In this study the perceived value construct of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) is investigated in the context of a learning management system (LMS), in which the construct is redefined from its original price value conceptualization. It was found that many researchers simply ignore the price value construct when applying the UTAUT2 model in technology use studies in the educational context. This study extends the UTAUT2 framework by integrating the learning value construct and provides fresh insight about predictors of students' intentions towards LMS and its use. A quantitative research approach was employed by utilizing a closed-ended questionnaire to collect data from Malaysian university students who were users of LMS. Probability proportional stratified sampling was employed to select an appropriate sample. The results indicated a good measurement and structural model fit and suggested the significant influence of performance expectancy, social influence and learning value on students' intention towards LMS and also confirmed the influence of facilitating conditions and behavioral intention on LMS use. The extended UTAUT2 framework helps in understanding students' perceived value in the LMS context. Furthermore, this study will help institutions to consider the factors for successful implementation of an LMS in an academic setting.

BackgroundBreast cancer patients often experience a high level of distress. Psychological distress is a broad construct encompass both depression and anxiety. Previous studies in examining which of these psychological symptoms (either anxiety or depression) were more significantly associated with the distress level in breast cancer patients is lacking. This study aims to compare the level of depression and anxiety between patients with different level of distress. The correlation between the changes in distress level with depression or anxiety over 12 months was also examined.MethodsThis study is from the MyBCC cohort study. Two hundred and twenty one female breast cancer patients were included into the study. They were assessed at the time of diagnosis, 6 months and 12 month using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and distress thermometer. The information on age, ethnicity, treatment types and staging of cancer were collected.Results50.2%, 51.6% and 40.3% of patients had perceived high level of distress at baseline, 6 months and 1 year after diagnosis. Those with high perceived level of distress had significant higher anxiety scores even after adjusted for the underlying depressive scores (Adjusted OR at baseline = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.13–1.44; adjusted OR at 6 months = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.11–1.45; adjusted OR at 12 months = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.29–1.76). There were no significant differences in the depressive scores between the subjects with either low or high distress level. There was reduction in perceived level of distress, anxiety and depression scores at 12 months after the diagnosis. The decrease of distress was positively correlated with the reduction of anxiety scores but not the changes of depressive scores (r’ = 0.25).ConclusionAnxiety is a more significant psychological state that contributed to the feeling of distress in breast cancer as compared with depression. Levels of anxiety at diagnosis in this study would justify screening for anxiety, early identification and therapy for maintaining the psychological well-being of breast cancer patients. Further studies will be needed to measure the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions.

This study examined beauty advertisements in local English magazines from a Critical Discourse Analysis perspective. This study mainly focused on the use of language in beauty advertisements and strategies employed by advertisers to manipulate and influence their customers. The analysis is based on Fairclough's three-dimensional framework. It demonstrates how the ideology of 'beauty' is produced and reproduced through advertisements in popular local women's magazines. A qualitative research was conducted on beauty product advertisements in two popular local women's magazines, Cleo and Women's Weekly. The findings indicated that advertisers used various strategies to manipulate women. The advertisements promote an idealised lifestyle and manipulate readers to a certain extent into believing whatever that is advertised is indeed true. This study revealed how the ideology of beauty is constructed and reconstructed through magazines by stereotyping how beauty products are synonymous with a better life. Advertising language is used to control people's minds. Thus people in power (advertisers) use language as a means to exercise control over others.

No abstract

No abstract