Suchergebnisse

The blended learning approach (BLA) is a popular trend in higher education because it combines the merits of traditional, face-to-face (FTF) learning, and online learning. This research aims to investigate the effect of implementing the BLA via eLearning on Egyptian undergraduates' EFL reading and writing achievement compared to their peers' achievement who only received FTF instruction. The study is qu-asi-experimental. A total of 55 freshmen at a private university in Egypt were divided into two experi-mental (study) groups and one control (FTF) group. Students had a reading and writing pre-test before the treatment, and after the treatment, they took a post-test and completed a survey about their satis-faction with the BLA. The results were analyzed using the T-test, post-hoc test, and one-way ANOVA. The study groups outperformed the control group in the post-tests, showing improvement in vocabulary acquisition and usage of language mechanics. Both groups perceived BLA as convenient; they were sati-sfied with options for eLearning and valued interaction with their peers and instructor. Results revealed that students' attitudes toward technology, work load, and accessibility to stable connections could affect their satisfaction with BLA. Improving digital infrastructure and enhancing learners' interaction in the BL environment are recommended to cater for students' communicative needs that are required for sustainability educational goals.

This paper extends the tourist test model proposed by Rochet and Tirole (2011) by incorporating the government in order to take into account informality (understood as tax evasion in cash payments) and the net social cost of cash usage. These two elements are relevant in developing countries, where the shadow economy tends to be large and merchants usually evade taxes in cash transactions. The tourist test aims to determine an interchange fee that does not increase merchants' operating cost of accepting card payments. In the presence of informality, the tax gap between card and cash payments reduces merchants' net operating benefit of accepting card sales, which in turn lowers the interchange fee that passes the tourist test. In addition, the interchange fee resulting from the social welfare maximization exceeds this tourist test threshold while the interchange fee that maximizes the total user surplus is still compatible with the tourist test.

Context: Students in the modern world are busy using social media for different purposes and activities. Misuse of social media applications can negatively impact students' psychological health.Aim: To determine the relationship between social media use and depression among nursing students in governmental universities. Methods: Descriptive correlational study design was conducted among 267 nursing students in nursing college at a governmental university in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using the Social Media Use Integration Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory scale to assess the relationship between depression and social media use among nursing students. Results: Social media use among nursing students was high (50.90%) while 31.1% of them were overused, while depression level was mild among 26% of study participants and there was a statistically significant relationship between social media applications, used number of hours spent on social media per day, and level of depression among nursing students at the governmental university.Conclusions: The collected data analysis revealed a statistically significant positive moderate correlation between used social media and depression among nursing students at the university. Hence, it is essential to establish an educational program through routine checkups for depression levels among nursing students besides arranging for weekly group discussions and consultations to express feelings and thoughts, creating a supportive academic environment.

Drawing from a sample of 1,365 ever‐married nonpregnant women in Oman who underwent a gynecological examination and laboratory tests as part of the 2000 National Health Survey, this study examines the prevalence of and risk factors associated with reproductive morbidities among women in Oman. Of the respondents, 4 percent had a sexually transmitted infection (STI), 25 percent had a reproductive tract infection (RTI), 10 percent suffered from genital prolapse, and 11 percent had a urinary tract infection (UTI). Younger women were two times more likely than older women to have an STI. More empowered women were more likely to have any RTI. Women with six or more children were more than three times more likely to have experienced genital prolapse, compared with those who had fewer children. UTIs were significantly associated with urban residence, being empowered, and having six or more children. A comparative analysis with other countries in the Arab world showed some variations in prevalence and risk factors. In light of the wide prevalence of reproductive morbidities, reproductive health services in Oman should be strengthened.