Search

This paper focuses on students' reading habits--whether traditional reading habits (print books) or modern reading habits (using a computer screen). We review the changes in students' reading habits over time, as part of other global changes, and explore whether corresponding digital pedagogies have evolved to address these changes. We examine Generation Y students' motivations and study habits, a generation that shows indications of changes in its academic values and priorities, and cracks in its research skills for a global world. We focus on a case study of the reading habits of students in one academic institution and discuss the implications of the findings for academic teaching and the academia's traditional role of training researchers.

In recent years, due to environmental awareness regarding the harmfulness of polymeric materials, there has been a growing interest in using papers, especially those from alternative raw materials. The importance of using all available raw materials is imperative today. Raw materials that were once viewed as waste are now of great importance because they have the ability to replace raw materials that are used irrationally or are lacking. Cereal straw is a lignocellulosic material that could be used in the paper industry and in the production of increasingly prevalent paper packaging. The aim of this research was to analyze the relationships between the qualitative parameters of straw-based printed papers containing 30% agricultural residues (wheat, barley, or triticale). The influence of two qualitative parameters (ink penetration depth and optical ink density) on the print-through was observed using multiple regression analysis on straw-based papers produced at the laboratory level. Throughout the research, 100% recycled wood paper was used as a reference sample. The results of the regression analysis showed that none of the variables individually make a statistically significant contribution to the prediction of the dependent variable in a linear context, that is, they indicate a non-linear interaction between the variables and the specific conditions under which the dependent variable reaches local extremes and changes in the gradient. Considering the results of the regression analysis and the visualization of the relationship, the model was additionally tested with other independent variables (paper type). From the results obtained, it can be concluded that the alternative straw-based paper with 30% barley pulp has the best interaction between ink and paper, which is the most similar to the reference sample in terms of printability, while the alternative straw-based paper with 30% wheat generally differs significantly from the reference paper when all three prints are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, due to environmental awareness regarding the harmfulness of polymeric materials, there has been a growing interest in using papers, especially those from alternative raw materials. The importance of using all available raw materials is imperative today. Raw materials that were once viewed as waste are now of great importance because they have the ability to replace raw materials that are used irrationally or are lacking. Cereal straw is a lignocellulosic material that could be used in the paper industry and in the production of increasingly prevalent paper packaging. The aim of this research was to analyze the relationships between the qualitative parameters of straw-based printed papers containing 30% agricultural residues (wheat, barley, or triticale). The influence of two qualitative parameters (ink penetration depth and optical ink density) on the print-through was observed using multiple regression analysis on straw-based papers produced at the laboratory level. Throughout the research, 100% recycled wood paper was used as a reference sample. The results of the regression analysis showed that none of the variables individually make a statistically significant contribution to the prediction of the dependent variable in a linear context, that is, they indicate a non-linear interaction between the variables and the specific conditions under which the dependent variable reaches local extremes and changes in the gradient. Considering the results of the regression analysis and the visualization of the relationship, the model was additionally tested with other independent variables (paper type). From the results obtained, it can be concluded that the alternative straw-based paper with 30% barley pulp has the best interaction between ink and paper, which is the most similar to the reference sample in terms of printability, while the alternative straw-based paper with 30% wheat generally differs significantly from the reference paper when all three prints are considered.

This study investigates research writing anxiety and self-efficacy beliefs among English-as-a-Foreign-Language (EFL) graduate students in engineering-related fields. The relationship between the two writing affective constructs was examined and students' perspectives on research writing anxiety were also explored. A total of 218 survey responses from engineering graduate students at Taiwanese universities were analyzed, along with qualitative data from open-ended questions and semi-structured interviews. The findings show that while master's and doctoral students felt a similar moderate level of writing anxiety, senior doctoral students were more self-efficacious about writing research papers in English than their junior counterparts. Overall, students with higher writing self-efficacy felt less apprehensive. Additionally, among the individual variables, experience in writing for publication better predicted writing anxiety and self-efficacy than students' self-reported English proficiency and the number of writing courses taken. The qualitative findings indicated various sources of graduate-level writing anxiety, including insufficient writing skills in English, time constraints, and fear of negative comments. Furthermore, composing different sections of a research paper provoked different levels of anxiety due to the variations in the rhetorical purposes and discourse structures of particular sections. Implications on dealing with research writing anxiety are also discussed.

Objective: To explore effects of the technological interface on reading comprehension in a Norwegian school context. Participants: 72 tenth graders from two different primary schools in Norway. Method: The students were randomized into two groups, where the first group read two texts (1400-2000 words) in print, and the other group read the same texts as PDF on a computer screen. In addition pretests in reading comprehension, word reading and vocabulary were administered. A multiple regression analysis was carried out to investigate to what extent reading modality would influence the students' scores on the reading comprehension measure. Conclusion: Main findings show that students who read texts in print scored significantly better on the reading comprehension test than students who read the texts digitally. Implications of these findings for policymaking and test development are discussed. (Contains 2 tables.)

The purpose of this study was to test whether the web version is an alternative to the paper version of the short version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life assessment (WHOQOL-BREF). Two studies were conducted. Study 1 used crossover self-controlled trials with 80 participants to compare the web and paper versions and to determine the test-retest reliability of the web version. Study 2 used data from 1,016 web participants to analyze the internal consistency and concurrent and construct validity of the web version. The correlations of domain scores between the web and paper versions ranged from 0.71 to 0.85. Dependent t tests showed no significant differences in domain scores between these two versions. The intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) for test-retest reliability of web version ranged from 0.79 to 0.91. The Cronbach's alpha for internal consistency reliability ranged from 0.60 to 0.83. Multiple regression models indicated that the web version has good concurrent validity. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) for the second-order hierarchical factor model also supported the construct validity of the web version. The web version of the WHOQOL-BREF can be the alternative to the paper version for health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) evaluation.

Construction projects play a vital role in the global economy. However, the construction industry still lags in the adoption of digital technologies which have the potential to alleviate inefficiencies. There is also a lack of construction professionals with skills to implement digital technologies, and the industry is plagued by inadequate research and development (R&D) and low productivity. This paper applies the Digital Transformation Readiness Level Index in Building Construction (DTRLIIBC) to investigate digital transformation in the construction industry, and specifically in the construction phase, by identifying technologies, alternatives, policy incentives to ensure best practices, and infrastructure needed to smoothly implement digital technologies. A survey was distributed to executive managers, department managers, project managers, senior engineers, and supervisors in the construction industry. Interviews were also conducted with 13 experts with more than 20 years of experience, using the Delphi method to ensure the validity and reliability of the factors identified as significant based on their experience and perspectives. This study thus assessed potential factors related to digital transformation, along with identifying factors enabling the use of the DTRLIIBC itself. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed to identify causal relationships among the variables while minimizing measurement errors, as SEM was considered a multiple regression analysis to improve the efficiency of the model. To ascertain the model's robustness and stability, a comprehensive evaluation was conducted that included tests for multivariate normality conformance, validity and reliability assessments, and accuracy evaluations to improve overall performance in the construction industry. The benefit of implementing SEM is its ability to provide a clear decision-making alternative as well as a potential vision for construction industry firms to improve efficiency and productivity in construction projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sport-related concussion is a public concern with between 1.6 and 3.8 million sport- and recreationrelated injuries occurring annually. An estimated 65% to 90% of concussed athletes show oculomotor disruption such as difficulty with saccades, accommodation, smooth pursuit, and fixation. A rapid number-naming saccade test, the King-Devick (K-D) test, has shown promising results as part of a multifaceted concussion assessment tool. Purpose: The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the two versions of the K-D in collegiate aged (18-24) athletes to determine the agreement between versions. A secondary purpose was to investigate the association of K-D scores with sport, sex, use of glasses or contacts, and age of the athlete. Study design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Division 1 NCAA collegiate athletes across ten sports were recruited to participate in baseline concussion assessments at the beginning of their respective athletic season. Correlations and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the association of K-D scores with sex and age. Results: One-hundred and nine athletes (69 males, 40 females; mean age =20.40±1.38 years) were baseline tested. There was excellent agreement (ICC=0.93, 95% CI: 0.90, 0.95) between the paper and computer version. Preseason K-D scores were statistically different (r2=0.873, p<0.05) with athletes scoring a mean of 37.58 seconds on the paper version (95% CI, 36.21, 38.96) and athletes scoring a mean of 41.48 seconds for the computerized tablet version (95% CI, 40.17, 42.91). There were no significant differences in sex, sport, or use of glasses noted for both versions. Age differences were identified; eighteen-year-old athletes took statistically longer than their peers for both K-D versions. Pairwise comparisons showed statistically significant differences between 18-year olds up to the age of 21-year-olds (p<0.05) for the computer version and statistically significant differences between 18-year olds up to 22-year-olds (p<0.05) for the paper version. Conclusion: This study supports the use of either version of the K-D test as a potential part of a multifaceted concussion assessment. The age of the athlete influences scores and therefore a K-D baseline should be repeated annually for collegiate athletes. Clinicians should not substitute K-D versions (computer vs. paper) in comparing baseline to a post-concussion K-D score as the scores are quite different. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study attempts to examine the differences in consumers' perceptions between paper and mobile coupons. It discovers new potentials of mobile coupons by investigating whether coupon type (mobile vs. paper) has any impact on a consumer's coupon usage intention. It explores the drivers and barriers of consumers' coupon usage intention and also examines to which extent coupon type translates into higher usage intention rates. The data of this study were analyzed with exploratory factor analysis, ttest, and multiple regression analysis. This study revealed that when the coupon type changes from paper to mobile, people's coupon intention to use decreases, with the lack of trust as the primary barrier. The current study is the first attempt to apply this transactional utility theory to compare consumers' perceptions between mobile and paper coupons. This study has empowered the transactional utility theory by applying it in a new domain of couponing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corporate environmental sustainability is currently a major goal of many businesses. This study's main objectives were to examine the interactive role of green organizational climate and supervisor support in predicting pro-environmental behaviors (PEBs) at work, namely paper and plastic waste separation, and to test the mediating role of individual-level variables of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) in this relationship. The research specifically tested the attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control's mediation of the relationship between green organizational climate and self-reported waste separation, and whether supervisor support moderates the relationship between green climate and TBP variables. Data for this cross-sectional study were collected with an online survey of 311 workers and multiple regression analyses, with the macro Process, were performed to test the hypotheses. The findings confirm the TPB variables' mediating effect. Perceived green climate is positively related to employees' attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control regarding waste separation, which in turn are connected to higher reported levels of paper and plastic separation. The workers' perception of supervisor support moderates the relationship between green climate and subjective norms in favor of paper separation. These findings indicate that green climate is less strongly linked to subjective norms when supervisor support is perceived as stronger than when it is seen as weaker. In conclusion, a green organizational climate plays a determining role in workers' separation of waste at work as it fosters individual motives to perform these behaviors. Moreover, supervisors can provide their workers with social norms and inspire them to support environmental sustainability practices. Thus, as part of an overall transition strategy to achieve sustainability, organizations need to invest in green policies and practices and incentivize supervisors to encourage PEBs and capitalize on their close links to subordinates to foster sustainable norms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The gut microbiome is an important determinant of health and disease in preterm infants. Objectives: The objective of this article was to share our current protocol for other neonatal intensive care units to potentially expand their existing protocols, aiming to characterize the relationship between the intestinal microbiome and health outcomes in preterm infants. Methods : This prospective, longitudinal study planned to recruit 160 preterm infants born <32 weeks gestational age or weighing <1,500 g and admitted to one of two Level III/IV neonatal intensive care units. During the neonatal intensive care unit period, the primary measures included events of early life pain/stress, gut microbiome, host genetic variations, and neurobehavioral assessment. During follow-up visits, gut microbiome; pain sensitivity; and medical, growth, and developmental outcomes at 4, 8-12, and 18-24 months corrected age were measured. Discussion : As of February 14, 2020, 214 preterm infants have been recruited. We hypothesize that infants who experience greater levels of pain/stress will have altered gut microbiome, including potential adverse outcomes such as necrotizing enterocolitis and host genetic variations, feeding intolerance, and/or neurodevelopmental impairments. These will differ from the intestinal microbiome of preterm infants who do not develop these adverse outcomes. To test this hypothesis, we will determine how alterations in the intestinal microbiome affect the risk of developing necrotizing enterocolitis, feeding intolerance, and neurodevelopmental impairments in preterm infants. In addition, we will examine the interaction between the intestinal microbiome and host genetics in the regulation of intestinal health and neurodevelopmental outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine whether paper tape prevents foot blisters in multistage ultramarathon runners. Design: Multisite prospective randomized trial. Setting: The 2014 250-km (155-mile) 6-stage RacingThePlanet ultramarathons in Jordan, Gobi, Madagascar, and Atacama Deserts. Participants: One hundred twenty-eight participants were enrolled: 19 (15%) from the Jordan, 35 (27%) from Gobi, 21 (16%) from Madagascar, and 53 (41%) from the Atacama Desert. The mean age was 39.3 years (22-63) and body mass index was 24.2 kg/m² (17.4-35.1), with 31 (22.5%) females. Interventions: Paper tape was applied to a randomly selected foot before the race, either to participants' blister-prone areas or randomly selected location if there was no blister history, with untaped areas of the same foot used as the control. Main Outcome Measures: Development of a blister anywhere on the study foot. Results: One hundred six (83%) participants developed 117 blisters, with treatment success in 98 (77%) runners. Paper tape reduced blisters by 40% (P< 0.01, 95% confidence interval, 28-52) with a number needed to treat of 1.31. Most of the study participants had 1 blister (78%), with most common locations on the toes (n = 58, 50%) and heel (n = 27, 23%), with 94 (80%) blisters occurring by the end of stage 2. Treatment success was associated with earlier stages [odds ratio (OR), 74.9, P < 0.01] and time spent running (OR, 0.66, P = 0.01). Conclusion: Paper tape was found to prevent both the incidence and frequency of foot blisters in runners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The present paper argues that adequate self-perceptions of academic ability are essential for students' realization of their intellectual potential, thereby fostering learning of complex skills, e.g., information-seeking skills. Thus, academic self-concept should moderate the relationship between intelligence and information literacy: a positive relationship between intelligence and information literacy is only expected for students with a high academic self-concept. It is expected that this moderator effect is mediated by students' effort: Whenever students recognise their actual deficits or strengths, they will invest more effort than if they are over- or under-confident. Method: Data were gathered in a quantitative field study with 137 psychology freshmen from the University of Trier, Germany. Measures included a standardised information literacy test, Raven's Advanced Progressive Matrices test for fluid intelligence as well as standardised measures for students' academic self-concept and work avoidance tendencies. Analysis: Data was analysed through multiple regression analysis and tests for mediated moderation. Results. With regard to the hypothesised interaction effect, it was confirmed that a positive relation between intelligence and information literacy solely exists for students with a high academic self-concept. A high academic self-concept may even be detrimental for information literacy when paired with a low intelligence. These effects were partially mediated by students' tendency for work avoidance. Conclusions: Our findings corroborate that adequate self-perceptions of academic abilities are a basic requirement for information-seeking skills. Hence, we emphasise a need for ability-tailored information literacy training paired with performance feedback to foster realistic self-perceptions. [This paper was published in: "Proceedings of ISIC: The Behaviour Conference" (Leeds, England, Sep 2-5, 2014), Part 2, Paper isic34.]

Feedback is beneficial to students' learning process and overall achievement, but one of the common complaints from students about college education is regarding feedback. So, this study aimed to examine whether digital written feedback positively influences students' learning experience and attitude toward learning. Digital written feedback refers to feedback provided through a learning management system as handwritten feedback added to a scanned copy of the student's paper-based assessment using a smart pad and smart pencil. The study surveyed a diverse set of college students' (n = 175) perceptions regarding feedback satisfaction, learning satisfaction, the usefulness of digital written feedback, and perceived achievement via an online survey. A one-way analysis of variance found a significant difference between feedback satisfaction and learning satisfaction according to the feedback method. A multiple regression analysis indicated the satisfaction and perceived usefulness of digital written feedback predicted perceived achievement. From the students' open responses regarding the benefits of digital written feedback, five themes emerged, namely usability, psychological relief, accessibility, self-regulation, and acceptance. The implications for digital written feedback are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to explore social inequalities in school achievement and educational decision-making of the final-year students of secondary schools in the City of Zagreb and Zagreb County, Croatia (N = 534). The theoretical framework of the paper was Bourdieu's theory of cultural and social reproduction (1977a). The main objectives were an analysis of the association between the students' cultural capital and their school achievement and analyses of the predictive power of the cultural capital theory in the context of educational decisions in the transition to tertiary education. In the analysis of school achievement, sequential multiple regression analysis was used, while in the analyses of educational decisions logistic regression analyses were performed (binary and multinomial logistic regression). The results indicated that cultural capital had statistically significant correlation with school performance. Among the cultural capital indicators, statistically significant predictors of the probability of the intention to enrol into vocational higher education were the material dimension of cultural capital and naturalness of higher education aspirations of students. For the prediction of the probability of intention to enrol in university, significant predictors were embodied cultural capital, the naturalness of higher education aspirations of students, and father's educational level. The study results on a selected sample of graduates tend to support Bourdieu's theory of cultural reproduction through education.

Osborne and Waters (2002) focused on checking some of the assumptions of multiple linear regression. In a critique of that paper, Williams, Grajales, and Kurkiewicz correctly clarify that regression models estimated using ordinary least squares require the assumption of normally distributed errors, but not the assumption of normally distributed response or predictor variables. They go on to discuss estimate bias and provide a helpful summary of the assumptions of multiple regression when using ordinary least squares. While we were not as precise as we could have been when discussing assumptions of normality, the critical issue of the 2002 paper remains--researchers often do not check on or report on the assumptions of their statistical methods. This response expands on the points made by Williams, advocates a thorough examination of data prior to reporting results, and provides an example of how incremental improvements in meeting the assumption of normality of residuals incrementally improves the accuracy of confidence intervals. (Contains 1 table, 7 figures, and 5 footnotes.)

This paper is one in a series of papers interrogating some of the fundamental bases of what is seen as good professional experience in initial teacher education (ITE). This paper uses the case study of Health/Physical Education (HPE) students' perceptions of their professional experience, compared to other teaching disciplines, in one regional university to examine the seemingly taken-for-granted view that professional experience in all teaching disciplines can be assessed according to generic professional standards. In this case when HPE students were surveyed on their views of their ability to satisfy the NSW Institute of Teachers' Professional Teaching Standards during practical experience their perceptions differed from students in other disciplines. A number of reasons were posited for this including the notion that each discipline has its own particular pedagogy as suggested by Schulman (1986, 1987). Suggestions as to future research are provided.

On the basis of the role and the social exchange theories, this research investigated the direct and indirect antecedents of three dimensions of team performance (proficiency, adaptivity, proactivity) developed through cooperative education. The theoretical model examined how proactive socialization behaviors led to team socialization and team performance, and how team socialization mediated the relationship between proactive behaviors and team performance. Results from multiple linear regressions on a sample of 2905 student-workers involved in cooperative education programs globally supported the model. Theoretical and practical implications, as well as limitations and propositions for future research, were discussed. [Paper presented at the World Association for Cooperative and Work-Integrated Education, International Research Symposium on Cooperative and Work-Integrated Education, (2nd, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, 2016).]

This paper examines student attitudes towards school and learning among students in Qatar's public schools. Drawing upon student surveys administered to 1091 grade 7 and 8 students in 11 independent preparatory schools, the paper observes patterns of attitudes and behavior towards learning, school, and future aspirations. Findings show that student articulation of importance of education, finding learning in the classroom as useful, demonstration of learning behavior in and outside the classroom, and future aspirations to enroll in university are positively associated with attitudes toward going to school. Moreover, findings reveal that gender and nationality gaps exist when it comes to school engagement. Boys and Qatari students appear to have less positive attitudes toward going to school compared to girls and non-Qatari students. Once the Qatari and non-Qatari comparison groups are further disaggregated by gender, findings suggest that Qatari boys least value education. Student survey results further indicate that although overall teaching and classroom environment does not appear to have a significant influence on student attitudes toward going to school, fostering a positive culture and learning environment corresponds positively with higher attitudes toward going to schools for boys. Provided that Qatar's national vision places importance in national human capital development through education and has identified student motivation as a challenge, the paper discusses implications for policy, programs, and practice to improve student engagement and learning.

Purpose: This research aims to combine and extend the literature on the self-monitoring approach used by faculty members in online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) model. The study also highlights the challenges faced by faculty members in online teaching. Design/methodology/approach: Based on a mixed methodology approach, the primary data was obtained from the faculty members of the post-graduate business schools. This data enabled the measurement of self-monitoring adopted by the faculty members and the relationship of the factors by using the TAM model. Multivariate regression was adopted to study the relationships between the elements in the TAM model and faculty members' self-monitoring. Secondly, a few exploratory questions were asked to the respondents about the challenges faced by them during online teaching. Findings: The quantitative analysis conducted using multiple regression directed that the faculty's contentment with any digital platform influenced their engagement, attention and participation while taking an online class as a part of the self-monitoring process. The perception of the technology platforms used for online teaching affected the faculty members' self-monitoring dimensions: attention, participation and engagement. Based on the qualitative approach, the thematic analysis pointed out five major challenges for faculty members in conducting online classes: I.T. support, hesitation, interaction with peers and students, proficiency with an online platform and evaluation challenges. Research limitations/implications: This study was conducted during the complete lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic; many faculty members were initially trained to get familiarized with the online teaching platforms and educate students. Hence, this study enriches the literature on online teaching during pandemic times. Practical implications: To ensure that the faculty impacts quality online education and the students obtain the knowledge and skills required, faculty need to alter their pedagogy based on the technology they use to focus on their students' teaching, learning and needs. Originality/value: This study measures self-monitoring and its dimensions for faculty members, which is unique in nature. This was the first time the faculty members were imposed with the responsibility of online teaching and ensuring that the learning-teaching process was fruitful. This study has both theoretical and practical implications as the paper focuses on various insights which can make online teaching-learning more effective.

Suggests a critical methodological flaw in a study done about the relationship between the Bem Sex-Role Inventory and certain indices of self-disclosure (Stokes, et al.). Notes that multiple regression analysis was not performed in appropriate hierarchical fashion. Includes Stokes reply to the critique. (PAS)

The creation of an environment conducive to learning is vitally important in the academic achievement of learners. Such an environment extends beyond the classroom and school to include the home. It is from these environments that learners draw resources, both tangible and intangible, that impact on their educational experience. While current bodies of literature focus on either school or home resources, this paper looks at both. Multiple regression analyses were conducted on the 2011 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) data to determine the resources factors that influence South African learners' performance in mathematics. The findings reveal that both school and home environments play significant roles in learners' mathematics performance. This paper therefore suggests that it is not only the socio-economic factors of schools that impact learners' mathematics performance, but also that higher levels of parental education have a significant positive influence.

The purpose of this study is to examine the factors that determine intention to adopt e-learning in Jordanian universities. Two models of e-learning that are observed among adopting institutions: E-learning as a supplement to traditional classroom mode, and total electronic learning. The respondents in this research have just been introduced to the first model. The paper takes a social, and technical approach in its investigation by using a research model based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) to identify the factors that affect intention to adopt e-learning. The model identifies specific salient beliefs that may influence technology usage, such as instructors attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control, perceived usefulness, ease of use, Normative beliefs, Internet Self-efficacy, Perceived Accessibility and university support. stratified random sampling method was used to select instructors. Hierarchical Multiple Regression Analysis was used to assess the relationships in the constructs. The paper presents some findings on e-learning adoption intention determinants. It also discusses some of the implications of the findings on theory and practice.

The purpose of this study is to examine the moderating factors that effect on adaption e-learning among students in Jordanian universities. Two models of e-learning that are observed among adopting institutions are: E-learning as a supplement to traditional classroom model have been introduced by the respondents in this research. The paper takes a social, and technical approach in its investigation by using a research model based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) to identify the factors that affect intention to adopt e-learning. The model identifies the age and gender as a moderator between (attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioural control) and Behavioural intention. Stratified random sampling method was used to select students. 322 from 450 students which response (71.5%) at three public and three private universities in Jordan. Hierarchical Multiple Regression Analysis was used to assess the relationships in the constructs. The paper presents some findings on e-learning adoption intention determinants. It also discusses some of the implications of the findings on theory and practice in Education.

Teachers are now experiencing the age of quantitative test-driven assessment, in which there is little weight accorded to teacher-based judgement about student progress. In the Australian context, the NAPLaN test has become a driving force in school and teacher accountability. The language of NAPLaN is one of bands and numerical scores and comparative performance, measuring schools against other "similar" schools and against a national average. The consequences of this are troubling for all teachers. For EAL/D teachers whose specialised professional knowledge relates to building the academic English language of EAL/D learners, NAPLaN is highly problematic because it takes no account of second language factors which might impact on test performance. Yet, NAPLaN data do offer rich yet largely unexploited opportunity to highlight the validity of teacher judgement in the classroom. This paper will use ESL Bandscale data in an analysis of the NAPLaN performance of EAL/D students to show how teacher judgement (captured by the ESL Bandscales) is valid and aligned with NAPLaN performance. I will demystify the power and the fallibility of large-scale assessment like NAPLaN: to identify in which contexts large-scale data analysis is useful, and its limitations in micro-settings which include the classroom. The second goal of this paper is to stress the utility of teacher data, measured quantitatively, but based on qualitative observation, when it is grounded in teacher professional knowledge. Ultimately, such arguments serve to highlight the importance of remaining grounded in strong TESOL pedagogy, despite the intense pressure to follow mainstream English (as first language) literacy responses to NAPLaN testing.

This paper reports research on the implementation of a web-based videoconferencing tool (Interwise) for synchronous learning sessions on an industrial technology course offered through a university in northern Taiwan. The participants included undergraduate students from the same course offered in two different semesters. We investigated students' perceptions of interactions with the instructor and fellow students, their confidence in utilizing the Internet (Internet self-efficacy), and the satisfaction level that students perceived throughout the learning process with Interwise. We also examined the effect of interactions and Internet self-efficacy on student satisfaction. Data collected through paper-based and online surveys were analyzed using correlation and multiple regression. The results revealed that overall, learners perceived Interwise as a tool that was moderately easy to use for synchronous learning. Learners seemed to prefer using the Interwise features, such as emotion icons, talk, or raise hand, to interact with their instructor. Learners had high confidence in gathering data or getting support through the Internet, but low confidence in resolving Internet related problems. Both learner-learner and learner-instructor interactions were significant predictors of student satisfaction, while Internet self-efficacy did not significantly contribute to satisfaction. Learner-instructor interaction was found to be the strongest predictor of student satisfaction.

Background: Through advocacy initiatives such as roadshows during "National ACP Week", the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) had increased advance care planning (ACP) engagement since 2011. Project Happy Apples (PHA), a community initiative project led by medical students from the National University of Singapore, also conducted a public exhibition to raise ACP awareness during this period. This study aimed to investigate and identify predictors of attitudes towards ACP documentation among 'ACP Week' respondents which may be used to formulate strategies to increase ACP documentation in Singapore. Methods: A cross-sectional study on ACP documentation attitudes of 262 respondents during local roadshows were conducted. Multiple logistic regression models were built to investigate the associations between demographic variables and attitudes toward ACP documentation. Results: The mean age was 43.5 years (SD = 17.4), 79 (30.15%) were males and 49 (18.7%) were healthcare professionals (HCP). 117 (44.66%) respondents had prior experience with serious illness and 116 (44.27%) had heard of ACP. Age was a significant predictor of readiness to sign official papers naming nominated healthcare spokesperson (NHS) (OR = 1.04, 95%CI: 1.02–1.07). Experience with serious illness was a significant predictor of readiness to discuss end-of-life (EOL) care with healthcare professionals (HCP) (OR = 3.65, 95%CI: 1.36–11.61). Being female was a significant predictor for readiness to speak to their nominated healthcare spokesperson about EOL care (OR = 7.33, 95%CI: 2.06–46.73). Subgroup analyses revealed that those aged 20–39 were less likely to speak to their healthcare professional about or sign official papers regarding EOL care. We also found that being a healthcare professional does not necessitate better or worse attitudes. Conclusion: Advocacy programs tailored to targeting respondents of different age groups and prior experience with serious illness may improve the efficacy of advocacy efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Existing studies have paid less attention to the impact of knowledge accumulation on digital transformation and its boundary conditions. Hence, this study aims to investigate the effects of ambidextrous knowledge accumulation on manufacturing digital transformation under the moderation of dynamic capability. Design/methodology/approach: This study divides knowledge accumulation into exploratory and exploitative knowledge accumulation and divides dynamic capability into alliance management capability and new product development capability. To clarify the relationship among ambidextrous knowledge accumulation, dynamic capability and manufacturing digital transformation, the authors collect data from 421 Chinese listed manufacturing enterprises from 2016 to 2020 and perform analysis by multiple hierarchical regression method, heterogeneity test and robustness analysis. Findings: The empirical results show that both exploratory and exploitative knowledge accumulation can significantly promote manufacturing digital transformation. Keeping ambidextrous knowledge accumulation in parallel is more conducive than keeping single-dimensional knowledge accumulation. Besides, dynamic capability positively moderates the relationship between ambidextrous knowledge accumulation and manufacturing digital transformation. Moreover, the heterogeneity test shows that the impact of ambidextrous knowledge accumulation and dynamic capabilities on manufacturing digital transformation varies widely across different industry segments or different regions. Originality/value: First, this paper shifts attention to the role of ambidextrous knowledge accumulation in manufacturing digital transformation and expands the connotation and extension of knowledge accumulation. Second, this study reveals that dynamic capability is a vital driver of digital transformation, which corroborates the previous findings of dynamic capability as an important driver and contributes to enriching the knowledge management literature. Third, this paper provides a comprehensive micro measurement of ambidextrous knowledge accumulation and digital transformation based on the development characteristics of the digital economy era, which provides a theoretical basis for subsequent research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to examine collaboration between individuals across organizations. While both for profit and not-for-profit organizations utilize collaborative efforts, the factors that are important for bringing individuals and businesses together for collaboration still remain somewhat unresolved. In this paper, colleague similarity, the quality of pre-existing relationships, and the relative power of the other colleague are all examined for their correlation with the desirability of collaboration with that individual. In a study of pastors of small and medium sized churches in a southwestern protestant conference, we examined these areas through the lenses of homophily theory, multiplicity theories, and network positioning theories and found support for each of our hypotheses. Implications for management as well as future research directions are also presented.

Copyright of China Pulp & Paper is the property of China Pulp & Paper Magazines Publisher and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose - Seeks to characterise world astronomy research during the last decade by an analysis of papers in the Science Citation Index identified with a special filter and to study Indian output in order to identify the leading institutions and authors. Design/methodology/approach - Lists of specialist journals and title words of papers were selected to create a filter giving high precision and recall for astronomy papers. Some biology papers were erroneously retrieved because of ambiguous title words. Potential citation impact was determined from journal citation scores, and multiple regression was used to evaluate leading countries. Findings - Title words added almost a quarter to the list of papers in specialist journals, and the final file contained over 96,000 papers. Potential impact increased with more authors per paper and more addresses; it was greater for papers from Canada, the UK and the USA, and less for papers from China, India and Russia; for other countries the effects of the author's location on potential impact were not statistically significant. Indian astronomy output has increased in potential impact, partly through greater international co-authorship, but also through indigenous papers. Research limitations/implications - The study was confined to one subject area, and impact was determined on the basis of journals, not of individual papers. Practical implications - Use of title words in addition to journal lists is essential to sub-field definition in order to have high precision and recall. Because of the confounding effects of authorship numbers, it is necessary to use multiple regression analysis in order to see whether research from a given country is significantly better or worse than average. Originality/value - Characterises world astronomy research during the last decade by an analysis of papers in the Science Citation Index identified with a special filter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The way education is being delivered has been altered via the rapid development of computer technology. This is especially the case in the delivery of English language teaching where the combination of various variables is pertinent to computer attitudes to enhance instructional outcomes. This paper reports the study undertaken to elucidate whether the correlation exists between TESOL in-service teachers' attitudes towards computer and their computer attributes scale and to explore the proportion of variance in TESOL in-service teachers' attitudes towards computer that can be explained by their cultural perception scale and computer competence scale. A questionnaire (ATCT) was utilized to obtain the necessary information about teachers' characteristics, their computer attributes, cultural perceptions, computer competence and attitudes of the sample (45) TESOL in-service teachers at Universiti Sains Malaysia. The results revealed that there was a significant correlation between teachers' computer attitudes and computer attributes. A further finding revealed that both of cultural perception scale and computer competence scale were predictors of teachers' computer attitudes; yet, cultural perception scale was the best predictor. Suggestions based on these outcomes have been offered in this paper.

This article analyses the levels of students' satisfaction and how institution provides infrastructure facilities in the field of higher education. Infrastructure is the fastest growing segment of the higher education scenario. Universities play a very vital role in a country in terms of their potential. It contributes to employment and growth. The basic objective of this paper is to look for students' satisfaction in Sri Venkateswara University. After a careful study of academic standards in higher education, an attempt is made to assess the student satisfaction in different categories of university colleges with regard to infrastructure facilities such as class room and lab facilities, amenities in the hostel, library, sports facilities etc., a framework was developed to examine the satisfaction issues surrounding university. The framework looks at the important interlinks among demographic characteristics, behavior characteristics, infrastructural facilities and overall customer satisfaction. Students first form expectations of service performance prior to purchasing or use. The customer then compares the perceived performance to prior expectations. Customer satisfaction is seen as the outcome of this comparison. The study area for this study was Sri Venkateswara University, Andhra Pradesh. The sample respondents were administered questionnaires randomly. The results of the study show that: appropriate statistical analyses such as factor analysis, correlation analysis, multiple regressions, multivariate analysis of variance, and multivariate analysis of covariance were used to fulfill the respective objectives of the study. This study also tries to highlight the importance of students' satisfaction assurance of service providers and using quality equipment in education. This paper can be useful to the planners and marketers in formulating strategies to maintain or enhance their competitiveness when compared with other universities.

Background: Financial accounting is a skills course which to a large extent can be best learned through deliberate practice. Teachers implement this by continuously assigning homeworks, encouraging good study habits, asking students to budget time for studying, and generally exhorting students to "work hard". Aims: This paper examines the impact of "study habits, skills, and attitudes" (SHSAs) on the performance of students in an introductory financial accounting college course. Sample: 395 2nd year business students in a Philippine university. Method: Data related to variables found to have influenced accounting performance in previous researches as well as SHSA variables are collected through student survey and school records. They are treated as independent variables using multiple regression analysis, with the accounting course final grade as the dependent variable. The paper also examines the factors that differentiate high- from low-performing students. Results: The study found that math proficiency, English proficiency, high school accounting, and academic aptitude influence accounting performance, supporting the findings of many previous researches on cognitive factors. Among the SHSA factors, only student perception of teacher effectiveness and level of effort influence accounting performance. Time spent studying, attendance in review classes conducted in tutorial centers, motivation, and study habits have no significant effect. Upon further analysis comparing high and low performers, study habits show up to be significant as well. In particular, students who performed better are those who did more in terms of reading ahead, doing their homework, participating in class, and cramming for exams. Conclusion: Since student perception of teacher effectiveness strongly influences accounting performance, it is critical that hiring and training of accounting faculty be given utmost importance. Level of effort and good study habits also help, but not the sheer number of study hours. (Contains 5 tables and 2 notes.)

This paper presents a statistical analysis to support the notion that the Information Systems Analyst (ISA) exam can be used as a program assessment tool in addition to measuring student performance. It compares ISA exam scores earned by students in one particular Computer Information Systems program with scores earned by the same students on the Major Field Test (MFT). The paper shows that the ISA Exam appears to measure knowledge retention in the same manner as the MFT. Since the MFT is recommended as a valid program assessment tool, the ISA Exam should be similarly recommended.