The ultimate goal is for students to develop a style of their own, and apply previous learning. In addition to the writing activity itself, the teacher offers a whole class session, small group lesson, or a conference where students can learn and share their written output.The fourth component is the Independent Writing. This activity allows students to write independently by choosing their own topic and genre. By letting them write freely, students develop the natural habit of writing, thereby making them improve along the process. In this kind of activity, teacher evaluation is set aside in order to promote creativity. The components of Balance Based Literacy are directed toward a common goal: to ensure effective strategy in teaching literacy. They support basic literacy theories introduced in the past such as the constructivist, interactive, and experiential theories.Encompassing these theories, Balance Based Literacy may be viewed as a holistic approach to literacy instruction. Taking from the behaviorist theory of B. F. Skinner, the Constructivism theory believes that all knowledge is constructed through a process of reflective abstraction (Huitt, 2003). In the constructivist classroom, the learner is presented with opportunities to construct new knowledge in addition to prior knowledge and experience. In particular, Reading Aloud and Shared Writing support this theory. As students read and write aloud, they learn new sounds and vocabulary, and benefit from the sharing done by their classmates.Interactive Reading and Writing anchor on the Interactive theory. This theory believes tha t learning is best attained through interaction with others. As discussed above, during Interactive Reading and Writing, students are given the opportunity to listen to other’s ideas. All the components mentioned above support the experiential theory. This theory purports that learning will best occur through individual experience. By asking students to read and write aloud, express ideas in interactive activities, and read and write on their own, teachers promote experiential learning as the very basis of their instruction.Although many educators believe in the effectiveness of Balance Based Literacy Instruction, some authors see disadvantages in its application. For instance, Wren (n. d. ) suggests that the needs of the learners must be the first consideration when designing an appropriate program of instruction. He claims that instruction should be patterned to the needs of the learners and not specific of one approach or a balance of many approaches. Another issue regardi ng application of Balance Based Literacy is the specific focus it gives on reading and writing.This tends to neglect other skills such as speaking and listening, which are also important aspects of literacy. To mitigate problems arising from this neglect, the teacher should incorporate speaking and listening resources as tools for reading and writing instruction. For example, instead of focusing on printed materials, guided writing could use listening resources as motivation activities. Furthermore, technological resources should likewise be used to promote a holistic approach. Conclusion Balance Based Literacy has been considered by many as an ideal program to teach literacy.Given its whole rounded and comprehensive approach to reading and writing, it purports not just base learning but mastery of skills in the target areas. In addition, the activities it introduces provide a way to monitor the progress of students, and allow them to experience learning in various ways. Studies val idating the effectiveness of Balance Based Literacy have found its applicability to young learners. However, not much has been said about its applicability to adult learners who are more in need of a balanced instruction.In this regard, it is highly recommended to conduct research on the applicability of the said program of instruction among adult learners. References Balance overview. (n. d. ) Retrieved March 19, 2008, from http://projectcentral. ucf. edu/Past%20Initiatives/BALANCE/index. html Dorothy S. Strickland (n. d. ) Balanced Literacy: Teaching the Skills and thrills of reading. http://teacher. scholastic. com/professional/teachstrat/balanced. htm Frey, Bruce B. , Steve W. Lee, Nona Tollefson &Lisa Pass. (2004). Balanced literacy in an urban school district. Retrieved 17 March 2008, from http://people. ku. edu/~bfrey/balancedliteracy.pdf Kolb, David A. , Richard E. Boyatzis & Charalampos Mainemelis. Experiential learning theory: Previous research and new directions. Retrieve d March 20, 2008, from http://www. learningfromexperience. com/images/uploads/experiential-learning-theory. pdf Literacy collaborative: Our purpose. (n. d. ) Retrieved March 19, 2008, from http://www. literacycollaborative. org/about/characteristics/ Martha Manson French, M. (1999). Planning for literacy instruction: Guidelines for planning and instruction for literacy. Retrieved March 19, 2008, from http://clercdev. gallaudet. edu/cc/Products/Sharing-Ideas/planning/guidelines.html Root, Cathy (n. d. ) Balanced : Reading and writing in the first and second grade classroom an internet-based treasure hunt on balanced literacy. Retrieved March 18, 2008, from http://www. swlauriersb. qc. ca/english/edservices/pedresources/balancedlit/balancedliteracy. htm Thelen, Jeff. (n. d. ). A balanced literacy program for the upper elementary grades. Retrieved March 19, 2008, from http://curriculum. edenpr. org/~jthelen/languagearts/a_balanced_literacy_program. htm Wren, Sebastian. (n. d. ) What do es a balanced literacy approach mean? Retrieved from http://www. sedl. org/reading/topics/balanced. html