As a result of the rapid development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and the growing interest in Internet-based tools for language classroom, it has become a pressing need for educators to locate, evaluate and select the most appropriate language-learning digital resources that foster more communicative and meaningful learning processes. Hence, this paper describes a mixed research project that, on the first hand, aimed at proposing a Checklist for evaluating language websites built on the principles of the Communicative Approach, and on the second hand, sought to strengthen the teachers’ Knowing-how-to-do skill as part of their digital competence. To achieve these goals, a four-phase research procedure was followed that included reviewing relevant literature and administering qualitative and quantitative research methods to participants (i.e., language teachers, an expert in the Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) field and a college professor) in order to gain insights into problematic issues and, thereafter, to contribute to the creation and validation of the Checklist model and the Study Guide. The findings revealed that: (a) evaluating language websites leads to the enhancement of the teachers’ practical skills and their knowledge of the technological language; and (b) having an assessment instrument allows educators to choose the materials that best meet their communicative teaching purposes.

This research aims to suggest key design characteristics that are necessary for developing usable e-commerce websites in the Arab world. A comprehensive usability evaluation of four leading Arab e-commerce websites was conducted using the heuristic evaluation method. The results identified major and minor usability problems and major and minor good design characteristics on the selected websites. Based on the results, 51 key design characteristics were suggested. The recommended key design characteristics comprised two levels according to their priority: level one which includes mandatory key design characteristics and level two which includes supplementary design characteristics. The key design characteristics in each level were categorized under specific pages and areas that can be found on any e-commerce website. Such categorizations could direct website evaluators and designers to important pages and areas that should be considered to improve the overall usability of e-commerce websites. The results of this research are particularly important to developing countries which are still facing challenges that may affect the design and accessibility of usable and useful websites. These relate to low speed of accessing the Internet and a lack of website designers who have experience in customers’ needs and websites’ usable design characteristics.

Based on the diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory (Rogers, 2003), the uses and gratifications (U&G) theory, and trust theory, this study investigated the factors that influence the use of Twitter among the Kuwaiti community. The study surveyed Twitter users in Kuwait. A structured online questionnaire was used to collect data, and 463 respondents who provided complete answers participated. Multiple regression analysis was used to examine the effect of three theoretical perspectives on Twitter usage. The result of the analysis showed that Twitter usage is better explained by DOI constructs than by U&G constructs. The findings indicated that the perceived relative advantage from DOI, and the need for information, need to pass time, and need for interpersonal utility from the U&G approach, have a direct positive significant effect on the use of Twitter. None of the trust theory constructs was found to be significant in predicting the general use of Twitter. The study results help Twitter providers and users in individual or organizational contexts to understand what factors generally affect the usage of the Twitter service.

Aim/Purpose: This is an introductory paper for the developing special series on applied psychology and informing science. It takes into account the spirit of informing science to launch the first of three articles in the series on applied psychology. The paper concludes by raising questions for future investigations.

Underpinned by stakeholder and agency theories, this study adopts a qualitative multiple-case study approach to explore and analyse various stakeholder interests and how they affect digitalisation in the health sector of a developing country (DC). The study's findings revealed that four key stakeholder interests - political, regulatory, leadership, and operational - affect digitalisation in the health sector of DCs. Further, the study found that operational and leadership interests were emergent and were triggered by some digitalisation initiatives, which included, inter alia, the use of new eHealth software and the COVID-19 vaccination exercise, which established new structures and worked better through digitalisation. Conversely, political and regulatory interests were found to be relatively enduring since they existed throughout the pre- and post-digitalisation eras. The study also unearthed principal-agent conflicts arising from technological, organisational and regulatory factors that contribute to the paradoxical outcomes of digitalisation in the health sector.

'What's going on?' Within the context of our critically-informed teaching practice, we see moments of deep learning and reflexivity in classroom discussions and assessments. Yet, these moments of criticality are interspersed with surface learning and reflection. We draw on dichotomous, linear developmental, and messy explanations of learning processes to empirically explore the learning journeys of 20 international Chinese and 42 domestic New Zealand students. We find contradictions within our own data, and between our findings and the extant literature. We conclude that expressions of surface learning and reflection are considerably more complex than they first appear. Moreover, developing critical reflexivity is a far more subtle, messy, and emotional experience than previously understood. We present the theoretical and pedagogical significance of these findings when we consider the implications for the learning process and the practice of management education.

Maryland is a 'developmental' program, as coach Mike Locksley likes to frequently remind, and it is in the midst of producing the next offensive player with star potential -- Octavian Smith Jr.

The Gypsum Association and its member companies are committed to sustainability, and now, our industry is embracing another opportunity to contribute to a greener world.

As the director of a national training program for plasterers, I help develop and implement training criteria and curriculum materials for young people just entering the trade. So, nothing gives me greater pleasure than to witness young men and women, who’ve got a few years under their belt, excelling at the craft-especially in a down economy! 

Shreveport, LA — Firefighters’ risk of developing atrial fibrillation – an abnormal heart rhythm that can trigger serious health problems – increases with the number of fires they respond to, results of a recent study show.

Los Angeles – Pesticide exposure may increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, and individual risk varies based on a person’s genetic makeup, according to a new study from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Morgantown, WV — Researchers at West Virginia University are working on a project that uses robots to help reduce slips and falls in retail workplaces.

I’m creating a training program for my electrical workers. What do you recommend as best practices to keep them safe from arc flash incidents and other electrical hazards?

Fort Detrick, MD — The U.S. Army is developing a new standard to help protect all military service members from hearing problems caused by blast injuries.

Children's Geographies; 02/01/2022
(AN 154441553); ISSN: 14733285
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Children's Geographies; 04/01/2023
(AN 163915534); ISSN: 14733285
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Children's Geographies; 08/01/2023
(AN 167303411); ISSN: 14733285
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Children's Geographies; 06/01/2024
(AN 178088790); ISSN: 14733285
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We’ll have another day of cool sunshine Tuesday. The next system will develop rain showers for Wednesday. Temperatures will be warming up by Friday and Saturday. 

Beamline B21 at the Diamond Light Source synchrotron in the UK is a small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) beamline that specializes in high-throughput measurements via automated sample delivery systems. A system has been developed whereby a sample can be illuminated by a focused beam of light coincident with the X-ray beam. The system is compatible with the highly automated sample delivery system at the beamline and allows a beamline user to select a light source from a broad range of wavelengths across the UV and visible spectrum and to control the timing and duration of the light pulse with respect to the X-ray exposure of the SAXS measurement. The intensity of the light source has been characterized across the wavelength range enabling experiments where a quantitative measure of dose is important. Finally, the utility of the system is demonstrated via measurement of several light-responsive samples.

Enhancements include an auto-fill feature, the ability to search on a business or landmark name, and links to both Google and Bing maps.

A new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine outlines how to examine whether specific levels of nutrients or other food substances (NOFSs) can ameliorate the risk of chronic disease and recommends ways to develop dietary reference intakes (DRI) based on chronic disease outcomes.

For severe acute pain due to surgeries and medical conditions, there is a lack of guidance on the appropriate type, strength, and amount of opioid medication that clinicians should prescribe to patients, says a new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

These days, you can have your cake and eat it, too. Today's sweet bakery treats like cakes, pies, cheesecakes, and cookies often combine the best of multiple worlds, bridging apparent gaps between indulgence, better-for-you and specialized dietary choices, clean label, sound functionality, and globally minded sustainability.

Puffed and extruded snacks never go out of style. Top brands like Cheetos and Fritos will probably always will be staples in many Americans' homes.

Interview with Ajinomoto about strategies for snacks and baked goods that offer both craveable flavor and better-for-you nutritionals.

Insights into the top sandwich trends across the U.S. restaurant industry, including R&D inspirations for sandwich-specific breads, buns and rolls.

There's a reason why better-for-you is trending and "perfect-for-you" isn't. According to the August 2018 "U.S. Better for You Eating Trends" market report from Mintel, just 7 percent of consumers say they're strict with themselves to make sure their diet is as healthy as possible, and just three in 10 say they maintain a healthy diet most of the time.

Workers in many fields – construction, landscaping, oil and gas extraction, emergency response, firefighters among others – toil in high heat stress conditions. These tasks can lead to rapid increases in body temperature that raise the risk of heat-related illnesses.

Jeremy Gilden is dedicated to advancing international healthcare policies and clinical pathways for patient care

Bistabledome.com describes how flex actuated overlapping bistable domes can be used to create unique flexible sensors that translate flexural forces caused by bending into digital patterns that AI can use to monitor shape and changing shape.

Litigation Strategies for Developing the Issue of Accurate PD: Theory, Evidence, Negotiation and Trial. Understand how to Litigate a Workers’ Comp Case, when the primary issue is Permanent Disability. This…

Research Highlights: People living in neighborhoods with more environmental adversities, including pollution, toxic sites, high traffic and few parks, had higher rates of cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular disease risk factors. This association ...

Flyers are a fantastic way to promote your business, especially considering how easily they can be distributed among members of the public. Since you’re likely to be spending your hard-earned cash on this very effective marketing tool, it is essential to take the right steps when designing your flyer, ensuring you display your skill set … Continue reading Top Tips for Developing a Creative Flyer

The post Top Tips for Developing a Creative Flyer appeared first on Design Shard.

Michael Webb, IT and Media Services Head, University of Wales, Newport gave a talk about how Web 2.0 technologies are changing the way our staff and students (potential, current and past) relate to one another and our Universities. Embracing these technologies provides a great opportunity to enhance the University experience, but also presents a number of risks and challenges. So how do Universities develop a strategic approach to embracing Web 2.0?

Beyond the Health Extension Program: Developing a focused approach to improve nutrition in Ethiopia

A study points to reforms.

The post Beyond the Health Extension Program: Developing a focused approach to improve nutrition in Ethiopia appeared first on IFPRI.

They're motivated, they're eager to make a difference, and they bring a breath of fresh air to every team. I'm talking, of course, about college students and recent graduates. Young talent is a real asset for a company, which is why competition for these candidates is so high. To attract qualified young professionals, you need a solid university marketing plan. Understanding University Markting But what exactly is university marketing? To put it simply, "university marketing" refers to your means of ...

The NextGen Global Advocacy Committee addresses the needs of young professionals under 40 or with less than four years of experience through a framework of understanding, engaging, and preparing for leadership. Recognizing that Millennials and Gen Z value inclusivity, networking, and technology integration is crucial for organizations like ASQ to meet these evolving needs and maintain a competitive edge.

Posted by Dave Aitel via Dailydave on Sep 30

Kraft Mac & Cheese has announced it is developing and testing the brand’s first-ever recyclable fiber-based microwavable cup. Upon testing completion, the brand will launch a new Kraft Mac & Cheese Shapes variety using the new cup and design later in 2021.