Acceptance of mobile English learning among college students in Henan

The portability of smartphones offers tremendous potential for language learning. However, the willingness to accept and the practical adoption of mobile learning in English study among college students from Henan, China requires deeper exploration, due to the lower digital competency and limited usage of digital tools of English teachers in Henan, China. Targeted at the college students from Henan, this research intends to investigate factors influencing their intention to adopt mobile apps in learning English by conducting a quantitative study within the framework of modified technology acceptance model (TAM) model. Purposive sampling method was used and online questionnaire was administered among 511 college students with mobile English learning experiences from one comprehensive university in Henan and data were analyzed via SPSS and structural equation modelling (SEM). The key findings include: i) social influences (SI), perceived usefulness (UF), and perceived enjoyment (PEEN) significantly impact students’ intention to adopt mobile English learning; ii) SI affect students’ intention via the mediator of UF; and iii) perceived ease of use (EOU) does not significantly impact students’ intention. This research highlights the role of teachers’ influences in students’ adoption of mobile English learning and emphasizes the need for further improvement in mobile apps design to facilitate the learning experiences

Identifying Customer Preference Factors in FrontWarehouse Fresh E-commerce : A BERTopic and Sentiment Analysis Approach

In recent years, front-warehouse fresh e-commerce has rapidly expanded in China, with platforms such as Dingdong Maicai meeting consumer demand for high-frequency and immediate grocery purchases through instant delivery. However, the perishability of goods, reliance on cold-chain logistics, and price sensitivity create divergent consumer experiences. Drawing on 14,118 user reviews segmented into 25,297 sentence-level units, this study applies BERTopic to extract themes and employs a RoBERTa-based sentiment classification model to identify polarity. A total of 38 valid topics were identified and consolidated into seven aspects: freshness, taste, packaging, delivery, price, customer service, and image–text mismatch. Results indicate that freshness and packaging are the primary sources of negative sentiment, while price and delivery attract both positive and negative attention. Overall, consumer evaluations are predominantly positive, yet product deterioration, damaged packaging, and inconsistencies between product descriptions and reality elicit notable dissatisfaction. This study not only provides data-driven evidence for understanding consumer preferences but also offers practical implications for platforms to optimize product management and operational decision-making

Echoes of the Ancestors : Uncovering Bisaya Plant Wisdom in Limbang

A culturally significant research initiative is currently taking place in northern Sarawak to document and safeguard the traditional ethnobotanical knowledge of the Bisaya community. Supported by a special grant from the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia YAB Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof, the project represents an important contribution to the preservation of Malaysia’s intangible heritage while directly advancing several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Led by Dr Dilah bin Tuah from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) in collaboration with Associate Professor Dr Chong Shin from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), the study focuses on identifying and documenting traditional plant-related terms in the Bisaya language. These terms are part of a deeply rooted indigenous knowledge system that connects the community’s language, rituals, medicine, food practices and ecological understanding. Fieldwork conducted across several Bisaya villages in the Limbang district employed a community-based qualitative methodology. Through interviews with traditional healers, village elders and native speakers, researchers recorded over 100 unique ethnobotanical terms. Each term reflects the Bisaya people’s long-standing relationship with their environment and the spiritual symbolism attached to certain plants

Examining the Relationship of Cognitive and Affective Images on Destination Loyalty: A Case of Culture, Adventure, Nature, Food, and Festival Tourism in Sarawak

This study investigates the intricate interplay between cognitive and affective images in shaping tourists' destination loyalty, focusing specifically on culture, adventure, nature, food, and festival (CANFF) tourism in Sarawak as elements of cognitive image. In contemporary tourism research, identifying the drivers behind tourists' loyalty toward a specific destination is crucial for sustainable tourism development. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of destination images on tourists' behavioural intentions. More specifically, this research investigates the relationship between cognitive image and affective image, and the subsequent effects of both cognitive and affective images on tourists' intentions to revisit and recommend the destination. A systematic survey was conducted using convenience sampling of tourists visiting Sarawak, yielding 420 valid responses after data screening. A disjoint two-stage approach in Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM), appropriate for testing higher-order constructs (HOCs), was employed in this research. The findings support the conceptualization of a tourist destination's cognitive image as a reflective-formative, multidimensional higher-order construct encompassing culture, adventure, nature, gastronomy, and festivals (CANFF). Collectively, these CANFF attributes significantly contribute to forming Sarawak's cognitive image, illustrating how diverse destination elements coalesce to shape tourists' perceptions and drive their intentions to revisit and recommend Sarawak. Results also indicate a positive influence of cognitive image on affective image, with both cognitive and affective images positively influencing tourists' behavioural intentions. Notably, the affective image exerts a stronger impact on tourists' intentions to revisit and recommend the destination compared to the cognitive image, implying that emotions and feelings are more accurate predictors of behavioural intentions. The implications of this study are twofold. Firstly, it contributes to destination image and loyalty theories by empirically establishing nuanced relationships between cognitive and affective elements. Secondly, it offers practical insights for destination management organizations (DMOs) and policymakers in Sarawak and elsewhere to develop targeted strategies that enhance both cognitive and affective aspects of the destination experience, thereby fostering greater tourist loyalty. Leveraging these insights, Sarawak can progress toward its goal of becoming a leading tourist destination, significantly contributing to its economic development by 2030

ENGAGING MINDS THROUGH ANIMATION : THE EFFECTIVENESS OF 2D CONTENT IN MEDICAL HEALTH EDUCATION

The article examines the effectiveness of 2D animated content as an engaging and innovative educational tool for mental health education. The study explores how such animations can enhance understanding and raise awareness of mental health disorders among diverse audiences. Among the ongoing difficulties mental health education faces are stigma, misunderstandings, and a dearth of interesting materials that successfully explain difficult disorders like bipolar disease. To this end, six user-friendly animated modules were developed, focusing on key aspects of Bipolar Disorder, including an introduction to the condition, its symptoms, causes, prevalence, types, and available treatments. A structured evaluation process was employed, combining usability testing to measure knowledge retention with participant feedback to capture perceptions and experiences. The study engaged three target groups: healthcare professionals, multimedia experts involved in content creation, and members of the general public with varying levels of familiarity with Bipolar Disorder. By integrating insights from these groups, the research highlights the transformative potential of 2D animation in mental health education. Preliminary findings demonstrate that animated content significantly improves comprehension and awareness, presenting it as a dynamic, engaging, and accessible medium for disseminating information. These results underscore the promise of 2D animation in reducing stigma and misconceptions about mental health disorders, paving the way for the development of future educational resources and interventions

Development of Comprehensive Framework Teaching Approaches and Methods for Group Counselling Laboratory Course in Higher Education Institution

The study was conducted to develop a comprehensive framework of teaching methods and approaches for group counselling courses. It was carried out in two phases. The objectives of this study were: (i) to identify comprehensive teaching approaches and methods for group counselling courses, and (ii) to develop a structured framework for these teaching approaches and methods. This study utilized a mixed-method research design involving former and current students who had taken the Group Counselling Laboratory course. The results of the needs assessment analysis and group interviews with past students revealed that effective approaches include constructivism (a student-centred approach) and cognitivism (a teacher-centred approach). Additionally, the effective teaching methods identified for learning group counselling courses include interactive lectures, guided instruction, just-in-time teaching, experiential learning, case-based learning, role plays, and simulations, which are categorized as teacher-centred approaches. For the student-centred approach, the effective methods identified were fieldwork and clinical methods. The impact of these teaching approaches and methods was reflected in student performance, with 11 students obtaining an A, eight earning an A-, five receiving a B, and two earning a B-, out of a total of 26 students. Post-test feedback from the majority of students described the clarity of objectives, engagement, feedback on tasks, classroom management, assessment, differentiation of instruction, materials and learning plans, as well as the integration of technology presented in this course. In conclusion, the comprehensive framework of teaching approaches and methods for the Group Counselling course requires the integration of constructivism and cognitivism approaches, alongside teaching methods such as interactive lectures, guided instruction, just-in-time teaching, experiential learning, case-based learning, role plays, simulations, fieldwork, and clinical methods. Future researchers can explore other contexts, such as teaching delivery and course assessment

Human Resource Practices and Employee Performance in Sarawak Private Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs): Mediating Role of Self-Efficacy

The competitiveness, success and sustainability of Private Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs) hinge upon various factors and most importantly, the interplay between human resource (HR) practices and employee’s performance in the light of the rapid changes in the business environment. However, how individuals respond to organizational efforts require further understanding. Therefore, this study investigates the impact of HR practices, specifically training and development, job rotation, career planning, and job involvement on employee performance in PHEIs in Sarawak, Malaysia, with a focus on the mediating role of self-efficacy. Framed within Social Exchange Theory (SET) and the Ability-Motivation-Opportunity (AMO) Theory, the research aims to understand how these HR practices contribute to enhanced employee performance. Data were collected through an online survey across 27 PHEIs, resulting in 452 responses from both academic and non-academic staff using purposive sampling. The analysis was conducted using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The key findings revealed that the relationship between HR practices and employee performance is significant, where job involvement shows the strongest influence, followed by training and development, job rotation and career planning. In addition, self-efficacy was found to significantly mediate the relationship between HR practices and employee performance. Theoretically, the findings highlight the importance of strategic HR interventions in fostering a motivated and capable workforce in line with AMO Theory. The practical contributions include enhancing HR practices, improving staff retention, emphasizing leadership development, and guiding policymakers on continuous professional development (CPD) and career progression to strengthen employee performance and PHEIs. Recommendations for future research include exploring additional HR practices and mediators in different educational contexts to develop HR strategies that improve employee performance

Parametric Study of The Microstrip U-Slot Patch Antenna for Concrete Strength Monitoring

This paper presents a parametric study of a microwave microstrip patch antenna based using finite element modelling software to conduct simulations applied to dielectric material characterization. A probe-fed U-slot patch antenna has been designed to function as a material sensing applicator. The primary objective of this study is to provide non-destructive measurements for predicting the grades of cast concrete in the construction industry. The size, shape, and dimensions of the designed patch antenna are described in detail. The parametric study focuses on the shift in the minimum peak of return loss, |S11| (dB) of the antenna in relation to changes in the dielectric constant of the material under test. The modelling done on the antenna show a significant response in the |S11|, when placed on materials selected to simulate concrete samples at different periods of the curing process, and also at different strength grades. It is known that different strength grades of concrete have varying relative permittivity and dielectric constant values. Consequently, the shift in the minimum peak of the measured |S11| (dB) correlates with changes in concrete strength, thus offering a simple, non-destructive, fast, and effective system for testing concrete quality

Pre-University Students’ Perception towards the Use of Online Learning in Mathematics Subject

COVID-19 has had a major influence on higher education, requiring a faster digitization of course materials, integrating academics who work from home, and modifying student funding policies in reaction to border closures abroad. In order to adjust to the situation, faculties are required to close and switch to a new style of instruction. Accordingly, the purpose of this study is to close this gap by examining the perspectives of pre-university students about the use of online learning in mathematics lessons with regard to content delivery, engagement, and assessment. In this quantitative study, 74 students were chosen at random to respond to a series of questionnaires. A descriptive analysis of the data was conducted to determine the percentages, means and standard deviation. According to the data analysis, pre-university students at UNIMAS generally have a good opinion of the usage of online learning in mathematics subjects in terms of engagement, material delivery, and evaluation

Political Participation of Rural Women in Yaxi, China: A Gender Perspective

This research attempts to study political participation of rural women in Yaxi, located in southeast of China through the lens of gender theory, and aims to explore ways to increase their participation in politics. This study also analyses cultural and social challenges in influencing Chinese rural women’s lack of political participation, and assesses policies and regulations in relation to rural women’s low political participation. Gender in this research is studied within the framework of the socialist feminism approach to examine the culture, values and social forms that lead to low political participation of rural women and to explore ways to increase their involvement in rural China. Based on the critical paradigm, a qualitative approach is used to explore in depth the participants' feelings, interpretations and understandings. Empirical findings from Yaxi Town largely confirm that the exclusion of women from political structures and decision-making processes is the result of cultural, social and policy challenges in the context of modern society. Thousands of years of traditional culture and social norms influence the political engagement of rural women in China. Being a country where only one party dominates, the understanding and implementation of policies affects rural women in their participation in politics, and policies with gender inequality violate rural women's political rights and their participation in politics. The insights gained from the interviews suggest that ways should be sought to change the cultural and social barriers and change policies to promote women's participation in politics, especially in their decision-making processes