Digital Locomotives

In 1990,a landmark report of the South Commission represented a defining moment for the Global South,calling for South-South cooperation and consecrating the theory of the“locomotives of the South.”The report emphasised that countries in the Global South could not expect former colonisers and imperialist forces to be the driver of their development.“The new locomotive forces have to be found within the South itself,”it argued.

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.

Global Governance and China-Africa Cooperation:Logical Motivation,Historical Foundation and Practical Needs

In 1875,French philosopher Ernest Renan openly stated,“We aspire not to equality but to domination.Countries inhabited by foreign races must become again countries of serfs,farm laborers,and factory workers.”This was a view of global governance based on racism in the 19th century.In 2018,Donald Trump,then President of the United States,in a meeting with members of Congress from both sides of the aisle to discuss reform of the immigration system,talked about immigrants from regions and countries such as Africa and Haiti,and questioned why the United States would take in immigrants from these“shithole countries”.

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.

The Impact of Classroom Evaluation on Chinese Learning Motivation:A Comparative Study of Oral Feedback and Written Comments

Classroom evaluation plays a critical role in shaping students’learning experiences,influencing not only their academic performance but also their motivation and engagement.In the context of primary Chinese language learning,oral feedback and written comments are two prevalent evaluation methods.This paper explores how these different types of feedback impact students’motivation,learning outcomes,and participation.By comparing the immediacy of oral feedback with the systematic nature of written comments,this study seeks to provide insights into how educators can utilize classroom evaluations more effectively to foster motivation in Chinese language learners.The findings indicate that both feedback methods have unique strengths,and a balanced approach may optimize learning outcomes.

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.

A Study on the Relationship between English Learning Motivation and Learning Effect

In order to explore the relationship between college students’English learning motivation and learning effect,this paper uses a questionnaire survey to investigate and analyze the English classroom learning motivation of first-year non-English majors.Based on the final English score,the paper analyzes the correlation between English learning motivation and learning effect.

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.

Infertility as a Motive for Murder in Macbeth

From the perspective of Macbeth's infertility,this paper explores the protagonist's motive for murder in Shakespeare's Macbeth. With the help of an analysis of three major murders in the play,a bond is charted out between the protagonist's barrenness and the murderous acts he commits against the three father figures: Duncan,Banquo,and Macduff.

The Motive of the Murder——The Analysis of the Two Murders in Native Son

This thesis focus on the analysis of the motive of the two murders——made by Bigger Thomas, a black man. The black people's miserable living condition is one of the reasons why the two murders happened. The white's bias towards the black is also responsible for them. Bigger Thomas's deformed, distorted personality is also part of the explanations for the murders.

Motives for Corporate Environmental Responses in Chinese Small-and Medium-Sized Enterprises

Motives for corporate environmental responses( CERs)have received little research attention. This study examines the motives for CERs in Chinese enterprises. In-depth interviews with senior executives of 35 small-and medium-sized enterprises( SMEs)in Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces reveal that China's SMEs have mainly responded reactively to environmental problems. Legitimacy motive is the main reason for the CERs. Strategic motive is also recorded,although to a lesser extent.

Motive-based segmentation of international tourists at Gaurishankar Conservation Area,Nepal

Gaurishankar Conservation Area(GCA)is a recently established natural-based protected area in Nepal,which has witnessed an increase in international visitors.To optimize visitor experience,it is essential to examine motivations to visit along with visitors’characteristics and behavioral dispositions.The purpose of this study was to examine international tourists via a motive-based segmentation approach for GCA.In addition,the study also intended to identify visitor segments’profile characteristics such as socio-demographic,travel behaviors,satisfaction,loyalty intention,and their willingness to pay for higher entrance fees.Data(N=121)were collected among international tourists visiting GCA either as a primary destination or as a transit point.Results identified three distinct segments of visitors–‘local art and culture enthusiast’,‘escapist’,and‘nature adventurer.’Each cluster was different with regards to their sociodemographics,travelbehavior,satisfaction,willingness to revisit and recommend,and willingness to pay to support the environment and cultural resources,and local economy.The insights gained from motive-based segmentation can be beneficial to GCA to develop specific products and promotions and incorporate visitor monitoring&management programs.

Charitable Donation Motives of Wealthy Chinese—A Content Analysis Based on 66 Chinese Philanthropists

Based on Chinese cultural psychology and multi-disciplinary theoretical system,this study establishes an analytical framework of wealthy people’s charitable donation motives.It takes the donation behavior of 66 philanthropists as the research object to discuss charitable donation motives of wealthy people.Through analyzing the content and text of 172 interviews and donation reports,this study verifies the unique influence of acquaintances’charitable motives in Chinese local culture,moral motives in Confucian culture,benevolent people’s love for others,self-promotion,collectivism and patriotism,and differential love on charitable donations of rich Chinese.This study concluded that the donation motives of wealthy Chinese mainly consist of 10 categories,such as expressing appreciation and gratitude,becoming a super representative of philanthropy cause,pursuit of the meaning and value of life,promoting social justice,inheriting the family wealth and family spirit,taking the social responsibility of Chinese entrepreneurs,driving more people to participate in philanthropy cause,improving the welfare of others,acquiring the exchange interests,and due to peer pressure.This research enriches the connotation of“Chinese philanthropy motivation”and discusses the characteristics of philanthropy motives in Chinese context,which can provide reference for improving the donation incentive policies and charitable organization’s fundraising activities.

Motives Underlying Organic Food Consumption in Turkey： Impact of Health, Environment, and Consumer Values on Purchase Intentions

Raising ecological awareness and health concerns create question marks about healthiness and sustainability of conventional foods in customers＇ minds. Due to augmented mass media coverage of environmental problems, health concerns related to consumption of genetically modified food and/or chemical contaminants in food, and consumers＇ increasing interest in healthy nutrition and environmental protection, there is a growing interest for organic foods in all over the world. Growing interest for organic foods, and increasing production and demand in organic food market has made organic food consumption a significant topic of research. Although organic food market and demand for organic foods have also been growing in Turkey, literature regarding organic food consumption is not very extensive. Therefore, this study aims to understand the underlying motives for organic food consumption in Turkey, and to explore the factors affecting Turkish consumers＇ attitudes towards organic foods and the behavioral intention of Turkish consumers to purchase organic food by the help of the theory of reasoned action （TRA）. The results of 622 successful surveys used for this empirical research indicate that Turkish consumers＇ attitudes towards organic foods are determined by perception of organic foods, consumer values, and price perception, while their purchase intention is determined by health consciousness, perception of organic foods, consumer values, price perception, and environmental concerns.