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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Bridging the Motives and Attractor States:How These Dynamics Go While Choosing the Elective English Course?

This study aimed at investigating and implementing the main triggers for enhancing the motivations of taking an elective English course within the sport college students.The researcher explored and analyzed these triggers as the motivational components under the attractor states.In order to observe the dynamics of these college students who have been regarded as unmotivated with the English courses,the researcher designed a semi-structure interview questions related to the motivational components and observed the process of students’implementation,modification,and the relation with attractor states.This study covered Phase 1 for a think aloud question at the beginning of the semester which conducted to 65 sophomores(35 for PE students and 30 for Dance students).Phase 2 designed as three semi-structured interview questions for 10 PE sophomores and 10 dance sophomores.This interview conducted followed by the midterm presentation.Data analysis is under the discussion of attractor states(Waninge,2015).This study demonstrates qualitative method to collect data.The qualitative data were collected through several techniques such as observations,reflections,and student interviews.From the findings,these teacher-specific motives trigger these students’intention to make the decision.These students performed better motivation during the learning path till the midterm presentation.Both their English performance and learning motivation were significantly enhanced.Moreover,they had positive attitude toward learning English and they apparently recognized the value of the presentation.The results were shown in positive improvement in the motives with application of attractor states.Furthermore,a teacher-student relationship was built as one of the most precious fruits of the processes.

Motives for romantic relationships and the risk of heavy alcohol use, regular smoking and cannabis use during adolescence and early adulthood: A longitudinal study

Background: Engaging in sexual activities at a younger age is associated with higher risk of substance misuse among adolescents. It could be hypothesized that substance misuse and certain romantic relationship related behaviors may be influenced by similar hormone and other inner physiological factors that are affected by related motives. This study investigated the association between motives for romantic relationships and the risk of heavy alcohol use, regular smoking and cannabis use from adolescence through to early adulthood. Method: A population-based longitudinal study using data collected from Wave I and Wave III of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Characteristics of romantic relationship ideals (as the proxy of motives) measured in Wave I (mean age: 16 yrs) were applied to predict substance use indicated at Wave III (mean age: 22 yrs) using multivariate analyses. Results: Adolescents who included sexual activities as part of their romantic relationship ideals were at significantly higher risk of cannabis use among males and heavy alcohol use among females. Romantic ideals that included, gift giving (female) or receiving (male), declaration of love (male), marriage (male) and becoming pregnant (female) were associated with reduced risk of one or more types of substance use. Conclusion: In adolescence, sexual motives for romantic relationships were associated with higher risk of substance use and misuse, while motives related to intimacy and commitment in romantic relationships were associated with lower risk.

Motives and Commitment of Entrepreneurs in Hospitality/Tourism Firms in Port Harcourt

This aim of this study is to provide both theoretical and empirical insights on entrepreneurs’ motives and commitments in the hospitality and tourism industry in Nigeria, using simple descriptive statistics and complemented with interviews. The study adopted an exploratory research methodology to explore the phenomena of motives and commitment, using descriptive statistics, particularly mea, and standard deviation to present the extent of occurrences in the study subject. The study is based on a sample of 120 entrepreneurs who are owners of small restaurants in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The results show that entrepreneurs in the hospitality industry are mostly motivated by family related factors such as family tradition, family situation, family line of business, and family prestige. Societal factors are more prominent in the list than both personal and income, financial considerations. The least considered factor that motivates a business start-up is finance or income. The results also suggest that although, entrepreneurs are highly committed to starting and growing their own businesses and are willing to do anything that will help achieve this objective including significant personal sacrifices, they are however, not willing to compromise their family lives.

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.

Wine Tourism in Santorini, Crete:Exploring the Behaviour, Motives, and Intentions of Wine Tourists

Wine tourism is a fast growing sector,with an estimated 30%growth in 2018 and has emerged as a strong and rising area of special interest tourism,representing an increasingly important element of regional and rural tourism development.In Greece wine has played an important role since ancient times,as it was an integral part of nutrition and religion,and by 800BC,Greeks had begun to perfect their techniques in winemaking.Wine tourism in our days,constitutes a factor for attracting visitors from all over the world.The present paper is an effort to explore and investigate the factors that affect the behavior of wine tourists in the island of Santorini,shaping their motives and intentions.More specifically,the aim of this paper is to explore the motivating factors that influence winery visitation,wine tourists’level of satisfaction,interest and knowledge on wine,as well as their demographic characteristics.The methodological approach was based on quantitative research;more specifically a survey was conducted with the use of structured questionnaires.Results showed that the most popular activity for wine tourists visiting Santorini wineries was wine tasting and the main motives influencing the decision for winery visitation involved wine tasting and experiencing the atmosphere of the winery.This research also showed that the most important factors contributing to wine tourist’s satisfaction concerned the attitude,professionalism and knowledge of winery staff,as well as service quality.

Anderson's Motives for Exploring Man's Frustration

Man's frustration is a dominant theme in Anderson's short stories.It is the condensation of his impressions of American life.His motives for exploring the problem include:to reveal the painful experience,feeling and situation of ordinary people during the economic,social and cultural transformations of America;to remind the reader of the choking effects of outworn conventional morality and the destructive effects of modern industrial materialism;to draw the reader's attention to the emotional life of the ordinary people;and to express his own views on and attitudes toward humanity and society.

Should Profit-seeking Fake Goods Buyers Be encouraged?

To mark World Consumer Rights Day every year, China routinely exposes fraudulent transactions and business malpractices on March 15. This year, the spotlight was on people who knowingly purchase fake goods so that they can make a killing by seeking compensation.

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.