Japan’s Quasi-Alliance Strategy:Motivations,Practices and Constraints

The quasi-alliance strategy is part of the national security strategy and lies in the grey area between alliance and neutrality.1 In recent years,major countries,including Japan,have positioned quasi-alliance as a feasible unwritten option in their respective national security strategies.2 Japan’s quasialliance strategy was already in its infancy when former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe first came to power in September 2006 but was put on hold after his resignation in September 2007.

Theoretical Analysis of Consumers’Purchase Motivation in the Context of Environmental Protection

Through reviewing and summarizing the existing research on consumer motivation,and combining the characteristics of human behavior and the objective needs of environmental protection,this paper analyzes and defines consumers’purchase motivation.In the context of environmental protection,purchase motivation is divided into demand motivation,value recognition motivation,recognition motivation,and interest motivation.Their definitions are given in this paper,which provides a conceptual basis for further research on the influence of purchase motivation on consumer behavior in the context of environmental protection.

Ministry of Commerce:Full of confidence,clear direction,strong motivation

On March 12,the official account of the International Business Daily of the Ministry of Commerce published an article titled“Foreign trade enterprises:full of confidence,clear direction,strong motivation”.The content is as follows:This year,China is still facing a tough foreign trade situation.On the one hand,many international organizations predict that global economic growth in 2024 will still be lower than the historical average and the pressure on external demand will increase;on the other hand,trade protectionism and unilateralism are on the rise,geopolitical conflicts,the global“super election year”and other spillover factors have created many uncertainties.

Labor Motivation and Its Influence on Workers’Productivity-A Secondary Publication

The productivity of an institution is achieved,in large part,by creating a harmonious environment that reflects the satisfaction,empowerment,and collaborative spirit of each employee.From this perspective,management will consider upgrades using all tactics that allow for the achievement of these goals,including direct effort and the involvement of all stakeholders.The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between work motivation and the productivity of workers in the communal board of the Barrio Sur corregimiento in the province of Colón.Using the questionnaire as an instrument,as well as the descriptive method,allowed for the report and evaluation of the characteristics of the workers,indicating interpersonal deficits and distancing in the motivations that drive administrative action.By incorporating different approaches previously analyzed and developed by different authors familiar with the subject,it was possible to achieve substantial results,such as the need to implement administrative strategies that harmoniously incorporate workers,showing that,despite motivation problems,the work environment where one works is very important in the performance of their duties.Managing to motivate the direct participation of the workers selected as part of the sample,who showed full satisfaction with the results framed within the framework of individual improvement and,above all,the commitment to the institution to improve its work.

The Influence of Swimming Athletes’ Burnout on Their Sports Participation Motivation in Hunan, China

Objective:This study aims to explore the effect of swimming athletes’burnout on their sports motivation in Hunan University,China.It seeks to understand how burnout influences various motivational factors,providing insights for optimizing swimming sports courses and enhancing student participation.Method:Employing random sampling,the study surveyed 260 swimming athletes from Hunan University.The research utilized a questionnaire divided into three parts:demographic information,the Athlete Burnout Questionnaire(ABQ),and the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory(IMI).Pearson’s r correlation analysis was conducted using SPSS to examine the relationships between burnout dimensions and motivational factors.Results:The study found significant correlations between a reduced sense of accomplishment and various motivational dimensions,including“interest/enjoyment,”“perceived competence,”“perceived choice,”and particularly“perceived tension.”Physical exhaustion showed a significant correlation only with“perceived tension,”indicating a strong link between psychological stress and physical fatigue.Sports devaluation was significantly correlated with“perceived tension,”suggesting that psychological stress impacts athletes’valuation of their sport.Conclusion:The findings highlight the complex interplay between burnout and motivation in swimming athletes.Psychological stress,as indicated by“perceived tension,”emerges as a key factor influencing both the physical and emotional aspects of burnout.The study underscores the need for holistic training approaches that balance physical training with psychological well-being,personalized coaching,and supportive environments to enhance intrinsic motivation and manage stress effectively.

The Impact of Industry-Education Integration on College Students’ Motivation to Learn English under the TPACK Framework

This paper explores the impact of industry-education integration on students’motivation in college English courses under the TPACK(Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge)framework using a comprehensive approach combining quantitative and qualitative methods.Quantitative data analysis indicates a significant positive correlation between the perception of industry-education integration and the level of student learning motivation.There is also a clear association between the perception scores of TPACK framework integration and learning motivation.Qualitative data analysis reveals students’positive experiences and recognition of the TPACK framework integration in practical application projects.The study concludes that industry-education integration and the TPACK framework play a crucial role in enhancing students’learning motivation.It suggests optimizing teaching practices through faculty training,designing practical application projects,and promoting student interaction.This comprehensive analysis provides substantial guidance for the future development of English courses.

Analysis of Influencing Factors of Work Motivation of Government Employees Based on MaxDiff Model:Evidence from Jiangmen City

The purpose of this paper is to use the MaxDiff model to explore the factors influencing the work motivation of staff in certain government agencies in Jiangmen City,and to conduct relevant empirical analyses.The study aims to propose strategies for improving work motivation among these staff members.The results indicate that the most significant factors affecting the work motivation of staff in Jiangmen government agencies are salary and remuneration,additional welfare benefits,and the power to make decisions about their own work.In contrast,factors such as a sense of belonging to the work unit,recognition of their work,and job security are less important.Therefore,it is recommended that government agencies in Jiangmen City increase the salaries and benefits of their staff and provide them with more decision-making power.This approach will stimulate their desire to work,enhance their motivation,improve the efficiency of government agencies,and elevate the level of public service.Ultimately,these measures will support the construction of a harmonious,stable,and orderly society.

The Dynamic Interplay Between Language Motivation and English Speaking Fluency:Implications for Effective Teaching Strategies

In this study,we aim to investigate the reciprocal influence between language motivation and English speaking fluency among language learners,and to draw implications for effective teaching methodologies.By analyzing multiple cases of language learners in conjunction with relevant theories and practical insights,the study uncovers a dynamic correlation between language motivation and speaking fluency.The research findings indicate that heightened language motivation can positively impact learners’speaking fluency,while improved oral skills,in turn,bolster learners’language confidence and motivation.Building on these insights,the study proposes impactful teaching approaches,such as cultivating learners’enthusiasm for language acquisition,providing diverse opportunities for oral practice,and fostering active engagement in language communication.These strategies are designed to enhance language motivation and speaking fluency among learners,offering valuable guidance and reference for educators.

Effect of CICARE communication nursing model combined with motivational psychological intervention in patients with postintensive care unit syndrome

BACKGROUND Post-intensive care syndrome(PICS)is a term used to describe a constellation of new or worsened dysfunctions in the physical,cognitive,or mental health status of critically ill patients after their discharge from the intensive care unit(ICU).These dysfunctions persist beyond the acute phase of illness and have a significant impact on both the patient and their family.Connect,Introduce,Communicate,Ask,Respond,Exit(CICARE)communication advocates that patients should be respected and accepted when receiving medical services.Clinicians should attach importance to the communication mode of feelings,including connection,introduction,communication,ask,response,and exit 6 steps.AIM To assess the impact of CICARE communication on the reduction of anxiety,depression,and post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD)symptoms in patients transitioning from the ICU to other care settings.METHODS This prospective,randomized,controlled study was performed between October 2021 and March 2023.Intensive Care Unit Memory Tool was used to evaluate patients’ICU memory.The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was employed to determine the presence of anxiety or depression symptoms.Impact of Event Scale-Revised was utilized to assess the presence of PTSD.All data were processed and analyzed using R language software version 4.1.0.The measurement data were expressed as mean±SD,and the t test was used.The count data were analyzed by theχ2 test and expressed as[n(%)].RESULTS In total,248 subjects were included in this study.Among them,206 were successfully followed up for three months after transfer from the ICU,and 42 cases were lost to follow-up.There was no significant difference in the composition of ICU memory between the two groups.The application of the CICARE communication nursing model combined with the motivational psychological intervention nursing model,as well as the adoption of only the motivational psychological intervention nursing model,demonstrated favorable effects on PICS.Both groups of patients showed a reduction in anxiety scores,depression scores,and PTSD scores following the implementation of these two nursing models.However,it is noteworthy that the experimental group exhibited greater improvements compared to the control group.CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that CICARE communication nursing mode may have good influence on relieving PICS.

Clinical manifestations,diagnosis and long-term prognosis of adult autoimmune enteropathy:Experience from Peking Union Medical College Hospital

BACKGROUND Autoimmune enteropathy(AIE)is a rare disease whose diagnosis and long-term prognosis remain challenging,especially for adult AIE patients.AIM To improve overall understanding of this disease’s diagnosis and prognosis.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the clinical,endoscopic and histopathological characteristics and prognoses of 16 adult AIE patients in our tertiary medical center between 2011 and 2023,whose diagnosis was based on the 2007 diagnostic criteria.RESULTS Diarrhea in AIE patients was characterized by secretory diarrhea.The common endoscopic manifestations were edema,villous blunting and mucosal hyperemia in the duodenum and ileum.Villous blunting(100%),deep crypt lymphocytic infiltration(67%),apoptotic bodies(50%),and mild intraepithelial lymphocytosis(69%)were observed in the duodenal biopsies.Moreover,there were other remarkable abnormalities,including reduced or absent goblet cells(duodenum 94%,ileum 62%),reduced or absent Paneth cells(duodenum 94%,ileum 69%)and neutrophil infiltration(duodenum 100%,ileum 69%).Our patients also fulfilled the 2018 diagnostic criteria but did not match the 2022 diagnostic criteria due to undetectable anti-enterocyte antibodies.All patients received glucocorticoid therapy as the initial medication,of which 14/16 patients achieved a clinical response in 5(IQR:3-20)days.Immunosuppressants were administered to 9 patients with indications of steroid dependence(6/9),steroid refractory status(2/9),or intensified maintenance medication(1/9).During the median of 20.5 months of followup,2 patients died from multiple organ failure,and 1 was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.The cumulative relapse-free survival rates were 62.5%,55.6%and 37.0%at 6 months,12 months and 48 months,respectively.CONCLUSION Certain histopathological findings,including a decrease or disappearance of goblet and Paneth cells in intestinal biopsies,might be potential diagnostic criteria for adult AIE.The long-term prognosis is still unsatisfactory despite corticosteroid and immunosuppressant medications,which highlights the need for early diagnosis and novel medications.

The European Political Community:Establishment,Motivation and Prospect

The European Political Community(EPC)is a forum-like institution established by the European countries out of their geopolitical needs and to overcome the dilemma of EU enlargement after the outbreak of Ukraine crisis.It has held three summit meetings so far in Prague on 6 October 2022,Burboac on 1 June 2023 and Granada on 5 October 2023 respectively.

Cooperation between EU and India: Motivations and Constraints

In recent years,the EU and India have increased interactions and deepened their cooperation in political,economic and security fields.Amid the backdrop of intensifying great-power rivalry between China and the US and the security confrontation between the US and Russia,the growing ties between the EU and India,as two important forces in the looming multipolar world,will significantly impact the evolution of the international geopolitical structure and China’s external strategic environment.

Impact of motivational interviewing on the quality of life and its related factors in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with poor long-term glycemic control

Purpose:The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of motivational interviewing(MI)on the quality of life and its related factors in type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)patients with poor long-term glycemic control.Design and methods:One hundred tenT2DMpatientswithpoor long-termglycemic control that were hospitalized in our institution were enrolled in this study and randomly assigned to receive eitherMI or routine diabetes education intervention.Patients'body mass index values,Homeostatic Model Assessment-Insulin Resistance(HOMA-IR)scores,and levels of glycated hemoglobin(HbA1C),triglycerides,high-and low-density lipoproteincholesterols,Summary of Diabetes Self-management Activities and Diabetes Specific Quality of Life assessments were recorded before and six months after intervention.Results:Baseline scores for all measurements did not differ between patients in the control and MI groups.Although MI resulted in a significant reduction of HbA1c and serum lipid levels compared with the baseline,the effect was not significantly different from the control intervention.However,the improvement in HOMA-IR scores was significantly greater in the MI group compared with the control intervention(2.8±2.8 vs.5.7±4.7;p=0.000).Moreover,MI significantly elevated diabetes self-management activities ratings compared with the control intervention(13.2±3.4 vs.10.9±4.3;p=0.004).Conclusion:Compared to routine diabetes education,MI is a more effective approach for improving HOMA-IR and self-management of T2DM patients with poor long-term glycemic control.

A Study on Organizational Commitment,Work Motivation,and Job Performance After the COVID-19 Epidemic in Taiwan-The Mediating Effects of Work Motivation and Organizational Communication

The purpose of this study is to explore the correlation between organizational commitment and job performance among employees in Taiwan Residents companies after the COVID-19 epidemic,and to use work motivation and organizational communication as intermediary variables to further understand the interaction between them.Using hierarchical multiple regression analysis and bootstrap method to analyze,the research results show that organizational commitment has a significant positive impact on work motivation and work performance,and work motivation also has a significant positive impact on work performance.In addition,organizational communication has a mediating effect on organizational commitment and work motivation,and work motivation also has a mediating effect on organizational commitment and work machine performance.The results of this study hope to understand the working conditions of organizations and employees after the COVID-19 epidemic,and provide relevant business operators with follow-up references for their operations.

Promoting the Learners’Motivation in Learning Chinese as a Second Language:From Demotivation to Motivational Strategies

Motivation is a key factor that influences the outcome of second language(L2)learning.Chinese as a second language(CSL)learners,however,may experience demotivation in their Chinese learning process which will,more often than not,reduce their learning interest and eventually affect their learning effect,therefore,it is necessary to enhance the learners’motivation level.This article first reviews the research literature in motivation in general,then discusses the CSL learners’demotivation in their Chinses learning process studying in China.Finally,it introduces motivational strategies to activate CSL learners’motivation in learning Chinese.

Motivations and Impacts of the ROK’s Deepening Relations with NATO

In June 2022,President of the Republic of Korea(ROK)Yoon Suk-yeol,only one month into his office,attended the summit of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization(NATO)in Madrid,the first time for the country’s head of state,and announced the establishment of a permanent mission to NATO on the occasion.

Exploring the motivation and barriers that nurses experience when enrolling for a Master’s in emergency and disaster nursing

Background:There is a growing interest in postgraduate nursing education in Saudi Arabia,including the availability of Master’s and PhD degrees in nursing.Consequently,various specialized studies in nursing have emerged,such as the Master’s in emergency and disaster nursing.However,only a limited number of studies have been conducted in Saudi Arabia to explore the factors that can have a positive or negative impact on a Master’s program from the students’perspective.Furthermore,no studies have investigated the motivation and barriers encountered by registered nurses when it comes to enrolling in a Master’s program in emergency and disaster nursing at Taif University.Methods:A qualitative descriptive approach was employed for this study.A total of 12 postgraduate nurses who had successfully obtained a Master’s degree in emergency and disaster nursing from Taif University participated in the research.Results:Two themes emerged from the analysis.The first theme centered around the motivation to enroll in the Master’s degree program,which encompassed the desire to improve knowledge and skills,enhance self-learning abilities,and achieve financial advancement.The second theme focused on the barriers faced when enrolling in the Master’s program,which included challenging admission criteria and requirements,high program costs,and difficulties in obtaining scholarships.Conclusions:This study identified several motivations and barriers related to the enrollment in a Master’s program in emergency and disaster nursing at Taif University.Therefore,it is recommended that efforts be made to increase financial support and facilitate fellowships to support students in their pursuit of this program.

Effect of Collective Bargaining on Employee Motivation in the Zimbabwean Gold Mining Sector

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of collective bargaining on employee motivation in the Zimbabwean gold mining sector.The continued restless among employees at various gold mines in the midlands province has resulted in productivity levels dwindling.There has been increased labour turnover by employees as well as increased union representation to management.Questionnaire were used to collect data.In this article a population of one thousand employees was used.A sample of two hundred employees was selected across the board.The results of the study indicate positive relationships between collective bargaining and job satisfaction among the employees in the Zimbabwean gold mining sector.Implications of these results are that the human resource interventions are required in order to create an environment in which employees can freely engage in collective bargaining.Furthermore,the results indicate that collective bargaining engenders intrinsic motivation and above all allows for the protection of employee’s rights and welfare as well as promoting industrial democracy.This study recommends that managers should guard against preventing or obstructing employees from seeking legal redress to protect their interest.In addition,labour officers should be given the right of reasonable access to workers during working hours at their organisations for the purposes of advising the workers on the law.The employees should be given a latitude to belong to a trade union and or workers committee.

Challenges and Motivating Factors of Orthodontic Treatment among Patients Attending Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital

Background: Orthodontic treatment poses challenges such as discomfort, aesthetic concerns, dietary restrictions, time commitment, and financial considerations for patients. These challenges can deter individuals from pursuing treatment or cause anxiety during the process. However, patients are motivated by the desire to improve their appearance, boost self-confidence, and enhance oral health. They also value the long-term benefits of treatment, including improved dental function and overall well-being. Professional recommendations from dentists and orthodontists, along with social support from family and friends, further encourage patients to undergo treatment. Understanding these challenges and motivating factors is crucial for orthodontic professionals to tailor treatment plans and ensure positive experiences and successful outcomes for their patients. Objective: To determine the challenges and motivating factors of orthodontic treatment among patients attending Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. Method: The study was conducted at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana, with a sample size of 60 orthodontic patients. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS software. Ethical approval was obtained, and the findings were shared with stakeholders. Results: Findings showed a higher representation of females (63.3%) seeking orthodontic treatment. Common motivations for seeking orthodontic treatment included aesthetic Concerns (38.2%), misaligned teeth (28.1%) and recommendation from dentist (19.2%). Challenges reported included pain and discomfort (36.7%), difficulty chewing (15%), expensive treatment (14.4%) and missed appointments (11.7%). Factors motivating treatment continuation were visible improvements (30%), achieving optimal results (23%), reducing pain and discomfort (17%). External influences, such as family pressure, also played a role. Patients appreciated the support of healthcare providers during treatment but suggested better pain management and education. Conclusion: The study provided valuable insights into patient motivations, challenges and factors influencing satisfaction and adherence to orthodontic treatment at KATH.

Barriers and Motivators of Young Dutch Elite Athletes for Optimizing Their Nutritional Intake

Many young elite athletes do not meet their daily energy and nutrient requirements. However, little research has been done on why these athletes do not meet their daily needs. The aim was to research the barriers and motivators of young Dutch elite athletes to optimize their nutritional intake. Quantitative and qualitative research was conducted among 8 handball and 4 volleyball players at the Dutch National Sports Center (17.2 ± 0.8 years). First, the nutritional intake was tracked through food diaries and analyzed in Nutritics. Thereupon, five semi-structured interviews based on the COM-B model were carried out. The interviews were transcribed and coded. The athletes had a reduced intake of energy, carbohydrates, vitamins A, C, E, D, calcium, potassium, zinc, and iron compared to their requirements. Seven themes for optimizing their nutritional intake emerged in the interviews: needs assessment, practical translation, portion size, lack of time, involvement, individuality, and food distribution. Barriers that the athletes experienced were that they did not know what their total daily nutritional needs were and how this translates into practice. In addition, the portion size at dinner was too small. They also had little time to eat a full meal due to time pressure from training and school. On the other hand, motivators were receiving meal options to translate their needs into practice with a distribution of moments when they need to eat. Covering these topics in nutritional workshops where athletes actively participate with more individual focus, could contribute to the optimization of their nutritional intake.