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Impact of Multimodal Digital Media Communication on Generation Z’s Language Use and Literacy Practices
Get PDFThe impact of increased use of digital communication mediated through social media was observed during COVID-19, in particular, on students’ language and its use in the classroom and their literacy practices. This led to an investigation of the use of multimodal digital communication in the language of Generation Z users at the focal university. Social-semiotic theory of multimodality in digital communication provided the theoretical framework for the study. A quantitative survey was done with 394 respondents on the frequency of use of different apps for different purposes, as well as students’ perceptions of the impact of social media on their literacy practices. Subsequently, qualitative interviews were done to gain a more in-depth understanding of the survey results. The results of this mixed-methods study indicate that Generation Z users are well aware of the affordances and constraints of different social media platforms and apps and use this knowledge judiciously for varied purposes and audiences in their digital communication. This has also impacted their crafting and interpreting of digital multimodal messages. The study findings have implications for teaching English (and other languages); similarly, other disciplines also need to take into account students’ changing literacy practices to enhance their learning outcomes
Electrochemical Analysis of CuO NPs in Artificial Saliva at Different Concentrations, pH, and Scan Rates Using Cyclic Voltammetry
Get PDFIn this study, the effect of nanoparticles of copper oxide (CuO NPs) dissolved in heat polymerizing acrylic-based soft liner was studied in artificial saliva that was used in the total denture in the mouth was identified, using the electrochemical method, to characterize the extent of the effect of nanoparticles on the oral cavity. Different concentrations (0.3% and 0.5% CuO NPs), pH, scan rates, and reproducibility were studied. The study concluded that the low percentage of 0.3% CuO NPs has less effect than the percentage of 0.5% CuO NPs by redox reaction in the artificial saliva. Furthermore, the acidic pH of the medium has less affected in oxidant that shows reduction peak appeared in the range of pH 2-6, so the nanoparticles of CuO save the acidity of the mouth, while the alkaline pH causes the oxidative effect in the artificial saliva. It can be used the nano copper to improve the chemical properties in the mouth medium
Interested Director and Fiduciary Duties: A Never-Ending Mess in English Legal Regime
Get PDFThis article investigates the critical situation that is produced due to a conflict of interest. Like, ambiguity arises in pinpointing various inconspicuous conflicting situations for instance, the highlighting of the situation that will not be a conflict of interest if the director of the company without obtaining the authorisation exploited the opportunity and it is not clear his fiduciary duties have been breached likewise, the determination situation of conflict of interest in case the opportunity exploited by the director was not expressly rejected by the company during the post-resignation and pre-resignation periods of company’s director. This study provides a three-stepped model in the form of a proposal. Step one seeks whether the opportunity exploited by the director has been expressly rejected by the company neutrally and in a bona fide manner by the board Step two, in the pre-resignation situation proposes the scope of the company business test and the third step proposes the maturing the company’s business opportunity test for the post-resignation period to judge whether the director has infringed his fiduciary duties. This article critically analyses the directors’ duty enshrined in the Companies Act 2006 specifically the duty to avoid conflict of interest to formulate proposals and recommendations that could help to highlight when the company’s director will breach his duty with regard to exploitation of corporate opportunity
The Divine Spark of Creativity: Exploring the Human Trait of Creativity through Islamic Lens
Get PDFThis paper discusses the concept of creativity in Islam, highlighting how humans are endowed with a divine spark of creativity to innovate in various fields. The paper begins by examining the Quranic ayat that emphasizes the importance of creativity and highlights various ways in which humans have been creative. It explores how creativity is a reflection of God\u27s attributes and should be utilized for the betterment of society. Creativity is an essential component of ijtihad, since it calls for the capacity to think critically and develop fresh approaches to current problems, while adhering to Islamic teachings. At the same time, it is crucial to remember that creativity is a core component of both art and science. While scientists employ creativity to create new theories, experiments, and technologies, creativity also enables artists to express themselves in original and creative ways. Islamic psychology contends that religiosity can affect creativity, and Islamic teachings place a high value on hard efforts and innovations in all its manifestations. By using descriptive and analytical methodology, it is concluded that creativity is a divine trait that can be positively utilized for the betterment of society
The Mediating Influence of Academic Self-Efficacy on Students’ Scholastic Stress and Performance: The Study of Perceived Parental Expectations
Get PDFThis study aimed to investigate the role of parental expectation on academic performance and academic stress with mediating effect of self-efficacy. A correlational research design was used for the study. Three hundred students at secondary schools were selected through purposive convenient sampling. Data were collected through the administration of four respective scales: Parental Expectation Scale; Questionnaire on Academic Stress in Secondary Education (QASSE), and Academic Self-efficacy Scale; Academic Performance Questionnaire. The following statistical methods were used to test hypotheses after the data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics; Correlation analysis; Linear Regression analysis; and Independent sample t-test. The findings revealed a positive correlation between parental expectations, academic stress, academic performance, and self-efficacy. Parental expectations were found to have a significant impact on both academic stress and performance. Results of the present study revealed that academic self-efficacy partially mediates the association between parental expectation and academic stress. Male students reported greater levels of parental expectation, academic stress, academic performance, and self-efficacy than females. Academic institutes are recommended to involve parents regarding their parental expectations to overcome the academic stress and increase the performance of students
Development and Validation of Research Instrument: Conceptual Understanding of STEM Skills Questionnaire for Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals
Get PDFThis study aimed to develop a questionnaire for assessing students\u27 conceptual comprehension of the connection between STEM skills and the achievement of sustainable development goals across three major categories: general skills (GS), social skills (SS), and academic skills (AS). Conceptual understanding of the Stem Skills Questionnaire (CUSSQ) would be used to assess students\u27 understanding of this relationship across three broad categories. Following a thorough literature review and focus group discussions, the tool\u27s original version was pilot-tested with 350 students from public secondary schools. The final tool had 47 items total, each with a Likert scale of 5 points. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) using PLS smart version 4 and a factor loading of less than 0.5 was carried out. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was employed to evaluate the model\u27s precision. The test results confirmed that the model is accurate and valid. The overall study\u27s findings supported the use of the CUSSQ in assessing students\u27 conceptual understanding and readiness for 21st-century abilities necessary for accomplishing sustainable development goals
A Qualitative Study on Bancassurance Products and Its Implementation for Efficient Customer Experience in Pakistan
Get PDFDistribution of life insurance product in Pakistan is challenging for insurers to facilitate customers. Bancassurance products develop a bridge of life insurance product distribution via bank to facilitate customers. The implementation of Bancassurance and its players, including banks, the distribution channel, insurance services, financial services, and service quality, are discussed in this research. Because of their relationship and trust with the bank, particularly the local bank branch, customers prefer Bancassurance. Digitalization is another crucial factor that can significantly improve this system. Adopting modern technology and digitalization can facilitate consumer accessibility and increase this product\u27s sales. A qualitative methodology has adopted to conduct this research. Thematic analysis has applied as a tool of research in order to transcribe interviews conducted from 10 participants. Purposive sampling was used to collect data in order to obtain detailed information from interviewees. Bancassurance is a tactical arrangement that offers consumers insurance services in addition to numerous other financial services. The themes are generated from the factors explored during interview. Since it has a competitive edge over others, bancassurance has a wider scope than other channels. In a partnership, banks and insurance companies market each other\u27s insurance products to their respective customers
Systematic Objectification of Eastern Women in Western Society: A Case Study of ‘The Optimist’ by Bina Shah
Get PDFPatriarchy is deeply rooted in all societies of the world and many sociological, political and religious reasons are behind this ideology. This was not highlighted by western writers in the past but it exists in the western modern world is also as presented by Loius Tyson (2006). He has claimed that women are kept oppressed economically, politically, socially and psychologically by patriarchy, moreover, women are considered as the ‘other’, therefore objectified and marginalized. The writings of eastern writers like the short story ‘The Optimist’ written by Bina Shah verifies the claims of Tyson. The narrated story proves that oppression of women is not the issue of eastern western society but it is a universal problem that has strong roots in the societies of the men dominating societies. Pakistani writers have always tried to expose such ideologies through their writings, which allegedly justify the dominance of men over women. Human relations are reciprocal and cannot be directed from one side. The approach employed is qualitative with techniques of textual and thematic analysis keeping claims in mind, presented by Lois Tyson in his book Critical Theory Today. It was found, through the analysis of the story, that women are oppressed economically, politically, socially, and psychologically and they are treated as the ‘other’: objectified and marginalized, by men not only in the east but all over the world. However, the element of ‘revolt against biased ideologies’ is also very significant through the rebellious behavior of the character and emphasizes bringing change in the societies
Enhancement of Access to Primary Education under Implementation of School Education Sector Plan & Roadmap for Sindh 2019-2024: Perceptions of Head Master\u27s District Umerkot, Sindh
Get PDFThis study aimed to examine the status of implementation of the School Education Sector Plan & Roadmap for Sindh 2019-2024 and its relevance for enhancing access to education at the primary level education through the perception of school headmasters of the selected district. The study employed a qualitative research method. Within qualitative research, a phenomenological approach was employed. The findings revealed that certain activities seemed lacking implementation viz, a baseline survey of out-of-school children, clustering of schools, continuous professional development training, whereas, majority of them, entailing enrolment campaigns for school-age children registration transport facilities and infrastructure ECE and upgradation stayed there executed. Recruitment, training of newly recruited teachers, and alternative arrangements of education in emergency seemed outstanding achievements of the sector plan in opening closed schools and continuing education in emergency, partly supplementing enhancement of access to education, whereas the COVID-19 pandemic appeared to be a daunting challenge, affecting the education sector as whole. Spirit of ownership follow-up and monitoring aspects of the implementation activities were found to be the major gaps in the plan implementation. The study recommended grassroots stakeholders’ involvement in the development and execution of sector plans, district and taluka-level implementation and monitoring mechanisms
Synthesis of Aluminum Oxide Nanoparticles and Their Applications in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells as a Clean Energy
Get PDFIn this research, the aluminum oxide nanoparticles (Al2O3 NPs) were prepared using electrochemical method. The Features of the electrochemical process are ease and speed, free side product, and economical. The prepared aluminum oxide was characterized using many techniques like x-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), ultra violate – visible (UV-Vis), energy dispersive x-ray (EDX), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The shape of the prepared aluminum oxide was in the form of nanowire and has an energy gap of 3.9. Since fossil fuels are rapidly running out and their consumption increases the average global temperature, which has an impact on human life, the energy crisis is the main global concern. Consequently, in order to generate energy, dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) must be produced. The results indicate that the efficiency (η %) of the solar cell using methyl orange as a dye and fill factor were 1.17 and 56.8, respectively