Personal Interests Research Articles

Unveiling the “Whys” of Japanese Third-age Learners’ English Language Proficiency

Japanese third-age English language learners, though growing, are still an under-researched demographic. Grounded on the quantitative results of Japanese third-age learners' English language proficiency (ELP), which is B1 on average, this descriptive-qualitative study explored why the participants got certain levels of ELP. Using the maximum variation sampling, the researchers chose five third-aged Japanese participants from the five cities of Aichi, Japan. The findings reveal two significant themes: motivational factors (with three sub-themes: personal interest, social engagement, and personal enrichment) and factors affecting ELP (with four sub-themes: dynamics of sex and ELP, dynamics of age and ELP, dynamics of education and ELP, dynamics of time and ELP), encourage the examination of learning a language as a means to greater autonomy, cultural sensitivity, and an understanding of the global community. It provides valuable insights for teachers or curriculum designers to improve EFL programs for third-age learners, enhancing accessibility, interest, and effective language acquisition.

Community College Transfer Students’ Agricultural Career Decision Making

This qualitative study examined undergraduates’ perceptions of their career decision-making. All of the participants (N=10) were community college students who transferred to the North Carolina State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. This study examined the various influences that affect a student's career choice and aspirations, including the student’s perception of their abilities, preferences, and pursuing what they feel is a match between these and potential job requirements; background; parental influence; and curricular and co-curricular experiences. This study engaged students in 20 individual interviews: two interviews with each student over the course of the semester. Key findings included the substantial role of personal interests – namely an interest in plants, animals, and being outside – in prompting the students’ decision to pursue agriculture. Most students were influenced by mentors who were employed in the students’ intended careers. In addition, curricular and co-curricular experiences played an essential role in participants’ agricultural career choice and academic major. A primary recommendation is to connect mentors in agricultural careers with community college students to foster the students’ awareness of agricultural careers.

Students’ Decision on The Choice of Academic Disciplines After Secondary Level Education

This study examines the factors influencing high school students’ selection of academic disciplines in Nepal, using data collected through a structured questionnaire from 260 students in Pokhara Metropolitan City. A mixed methods approach was employed, with two colleges selected through purposive sampling and all students surveyed. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses revealed that personal interest is the primary factor in course selection, followed by career prospects, course practicality, financial concerns, and parental guidance, while peer influence is minimal. Challenges such as financial constraints, limited career knowledge, and pressures from academic expectations and parental influence were more pronounced among students from lower-income families and those with higher GPAs. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions, including career guidance, financial aid, and improved access to career information, to support students in making informed academic decisions.

Do managers actually walk the talk? Gender equality in hotel careers in Aotearoa New Zealand

This article offers insights into factors that affect hotel employees’ decisions to make a career in hotels. They are important as there are differences between men’s and women’s career expectations. Career progression in the hotel industry tends to be linear, from entry-level positions to senior management positions globally (Wang, 2013). Employees’ career expectations and values are important, as they drive individual career choices and influence (Kong et al., 2015). Factors such as personal interests, family background, educational level, and gender/race/ethnicity (Metz et al., 2009) all shape individual career hopes, and industry and geographical context change actual outcomes.

Interaction and collision of moral and legal norms in the process of anti-corruption measures implementation: natural and actual aspects

Purpose This paper explores the dynamics between moral and legal frameworks in the context of anti-corruption efforts in Ukraine, particularly under martial law. This study aims to provide a detailed characterisation of how these norms interact and sometimes conflict during the implementation of anti-corruption measures, examining both theoretical and practical aspects. Design/methodology/approach Selecting an appropriate and objective methodology is pivotal to the success of scholarly research. Indeed, it is not merely the choice of specific methods that prove crucial, but rather their skilful integration and systematic application sequence that determines the quality of investigation. To achieve the stated objectives, this research employs a comprehensive system of scientific inquiry methods, applied in a precise sequence aligned with the logic of academic exploration. Findings This paper endeavours to elucidate the fundamental nature of corruption, scrutinises the intrinsic characteristics of moral and legal norms and evaluates their consequential impact on the efficacy of anti-corruption reforms. The research has identified their intricate interrelationships and emergent conflicting attributes through a rigorous comparative analysis of moral and legal norms. The authors conducted research contemporaneously with the implementation of anti-corruption reforms and ongoing military operations in Ukraine. It proposes to harness specific ramifications of the conflict to foster enhanced legal cognisance and cultural awareness, aiming to augment their practical application within the framework of extant anti-corruption initiatives. Originality/value The research’s novel contribution lies in its juxtaposition of moral and legal norms, elucidating their complex interplay and points of contention. It subsequently proposes juridical measures designed to recalibrate individual moral paradigms, whereby the collective welfare of the state assumes precedence over personal interests. Specifically, the research advocates for leveraging the phenomenon of national cohesion precipitated by the conflict to facilitate the implementation and execution of anti-corruption measures, instituting systematic and enduring anti-corruption educational programmes and broadening the conceptualisation of leadership through the assimilation of the “Tone at the top” approach.

Oligarchic Hegemony in Elections: A Criminal Offense Undermining Integrity and Threatening Democracy in Indonesia

The election of the President and Vice President serves as a fundamental pillar of democracy and a crucial moment in the democratic process in Indonesia. However, in recent decades, the hegemony of oligarchs has posed a significant threat to the fairness and integrity of the electoral system. Oligarchs, wielding substantial power and influence, frequently manipulate the electoral process for personal and group interests, often resorting to criminal activities such as bribery, political intimidation, and the misuse of state resources. These actions undermine the legitimacy of elections and erode public trust in the democratic process. This research seeks to analyze the methods employed by oligarchs in the presidential election as criminal acts that damage the integrity of the electoral process in Indonesia. Using a normative legal approach, this research examines various written sources, including books, journals, and empirical data from past elections. The findings reveal a consistent pattern of legal violations by oligarchs that significantly compromise the electoral process. Based on these findings, the research recommends reforms aimed at strengthening the enforcement of criminal laws related to elections and enhancing the capacity of electoral oversight institutions to prevent oligarchic interference. These reforms are crucial for preserving an inclusive and fair democracy in Indonesia.

Community Typology and Voting Behavior in Elections: A Political Sociology Perspective

Regional head elections (Pilkada) are a democratic process that reflects the social dynamics of society in choosing leaders in regional elections, using a sociological approach to understand the social facts of society. This research aims to analyze typologies that influence voter preferences. This research uses qualitative methods with a case study approach in several regions that hold regional elections. Data was obtained through in-depth interviews, observation and documentation studies. The research results show that society can be classified into several typologies, such as pragmatic voters, ideological voters, and traditional voters. Pragmatic voters tend to vote based on personal interests or direct benefits, while ideological voters place more emphasis on the candidate's vision, mission and work program. Meanwhile, traditional voters are influenced by cultural factors, kinship, or personal relationships with candidates. Social factors such as campaign intensity, influence of public figures, and access to information also play an important role in shaping voter preferences. These findings show that voting behavior patterns are not only determined by rational aspects, but also by social and cultural values ​​inherent in society. This research makes an important contribution in understanding voter behavior from a sociological perspective, which can be a reference for stakeholders in designing political strategies that are more inclusive and responsive to community needs. Apart from that, the results of this research can also enrich the study of political sociology, especially in the context of local democracy in Indonesia.

Pengaruh Strategi Joyfull Learning terhadap Minat Belajar Siswa pada Mata Pelajaran PAI di SMP N 1 Sungai Pua Kabupaten Agam

This research aims to determine the magnitude of the influence of the joyful learning strategy on the personal learning interest of class VII students in PAI learning. This research uses a quasi-experimental research method by taking two classes which are used as an experimental class and a control class. This research is a quantitative experimental research, by giving a pre-test and post-test to 52 students in both classes. The sampling technique used for data collection was a learning interest questionnaire. The data analysis technique uses normality, homogeneity tests, then continues with hypothesis testing. The results of the analysis and discussion of the research data obtained a sig. (2-tailed) value for the overall joyfull learning strategy and interest in learning, which shows that there is a significant relationship between the joyfull learning strategy and students' interest in learning in Islamic Religious Education subjects at SMP N 1 Sungai. Pua Agam Regency for the 2023/2024 academic year. The results of the research show that the results of the hypothesis testing that was carried out in the experimental class and control class obtained a sig value. (2-tailed) = 0.010 < α = 0.05, which means H0 is rejected and Ha is accepted. Based on the results of these calculations, it can be concluded that there is an influence of the joyful learning strategy on students' interest in learning in class VII PAI subjects at SMP N 1 Sungai Pua, Agam Regency.

Eco-Tourism: Students' Motivation Towards Learning Hygiene Education in Pulau Redang

The motivation of students to engage in hygiene education plays a vital role in fostering their active participation and understanding of key health practices. However, there is limited research that explores the factors influencing student motivation, particularly in the context of eco-tourism education in Malaysia. This study aims to investigate the motivation levels of school students in Pulau Redang concerning their interest in learning hygiene practices, with a focus on potential gender differences in motivation. Drawing on established motivational theories, the research will employ a survey-based methodology to assess various factors influencing motivation, such as personal interest, environmental awareness, perceived importance, and perceived competence. A total of 427 questionnaires will be distributed to students from diverse educational backgrounds using random sampling, ensuring confidentiality and anonymity. Data analysis will include reliability testing, descriptive statistics, and T-tests to examine gender differences using the SPSS 2.6 program. The results are expected to show high levels of motivation among students, with no significant differences between male and female participants.

Lupus erythematosus and dermatomyositis.

Dr. Irwin Braverman, a luminary in our field of dermatology, united his love of internal medicine with dermatology to pioneer our understanding of the cutaneous manifestations of systemic disease. His meticulous documentation of physical examination findings in his book Skin Signs of Systemic Disease became fundamental to the training of dermatologists worldwide for decades. In the context of autoimmune connective tissue diseases, Dr. Braverman's powerful observation skills proved pivotal in charting the clinical signs and symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus and dermatomyositis. His legacy as a trailblazer in clinicopathologic correlation continues to influence younger dermatologists, emphasizing the crucial role of connecting pathologic findings in the skin to systemic pathology in providing outstanding patient care. We highlight some of Dr. Braverman's personal interests and contributions to lupus erythematosus and dermatomyositis.

Quality Of Life In Post Septorhinoplasty Our Experience

Background: The demand for Septorhinoplasty has significantly increased over past two decades due to increased personal interest, media awareness and advances in surgical techniques. This trend is most common in younger age group for both men and women. The quality of surgery, surgeon’s level of expertise and most importantly the patient’s level of expectation are important factors in patient satisfaction with Septorhinoplasty. Materials and Methods: After approval from ethics committee, a prospective observational study was taken at our tertiary care Centre for a period of 18 months in 32 patients of age group between 18 years to 50 years both males and females both literates and illiterates. NOSE (Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation) questionnaire, which scores nasal function and ROE (Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation) questionnaire, which scores cosmetic status is used to measure the outcome evaluation questionnaire undertaken 1 day prior to surgery, 3 months and 6 months post-surgery and outcome noted Results: The mean pre and post operative nose score were 72.50± (15.34) and 19.06 ±(11.03) respectively. Post op NOSE score was significantly lower than pre op score (p<0.0001). Post op ROE score 75.10± (10.66) were significantly higher than pre op score 28.10± (8.2) (p<0.0001). Conclusion: The present study showed that in our patient population both form and function are overwhelming improved with septorhinoplasty

A Study on Conflict Management Types of Pre-teachers

The purpose of this study was to analyze the conflict management style of college students and develop an educational program necessary for adaptation to school life and use it as basic data. The results of this study were, first, that 'yielding' was the most preferred type of conflict management, while 'competition' was the least preferred strategy. Second, 'cooperation' was highly correlated with 'compromise' overall, and low correlated with 'competition' and 'avoiding'. Third, it can be seen that the higher the interest in oneself, the more the 'avoiding' strategy is preferred, and the higher the interest in the other party, the more the 'yielding' strategy is preferred. It can be seen that 'cooperation' and 'compromise' were preferred when there was low interest in oneself but interest in the other person, and 'competition' was the preferred strategy in situations where both interest in oneself and interest in the other person were low. In addition, it was found that the distance between 'avoiding' and 'cooperation', between 'compromise' and 'yielding' and 'competition' was the farthest in the two-dimensional space.

Stakeholders’ Perceptions Regarding the Impact of the Working Environment on the Occupational Safety, Health, and Well-Being of Street-Based Sex Workers in Brussels

In Belgium, sex work was recently decriminalized to enhance street-based sex workers’ (SSWs’) health. This qualitative study explores stakeholders’ perceptions of the impact of the working environment on street-based sex workers’ occupational safety, health, and well-being in Brussels. In-depth interviews with seven stakeholders directly involved with SSWs were conducted, with data analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The analysis of study data resulted in one theme: “A power imbalance and a lack of concerted efforts among stakeholders are detrimental to the occupational safety, health, and well-being of street-based sex workers”. In Brussels, the majority of SSWs face various challenges due to structural vulnerabilities, thus limiting their choices regarding their work environment and further compromising their health. Limited access to resources and severe constraints within their working environment contribute to a lack of safety and adverse health outcomes. A stigma mechanism fueled by ideology and personal interests prevents the enforcement of their rights regarding their working environment, safety, and health promotion. The lack of involvement of key stakeholders, especially from the public sector, prevents the majority of street-based sex workers in Brussels from benefiting from a sound working environment and the promotion of their health, safety, and well-being.

The Dilemma of Social Media Use by Notaries: Between Officium Nobile and Personal Interest

The Dilemma of Social Media Use by Notaries: Between Officium Nobile and Personal Interest

The Influence of Motivation on Students' Participation in English-Speaking Activities at a University in Vietnam

This study investigates the influence of motivation on students' participation in English-speaking activities at a university in Vietnam. Recognizing that language proficiency, particularly in speaking, is crucial for students in a globalized world, the research examines how intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors impact students’ willingness to engage in speaking activities. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected through surveys and interviews with a sample of students from various academic disciplines. The findings reveal that intrinsic motivation—such as personal interest in mastering English and the desire for self-improvement—significantly enhances students’ active participation. Extrinsic factors, including the pressure of grades, social recognition, and future career opportunities, also play a role, though their influence is often dependent on the level of personal commitment to language acquisition. This study suggests that enhancing both intrinsic and extrinsic motivators can increase participation in English-speaking activities, thereby contributing to improved language proficiency. The results provide insights for educators to design more engaging and supportive language-learning environments that foster both forms of motivation among students.

Certain aspects of seizure and cancellation of property in criminal proceedings

The subject matter of this article is the analysis of the procedure for imposing and lifting the seizure of property in criminal proceedings, which is considered with due regard to the current provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine. Although the issue of seizure of property is given quite a lot of attention in the national doctrine of criminal procedure law, the author in the course of the analysis highlights the currently controversial provisions relating to the regulation of the procedure for imposing and revoking the seizure of property in criminal proceedings and analyzes the court’s conclusions regarding the interpretation of problematic issues in the course of law enforcement, and examines the general approaches to seizure of property in criminal proceedings through the prism of the European Court of Human Rights (hereinafter – ECHR) case law. Among other things, the author examines the issues related to the procedural powers of special subjects of criminal proceedings (Director of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine/deputy Director, Director of the Bureau of Economic Security of Ukraine/deputy Director) in specific cases determined by the criminal procedure law. At the same time, the author demonstrates that there are gaps in the current version of the Criminal Procedure Law in terms of regulating the powers of special subjects of criminal proceedings with regard to preliminary seizure of property without a court order, and also proposes amendments to the relevant article of the CPC of Ukraine with a view to bringing the provisions of the law in line with the general principles and purpose of criminal proceedings. Particular emphasis is placed on the issues related to the imposition and cancellation of seizure of property of a third party whose property is being considered in criminal proceedings, the status of which is regulated by Article 642 of the CPC of Ukraine. The author proposes amendments and additions to the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine aimed at improving the procedures for seizure of property and ensuring the rights and legitimate interests of persons who do not have status in criminal proceedings and whose property becomes subject to seizure during the pre-trial investigation.

A Pragmatic Analysis Of Accommodation In Selected Political Discourses In Nigeria

This paper examines accommodation in selected political discourses in the Nigerian political landscape. The study begins by looking at how the lack clear political ideology and/or the total disregard for it by some Nigerian politicians them to defect from one political party to another and how they employ the nuances of language to prove their allegiance to the new political parties/political associates on the one hand while on the other, using language to distance themselves from their former political parties/former political associates. The data utilized for this study was obtained from secondary sources comprising newspapers and social media handles such as twitter currently X. After the data analysis using Howard Giles’s (1973), Communication Accommodation Theory as its framework, the study established that politicians who defect from one political party to another converge their speeches to show absolute allegiance and gain acceptance in their new party while also using language , to distance themselves from their former political parties. The findings also revealed that in the face of rampant defections, defectors are sometimes pressured into going the extra mile to prove their allegiance to their new political parties or associate by demonizing their former political parties and/or associates whom they once praised to high heavens. The paper concludes by condemning the exploitation of language to surreptitiously pursue personal interests under the guise of contributing to nation building and deepening of democracy.

Determining the Applicability and Use of the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory in the Context of Water Conservation

Urgent action is needed to educate the public and encourage water conservation behaviors amidst the global threat of water scarcity impacting billions by 2050. Crafting tailored educational programs about water conservation is crucial for incentivizing behavior change and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Intrinsic motivation, which is shaped by personal interests and values, plays a fundamental role in understanding individual behavior in various contexts, and therefore may aid in our understanding of water conservation behaviors. Despite the widespread application of the intrinsic motivation inventory (IMI) to measure intrinsic motivation, its adaptation and utilization in water conservation education remains largely unexplored, prompting this study to establish a relevant scale for intrinsic motivation in the context of water conservation education. Data were collected from 907 respondents in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama and subsequently analyzed using an exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis to establish and confirm factor structures related to intrinsic motivation, perceived competence, perceived choice, and relatedness in water conservation. The study findings established the Water Conservation IMI as a reliable tool for measuring intrinsic motivation in water conservation education. Further validation of measures for extrinsic motivation in environmental literature are needed to enhance comprehensive education strategies for sustainability.

Native Administration Sanitary Inspectors and the British Colonial Hygiene Programme in Western Nigeria, c. 1930–1940s

Summary This article explores a colonial sanitation programme in Nigeria during the interwar period: the training and employment of Africans as sanitary inspectors to improve public health. From the early 1930–45, local health inspectors trained to educate the African public on modern hygiene principles emerged in a society where poverty made people pursue their changing personal interests in ways that challenged colonial laws and deviated from ethical standards governing behaviour in African society. In this landscape, some African sanitary inspectors and local chiefs articulated other meanings to the colonial hygiene project. Beyond the conventional racial analysis of colonial health, the article critiques the agentive role of local rulers and sanitary inspectors who shaped the health intervention. It concludes that by 1945, the well-intentioned programme had developed complications expected in an environment of budget restraint and economic hardship, transforming Yoruba towns into sites of power struggle between sanitary inspectors and the people.

Exploring Multimedia Tools in Italian Language Education: Perspectives of Teachers, Educators and Adult Learners

Recently, numerous studies have examined the use of digital applications in language teaching for both youth and adult education during and after the pandemic. Our study aims to identify the challenges faced by adults and the motivations driving them to learn foreign languages. Also, we assess their ability to utilize and benefit from modern technological advancements, especially in digital tools used in distant learning. The responses of 106 adult participants were analyzed using the SPSS statistical program, revealing various factors such as work development, personal interests, age, and individual characteristics unique to each participant. The findings indicate that there are significant gaps in adult education that warrant further exploration in future research, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches to address these unique adult learning needs.