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This paper is aimed to examine the effects of scaffolding on the development of higher-order thinking skills as evidenced in the academic writing of undergraduates at tertiary levels in the university education system. A lot of empirical research so far has examined the applicability of scaffolding in acquiring writing skills; however, few of them have studied the motivational aspect of scaffolding and its impact on the acquisition of writing skills of English as foreign language (EFL) learners. This study argues both motivational and demotivational factors with respect to scaffolding. During this study, the learner's Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) in accordance with Vygotsky's principles shall also be studied to determine whether the learners in the process of writing are following teacher's implicit instructions and teachers are dealing appropriately with the deployment of scaffolding techniques. References shall be drawn from the findings of Nunan (1991) who felt a positive feedback functions as an incentive to students and fairly motivates them and those of Ellis (2008; 2010; 2012; 2013) who apprehended that a negative feedback may be "potentially dangerous" to students and can damage their receptivity to learning. The findings of the study bear evidence of how the teachers, as well as the learners, follow similar patterns in understanding the scaffolding technique in the acquisition of writing skills.

This article presents a comprehensive review of the advancements in the use of Date Palm Fiber (DPF) reinforced composites, highlighting their mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties and the enhancements achieved through various modification techniques. Date palm fibers, a sustainable and biodegradable resource, have garnered significant interest due to their potential in reducing environmental impact across several key industries, including building and construction, automotive, and packaging. The review discusses the effects of hybrid approaches and physical and chemical treatments on the mechanical properties of DPF composites, demonstrating improvements in tensile strength, elasticity, and flexural strength through optimized fiber‐matrix bonding and reduced moisture absorption. Thermal behavior analyses through Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA), and thermal conductivity underscore the composites' suitability for applications requiring high thermal stability and conductivity for insulation applications. Morphological studies reveal that surface‐treated fibers integrate more effectively with various polymeric matrices, leading to enhanced composite performance. The practical applications of DPF composites are explored, emphasizing their role in promoting sustainable manufacturing practices. Challenges such as scalability, cost‐efficiency, and performance consistency are addressed, alongside future perspectives that suggest a promising direction for further research and technological development in the field of natural fiber composites. This review aims to solidify the foundation for ongoing advancements and increase the adoption of DPF composites in commercial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study assesses the impact of educational aspirations, study habits, parental involvement, and institutional environment on Saudi EFL learners’ language proficiency. It also examines if the demographic profiles of Saudi EFL learners differently shaped their worldviews and responses. As the study focuses on how certain independent variables (educational aspirations, study habits, parental involvement, and institutional environment) impacted the dependent variable (language proficiency), a descriptive quantitative approach was employed to collect data from respondents using a self-designed questionnaire with partial adoption of modified items. A simple random sample method was used to select 131 respondents (10% of the population) from the undergraduate population at the College of Science & Humanities and College of Business Administration, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia. The findings revealed that educational aspirations followed by institutional environment, study habits, and parental engagement affected the language proficiency of Saudi EFL learners. One way ANOVA analysis showed that year/level of study causes significant differences in the means of the study respondents. However, no statistically significant difference was observed in the means of the responses based on the professional profiles of their parents. The findings of the study hold significance for both language instructors and policymakers for effective teaching and policy making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the development of multifunctional protective clothing for disabled individuals using PBAT/PLA biopolymeric-based electrospun nanofibrous membranes. The fabric consists of a superhydrophobic electrospun nanofibrous cloth reinforced with silica nanoparticles. The resulting nanofiber membranes were characterized using FE-SEM, a CA goniometer, breathability and hydrostatic pressure resistance tests, UV–vis spectroscopy, thermal infrared photography, tensile tests, and nanoindentation. The results demonstrated the integration of superhydrophobicity, breathability, and mechanical improvements in the protective clothing. The nanofibrous porous structure of the fabric allowed breathability, while the silica nanoparticles acted as an effective infrared reflector to keep the wearer cool on hot days. The fabric's multifunctional properties make it suitable for various products, such as outdoor clothing and accessories for individuals with disabilities. This study highlights the importance of selecting appropriate textiles for protective clothing and the challenges faced by disabled individuals in terms of mobility, eating, and dressing. The innovative and purposeful design of this multifunctional protective clothing aimed to enrich the lives of individuals with disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]