Distinguish between positive and negative transfer Essay

Distinguish between positive and negative transfer, and give a concrete example of each to illustrate your discussion. Positive transfer occurs when something that a person has learned in one situation helps that person learn of perform in another situation. Positive transfer took place when Elena’s Spanish helped her learn French, and when Larry’s knowledge of reinforcement influenced his decision to do his homework before playing a video game, and when Stella’s experiences with note taking in history class improved her performance in geography. In contrast, negative transfer occurs when prior knowledge hinders a person’s learning or performance at a later time. This was the situation for poor Ted: He transferred a principle related to whole numbers (one number is always larger than another if it has more digits) to a situation where it didn’t apply: the comparison of decimals. Another case of negative transfer occurs when students confuse the facts related to the various wars they study in history. For example, some students in the United States believe that the American Revolution was a battle between the English and the French (thus confusing it with the French and Indian War) or between the Northern and Southern states (thus confusing it with the American Civil War).

Seiko Go Upmarket

Executive Summary Seiko Watch Corporation and its predecessor had always been innovative in watch technology development and brought many industry firsts to the watch market, and Seiko was very successful before the 1990s. With competitive environment change started in the 1990s, Seiko found it was not in the right segment of the market for growth, this segment is high end watch market. Seiko tried to break into the high end watch segment, but the attempts haven’t been proved successful.Based on detailed analysis of Seiko’s industry environment, competitive arena, and internal issues, conclusion was drawn that Seiko’s past vision, strategy and structure didn’t support its ambition to be an important player in the high end watch market. Countermeasures were then proposed: 1) have a clear and viable vision for future; 2) install a solid strategy of brands differentiation; and 3) match the strategy with organizational structure and resources. * IntroductionTh is case, â€Å"SEIKO WATCH CORPORATION: MOVING UPMARKET†, examined Japanese watch maker Seiko’s history, major technology developments, competitive environment, business expansion, and efforts and challenges to uplift brand image to compete in high end market segment. Seiko’s predecessor K. Hattori was established by 22-year-old founder Kintaro Hattori in 1881. The business was started with second-hand clocks sell and repair, and later on retailing and wholesaling of imported clocks.Hattori then established Seikosha (â€Å"Seiko† means exquisite and â€Å"sha† means house in Japanese) in 1892 to begin to produce wall clocks, launched the first wristwatch in Japan in 1913, and started to use Seiko brand on watches in 1923. Since then, Seiko had been enjoyed rapid growth in domestic market until 1950s when it accounted for 50% of total production in Japan, while Citizen and Orient shared the remaining 50%. Facing pressure from Swiss watch makers, Sei ko started to upgrade its technology to improve accuracy and add features, and managed to be comparable with Swiss products in terms of accuracy in the early 1960s.Around the same timeframe, after dominating the domestic competition in the late 1950s, Seiko started to go abroad. Through advertising initiatives such as being official time keeper of the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games and continued technology focus such as being the world’s first company to introduce quartz wristwatch in 1969, Seiko earned its place in international market: it had become the leading watch brand in most Asian countries and successfully built sales channels in US and European countries by 1970s.Though Seiko was historically accepted by domestic customers as luxury watches producer at top-end of the market in addition to mid-range watches, its several attempts to reposition itself to high-end segment in international watch market didn’t enjoy much success: in the late 1970s, Seiko bought Jean Lass ale, a Swill watch brand, to form a sub-brand â€Å"Seiko Lassale† to sell luxury quartz dress watches at higher price points in international markets, but this brand was not successful in the US and Europe markets and eventually discontinued; another sub-brand â€Å"Grand Seiko†, once alive in 1960s aiming at the high end of the domestic watch market, was re-launched in the late 1980s to flight with Swiss watch makers in the high end segment, this attempt didn’t meet its desired effect otherwise Seiko would have not taken the third try in 2000s to move upward of the market through the spring drive technology. In 2007, doubt about brand upgrade was casted on Seiko again. * Analysis of the issues The myriad of problems facing Seiko can be traced to below three causes. Industry environment – Strategic context change of the horological industryThe first phase – before the late 1950s / early 1960s, everybody in the watch industry had competed in a pret ty straight forward environment: watches were mainly used for chronometric purpose, watch’s core technology was homogenous (everybody in the horological industry used mechanical movements system), and main objectives for watch makers were to mass produce precise timepieces at competitive cost and sell to everybody needs a watch. Seiko did a nice job in this era. It occupied majority of Japanese domestic market share and caught Swiss rivals up in terms of production facility and product accuracy. The second phase – from the late 1950s / early 1960s through the 1970s and 1980s, technological revolution, mainly application of electronics and quartz technologies, reshaped the horological industry. Every watch shared certain common elements: a movement to measure the passage of time, any energy source, a display, a case, and a bracelet or strap.Electronics altered the stereotype of energy source and display, while more significantly, quartz timekeeping technology broke the tradition of mechanical movement to bring much more accuracy to watch benefiting from its properties of a quartz crystal oscillating at precise frequencies. Comparing to mechanical components, electronics and quartz components could be produced and assembled at more stable, economic, and fashionable way, Watches then could be offered to customers with unprecedented accuracy, lower cost, and fashion statement. To embrace the change or be changed, all players of the industry went through an era of uncertainty and innovation. Seiko was very creative in the time and pioneered many watch technologies to the market. Seiko started expanding overseas and its international brand image was formed during the period. In the meanwhile, Seiko began efforts to setup sub-brand to move up in market.People would not have known ramifications of what they were doing when in process of historical events, but looking back into history, we know today the seed of Seiko dilemma was planted in the 1970s and 1980s under the soil of its success. The third phase – the 1990s was a no name decade for Japanese watch makers including Seiko. Domestic economy was staggering. Watch technology was still in evolution, but there was no break-through invention like quartz could stir up the arena. Low cost economies such as China and Hongkong were arising to take over in mid-priced and low-end watch market. Swiss watch makers firmly seized hold of high-end watch market while fighting back in mid to low end market.Watch Competitors came out from outside of the chronological industry: pocketable digital device made watch no longer a functional necessity for timekeeping purpose. Seiko sales declined in the decade. The fourth phase – after the millennium, prevalence of cell phones further deteriorated watches’ position as personal primary timekeeping accessory. People bought watches not for time telling but for social status and prestige distinguishing. Global demand for luxury goods grew, and high-end segment of the watch market was emerging as the most profitable and the fastest growing sector. Seiko was adjusting itself to the new era, but its brand image had never been perceived as luxury.Competitive arena – Strong Swiss competitors in high end segment, fierce competition in mid and low end segments from LCE (low cost economy) watch makers, domestic rivals, and Swatch group In the high end segment, Swiss watch makers were lost in the 1970s when quartz technology was changing the game. Though painful, a number of Swiss watch companies such as Patek Philippe, Rolex, and Omega chose to stick to mechanical watch making, and they laughed at last. Below quotation could best describe the situation: We worked really hard in the 1980s where everybody was dead. The quartz movement came in the 1970s, so all the other watchmakers threw away everything, both their equipment and their movements. In the 1980s is when we started to redevelop all our complications.At the time, my father [Philippe Stern] had a vision that only one type of watch should remain – the one with a mechanical complication. He believed there would always be people who appreciate fine mechanisms, whether it's manual winding or automatic. And he was right. It's like a nice painting. It's something unique, rare and made with passion. * Thierry Stern, Patek Philippe President, interviewed by Timezone. com in Sep 2012 In the mid and low end segments, Seiko’s attacks were from all around as technologies were easy to duplicate and consumers really cared about money they were spent, thus if you could provide fair quality watches with lower cost, e. g.LCE watch manufacturers, you could win some share of the market segment; if you could provide good quality watches with comparable cost but more features and fashion styles, e. g. Japanese domestic competitors Citizen and Casio as well as Swatch group from Swiss, you could gain some other share of the segment of this market. Company vision, strategy and structure – Seiko had no clear vision and strategy for the era of watches as prestige symbol, its structure was prohibitive from effective decision making and resources utilization Vision – we know in the 1970s and 1980s, Seiko enjoyed much success and went global as an icon of precise and inexpensive quartz technology.Seiko didn’t foresee that the greater success it appreciated the stronger consumer would tie it to the quartz brand, and fine craftsmanship of mechanical watch making would override in the future. Seiko has always been innovative in technology development, but failed to grasp a watch’s implication to today’s consumer: time is timeless and invaluable; consumers would eventually wish their watches as seen carrier of time are timeless and invaluable as well. Quartz or electronics is perceived by consumers as ephemeral and cheap consumable stuff. Strategy – Seiko made mistakes in brand portfoli o strategy. It launched two sub-brands to go up of the market segment in the years.The â€Å"Seiko Lassale† equipped with quartz movement was launched in the late 1970s and discontinued when it turns out not welcomed in US and European markets. The â€Å"Grand Seiko† featuring mechanical movement was alive from 1960-1975 within Japan domestic market only, and had been stopped for more than a decade in the quartz era until re-launch in 1988 for global market featuring quartz movement, after another decade, the â€Å"Grand Seiko† sluggishly began to shift to high grade mechanical movement. Both the â€Å"Seiko Lassale† and the â€Å"Grand Seiko† were too close to Seiko name and technology of quartz to reverse the quartz image of usually non-luxury items. In addition, it seemed Seiko didn’t have a carefully planned long range brand strategy.High end sub-brands were created and abandoned. The recent example was that Spring Drive, Seiko’s latest breakthrough mechanical movement technology bared management hope to upgrade brand image, first debuted in lower â€Å"Seiko† product line rather than high end â€Å"Grand Seiko† line. Seiko’s another high end brand â€Å"Credor†, though had long history and good acceptance at home, had never been marketed in international markets. Structure – Seiko historically had too complicated structure arrangements: a sales company purchased Seiko watches from its parent company owned manufacturing arms, and the arms were competing with each other and developed into firms with watch as minor business.The good thing was Seiko management realized this point and reorganized the company in 2001 to streamline decision making and focus on branding. * Conclusion and Recommendation Seiko’s vision, strategy, and structure didn’t help the company to gain advantage over its rivals in the competitive environment in recent two decades. Recommendation for Seiko is to build prudent and viable company vision ;amp; strategy, link the vision and strategy together with organization structure and resources, and get the vision and strategy realized. Details are following: Seiko needs to re-think that who are Seiko’s intended, actual, potential, and future customers, and what do these customers value in a watch.Watch collectors and enthusiasts, successful executives, and younger generation of rich families should be target clients for top end watches. These people care about watches’ craftsmanship and uniqueness, aesthetic and intricate style, status and symbol indication, as well as investment and heritage value, much more than superior accuracy and function for daily use. Seiko should take care of the demands of these people. However, Seiko shouldn’t give up the mid to low end market. Consumers of this market segment need a quality watch for money, fashion, function features, and some kind of status symbol will be plus. Seiko needs to have a solid strategy of distinguishable brands to server different segment demands.Seiko can get best practice idea and lessons learned from companies in the watch industry, such as Swatch group, and in other industries, such as VW group in automotive industry and L’Oreal group in cosmetic industry. Though the basic inner technology and formula could be shared across different brands and models, the exterior and style must be different. Different brands should convey clear different messages to customers. It would take too many resources and too long time to move the current Seiko brand up. The â€Å"Grand Seiko† name is no significant different from â€Å"Seiko† name thus is not appropriate to be a top end brand, but could cover the segment in between.The brand â€Å"Credor† is suggested to carry over the high end segment responsibility and needs to expand globally under intensive and well-designed promotional campaign. Seiko made a positive move to centralize and streamline watch company organization; the next step would be to match brand differentiation needs with organizational structure and resources. The â€Å"Credor†, â€Å"Grand Seiko†, â€Å"Seiko†, and other brands could share R;amp;D, production facility, IT, finance, HR and administration. But segmental marketing and sales, brand management, and some other specialized tasks can’t be shared. Each brand should be led by experienced and proved executives and take its own profit and loss responsibility.

The Texan Who Conquered Russia Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Texan Who Conquered Russia - Article Example Van Cliburn's However, his talent was clear and could not be denied even by jaded officials.   His performance of Tchaikovsky's 1st Piano Concerto and Rachmaninoff's 3rd earned him an eight-minute standing ovation, not only because of the technicality and emotion that Van Cliburn offered the pieces but the audience appreciated his deference in choosing Russian composers' works. ,   When consulting Khrushchev on the unlikely decision they, the judges, were about to make, he asked plainly, "Is he the best?" After hearing that he was Khrushchev responded, "Then give him the prize."   This single sentence probably did more for a music career than any other in history. His victory reached the shores of the US almost immediately and was seen as no less than a victory in the Cold War.   Though Van Cliburn claimed that he was unaware at the moment he received the award what the cultural and political ramifications were going to be, it soon became clear as his guileless charm and obvi ous skill were respected and appreciated by the Muscovite crowds. Moreover, his first prize made him a national hero at home.   His heroic status is evident and unique as he was and still is the only classical musician ever to be honored with a ticker-tape parade in New York City's Time Square.  However, his talent was clear and could not be denied even by jaded officials.   His performance of Tchaikovsky's 1st Piano Concerto and Rachmaninoff's 3rd earned him an eight-minute standing ovation, not only because of the technicality and emotion that Van Cliburn offered the pieces but the audience appreciated his deference in choosing Russian composers' works. ,   When consulting Khrushchev on the unlikely decision they, the judges, were about to make, he asked plainly, "Is he the best?" After hearing that he was Khrushchev responded, "Then give him the prize."   This single sentence probably did more for a music career than any other in history. His victory reached the shores of the US almost immediately and was seen as no less than a victory in the Cold War.   Though Van Cliburn claimed that he was unaware at the moment he received the award what the cultural and political ramifications were going to be, it soon became clear as his guileless charm and obvious skill were respected and appreciated by the Muscovite crowds. Moreover, his first prize made him a national hero at home.   His heroic status is evident and unique as he was and still is the only classical musician ever to be honored with a ticker-tape parade in New York City's Time Square.   There are some detractors who suggest that the results of the Tchaikovsky Competition were skewed because of the intense pressure on the judges and the creative scorekeeping that was involved. Furthermore, musically some suggest that his performance was not as technically proficient as others, but had an emotional appeal that was hard to resist suggesting that his playing style was a cross between "Horow itz, Liberace, and Elvis Presley."  Ã‚  

The Aspect of Family within Asian Culture Research Paper

The Aspect of Family within Asian Culture - Research Paper Example The analysis of the aspect of family within the Asian culture will focus on the nuclear and extended family, children and up keeping, marriage and divorce, and the respect accorded to parents. Other aspects that are of some importance include the effect of family on business relationships, and some few aspects that will be added in the paper. Asian family culture demands that families stay as close to one another as possible, so it is not uncommon to find completely close knit families in the Asian tradition and cultures (Abazov, 20). Existing literature states that the family is the most important part of the Asian make-up; therefore, considerations for the nuclear family take center stage in every individual’s life. This means that an individual will always consider the immediate family in every action. An example of this fact is the communal activity that each family will engage in together; an analysis of the culture reveals that most families will have communal activities to bring the family together, for example, during meal times; it is not uncommon to find the whole family eating together. As indicated, the aspect of the family in the Asian culture takes priority over all other aspects, which is probably a means of increasing family cohesion and instilling cultural values in the children. Relations in the nuclear family are normally blurred, since an individual is normally expected to have the same consideration for the extended family as the nuclear family. Therefore, it is to be expected that an extended family will live together in complete harmony, and the aspect of the nuclear family is only seen in urbanized areas. An analysis of the Asian family culture also indicates that the Asian culture has a deep rooted sense of respect for all family members, as is indicated by the values taught to children at a tender age (Teng 63). The Confucian system dictates that the sense of respect is instilled in the family values that are taught to children and all other members of the society. In the Asian culture, it is not uncommon to find several parts of the family brought together to honor other parts of the family. The Asian culture reveals that the identity of an individual is focused on the collective rather that the self. This means that an individual will have consideration for the whole society rather than the individualistic aspect. In the Western and American culture, it is common to find individuals with considerations only for the self, however, in the Asian culture, an individual is instilled with the values of the collective society, and therefore, an individual will consider the family before the self. As already mentioned, the Confucian system of family values is entrenched in the Asian tradition, therefore, it is to be expected that an individual will consider all other people before the self. According to Confucian tradition, all families have hierarchies, and every member of the family has a special part to play in the smooth running of the family (Hung and Smith). For example, the father in the house is the undisputed head of the family and is expected to provide for his wife and offspring without fail. The Confucian theory of family values dictates that the family is more important than the individual, so the eldest son in the family also has their own responsibility. For example, the eldest son is expected to have responsibility to the parents, siblings, and finally to the wife and daughters. The previous aspect discussed brings to light another aspect of the Asian

Research Proposal on Steve Jobs and the foundation of Apple Computers Paper

Proposal on Steve Jobs and the foundation of Apple Computers - Research Paper Example These products would contribute to annually increasing revenue and profit margins, today making Apple, Inc. the world’s most successful technology company (Lashinksy). The organization’s tremendous success has brought Job’s leadership style to the forefront of consideration and analysis. Indeed, the subject is highly important as it relates to the very nature of business and leadership success. Job’s was recognized for a unique and demanding leadership approach. Many individuals even went as far as to claim Job’s was rude and arrogant. Undoubtedly it appears that Job’s was a perfectionist. The research functions to examine Steve Job’s personality in the context of his success as a the chief executive officer (CEO) of Apple, Inc. as well as his undeniable success as a leader. The underlining hypothesis is that through his persuasion, slight arrogance and perfectionism, Steve Jobs was able to create success for Apple, Inc. and attain his reputation of a strong leader. The research is significant both for advancing knowledge of successful leadership styles, as well as for further understanding the means an individual can mold and have a profound impact on a multinational organization. Ultimately, it is believed that this research will contribute to a furthered understanding of the very nature of success. ... is biography explores Job’s arrogance in terms of the ravage it wreaked on his personal life, but also how it was indicative of an approach to life that defined and shaped its own reality (Isaacson). Other researchers note that such arrogance may have contributed to Job’s ability to inspire others by getting them to view Apple as not just a company, but also a personal mission (Lundquist). Similarly, Jobs is considered a visionary. In an interview with Charlie Rose before returning to Apple, Jobs is said to have turned to the host and say that he knew how to save the organization, but they weren’t listening to him yet (Lasseter). In addition to being understood as a visionary, other researchers have focused on how Job’s leadership style as a perfectionist contributed to his specific organizational skills. One perspective examined Job’s nature as a taskmaster (Stengel). For instance, it’s noted that people who worked with Jobs said that he wou ld attempt to instruct his employees about every aspect of their job (Stengel). Other researchers have examined Job’s leadership approach against that of Microsoft founder Bill Gates. While Gates has been described as methodical and lawyer like, Job’s was recognized as â€Å"the quick, live-for-the-moment hare† (Wilson & Skovgard, p. 51). Even as Steve Jobs is recognized as a prominent motivator and visionary, other researchers have considered that Job’s arrogance and perfectionism also contributed to Apple’s success through his negotiation with outside vendors. For instance, during the late design period of the iPhone, Jobs was recognized for his clever and ruthless negotiations with telecommunications carriers ("The legacy of Steve Jobs," p. 3). Another research perspective considered Steve Job’s personality

Climate Change and Conceptions Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Climate Change and Conceptions - Research Paper Example Life influences climate via its function in the water and carbon cycles as well as such mechanisms, for instance, evapotranspiration, albedo, weathering and cloud formation. Instances of just how life might have altered past climate comprise glaciations 2.3 eons ago caused by the oxygenic photosynthesis evolution. Glaciation 300m centuries ago piloted by lasting burial of putridness-resistant debris of vascular terrestrial plants, thereby, forming coal. Others include the extinction of the thermal maximum Paleocene-Eocene 55m years ago through flourishing sea phytoplankton. The global warming reversal 49m eons ago by eight hundred thousand eons of frozen azolla blooms, as well as global cooling of over the preceding 40m years steered by the enlargement of grass-grazer biotas (Edwards & Miller 82). Sunlight variants in the orbit of the earth steer to changes into the seasonal dispersal of sunlight getting to the World's surface, and in what way it is dispersed throughout the world. There is a precise little alteration to the region-averaged once a year averaged sunlight; nevertheless, there may be resilient changes within the seasonal and geographical distribution. The 3 forms of orbital variants are variants in Globe's eccentricity, alterations within the slant angle of World's axis of revolution, as well as the procession of World's axis. Join together, these yield Milankovitch cycles that have a huge impact on climate, in addition, are noted for their connection to interglacial and glacial periods.

Food and Culture Individual Country Project Lab Report

Food and Culture Individual Country Project - Lab Report Example which took place between Mexico and the US, which took place between 1846 and 1848, in which the US was attempting to take control over independent Texas. In the end, the US army defeated the Mexican leading to the signing of the peace treaty between Texas, New Mexico and California in which Mexico lost its land by almost a half. The events that took place in Mexico right from independence fostered the economic, political and social assimilation of different social groups contained by the nation and made the state and nation building stronger. The most relevant civil wars that took place that made a lot of significance in Mexican history are the Mexican Revolution that took place in 1910. The war led to an estimated loss of life of about one million Mexicans. The war ultimately ended with the formation of the new constitution at the beginning 1917, but it still lasted a few decades before peace to finally set in the nation. The reconstruction after the revolution affected all aspects of the society and gave a totally new significance to the nation. Put simply, the Mexican culture simply stands out from other cultures. The differences and variations that one can find in Mexico can be incomprehensible. Mexican people are generally renowned for their artistic and creative nature. In addition, they take such pride when it comes to culinary matters. It is not strange to find people in a hot debate about food. It is what defines them as a culture. The dances are also unique to the nation only, although most modern societies are adopting them and changing them in one way or another (Sanchez, 28). Unlike their neighbors, the dominant language in Mexico is Spanish, which can be said to be as a consequence of being colonized by Spain. Mexico possesses a comprehensive and refined culinary culture, with a vast variety of local dishes. However, there are three main common dishes that constitute the heart of most Mexican foods: beans, corn and hot peppers or as commonly

ART METAL SCULPTURE Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

ART METAL SCULPTURE - Essay Example The location of this sculpture is outside East Entrance Parking Lot N, a campus setting. Harold’s metal sculpture resembles two joined elliptical forms whose common joint acts as resting base in an ample clearance or setting. On its two sides, these elliptical forms bear a common inclination angle such that from a distance when viewing from its wide side resembles an eagle flying with its outstretched wings but swung in certain equal inclinations at both sides. Joinery of this work encompassed welded steel and Corten before flattened in such a way at the middle. The entire artwork its sculptor has painted it dark brown color, which makes it come out clearly from its settings bearing natural vegetative colors. Specifically, these are green, bright, and blue sky from the background. Hence, inducing a calmness, refreshing and relaxing moods evident in the way these colors as well as settings of the entire sculpture compliment each other. The location of this work is outside East Entrance Parking Lot N, which is a campus setting. Its entire structure rests on a flattened joinery where the two elliptical forms give an impression of meet at the central point; hence, the sculptor here utilizes the aspect of balance to ensure it is upright. Viewing from its four sides, the viewer only manages to see two identical sides. These include the two sides, front side and the rear one. Sculptor in making his work utilized welded and Corten steels with the intention of bringing out machinery effect. This is because many elliptical objects or forms are quite evident in engineering field whereby smooth and well-curved surfaces gives an implication of keenness by the artists and those represented by the object. Its smoothness and side view elevation gives an implication of heightened skill in making fabricated materials. Consequently, this symbolizes a resourceful center characterized with impeccable ways of attaining their

European Description Essay Example for Free

European Description Essay The fear when youre in a social situation in which you may be exposed to some kind of harm, or so as you may think. It can arouse a panic attack, the persons fear is noticeable and they would rather avoid such situations. It is normally diagnosed in people under 18, and can last for about 6 months. This fear is not created because of a drug, and if a general condition is present, it is not related to it in any way. European Description: Often starts in adolescence and is experienced around small groups of people. It can be seen in both males and females. In some cultures, direct eye-to-eye contact can be stressful, and nausea, hand tremor and panic attacks may be seen too. Most of this is related to low self-esteem and there is always a prevailing fear of being criticized. In extreme cases, total isolation may be experienced  Treatment:  Most phobias can be treated through therapy, however in very extreme cases, pharmacotherapy (includes the use of antidepressant drugs) may be needed. (APA 1998) The cognitive behavioral therapies reassure the patient that there is nothing that could possibly harm them. This is done by approaching a situation which may be frightening for the patient and then breaking it down into pieces to allow ways to cope with that (such as muscle relaxation). These therapies have been in practice for a while and have been proven fruitful. A limitation of this treatment is lack of therapists to take care of such situations. An article also suggested that serotonin reuptake inhibitors also help in such conditions. Is the sudden, rapid, unusual kind of behavior which may be vocal or physical called tics. It normally attacks someone before the age of 18 and there is no research to know its cause; it is neither the side effect of a drug nor a general disease. The period can last for about a year, and the tics occur as frequently as a few times a day. European Description: A tic is defined as a sudden and involuntary movement, which is of no use but may be suppressed. Common tics include blinking of the eye, sniffing, shrugging your shoulders whereas more complex ones can be more physical, such as skipping around, or even causing harm to one self. It is an uncommon, chronic disorder which occurs more in males compared to females and has been proved hereditary. De la Tourrettes Syndrome is when theres a lot of overlap of vocal and physical tics which can be observed during childhood or adolescence, and can lead on into a patients adult life too. Tics may be suppressed and can be put off by going to sleep! Recent research: + Magazine Article  Sleeping Patterns in children with Tourette syndrome: a polysomnographic study  To evaluate data on sleep quantity/quality and tics during night sleep in children with Tourette syndrome  Polysomnography of teenage and young kids who suffered from Tourettes were taken [ they did not have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ]. The control for this experiment was a group of 16year old sex and IQ matched teenagers. Their sleeping patterns were noticed to have added short movements, which lasted about 15 seconds and their tic activity and sleeping span were studied. It was seen that kids who suffered from TS showed major changes in their sleeping span and slept for longer than the control group. it was also seen that they were awake most of the time, rather than fully asleep. The number of stages that they went through had no difference. Movement was seen to be similar, but TS patients showed a little bit more movement.  It was seen that there is no direct link between sleep span and movements in your sleep. Children with TS have disturbed sleep which is because of their tics during the day. There is a need for further research on this issue Treatment: A placebo-controlled trial of risperidone in Tourette syndrome  A study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy and safety of risperidone in children and adults with TS  The study lasted for 8 weeks and patients were selected randomly for a placebo controlled trial. Total tic score was being measured.  34 participants (26 children and 8 adults) from 6 to 62 years were available. Total Tic scores were similar at baseline (26.0 +/- 5.1 for risperidone vs 27.4 +/- 8.5 for placebo). After 8 weeks of treatment (mean daily dose of 2.5 +/- 0.85), the 16 subjects on risperidone showed a 32% reduction in tic severity from baseline, compared to a 7% reduction for placebo patients. The 12 children randomized to risperidone showed a 36% reduction in tic symptoms compared to an 11% decrease in the 14 children on placebo. Two children on risperidone showed acute social phobia, which resolved with dose reduction in one subject but resulted in medication discontinuation in the other. A mean increase in body weight of 2.8 kg was observed in the risperidone group compared to no change in placebo. No extrapyramidal symptoms and no clinically significant alterations in cardiac conduction times or laboratory measures were observed.  Therefore it was seen that Risperidone appears to be safe and effective for short-term treatment of tics in children or adults with Tourette syndrome. Longer-term studies are needed to evaluate the durability of efficacy and safety over time.

Scary Story Essay Example for Free

Scary Story Essay When I finally fell asleep I was running. To this day I do not know what from. Whatever it was it must have been the most terrifying thing ever to exist for I seemed to be running without trying to. It was as if I had almost no control over my body. I wished to see what I was running from so I tried to open my eyes. I don’t know what I was expecting to happen. Perhaps I thought that my body would not respond to my commands as it didn’t with the running. Therefore it was a surprise to me when at my first attempt to open my eyes they did. I so wish I hadn’t. What I saw still haunts me most nights. I know that it was worse than any horror story ever made. For that reason I have great difficulty in dictating what I saw on that dreadful night not just emotionally but for the fact that the words do not exist to express exactly what I saw but I will do my best. It was worse than any horror story ever made there was a thick liquid dripping down the walls that looked suspiciously like blood. And it was not just dripping; it was splattered over the walls as if someone had been brutally murdered there. There were scratches in the walls, like someone- no not just someone- but a child by the size of the marks-had literally worn their fingers down to the knuckles trying to escape, as if that was there only way to survive. It did not seem logical that they stopped there at the time for it looked then like there were miles and miles left before the end of that gruesome tunnel. But then my feet felt as if they were on fire. I looked down and I saw then why those poor unfortunate souls had stopped there. Nails two inches long at least, sticking up out of the floor, and the walls and the ceiling, but these nails were red hot. I mean you could actually see the words scratched lightly on the wall ‘turn back’ ‘this is your doom’ and little scratchy tally marks all over the top of hundreds of tiny little skeletons all stuck on the spikes like spoils of war. As I looked at the skeletons time seemed to turn backwards these pale bleached white bones seemed to grow younger and then it started. They grew rotting flesh on the bones with maggots crawling in and out and then the flesh grew and grew, the maggots still crawling around. Then the flesh started growing and forming skin and then the faces started screaming out in pain calling out for their mothers and fathers. Then the screaming intensified louder and louder until it reached a deafening pitch and volume thousands of dead children screaming in fright, pure terror in their eyes but they were all looking in different directions, at the spikes that were brandishing them where they were slumped. Then the spikes started growing and lengthening. Growing through the bodies of these thousands of children, all still while they are screaming themselves ‘to death’ without taking a single breath. That was the only sign that they were not ‘living and breathing’, that and the fact that the blood from where the spikes bored holes in their young frail bodies was gushing onto the floor faster than I ran through that awful tunnel. The layer of blood was growing and taking over the floor until it was lapping over my still running feet which were stepping, I just realised, on every single spike they could find, until they grew too huge. I tripped while my foot was still speared by the now over foot long spikes. As I fell into the deep layer of blood collecting on the floor I felt the spikes attack every inch of my skin, gouging through my eyes, carrying on through my brain, paralyzing me and then shattering my skull until I was face flat in the blood. The blood of thousands of dead children swelling in my ears, filling my mouth as I try to scream out for help, going up my nose as I try to take a breath. I could feel myself dying. I could feel my own warm blood filling my skull and drenching my hair. I knew I was going to die. I tried and failed for one last breath, the blood of all those poor children. Children whose parents would have never had closure for their deaths, some still thinking that their babies will one day come home, knowing in their heart of hearts that they are dead and never coming back, filling my lungs. And then I woke up drenched in a thick cold sweat, terrified, of ever sleeping again.

Impact of Globalization on the Fashion Industry

Impact of Globalization on the Fashion Industry After 1979 revolution the loose-fitting manteau and black headscarf was obligatory in Iran, still the state dress code was challenged by the women wearing fashionable and colorful coats with head coverings to match. Western fashions and influences are not prohibited in Saudi Arabia, but sometimes accustomed to meet Islamic standards. In a similar trend, Elle magazine recently launched its Middle Eastern version, featuring glossy pages of women in conservative clothing and a mixture of Eastern and Western fashions. Since the 1980s and the growth of the global economy, there has been massive growth in what Joanne Eicher has termed world fashion (p. 300). At the start of the twenty-first century, the preferred garments of young people of both sexes from around the world tend to be jeans, sweatshirts, T-shirts, and sneakers. These clothes are also international icons of American culture. The global young wear the same clothing, a phenomenon made possible by the exploitative mechanisms of the globalization of clothing manufacture, distribution, and retailing and by new technologies, global commodity advertising of branded leisure clothing, and the cultural and political domination of the United States. The reasons for wearing such clothing vary, but these clothes signify youth, modernity, and an eagerness to belong to the newly globalized capitalist world. In the period from 1964 to 1970, styles of dress worn by young women in Britain were the most famous visible representation of the teenage revolution and of the cutting edge of cultural modernity. Miniskirts exposed thighs to public view for the first time in European-American fashion history. These changes were rooted in the major social and cultural upheavals of the late 1950s, generated, as Tony Bennett explains, by a watershed around which a series of significant before and after contrasts can be drawn (p. 7). Young, radical film-makers, painters, writers, photographers, and designers then successfully challenged the British establishments hold on cultural power. Many who came from working-class backgrounds were helped into university and art-school education by postwar state grants to cover fees and living costs. The London couture trade ignored these developments, maintaining their prewar function of creating elegant clothing for the annual high society calendar. The fashionable age in 1955 was around thirty-five but could easily be fifty-five if a woman kept a slim figure. By 1965 the fashionable age was sixteen, a near twenty-year drop in ten years. Dress Globalization Of Fashion Due to globalization the companies are adapting the new initiatives for their production, manufacturing. To get the competitive advantage in the industry fashion houses are now outsourcing from some countries world country where the labor cost is too low. Furthermore, the designers of the international brands are constantly in search of the new design to create new customers and to be ahead in the competition within the industry. The existing mode influencing customization or modification in the costume is fashion. The Asian style has been characterized by the freedom from change which was followed by the Roman and Greek for centuries. It is believed that the fashion in dress started off in Europe on 14th century. The styles were defined by the prominent personages and the monarchs spread through descriptions in letters, in costume, exchange of fashion doll, by travelers. In 1586, first fashion magazine was produced in Frankfurt. Then in 1830 the Godeys Ladys Book produced in United States was popular for decades. The only influential designer in costume at that period was Rose Bertin, milliner and dressmaker to Marie Antoinette. In Paris-the leading arbiter of fashion since the Renaissance-the fading influence of celebrities was coincident with the rise of designer-dressmakers in the mid-19th cent. Paris haute couture has remained preeminent in setting fashions for womens dress. Designers such as Charles Frederick Worth, Coco Chanel, Lucien Lelong, Elsa Schiaparelli, Cristà ³bal Balenciaga, Christian Dior, and Yves Saint Laurent have had fashion houses in Paris. In the latter part of the 20th cent. such American designers as Norman Norell, Mainbocher, James Galanos, Bill Blass, and Pauline Trigà ¨re competed successfully with Parisian designers. London, in the early 19th cent., became the center for mens fashions under the leadership of Regency dandies such as Beau Brummell. In the mid-1960s, London was again for a time the center of fashion influence. The 1970s and 80s saw the beginning of more divergent trends in fashion. This was the result of the increasing popularity of ready-to-wear collections by major designers, which made fashionable label-conscious dressing possible for the middle class. Ethnic-inspired looks and the punk style enjoyed a period of popularity. Successful clothing designers such as Ralph Lauren, Georgio Armani, Gianni Versace, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Rei Kawakubo, and Geoffrey Beene widened their design horizons, licensed their names, and put their distinctive marks on objects ranging from furniture to cars, fabric, and perfumes. The look of luxuriance that emerged in the 1980s was countered in the 1990s with the production of classic understated clothes. Fashions are adapted for mass production by the garment industries of New York, Los Angeles, and other cities. Influence of faster and effective communication In the age of globalization the producers of cloths and marketing manager of different brands are now able to communicate their new design, trend and brand faster than ever. The internet has successfully established a new communication channel along with different innovative tools. The international marketers are now influencing the ultimate consumers using the celebrities as brand ambassadors helping them to add value to the promoted brand to influence the target market. The innovative ideas, promotional mix, including event management and thousands of media channels are employed to establish the brand and to capture a position in the target audience. Branding, Brand Positioning The significance of clothing goes beyond what we wear. A pair of blue jeans is not just a pair of blue jeans. The brand is often just as or more important as the article of clothing. Brand recognition is a crucial factor in the world of fashion, especially for younger generations. Faedda asserts that for young people jeans have become a tool of social and political protest, of adherence and membership, symbol and emblem; for stylists jeans have become a trendy casual product, a refined prà ªt a porter article or quite a high fashion creation. To establish their brand the global designers are always aware of promoting their brands through every possible way. They use the celebrities, rock stars, artist, players to influence their fans as they can easily influence their fans. For instance, lately the Emporio Armani has successfully managed to come in to contract with Christiano Ronaldo the footballer. Influence of Cultural Globalization Now the world is experiencing the presence of the BigMacs from Viena to Sydney, people are wearing clothes from the Benetton, working on the IBM computers, talking about the human rights and watching CNN or MTV. But their presence indicates that the worlds is experiencing mostly western flavor due to the globalization. Globalization has increased the ratio of migration, FDI, franchising, joint venture allies, merger and acquisition process which in turn increase the competition along with the efficiency. To get the competitive advantages the companies are now following outsourcing to become more cost effective. All these initiatives allow cultural blending across the nations as it requires people from different country to communicate interact with each other. Furthermore the internet allows us to get any sort of information instantly. The instant access easily transfer the fashion, culture and other cultural parameters offering more uniform genre of taste and preference. Conclusion The competitions forces some of the companies to come along with the innovative approach in their promotional strategies to attract their potential customers compare to the industry rivals. Fashion is a modern European occurrence, which is inseparable from capitalism in Europe. It is the progress of the bourgeois 19th century and the industrial revolution. Fashion can only flourish and become a mass event in an industrialized society with developed technology, sound aesthetic taste and uniqueness, as well as wealth. Because fashion is the opulence one must be able to pay for. Due to globalization people with common taste are able to communicate and can find out their favorite fashion which are getting more uniform day by day.

Distinctly Canadian :: essays research papers

Distinctly Canadian Canada, federated country of North America, bounded on the north by the Arctic Ocean; on the northeast by Baffin Bay and Davis Strait, which separate it from Greenland; on the east by the Atlantic Ocean; on the south by the United States; and on the west by the Pacific Ocean and Alaska. Canada is the world's second largest country, surpassed in size only by Russia. Canada has a total area of 9,970,610 sq. km (3,849,652 sq. mi), of which 755,180 sq. km (291,575 sq. mi) is covered by bodies of fresh water such as rivers and lakes (Canadian Encyclopaedia, 1988). Canada contains great reserves of natural resources, notably timber, petroleum, natural gas, metallic minerals, and fish. The name Canada is derived from an Iroquoian term meaning "village" or "community." In Canada we have many images, practices, and items that make us one of the best, younger countries in the world. In such a short time for a country to exist, we have many images that make us very culturally rich in everyway. Probably the most important images, practices, and items come for our friend, the American Indians (or Native Americans). They were a definite asset to Canada's cultural growth. The American Indians came into Canada in a series of migrations that occurred during the last stages of the Pleistocene Ice Age, Mongoloid peoples from Asia entered North America, probably crossing the Bering Strait. Gradually they spread over the continent and into South America. By 1600, more than 250,000 of their aboriginal descendants inhabited what is now Canada. Developing a Stone Age economy, they hunted, fished, and gathered food and, in warmer areas, also farmed. The basic social unit was the band, which varied from a few families to several hundred people. In areas of higher settlement density, bands were organized into tribes and even larger units. The largest linguistic group was the Algonquian, which included migratory hunting tribes such as the Cree and Naskapi in the eastern subarctic region and the Abenaki and Micmac in the eastern woodlands on the coast. By the 18th century, Algonquians had spread west, where Ottawa, Ojibwa, Blackfoot, Plains Cree, and others roamed the prairies and plains in search of buffalo. The Iroquoian speaking tribes the Huron and the Iroquois—lived in permanent farm settlements and had a highly developed tribal organization in the St. Lawrence Valley and around Lakes Ontario and Erie (Canadian Encyclopaedia, 1988). Tribes of Salishan, Athabascan, and other linguistic groups occupied fishing villages along the rivers of interior British Columbia. On the Pacific coast, Salishan tribes, such as the Bellacoola, and related Wakashan-speaking tribes—the Kwakiutl and Nootka—developed a rich culture, based on salmon fishing,

How Intelligent Are Dolphins? Essay -- Aquariums Intelligence Essays

How Intelligent Are Dolphins? There is something about dolphins that fascinates me. They are some of the most intelligent and beautiful animals that I have ever seen. Their faces are so cute that every time I look at a dolphin it looks like it is smiling at me and wants to tell me something. The noises they make represent some kind of language and it makes me wonder if they can really communicate. I also want to know what kind of feeling they have and whether they have emotions. This is why I chose to do this I-search project on dolphins; the different kinds of dolphins there are, the places that they can be found and their mental abilities. I remember sitting at a dolphin show when I was six years old. I felt like the dolphins were my friends; I felt like I could go to them and tell them all my stories, laugh with them and share my thoughts. They seemed innocent and sweet to me. After the show I went down to the water where the dolphins were with my mother and we asked if I could just play with them for a little. The trainer let me. There are no words to express my excitement. I went to the dolphin and I hugged him I gave him a fish and them I started telling him a story. I do not remember what I said anymore because I was really young at the time. What I do remember is that the story was funny and I was laughing and then the dolphin started making these noises as he was laughing with me. Then he splashed me with water. Years later when I thought about that experience and I did not know whether it was just my childish imagination or if the dolphins actually understood. I wanted to find out if that they possess great int elligence, sense of humor and if they can really communicate with each other. Regina Blackstock is a ve... ...someone next to them. They have families. Lastly they have great sense of humor. Dolphins are one of the most intelligent mammals on the planet earth and I am glad that I have realized that. Works Cited Blackstock, Regina. Dolphins and Man†¦ Equals? May 1970 Kirby, Sally. Dolphins. 20 Sept. 1997 Kodat, Rebecca. What is dolphin echolocation? 2002 Lori’s Mishmash Humor Page. â€Å"Dolphin Intelligence† MIT Sea Grant College Program, Do dolphins sleep? < http://web.mit.edu/seagrant/dolphinsleep/questions/dolphins/sleep.html> The day I was rescued by dolphins.

Doctor Faustus Essay

Doctor Faustus, a talented German scholar who belittles the limits of human knowledge, believes that he has learned all that can be learned by conventional means. What is left for him, he thinks, but magic? He is offered a choice of Christian conscience by a good angel, and the path to damnation by an evil angel. Two fellow scholars, Valdes and Cornelius, teach him the fundamentals of black magic. Eventually, Faustus summons the devil Mephistopheles and the terms of their pact are agreed upon. In return for his immortal soul, Faustus will be granted twenty-four years of power, with Mephistopheles as his servant. In this play, the writer, Christopher Marlowe used symbolism through the play. Symbolism in general means the presentation of objects, moods and ideas through the medium of emblems or symbols. For example, When Faustus makes his pact with the devil, he signs it with his own blood. But as he goes to write, his blood thickens. That was a key moment in the play. Faustus wonders, â€Å"What might the staying of my blood portend? / Is it unwilling I should write this bill?† (2.1.62-63). He thinks since his blood is thickening and clotting it is some type of sign. At this point, Faustus believes his sticky blood is a symbol, a part of himself that’s unwilling to give it all up for the devil and also that Lucifer insists on having the document written in blood. To him, this blood represents Faustus’s person. If he has the blood, he has Faustus. So it’s a symbol to Lucifer, too. Without the blood, there’s nothing physical to represent Faustus’s soul. Then, at the end of the play, as he waits for death, Faustus cries out, â€Å"One drop of blood will save me. O, my Christ!†. Here, again, blood is a symbol of the whole person—Christ. Another example of symbolism that writer uses is when Faustus resolves to sell his soul to the devil in exchange for Mephistopheles, his decision to give it is not enough. Instead, Mephistopheles tells him, â€Å"thou must bequeath it solemnly/And write a deed of gift with thine own blood;/Fo r the security craves Lucifer† (2.1.333-35). This meant that Dr. Faustus has to sign over his soul in a written contact. Faustus does as Lucifer asks, which was writing a contract that’s gives ownership of his soul to Lucifer in exchange for twenty-four years of having Mephistopheles around to boss. In legal terminology, this contact is called a â€Å"deed of gift,† It becomes the symbol  of Faustus’s decision to serve the devil; and since some definitions of sin state it as just that the decision to serve the devil instead of God, it also becomes a symbol of sin more generally. The contract is terrifying because it was actually real. It was made of paper and blood, and Faustus and Mephistopheles can see it and hold it in their hands. So while Faustus’s decision to serve the devil is not much more than an idea, this is an object that Lucifer can point to and say you belong to me. Faustus’s decision is put into document form to symbolize just how difficult, if not impossible, it will be Faustus to take back even if he really wants to. In conclusion, the writer, Christopher Marlowe used symbolism to his advantage which intensified the tragic appeal of this great drama.

Filipinos as Consumers Essay

Philippines is considered as one of the countries with the lowest economic status, thus most Filipinos earned low or insufficient income to sustain their needs or wants. The insufficiency of their income made them to become wiser when purchasing the products. Some preferred to choose products with affordable prices while others stick to their loyalty to a specific brand. Practically, the Filipinos also prioritize their basic necessities than purchasing other unimportant products and they also look for more affordable alternatives. For example, if the price of rice increased and a certain Filipino citizen cannot afford to purchase it, he will switch to the best alternative which was corn. Sales and discounts have huge roles on how the Filipino consumers purchase. Based on my observations, Filipinos were attracted to â€Å"big discounts and sales† because they believe that they could spend less. There are some that they marked the date of their most awaited sale of their favourite products on malls or stores. Some grabbed the opportunity to purchase the products in their lowest prices though they do not badly need the said products. In my personal experience, I am easily attracted to the products with yellow price tag which signifies discounted prices. But I realized that during regular days, the price were the same on the yellow price tags. This simply shows how influential yellow price tags are and how Filipinos were attracted to discounts and sales. Brand names were one of the concerns also of the Filipinos. Though the prices increase on the products of a specific brand, loyal customers will prefer to purchase it. They were not only purchasing the product alone but also their experience from that product or brand. Nowadays, many stores in our country offer and sell products that were imitated from the original brands. These imitations were very affordable but their durability were not trustworthy. The product might be easily broken and the money that you have spent will be wasted. When a consumer bought a fake Nokia cellular phone, a tendency that it will not function very well and it might contain hazardous parts. I prefer to purchase products from a well-known and trusted store because of the assured durability of the product and they offer customer service. Products with good and large packaging invite more consumers to purchase. As a consumer, good packaging has a great impact on me because those products will be noticed easily. Large packaging may give a thought to the consumers that it has greater amount and lesser in price compared to the other products. Smaller packaged products and sachets were patronized also by the Filipinos. To most Filipinos, the small amount of money they spent on shopping, the better. I can relate this situation on my personal experience. My mother always buys shamp oos in sachet because according to her that it would be more practical to buy in sachets. Instead of buying a shampoo in a 90 mL container, the price was lesser and it has wide availability on sari-sari stores. Amount of money was an important factor when the Filipinos shop. It was very common to the Filipinos that we plan ahead or make a list of the possible items to be purchased. They also made some estimation of the possible prices of the listed items. This was one of the ways on how the Filipinos budget their own money. Nowadays, most consumers preferred the local brands because of its cheaper prices. Such as Happee toothpaste, C2 tea, Human Nature products, Champion Laundry detergent, MyPhone cellular phone and many more. According to current reports from ACNielson, the number one concern of the Filipino consumers was for â€Å"health, wellness, and youthfulness†. Filipinos are worried to acquire diseases because of the expensive medicines or treatments that they would spend. Filipinos cared on how they appear physically and give importance on time, the reason for the increase on the consumption of cosmetics, health and convenience products. When it comes to food products, some Filipino consumers checked the â€Å"nutrition facts† that were placed at the packaging of a certain product. Those Filipino consumers were usually the mothers who were very much concern and secure the health of its own family. When it comes to junk foods, I chose the chips with the â€Å"Sangkap Pinoy Seal† because of the assurance that it contains vitamins and nutrients. Children usually hate the â€Å"healthy foods† and would like to eat more sweets and chips. Their mothers were having a hard time on how to feed healthy and nutritious food to them. But the markets today offered products that the children will surely like its tastes and at the sam e time gives them the right nutrition. Advertisements were very influential to the Filipino consumers. Televisions, mobile phones, newspapers, and radios were the mediums used for advertisements. I have noticed in some advertisements that they used one of the powerful or effective people in the country to attract more consumers. Famous actors and actresses, successful people and politicians were usually the common endorsers of their products. With the help of the product endorsers, a great possibility that the sales of the product will increase and will be well-known in the industry. Consumers from different regions may vary because of the influence of their culture and tradition. There are some that prefer to spend less and save more. Others were known to be â€Å"great spender† because their region was composed of wealthy people. Poor Filipinos prefer to stick on whatever available food or thing that they can afford with their small amount of money. Though majority of the status of the Filipinos have not improved, but recent studies showed that Filipino consumers exhibit wiser purchasing habits. This simply implies that most Filipinos today are becoming wiser consumers.

Smooth Otter Report

INTRODUCTION Otters belonging to the order Carnivora of class Mammalia, are semi-aquatic members of the family Mustelidae which also includes weasels, martens, polecats, badgers, skunks, grisons and minks. Otters are placed in the sub-family Lutrinae (Khan W. A. et al. ,2010). Genus Lutrogale ;Smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) (Ogamba E. N. & Abowei J. F. N. ,2012) ( Figure 1) . The smooth otter is the largest otter in Southeast Asia that comment otter. It was named for its shorter, smoother coat than that of other otters with appears velvety and shiny.This otter is monogamous and usually seen – round in small family groups of 4-6 members comprising a pair and their offspring from breeding seasons. It has a more rounded heads and a hairless nose compared to other otters. It also has a tail that is more flattened, in contrast to the more rounded tails of other species and measures 60% of its body length. Otters dependent on the monsoon rains breed between August and December. Gestation period is 61-65 days. They give birth to 2 to 5 cuns per litter.The young are born and raised in burrow near the water. Smooth Otters may hunt as a team either at night or in the daytime. They capture their prey with mouth, but their strong, webbed feet with sharp claws are dexterous enough to retrieve and manipulate objects. Their food likes fish, frog, prawn and crab. Besides, smooth-coated otter are excellent aquatic adaptation. It is possible to introduce to each other at all age; it is infinitely more successful when the otters are young (IUCN/SSC, 2008). Hartley R. 2011 had mentioned that as a social animal, the smooth-coated otter lives in family groups consisting of a male, dominant female and cubs. They are a proficient and ready swimmer. Besides, they also have the usual humped otter gait on the land, and can move quite rapidly . It is possible that there are no smooth otters currently in captivity in zoos likes in Zoo Taiping or wildlife parks. Since they are noisy, extrovert and tolerant of humans, adapting well to zoo life, this is surprising (Wright L. C, 2010). [pic] Scientific classification | |Kingdom: |Animalia | |Phylum: |Chordata | |Class: |Mammalia | |Order: |Carnivora | |Family: |Mustelidae | |Subfamily: |Lutrinae | |Genus: |Lutrogale | |Species: |L. perspicillata | LITERATURE REVIEWS Characteristics Smooth coated otter is nocturnal mammal otter and adapted to a semi-aquatic mode of life with flattened head, thick muscular tail, smooth and dense pelage and comparatively large paws that are webbed between digits (Roberts, 1997 ; Khan W. A. et al. ,2010). Webbing between all digits but, more extensive on the hind feet. The claws are sharp and probably aid in gripping.The hind feet are generally larger than the fore and the hind legs are longer leading to the typical hump-backed gait when traveling across land supported by Smith J. R. , 2008. The hair structure of the Lutrinae has been analysed to see if the different s pecies could be identified using hair characteristics and also to determine if the hair characteristics have an adaptive value or are influenced by the phylogeny of the group (Kuhn, Rachel A. & Wilfried M. ,2010). Habitat Otter sites varied significantly from non-otter sites, and comprised of loosely packed sand and rock, and lacked hard-packed sand, stone, gravel, vegetation and canopy cover (Shenoy K. , Varma S. & Devi Prasad K. V. , 2006).The more natural the surroundings the better so a substrate of grass, soil, pebbles, non abrasive sand (not sharp sand), and mulch as opposed to concrete will be beneficial to the otter group. If the pond is artificial and not filtrated it must be cleaned weekly. Fresh drinking water must be supplied for each day in a clean, non- spillable, disinfected container. The warmer the water the more these tropical otters swim. An ideal temperature is about 80 to 85 ° F (26. 6 – 29. 4 ° C). Pools can be constructed of many different materials such as plastic liners, concrete, gunnite or a natural pool dug out to the appropriate depth (IUCN/SSC, 2008). Behavior Smooth-coated otters are strong swimmers (Lariviere S. & Hwang Y. T. ,2005).In short, it is likely that otters undoubtedly store enough oxygen in the lungs, blood and muscles for a typical dive but experience bradycardia when pushed as a result of fear or necessity (Smith J. R. , 2008). Although otters enjoy and spend a lot of time in water they also require plenty of dry land for resting, grooming, digging and foraging (IUCN/SSC, 2008). Food and feeding habits The selection of prey by the smooth-coated otter in response to the variations in abundance of fish (Asghar Nawab & Syed Ainul Hussain, 2012 ). Smooth-coated otter is a top carnivore of wetlands and feeds mainly (up to 96%) upon fish (Khan W. A. et al. ,2010). Surprising, Goldthorpe et al. 2010, reported that a smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) was observed and photographed attacking and killing a water monitor lizard (Varanus salvator) in a small pond at the Forestry Research Institute, Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. Smooth-coated otter attacking and killing such a large animal became the targets of repeated â€Å"tail-nipping† by the otters. The river otter has few natural predators because of its strength, sharp teeth, aggressiveness when attacked, and aquatic habits (Saunders, D. A. 1988). Communication According to Duplaix,1980 and Maxwell,1960;Wright L. C. , 2010;are two good sources for information about this species vocalizations, particularly the latter. Duplaix speaks of harsh nasal snorts and whines, and says they are a noisy species, with a varied repertoire of discrete social sounds.This is backed up by Maxwell, 1960, account of Mijbil, his pet smooth-coated otter of the Iraqi subspecies. Maxwell describes the call note as a short, anxious, penetrating but not loud chirp. The query is Ha! in a loud, harsh whisper. Furthermore, Maxwell, 1960, also describes a c ontinuum through from the chirp to a musical bubbling interspersed with chirps to a high, snarling caterwaul or scream/wail preceding attack. The main form of non-vocal communication in this species is spraint, which is produced frequently. The animals create large, very smelly communal latrines at prominent sites, such as large flat rocks, comparatively high up river banks compared to sympatric Eurasian Otters.In communication with other otters in the family group, otters seem to use their mouths as the main means of non-vocal communication, mouthing, nipping and gripping each other (Wright L. C. , 2010). Breeding Khan W. A. et al. ,2010, stated that this animal form strong monogamous pairs; males are larger but still females dominate the pair. Breeding may occur throughout the year, gestation period varies from 61-63 days and young ones at their birth are covered with fur and their eyes do not open until up to 10 days. The weaning takes almost 130 days and the young ones start tak ing fish at the age of three months. Liter size of 2-4 cubs is normal and rarely five but recently six cubs have been observed in Sindh. TreatThe smooth-coated otters considered to be â€Å"Vulnerable† due to an inferred future population decline caused by habitat loss and exploitation (Hussain et al. , 2008). Facing extremely high risk of extinction due to multitude of detrimental factors (Muhammad Rais et al. ,2009). Khan W. A. et al. , 2010, reported that habitat fragmentation, otter-human conflicts, hunting for skins and lack of awareness among general public are main threats to the species. METHODOLOGY Post monitoring and data collection. (General activity) I studied 3 smooth-coated otter ( Lutrogale perspicillata) at Zoo Taiping. I did not collect data on pre behavior because it was a one day field trip only.I recorded the smooth-coated otter`s activity every 5 min via scan sampling with instantaneous recording. I adapted behavioral categories and de? nitions from http: //www. seaworld. org/animal-info/info-books/otters/adaptations. htm. The de? nitions of behaviors that I recorded are in Table I. I recorded observations from 12. 40 p. m to 1. 30p. m.. |Table I : Behavior classi? cations and description | |Category label |De? nition of activities included within category | |Groom |All otters must continually groom their fur to maintain its insulating qualities.Otters spend a | | |substantial amount of time grooming, and many species of river otters have designated areas on land for | | |drying and grooming their fur. Most vigorously dry themselves by rolling on the ground or rubbing | | |against logs or vegetation. | |Swim |Otters are excellent swimmers. They swim with movements of the hind legs and tail. Freshwater otters | | |†dog paddle† with all four feet when swimming slowly or floating. When swimming at a high speed, the | | |entire body, including the tail, undulates up and down and the hind feet steer. | |Play |Some researcher s believe that sliding is a form of play in river otters.For some species, otters of all| | |age classes have been observed sliding. Others believe otters only use these slides for low-energy | | |travel, maintaining that otters generally do not climb to the top of a slope for another slide. These | | |latter researchers have observed very little behavior they interpret as play. | |Rest |Freshwater otters generally rest and sleep on land, either above ground or in dens. They are not | | |particular about where they sleep and often do so even in areas of moderate disturbance.Individual | | |animals often have several resting places. | |Feed |The Smooth-coated otter is a carnivore and in the wild its diet is more than 90% fish over 15cm long, | | |mainly slow-moving fish such as catfish; the balance is frogs, birds, turtles, water snakes, crabs and | | |water rats. The metabolic rate is high, and these active otters will consume 20% of their bodyweight a | | |day. In the wild, they wi ll have several hunting sessions throughout the 24-hour period, interspersed | | |with rest periods. |Diving |Otters can remain under water for 6 to 8 minutes. | |All other behavior |Communication | | |Drinking | | |Defecating | | |Urinating | |Adapt from http://www. seaworld. org/animal-info/info-books/otters/adaptations. htm | RESULT No | | | | |[pic] |[pic] | |12. 40 p. m : Play |12. 45 p. m : Rest | |[pic] |[pic] | |12. 50 p. m : Swim |12. 55 p. m : Rest | |[pic] |[pic] | |1. 00 p. m : Groom |1. 00 p. : Rest | | | | |[pic] |[pic] | |1. 05 p. m : Swim |1. 10 p. m : Rest | |[pic] |[pic] | |1. 15 p. m : Play |1. 20 p. : Swim | |[pic] |[pic] | |1. 25 p. m : Groom |1. 30 p. m : Rest | DISCUSSION From monitoring, I can see the smooth-coated otter have recycles similar activities. Much activity occurs in the water. The webbed feet, strong legs, and long, muscular body and tail adapt the otter to a semi-aquatic lifestyle. Smooth-coated otters are swim with movements of the hin d legs and tail.They use all four feet when swimming slowly or floating. The fur is thick and water proof with two types of hair; a dense under fur which traps an insulating layer of air and remains dry while the otter is swimming and the longer, overlying guard hairs that are water proof (Foster-Turley et al. , 1990; Khan W. A. et al. ,2010 ). Once in the water, an otter is a tireless and superb swimmer, propelling itself with the tail, which also serves as a rudder, and powerful thrusts of the hind limbs. Although otters enjoy and spend a lot of time in water they also require plenty of dry land for resting, grooming, digging and foraging (IUCN/SSC, 2008). On land, they lope or bound.Grooming is a frequent activity and entails rolling in the snow, mud or vegetation, often at the same location known as a landing or a hauling-out site. River otters engage in activities collectively designated as play, for example, repeated touching, shoving, tossing, and manipulating of prey, stones or other objects, or tobogganing down mud or snow slides (Saunders D. A. ,1988). Like other carnivores, smooth-coated otters use scent for inter and intra specific communication. They have a pair of scent glands at the base of the tail, which they use to mark vegetation, flat rocks, or shorelines near feeding areas. This marking behavior in otters is called sprainting.Most of the spraint sites consisted largely of loosely packed sand, and a small amount of rock, but lacked canopy cover, dense vegetation and stony or gravely substrates. Sites with these features are suited for grooming activities, which may explain why the substrate seemed to be the major factor in site selection by otters (Shenoy K. , Varma S. & Devi Prasad K. V. , 2006). Otters are intelligent, active, curious creatures and an ideal day would be to be fed 3 or 4 times a day, have plenty of stimulation and activities which include playing and foraging and also have time to rest out of the public view if so desired (IUCN/SSC, 2008). Vocal, tactile, and chemical signals are the chief means of regulating otter social behavior. Besides, the otters use chirping and humming sounds as contact calls.They hiss, purr, and whistle in other contexts (Saunders D. A. ,1988). CONCLUSION Smooth-coated otter called as Lutrogale perscipillata is known to Zoo Taiping. Besides, they are highly charismatic and popular animals of high concern to fishermen, naturalists, scientists and wild life conservationists the world over. Otters have an intrinsic beauty and they are exciting. Smooth-coated otters, one of the most intriguing semi aquatic mammals, habitual of living amphibious lifestyle, both in water and nearby lands are celebrated for living a life of mystery, disguise and concealment (Singh A. K. , 2011). Smooth-coated otters are well adapted to swimming and foraging in the water supported by Ferti D. Jackson M. & Yin S. , 1994. They have aqua dynamic, webbed feet, fine rudder, fur-tive and high metabolic rat e. It was amazing facts by Khan W. A et al. , 2010, the smooth coated otter (Lutragale perspicillata) considered to be a suitable indicator of pollution level in a wetland. Unfortunately, the smooth-coated otter life is on the brink of extinction. All small carnivore sightings were in or adjacent to protected areas. While this may suggest that their status outside such places could be of concern, it may simply reflect unequal search effort, in that night drives were not conducted at the same rate outside protected areas (Pillay R. ,2009).Otters need to be noticed to undertake stiff protection, taking practical steps for preventing decimation of endemic populace going from â€Å"Vulnerable† under â€Å"Red List† of IUCN to endanger with each passing day. The smooth-coated otter is an important ecological indicator of a healthy wetland and associated biodiversity, especially the fish fauna (Khan W. A. at el. ,2009). Feeroz M. M. , Aziz M. A & Thanchanga P. K, 2011, suppo rted that good habitats with enough food and little human interference can enhance and ensure breeding potentiality and success as well as survival. REFLECTION Firstly, praise to Allah and special thanks to Dr. Syakirah, my fellow course-mates and my family in helping me doing this assignment.My second animal observation at Zoo Taiping is smooth-coated otter. There are a group of three active smooth-coated otters in a spacious and natural like enclosure supported by Shenoy K. , Varma S. & Devi Prasad K. V. , 2006. I watched them for about an hour and it’s really fun and entertaining to watch them with their recycle behavior activities. Most of the time, the otters enjoyed swim in the â€Å"swamp† area and resting on the rocks while grooming. Sometimes, they also play around with each other on the sand area and return to water to swim. IUCN/SSC, 2008, mentioned that those otters are very great swimmer and diver. I was really exciting to see them doing that.There was a t ime when they just stand beside the glass window looking at all the people outside like they are really proud when people watch them supported by Wright L. C, 2010. By looking at the otter’s activity for around an hour, it taught me a lot on their behavioral adaptation. It makes me realize how important and valuable are our nature. Hussain et al. , 2008, reported that smooth-coated otter is also one of the â€Å"Vulnerable† species and human is one of the factors and greatest threat to them, both directly and indirectly. Habitat destruction, water pollution, fishing activity and disease can lead to fragmentation of their populations and extinction.It is our responsibility to protect our wildlife and make sure this little and full of fun creature to continue swimming for years to come. Stop pollution and live harmony with nature so that our next generation can experience and appreciate what we have today. Overall, by writing this report I gained some researching benefit s. One is that I am more aware of what is happening to endangered species. Another is that I know now that humans have a responsibility to protect our wildlife. I also gained confidence in myself. By writing this report, I have some experience in writing reports, and as a biology teacher, I will share this great information to my students, family and friends. REFERENCESAsghar Nawab & Syed Ainul Hussain, (2012), Prey selection by smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) in response to the variation in fish abundance in Upper Gangetic Plains, India Feeroz M. M. , Aziz M. A & Thanchanga P. K, (2011). BREEDING ACTIVITIES OF Lutra perspicillata IN BANGLADES. IUCN Otter Spec. Group Bull. 28(A) 2011. http://www. otterspecialistgroup. org/Bulletin/Volume28A/Feeroz_et_al_2011a. pdf Ferti D. , Jackson M. & Yin S. , (1994). Otters In Galveston Bay Waters. Galveston Bay Foundation. Vol. 6, Number 3. Goldthorpe, G. , Shepherd, C. , Hogg, S. and Leupen B. , (2010). Predation of water monitor lizard (Varanus salvator) by smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) in Peninsular Malaysia. IUCN Otter Spec. Group Bull. 27  (2): 78 – 84 Hartley R. , (2011). Animal facts: Smooth-coated otter. http://www. helium. om/items/2226524-smooth-coated-otter-lutrogale-perspicillata-vulnerable-otter-species-icun-red-list-fishing-otter Hussain, S. A. , de Silva, P. K. , Mostafa Feeroz, M. (2008). Lutrogale perspicillata. In: IUCN 2009. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2009. 1. . IUCN/SSC Otter Specialist Group Otters in Captivity Task Force. (2008). Minimum Husbandry Guidelines for Smooth-Coated Otters in Captivity. http://www. otterspecialistgroup. org/Library/TaskForces/OCT/Husbandry_Guidelines_for_Keeping_Smooth-Coated_Otters_in_Captivity_1st_Edition. pdf Khan W. A. et al. ,(2010). Status of Smooth Coated Otter (Lutrogale perspicillata sindica) in Pakistan. Pakistan J. Zool. , vol. 42(6), pp. 817-824, 2010. Khan W. A. et al. 2009). A SURVEY OF SMOOTH COATED OTT ERS (Lutrogale perspicillata sindica) IN THE SINDH PROVINCE OF PAKISTAN. IUCN Otter Spec. Group Bull. 26(1) 2009 Kuhn, Rachel A. & Wilfried M. ,(2010). Comparative hair structure in the Lutrinae (Carnivora: Mustelidae) mammalia. Volume 74, Issue 3, Pages 291–303, ISSN (Online) 1864-1547, ISSN (Print) 0025-1461, DOI: 10. 1515/mamm. 2010. 039,August 2010 Lariviere S. & Hwang Y. T. ,(2005). Mammalian Species : Lutrogale perspicillata. American Society of Mammalogists Muhammad Rais et al. ,(2009). Recent Records of Smooth-Coated Otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) from Sindh, Pakistan* Pakistan J. Zool. , vol. 41(5), pp. 13-414, 2009 http://zsp. com. pk/pdf1/413-428%20(11). pdf Ogamba E. N. & Abowei J. F. N. ,(2012). Some Predatory Fishes, Birds, Mammals and Some Other Animals in Culture Fisheries Management. International Journal of Fishes and Aquatic Sciences 1(1): 16-34, 2012 ISSN: 2049-8411; e-ISSN: 2049-842X  © Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2012 Otters. (2005). A SeaWorld E ducation Department Publication Pillay R. ,(2009). Observations of small carnivores in the southern Western Ghats, India. Small Carnivore Conservation, Vol. 40: 36–40, April Saunders D. A. ,(1988). Adirondack Mammals. State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry. 16pp. http://www. esf. edu/aec/adks/mammals/otter. htm Shenoy K. ,( 2003). `Against the Current` :Otters in the River Cauvery, Karnataka, Occasional Report No. 11. Otter Research Group Japan. Wildlife Trust of India, New Delhi. Pp Shenoy K. , Varma S. & Devi Prasad K. V. ,(2006), Factors determining habitat choice of the smooth-coated otter, Lutra perspicillata in a South Indian river system. CURRENT SCIENCE, VOL. 91, NO. 5, 10 SEPTEMBER 2006 Singh A. K. , (2011), Smooth Coated Otters of Cauvery River : â€Å" Ambassadors of wetlands Ecology, Behaviour and Conservation†. http://mmhillswildlife. blogspot. com/p/cauvery-otter. html Smith J. R. ,(2008).

NCFE Level 2 Certificate for children and Young Peoples Workforce Essay

UNIT 1 1.1 Observe and record aspects of the development of a child or young person- All early years setting observe children everyday. There are many different ways of doing this. Knowing what to look for is important most settings will observe children’s development to see how they are doing in the following areas: PHYSICAL- Children’s physical development is about the way that they use their hands, move and balance and also manage skills such as kicking a ball. Most play involves physical development; you may be able to observe a child’s physical development as they are playing e.g. a child pushing a pushchair or a child playing football. COMMUNICATION AND LANGUAGE- Most children will talk as they play if they are using speech. Babies and toddlers might use body language or gestures to communicate with us. Children’s speech and language is important to their overall development. PERSONAL, SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL- Quite a lot of information can be learnt about these aspects of development while children are playing. Observing children’s personal social and emotional development means looking at whether they have strong relationships and whether they enjoy being with others. Being with others is important for children. Even young babies show their happy while being with others and make eye contact. UNIT 1 1.2 Identify different observation methods and know why they are used- We observe children because we use the information we record to plan activities that are relevant for the child or change your setting in some way to reflect what you have learned about the children as a group to help them develop. There are different ways of observing a child for example: with yours eyes, your ears, or through planned activities. We also record the observation in different ways, i.e.- Focused observation- A focused observation is where you observe what a child is doing recording every detail, this helps record the development of the child and when linked with the EYFS we can identify what stage the child is at. Snapshot observation- A snapshot observation is where you witness a child’s development with your own eyes or hear it with your ears that was not adult led but child initiated. You will then record it and link it with the EYFS and then you could plan an activity that would help their development in that particular area. Daily diary- In my setting a daily diary record is kept of what a child has done through the day if the child was a baby it would include what time their feed was, what they ate and what time they slept and for how long. It would also include what the child has shown interest in that day and what activity the child was encouraged to be involved in. This is shared with the parent on a daily or weekly basis so the parents can see how the child is doing in the nursery. UNIT 1 1.3 Support assessments of the development needs of a child or young person- Once I have observed a child, I will then think about what I have learnt about the child’s development, interests or needs. This is done so that setting’s can plan activities and resources. I will think about what a child is doing in relation to the early year’s foundation stage. Confidentiality is very important, I must make sure that any information about the child cannot be seen by people that are not working with the child or do not have reason to see it. When I observe a child it is important that I stay as objective as possible, This means really focussing on what the child is doing at the time I am watching them and trying to forget what I may already know about them. [pic] 1.4 Suggest ways the identified development needs of a child or young person can be met in the work setting- There are many ways a work setting can be meet indentified development needs in children. They can reflect on the child’s interest and views, it is important to base our ideas around what we have seen the child doing and enjoying, activities to support a child’s development do not work if the child does not like them or are not interested. Providing a challenge will help the child to make progress, this means any ideas for activities must be exciting. Play is an important way of helping children to develop skills without realising it. They can also make sure that in the work setting all planning is flexible as a child may come in and not feel like playing or might have other ideas about what they would like to do, Also working with parents so they have consistency by doing the same at home as they do in nursery. UNIT 1 2.1 Carry out activities with a child or young person to support their holistic development- I have carried out an activity with three children ages 8 months-1year. I first planned the activity of what I would need and do, as you can see blow, while doing the activity I done observations on all three children but focused on my key child, this observation has also been included for you to see. After doing my activity I then sat down and looked at my plan and observation, I evaluated it and wrote down next step. Activity plan Type of activity: Holistic / Sensory. Activity: Exploring the treasure basket. Number of children: 3 focused on one child. Material needed: Treasure basket, Holistic objects. Activity: I will take three children; one would be my focused child. I will then sit them in a circle with the reassure basket and holistic objects in the middle. I will then encourage the children to explore and feel the different objects. I will also observe how they react and record it. 2.2 Record observations of the child or young person’s participation in the activities- Focused observation Child A has pulled a sponge out of the treasure basket, she starts to pull it with both hands, child A then holds the sponge in her right hand and starts to wave it about. Child A then reaches into the treasure basket with her left hand and starts to pull out the material, a staff member says â€Å"what’s this† and child A watches the staff and copies them with the material pulling it with both hands. Evaluation While doing my activity I done an observation on my focused child. Looking at my observation and what the child did during the activity I can see that child A likes to feel objects with her hands. Child A also learns by watching others and then copies them. My next steps for child A is to introduce sensory activities e.g. exploring mash potato as she could feel and taste at the same time. UNIT 1 3.1 & 3.2 Describe the different transitions children and young people may experience- Explain how to give adult support for each of these transitions- Children and young people may experience different transitions such as: 3.1 NEW SIBLINGS- When a child or young person’s parent’s have a new baby it could leave the older child feeling like they are not the baby anymore, they may feel jealous or even upset because they may not be getting as much attention as before, this could make the child start attention seeking, they may start acting up e.g. lying or not listening. 3.2 I can support a child if they are feeling this; I could try explaining to the child about the positive side to having a sibling, and would also empathise with the child explaining why they feel the way the feel. 3.1 TOILET TRAINING- This could make a child feel frustrated because he/she might not be able to tell you they need the toilet on time, or they may not recognise the signs. This will cause the child to have an accident and may then feel embarrassed. 3.2 I can support them by encouraging them to use their words to communicate to an adult. I could also use flash cards to learn the child what a toilet looks like and how to say toilet. I would praise the child when they go to the toilet e.g. verbally or using stickers, this will encourage the child to want to do it again to receive more praise. 3.1 MOVING AWAY- This could make the child frustrated because they are being torn away from either their favourite place or even their friends. When a child moves away they may feel lost or scared, lonely or even anxious this could possibly end in depression and make the child’s behaviour worse in nursery or school. 3.2 I would support a child or young person moving away by making the transition a happy experience, I would explain what is going to happen and when, then try and make them understand why it is happening. 3.1 STARTING A NEW SCHOOL- When a child moves school they may start to feel sad, upset or lost that they are leaving all their friends behind and may not see them everyday anymore, they might not understand why they are leaving. Moving school could make the child feel nervous because they do not know anyone and will have to make new friends, the child could feel anxious because they don’t know what to expect. This could make them feel shy and not want to go to school. 3.2 I can support the family in advance preparing them for the change. I can explain to the child what is going to happen so it’s not a big shock for them. I could suggest to the parent to take them to visit the new school setting so they know and recognise the surroundings they are going to. UNIT 1 4.1 Explain how a work setting can encourage children and young people’s positive behaviour- A work setting can encourage children and young people’s positive behaviour by: †¢ Following behaviour policy. †¢ Providing a simulating and challenging environment. †¢ Positive behaviour reinforced through praise and rewards. †¢ Having clear boundaries. †¢ Developing positive relationships. †¢ Meeting individual needs. †¢ Giving children choices. †¢ Having adult role model. †¢ Listening to children and valuing their opinions. †¢ Encouraging children to resolve conflict. †¢ Following plans for individual behaviour. 4.2 Demonstrate how children and young people are encouraged to engage in positive behaviour- As we are role models, we must always express positive body and verbal language and support rules. We should be confident and professional so that children will become self confident and express positive behaviour. Giving verbal praise and rewards such as stickers to a child’s positive behaviour will encourage them to continue this way. Rewards also go a long way in promoting positive behaviour in a child. We should always lead by example. We should use encouraging words, be approachable, understanding and show empathy in order to encourage positive behaviour. When there is a good relationship between the adult and child, and the child is behaving positively, the child receives lots of good attention. This encourages them to repeat the same behaviour. In the same way, if a child is behaving in a way where they will get negative attention, they normally want to change their behaviour so they can receive positive attention again. UNIT 1 4.3 Reflect on own role in promoting positive behaviour in children or young people- My setting has clear rules and boundaries that I will meet at all times. I will follow the behaviour policy within my setting, this will encourage positive behaviour. I would encourage the children to be kind with other people by maintaining a good environment. I will also meet the children’s needs and plan activities to meet those needs. I will set an example in myself and will always have and use positive behaviour, as I am a role model to them. I will reward the children that have showed positive behaviour through verbal or stickers to praise them. I would use encouraging words and make sure I provide a simulating environment. Also I will make them feel safe and secure when being left by parents. 5.1 Review effectiveness of own contribution to the assessment of the developmental needs of a child or young person- By observing a child, I can see how the child is progressing. When I’m observing a child I will be looking for development in the seven different areas covered in the EYFS which are: P.S.E.D- Personal, Social and Emotional development. C.L- Communication and Language. P.D- Physical Development. L- Literacy. M- Maths. E.A.D- Expressive Art and Design. U.W- Understanding the World. Once the observation is linked with one of these areas I can then write my next steps and plan activities around that area that will aid the child’s development further. 5.2 Review effectiveness of own role in supporting the child or young person’s development- When supporting the child’s development, I will have observed the child looking at all the areas of the EYFS. I would have then linked it. After I would have wrote my next steps. This was effective because I can see what stage and in what area within the EYFS the child is at. I then planned an activity that would be challenging. This helped me to know what recourses I needed for the activity and also helped the child further their development in a fun and happy way. UNIT 1 5.3 Identify changes that can be made to own practice in supporting child and young person development- The changes that can be made in my setting are communication skills, time keeping and working with parents. This will help support the child’s development because these will help the child become more confident and have structure and routine while in the nursery this is important as a child will be unhappy and will not be able to learn if they don’t have these. UNIT 2 1.1 Describe the common types of fractures- A fracture is simply a broken bone. When a bone is broken, the nerves, blood vessels and muscles around the brake will be damaged as well. Often a fracture may not break the full bone in young children as their bones are more flexible than adults. This sort of fracture is sometimes referred to as a greenstick fracture. Fractures can be one of two main types closed or open. Closed fractures- This is the most common type of fracture, this is where the skin around the fracture does not break. Open fracture- This is where there is an open wound at the site of the fracture. Sometimes the bone sticks out of the wound; this creates a big risk of infection. Dislocation- A dislocation is where the bone separates from a joint, this can occur easily in children. Never tug or pull on a child’s arm or hand, and never pick them up by their hands or arms. 1.2 & 1.3 Describe how to manage a fracture or dislocation- You will usually be able to tell quite easily if a child has a fracture or dislocation. In children that are older they are likely to tell you that their arm or leg hurts. Alternatively, look for- †¢ Swelling around the injured area. †¢ Unnatural position. †¢ Open wounds or breaks around the skin. †¢ Tenderness. †¢ Loss of power / Ability to move. My role is to make sure I maintain the injured part in the most comfortable position while waiting for the ambulance. UNIT 2 2.1 Describe how to recognise and manage head injuries- A head injury can result in Concussion, skull fracture or cerebral compression. I would be able to recognise a head injury by the following signs: †¢ Swelling. †¢ Bruising. †¢ Nausea. †¢ Vomiting- on more then one occasion. †¢ A bump. †¢ Severe drowsiness. †¢ Blurred vision. †¢ Fits. †¢ Bleeding from any part of the head. †¢ Change in the type of cry of a baby. †¢ Difficulty in walking or talking. †¢ Being pale and sweaty. †¢ Pupils of the eyes uneven in size. †¢ Aggression and irritability. †¢ Clear or blood-stained fluid from the ears or nose. †¢ Changes in behaviour. †¢ Swollen soft spots on a baby’s skull. Often after a child has had a bang to the head they might just have a bump and feel dazed and will not need to go to the hospital. It is still important I monitor the child closely for about six hours after the accident, and be alert for any changes for a few days. I will inform and give clear instructions to the parents about what to look for after a bang to the head and encourage them to seek medical help if they are worried. Bleeding can happen straight after the injury or a few days later, or blood can build up slowly. If any of the signs of a head injury occur I would call for an ambulance and the child’s parents immediately. While waiting for the ambulance I would control any external bleeding by applying pressure with a pad, lay the child down, if the child is unconscious act as if there is also an injury to the neck, I will also make note of the symptoms e.g. vomiting, pupil size, how long the child has been or was unconscious for. Etc. 2.2 Demonstrate how to manage a suspected spinal injury- Spinal injuries are unusual in young children But can happen if a child falls from a height. It is very important you do not move or attempt to move the child as any slight movement can cause serious damage, including paralysis. I will steady and support the neck and head, and dial 999 for an ambulance. UNIT 2 3.1 Describe how to manage and infant and a child with foreign bodies in their eyes, ears and nose- There as many things that can get stuck in these places e.g. crayons, glitter and beads. Beads fit into these places incredibly well. When something is stuck up a child’s nose or ear, if there is enough sticking out to get a firm grip on e.g. a crayon, I will gently try to ease it out I will not touch it as the result will be it becoming further stuck in. If it is not possible to ease out I would simply call for the first aider to take the child to the nearest NHS walk-in centre or minor injuries unit. 3.2 Describe how to recognise and manage common eye injuries- Most children will manage to get foreign bodies in their eyes such as: Paint Dust Sand Eyelashes Glitter Fluff These sorts of things can easily be removed. I would sit the child down and put on a pair of disposable gloves. I will then Gently pull down the lower eyelid and any remove any visible foreign bodies with either a clean wet piece of tissue or a small piece of wet gauze swab. Yet if this fails to works I will pull the upper eyelid over the lower lid ad try to flush it out with tears. If it still remains in the eye I will then try to wash the eye with water by: Positioning the child’s head over the sink or bowl with their eye open, facing the bottom of the sink or bowl. Using a plastic cup try to pour water on the eye from the tear duct outwards. If none of this works and the eye is still red and the child still says it is painful I will seek professional help. UNIT 2 4.1 Describe how to recognise and manage chronic medical conditions including: sickle cell anaemia, diabetes and asthma- The most common chronic health conditions you may come into contact with are asthma, sickle cell anaemia and diabetes. Sickle Cell Anaemia is a genetically inherited condition and is common in children of an African-Caribbean heritage. Sickle cell anaemia is a blood disorder that red blood cells become distorted and can block vessels in the body. The signs and symptoms are lack of energy and being breathless also they would look yellow in colour due to jaundice and they would be in severe pain. Straight away I would consult a doctor and my line manager I would recode these symptoms and everything else in my accident book. I would also inform the parents. Diabetes is a lifelong medical condition. Most children who have diabetes will need insulin injections. If a child has too much or not enough insulin, they are at risk of getting hypoglycaemia (hypo attack) or hyperglycaemia (hyper attack). A child going into ‘hypo’ may be: drowsy, pale, sweating, confused, trembling or irritable. The child needs to balance the insulin by having sugar I can give this to the child directly in the mouth or a drink of orange juice for example. Usually the child will not need any more treatment and will respond quickly to sugars that are easily absorbed. A ‘hyper’ attack is caused by lack of insulin medical help is needed, I will call for an ambulance. A child going into ‘hyper’ attack may shows signs of the following: Very thirsty, drowsy, passing urine very often, have a fruity-smelling breath, vomiting, eventually become unconscious. Asthma attacks can be brought on by: exercise, stress, very cold air and pollen or dust. Asthma is caused by the airways in the lungs closing up. This makes it difficult for the child to take breaths. I would recognise this as the child wheezes and breathing in/out becomes more difficult. A child with asthma will usually use one or more inhalers to control it. They should a lways have their inhaler available at all times to help them deal with an attack. Often a child will use their inhaler before exercise. If an asthma attack is left untreated, a child can die. If a child is having an asthma attack I would make them comfortable. Sit them in a quiet area away from other children and seat the child in the position most comfortable to them. I will also help them to use their inhaler – usually a blue reliever. I will encourage the child to breath slowly, if the attack does not subside, then I’ll call for medical help. UNIT 2 4.2 Describe how to recognise and manage serious sudden illnesses including: Meningitis and Febrile convulsions- Meningitis- In most settings children may become ill during the day. Some cases the development of a high temperature, vomiting and a rash are just parts of mild illness. However, in a few cases they can be the start to a life threatening illness. If I was worried bout the child’s symptoms, I would seek medical help. Babies and young children can deteriorate very quickly. I would be able to recognise a child with meningitis by these common symptoms: †¢ Stiff neck. †¢ Reaction to light. †¢ High temperature. †¢ Headache. †¢ Bulging fontanelles in babies. †¢ Irritability. One sign of meningitis is a rash that does not fade under pressure, I would perform the glass test to detect whether the rash fades or not. A fever with a rash that does not fade under pressure is a medical emergency. If I suspect a child has meningitis I will call an ambulance immediately and inform the parents, while waiting for the ambulance I will stay with the child and make them feel comfortable. Febrile convulsions- I would be able to recognise a child with febrile convulsions as the child may be experiencing, loss of consciousness, a short spell of not breathing, heavy dribbling, neck and back arching, body rigid and shaking and heavy dribbling. I will perform the following to prevent the child from choking or injuring themselves: I will put the child on their side making sure the airway is open, I will clear any surroundings objects, if the child is hot I would help to cool them by opening a window or putting a fan on or I will remove some clothing, I would place the child in recovery position, also sponge the child down and if this is their first convulsion or does not stop after three minutes then I will dial 999 for an ambulance. UNIT 2 5.1 Describe how to recognise and treat the effects of extreme cold for an infant and a child- If body temperature drops to below 35 degrees, hypothermia will cause a slowdown in the working of the body and can lead to tissue damage and death. I will look for: – Low body temperature. – If the child is being sluggish or unconscious. I will treat the child who is suffering the effects of extreme cold by bringing tem into a warm room or close to a warm body, I will wrap the child in a blanket or coat, I would call for an ambulance and encourage them to drink warm drinks. 5.2 Describe how to recognise and treat the effects of extreme heat for an infant and a child- It is easy to recognise when a child is too hot, they may show signs of: heavy sweating, tiredness, feeling sick and generally ill, high temperature, rapid breathing, febrile convulsions in babies and small children. When the body temperature is over 40 degrees this can cause heatstroke and can result in brain damage or death. Heat exhaustion is more common in children, especially if they have been playing out in hot weather. It can be life-threatening if a baby or young child overheats. If this happens I would move the child out of the heat and give them plenty of water to drink, I would cool them by applying cool water or cool cloths, I would remove excess clothing then if there is no improvement, or if I suspect heatstroke I will call for an ambulance. UNIT 2 6.1 Describe how to safely manage an incident involving electricity- If there is an incident where a child has been in contact with electricity, the priority is to isolate the source. If possible I will switch the power off at the mains or master switch. If this is not possible I could get a wooden broom or chair and push the child well away from the electric source. I do not want to rush in to get hold of the child; this will result in me also being injured. 6.2 Describe first aid treatments or electric shock incidents- Exposure to electricity can stop the heat. If this is the case then I will start ABC: Airway. Breathing. Circulation, and call for an ambulance. The places where the electricity has entered and left the body may have burns that need first aid treatment of lots of cool water. But I will only give this after the power source has been switched off or the child has been safely removed. 7.1 Describe how to recognise the severity of burns and scalds to an infant and a child and respond accordingly- There are three factors that affect the severity of a burn or scald: – Size, witch it usually described as a percentage. The palm of the hand is about 1% of the body skin. – Location, a burn to the face, feet, hands or genitals are more serious. – Depth. Burns occur when the skin is exposed to heat or chemicals, for example fire, sunburn, friction, acid, bleach or garden chemicals. Scalds happen when the skin is exposed to hot fluids, for example boiling water, steam or hot fat. Burns and scalds are usually divided into three categories depending on how much damage they cause to the skin and underlying tissues. First-degree or minor burns are superficial and affect only the outer layer of the skin, making it red and sore. Second-degree or partial thickness burns extend below the surface of the skin. The skin looks raw and blisters form. Third-degree or full thickness burns damage the entire layer of the skin and underlying tissues to affect nerves, muscle and fat. The skin looks pale and waxy. First-degree burns can be recognized by slight swelling and redness. In second-degree burns, the skin looks red raw and blisters will appear. Black or waxy skin indicates a third-degree burn and that the burn is serious. Serious burns can cause shock. A scald in the mouth or throat, may cause swelling and make breathing difficult. Scalds are caused by liquids e.g. water or hot drinks. Burns can be caused by fire, electricity, the sun, chemicals or very hot materials such as metals. UNIT 2 7.2 Describe how to treat burns and scalds to an infant and a child- I would seek medical attention for any child with a burn that is: †¢ Causing serious pain. †¢ On the face or hands. †¢ A chemical or electrical burn. †¢ Deep or blistering. †¢ Accompanied by inhaling smoke or fumes. †¢ No larger than a postage stamp. First-degree burns can be treated at home and usually heal in seven to ten days. Second- and third-degree burns are much more serious and require medical attention as there is a risk of infection and shock developing. I would act immediately to a child who has a burn or scald; I would cool the burn with cold water- preferably under gently running water, for at least 10 minutes. I will remove any clothing that is not stuck to the burn. I would cover the burn with a sterile or clean dressing, or even a clean plastic bag; this will keep the air out of the burn. If there is any burn or scald on a baby or young child I will call an ambulance straight away. 8.1 Describe how poisons enter the body- Poisons can entre the body by being swallowed; for example cleaning fluids, tablets. Also be being breathed in by fumes and dust. Or it can entre the body through the skin e.g. fluids, powders. Here are some common examples of items that can be poisonous: Cleaning fluids can burn the mouth and digestive system when took if in unlocked cupboard. Sleeping tablets from unattended handbag can make a child unconsciousness and possibly result in death. Poison ivy plants can cause severe irritation and blistering to the skin. UNIT 2 8.2 Describe how to recognise and treat an infant and a child affected by common poisonous substances, including plants- Each poisonous substance will have a different effect on a child’s body, depending on what the poison is and how it has entered the body. When I find a child who I suspect has been poisoned I will look around for evidence like: †¢ Open drug containers. †¢ Open chemical containers. †¢ Unusual smells on child’s breath. †¢ Unusual smells, such as gas fumes. I would recognise if a child has been poisoned as they may show signs of: †¢ Vomiting. †¢ Pain. †¢ Burns around the mouth. †¢ Blisters or swelling. †¢ Drowsiness or unconsciousness. †¢ Severe rash or itching of the skin. I would treat the child by dialling 999 for an ambulance, I would try to find out what the child has taken, how much and when or what they have been in contact with and I will give my evidence to medical help. If the child is unconscious, I will check the airway and put the child in the recovery position. If the child has been poisoned by a poisonous plant I will rinse the skin under running water. 8.3 Identify sources of information that provide procedures for treating those affected by poisonous substances- UNIT 2 9.1 Describe how to recognise the severity of bites and stings to an infant and a child and respond accordingly- It is important I recognise when medical intervention is needed and make sure the child gets it. Most bites and stings are quite minor and just need cleaning or stings removing and reassurance. The most dangerous reaction a child would get from a sting or bite is if they are allergic to the sting or bite. Allergic reactions can develop very quickly. I would look for: †¢ Difficulty in breathing. †¢ Severe swelling at the site. †¢ Swelling of the face. †¢ Redness and raised rash. If a child had this type of reaction I would call for an ambulance immediately and inform there parents. Bites are usually easy to recognise. If a child has been bite I may see teeth marks or puncture wounds. Any cuts will usually be jagged. The bites also usually will have bruising with them, so I would see that the area is red and it may be slightly swollen. If I see the bite is badly bleeding or the child is seriously injured I will control the bleeding and call for an ambulance. But if the bite is not that serious I will wash the area thoroughly and apply a cold pact to the area to ease the swelling. I will also apply a dressing if there are breaks in the skin. I would recognise an Insect stings as the area would be red and may have mild swelling. Also the child would be complaining that it is painful and itchy. I would move the child away from any further risks of stings. I would check the area that has been stung and remove any sting by scrapping away from the area with my fingernail or card for example. I will wash the area well with soap and water and apply a cold pack to reduce any swelling and ease the pain. ———————– Support the assessment of children and young people Using the assessment framework Avoiding Bias Maintaining confidentiality