Volume 16 - Issue 1 - 2018

Ascertaining Requisite Metacognitive Elements of Input through the Exploration of Language Learners’ Cognitive Characteristics

Wed, 01 Aug 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Ascertaining Requisite Metacognitive Elements of Input through the Exploration of Language Learners’ Cognitive Characteristics Rathnayake, W.M.P.Y.B Cognitive theory emphasizes language learning as a conscious and reasoned thinking process involved in the use of deliberate learning strategies. Exploration of the cognitive characteristics of learner provides benchmarks to define metacognitive components required, thus easing the planning of input in an English as Second Language (ESL) classroom. In view of espousing deliberate learning strategies in input, this study identifies due metacognitive components for ESL input upon diagnosing the cognitive characteristics of learners. The research questions include, what cognitive strategies learners do possess, what correlative natures are visible in cognitive strategies in learner possession, and which metacognitive components are to be espoused in ESL input. Proposing a questionnaire aligned with the taxonomy of metacognition, its viability for investigating prevalent learner cognitive/metacognitive characteristics is tested. The survey among 110 engineering undergraduates provides qualitative data about learner traits reflective of metacognitive behaviors. Responses were collected in a Likert scale corresponding to a defined metacognitive scale, and the cumulative means of the responses against each aspect of metacognition are stratified in a radar chart forming the learner portfolio of metacognitive strategy in use. Correlative tests are executed among prevailing cognitive traits seeking evidences for the unified nature of learner metacognitive behaviours. Results proved the prevalence of metacognitive strategies through evidences of learners’ metacognitive feelings and judgements besides a proven correlation among planning, monitoring and control behaviors towards enabling metacognitive feelings/judgements. Precision of the diagnostic tool and the cohesive visibility of the metacognitive portfolio remain significant results with opportunity for further research.

Dirge of the Fallen Woman in European Literature

Wed, 01 Aug 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Dirge of the Fallen Woman in European Literature Wickramasinghe, Indiwaree Poornima This paper examines the portrayal of the fallen woman depicted in French and English literature with close reference to Denis Diderot’s The Nun (La Religieuse-1760-96) and Thomas Hardy’s Tess of the D’Urbervilles (1891). Denis Diderot’s The Nun is an excellent historical novel which endeavors to show the functioning of the European families during an era when the Catholic Church and Christian faith had ample power over the rhythm of life, family inheritances and marriage. It paints with great vivacity the cry of a young girl who had to enter into the cruel, inhuman world of religion against her will but with abnegation. Similarly, Thomas Hardy’s Tess of the D’Urbervilles depicts the downtrodden rights of the women in Victorian era and their distress occurred due to the society, family and the Catholic Church. Tess who is as the same age as of Suzanne in The Nun goes through a similar pain and distress and both of them break down under the weight of tough conditions in life. The church which is expected to be the cure, stands as a whammy in these young girls’ lives. The aim of this paper is to analyse the way the distrust of Roman Catholicism was depicted in 18th century French novel and in its 19th century English counterpart. What more, this study focuses on the influence of 18th century French literature over the 19th century English literature and how Denis Diderot’s portrayal of Catholic Church is reflected in Hardy’s Tess of the D’Urbervilles.

Drinking Water Quality on Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Aetiology (CKDu) in Ulagalla Cascade, Sri Lanka

Wed, 01 Aug 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Drinking Water Quality on Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Aetiology (CKDu) in Ulagalla Cascade, Sri Lanka Wanasinghe, W.C.S; Gunarathna, M.H.J.P; Herath, H.M.P.I.K; Jayasinghe, G.Y Chronic Kidney Disease of unknown aetiology (CKDu) is one of the major health issues in Northern part of Sri Lanka that recorded highest mortality and morbidity rates. The main responsible reason for the CKDu has not yet been identified and hence many scientists have suggested number of certain risk factors where the CKDu-mfo (CKDu multi-factorial origin) term derived. However it relates with certain drinking water quality parameters strongly. This study was focused on evaluating the drinking water quality of Ulagalla cascade in Anuradhapura district with admiration to CKDu. Thirty wells and twenty tanks were selected as sampling locations for groundwater (GW) and surface water (SW) respectively from the cascade. Water quality parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), turbidity, Sodium (Na+), Magnesium (Mg2+), Calcium (Ca2+), Potassium (K+), Arsenic (As2+), Lead (Pb2+), Cadmium (Cd2+), Ammonium Nitrogen (NH4 +-N), Nitrate Nitrogen (NO3 - -N), alkalinity, Sulphate (SO4 2-, Chloride (Cl- ) and Phosphate (PO4 3-) were analysed and observed parameters were compared with drinking water quality standards. In GW turbidity, Mg, Cland Cd were not significantly different from the maximum permissible level (p>0.05) while SW has shown significant difference only for the turbidity (p>0.05). Both well and tank water samples from Thodamaduwa were polluted by Cd which exceeded the maximum permissible level standards. It was recorded as averages of 0.15, 0.13 and 0.019 ppb for 3 identified polluted wells in GW and 0.01ppb in tank water. Accordingly the study it can be suggested that cumulative levels of heavy metals (such as Cd) may be aggravating the CKDu in the Northern Central Parts in Sri Lanka.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Green Pod Yield of Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) cv MIPC-01

Wed, 01 Aug 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Green Pod Yield of Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) cv MIPC-01 Prradhiepan, T; Seran, T.H; Hariharan, G A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of combined application of organic manures with recommended inorganic fertilizers (RIF) and to find out the best combination of applications on green pod yield of chilli cv. MIPC-01 (Mahailluppallama Kaludawali Selection). The following five treatment combinations viz. T1- No fertilizer (control plot), T2- 100% RIF, T3- 50% RIF + 15 t ha-1 cattle manure, T4- 50% RIF + 15 t ha-1 cattle manure + 250 kg ha-1 partially burnt paddy husk, T5- 50% RIF + 15 t ha-1 cattle manure + 500 kg ha-1 partially burnt paddy husk were laid out in a Randomised Completely Block Design and replicated four times. The measurements related to growth and yield parameters were taken using destructive random sampling method. The results revealed that among the tested fertilizer combinations, there were significant differences (p<0.05) in plant height, root length, number of flowers, average numbers of pod per plant and pod length compared to the control treatment. The application of 50% RIF, 15 t ha-1 cattle manure along with 500 kg ha-1 partially burnt paddy husk produced higher number of pods per plant (10.50 and 24.50) and average pod weight per plant (40.42 g cm and 90.16 g) over the control treatment at 120 and 150 DAT (days after transplanting) respectively. It is concluded that application of 50% RIF with 15 t ha-1 cattle manure and 500 kg ha-1 partially burnt paddy husk is the best combination to obtain higher green pod yield of chilli.