Issues of English Language Learners in Communication at Intermediate Level in Pakistan

The students have to face lot of problems in speaking English as a second language (ESL). This study investigates the problems, fears and hindrances in using English language as a speaking tool in and outside class room. The population consists of the students of Intermediate/HSSC level from age group of 16 to 19 years. The study determines the causes of poor communication in English language among higher secondary school students. The descriptive survey design was used and questionnaire was used as a tool in collection of data. Responses were obtained from students and teachers in two higher secondary schools. The study sample was 60, in which 30 were students and 30 were teachers. Frequency and simple percentage were used in the analysis of data. The findings of the study led to the conclusion that the dominance of mother tongue, less qualified teachers of English language, negative attitudes of students toward speaking English language, improper use of method in enhancing English language speaking and no access to  instructional media, A.V aids and other  facilities, are the reasons behind the poor English language communication of the students. The study also found out that provision of qualified teachers of English language, using the right approach to the spoken ability of English language, engaging of students in debating and listening to English programs are some of the ways that can improve secondary school students’ performance in spoken English communication. KEYWORDS: Issues, ELT, ESL, communication, English language learners, Higher Secondary School (HSSC)

Continuous flow photochemical and thermal multi-step synthesis of bioactive 3-arylmethylene-2,3-dihydro-1H-isoindolin-1-ones

An effective multi-step continuous flow approach towards N-diaminoalkylated 3-arylmethylene-2,3-dihydro-1H-isoindolin-1-ones, including the local anesthetic compound AL-12, has been realized. Compared to the traditional decoupled batch processes, the combined photochemical–thermal–thermal flow setup rapidly provides the desired target compounds in superior yields and significantly shorter reaction times

TropEco Research Award 2014: the Eradicate Insect-borne Diseases with Sunlight Initiative at JCU

The Eradicate Insect-borne Diseases with Sunlight Initiative (EIDSI) at JCU is utilizing Queensland's two major natural resources, sunlight and biomass. Its research activities, for which it received the TropEco Research Award 2014, help to safeguard public health in the region and covers prophylaxis, treatment as well as cure

The photodecarboxylative addition of carboxylates to phthalimides as a key-step in the synthesis of biologically active 3-arylmethylene-2,3-dihydro-1H-isoindolin-1-ones

The synthesis of various 3-arylmethylene-2,3-dihydro-1H-isoindolin-1-ones was realized following a simple three-step process. The protocol utilized the photodecarboxylative addition of readily available carboxylates to N-(bromoalkyl)phthalimides as a versatile and efficient key step. The initially obtained hydroxyphthalimidines were readily converted to the desired N-diaminoalkylated 3-arylmethylene-2,3-dihydro-1H-isoindolin-1-ones via acid-catalyzed dehydration and subsequent nucleophilic substitution with the corresponding secondary amines. The procedure was successfully applied to the synthesis of known local anesthetics (AL-12, AL-12B and AL-5) in their neutral forms

THYROIDISM EFFECT ON ALOPECIA PATIENTS IN PAKISTAN

TSH is a hormone that is secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland and stimulates the secretions of the thyroid gland. Its secretions are controlled by the TSH-R on the epithelial cells of the thyroid gland. It controls the production of the thyroxin hormone from the thyroid gland that is involved in the production of heat and energy. But the excessive amount of this hormone leads to the hair fall in some of the peoples. Hyperthyroidism correlates with the human skin and hair structure and its function. In the case of hyperthyroidism hair bulb cell proliferation increases and hence hair fall rate also increases. While in the case of hypothyroidism the bulb cell proliferation reduces and so, hair fall increases. Samples from different regions of the south Punjab were taken that were analyzed by the special chemistry analyzer (minividas). The concentrations of the T4, T3, and TSH were measured. Some of the alopecia patients were recorded high-level TSH. The patients were treated with thyroxin tablets that reduce TSH level. After that, the patients are also treated with hair fin tab, folli one shampoo, wistin tab, and multivitamins. Now the patients were observed with a microscope. The growth of hair follicles and hairs was recorded. Hence, the thyroxin tab uses to decrease the TSH level in the body for 1 month. Hair fin tab, folli one shampoo, wistin tab, and multivitamins are the best treatment methods for the growth of hairs in alopecia patients

Enhancing the role of subject coordinators through appreciative inquiry

The purpose of this study was to enhance the role of subject coordinators through using Appreciative Inquiry (AI) in a private secondary school of District Thatta. For this purpose, the study initially exploring the subject coordinators\u27 existing roles (perceived and enacted) in relation to facilitating teachers\u27 classroom practices. The study highlights how AI can be used to enhance the roles of subject coordinators, and what are the processes, outcomes, potential and challenges of doing so. For intervention, this study focused on one aspect of the role of subject coordinators i.e. observing classrooms and giving feedback to teachers to improve the teaching learning practices. In general, classroom observation and feedback method .focuses on the problem based approach of giving feedback, where problems, gaps or weaknesses are identified to then solve them. This method of classroom observation and giving feedback highlights the weaknesses and ignores the strengths and positive aspects of teachers. On the contrary, AI is a new approach for change that focuses on strengths and life giving aspects in people and the organization, based on a simple assumption that every organization has something that is working well. AI begins by identifying what is positive and connecting to it in ways that heighten energy and vision for change (Cooperrider, 1987). Embedded within the qualitative research paradigm, the study employed participatory action research (PAR), using an appreciative lens/ approach, and consisting of pre intervention, intervention and post intervention stages. Classroom observation, field notes, reflective conversations, reflective journals, observations, interviews, etcetera were some of the tools used to generate and collect data. The findings show that a positive and strength based focus was helpful to enhance teachers\u27 self esteem and self confidence. Encouraging and facilitative role of the subject coordinators helped in enhancing the creative skills of the teacher and empowering them to use alternate approaches in their teaching. The study also highlights the significant impact that use of AI has had on subject coordinators\u27 personal and professional lives and practices; for example, they used AI to not only provide strength based feedback, but also to develop strength based school development plan, and strength based individual educational plan for special need students

Photochemical synthesis in batch and micro flow reactors

This thesis aimed to discover new photochemical transformations and to develop novel flow chemical processes for photochemical reactions. Despite being isoelectronic to the highly photoactive phthalimides, isatin derivatives remained unreactive and did not yield any inter- or intramolecular photoaddition products. The photochemical studies involving benzoylbenzamides resulted in the discovery of new transformations based on Norrish type II or photoinduced electron transfer processes. Visible light mediated photoredox decarboxylation reactions of N-phenylglycines with enones were successfully carried out using ruthenium tris(bipyridyl) chloride as a photocatalyst. The developed procedure proceeded efficiently under batch as well as flow conditions and yielded both, open and ring addition products. The previously established photodecarboxylative addition of carboxylates to N-alkylphthalimides was used as a key step in the synthesis of biologically active compounds such as AL12, AL5 and their analogues. The initially formed photoproducts were readily converted by acid catalyzed dehydration followed by amination. A library of compounds was successfully synthesized following this procedure. The photodecarboxylative addition also served as a key step for aristolactam synthesis. The synthesis route combined photodecarboxylative addition, dehydration and photodehydrohalogenation, with the option of further thermal amination. This 3-4 step methodology was successfully applied to the syntheses of parent aristolactams. The multistep synthesis of bioactive AL12 and its analogues could be successfully realized in-series under flow conditions. Compared to the stepwise batch protocols, the in-series operation prevented time- and resource-demanding isolation steps and gave the final product in high purity and improved yield. Likewise, the cardiovascular active AKS186 has been synthesized using an advanced, commercially available flow reactor. Following a tandem photochemical-thermal process, the desired AKS186 product was obtained in in high purity and in good yield, far exceeding the batch process. Selected examples of photodecarboxylative additions of phenyl acetates to phthalimide derivatives were furthermore realized in a concentrated solar trough flow reactor. The simple reactor achieved a threefold concentration of sunlight. Comparison reactions in batch and in direct sunlight failed to initiate any photoreactions even after prolonged exposure. The monobromination of acetophenone was investigated by request of Takeda pharmaceuticals. The poor solubility of N-bromosuccinimide was found to be challenging for flow operations. The best reaction conditions gave moderate conversions in reasonable residence times and in diethyether as a solvent. The Mallory reaction was investigated in supercritical carbon dioxide during a research stay at NAIST in Japan. While supercritical carbon dioxide is generally not an efficient medium for oxidative reactions, the photoisomerization-oxidative electrocyclization cascade furnished higher yields under microflow scCO₂ than under batch conditions

Continuous Flow Photochemical and Thermal Multi-Step Synthesis of Bioactive 3-Arylmethylene-2,3-Dihydro-1H-Isoindolin-1-Ones

An effective multi-step continuous flow approach towards N-diaminoalkylated 3-arylmethylene-2,3-dihydro-1H-isoindolin-1-ones, including the local anesthetic compound AL-12, has been realized. Compared to the traditional decoupled batch processes, the combined photochemical–thermal–thermal flow setup rapidly provides the desired target compounds in superior yields and significantly shorter reaction times

Solar Photochemical Manufacturing of Fine Chemicals: Historical Background, Modern Solar Technologies, Recent Applications and Future Challenges

Photochemistry is the branch of chemistry concerned with the chemical effects of ultraviolet (UV), visible or infrared radiation. It thus covers a broad range of disciplines and finds applications in analytical, inorganic, material, medicinal, organic and physical chemistry. For photochemical synthesis, light is used to activate molecules either directly or via the use of a photosensitizer or photocatalyst

Solar photochemical manufacturing of fine chemicals: historical background, modern solar technologies, recent applications and future challenges

Sunlight has recently been rediscovered as a sustainable energy and light source for photochemical reactions. This book chapter summarizes modern solar reactor types and provides examples of their adaptation in preparative solar syntheses. These examples clearly demonstrate that the solar manufacturing of fine chemicals is technically feasible and environmentally sustainable