Motivational Tool Research Articles

A novel motivation tool to encourage smoking cessation in Iraq

Introduction: Smoking is one of the most important causes of diseases and affects the health of the body in general and the health of the lungs in particular. There is a significant increase in smoking rates among Iraqi adults after 2003 until now. The term lung age is a term that can be inferred from it about the extent to which the lungs are affected by causes of diseases such as smoking. Objective: To create knowledge about the importance of using lung age concept in order to encourage smoking cessation. Methodology: A comprehensive search was conducted for many studies on several sites including Google Scholar, Scopus and PubMed in order to find out whether using the concept lung age can encourage smoking cessation or not. Results: Studies have shown that using lung age concept can contribute to motivating smokers to quit smoking twice compared with non-motivated smokers. Conclusion: Smokers knowing their lung age can motivate them to quit smoking and it is important to use this term in developing countries after conducting a spirometer test

Most Current Solutions using Virtual-Reality-Based Methods in Cardiac Surgery -- A Survey

There is a widespread belief that VR technologies can provide controlled, multi-sensory, interactive 3D stimulus environments that engage patients in interventions and measure, record and motivate required human performance. In order to investigate state-of-the-art and associated occupations we provided a careful review of 6 leading medical and technical bibliometric databases. Despite the apparent popularity of the topic of VR use in cardiac surgery, only 47 articles published between 2002 and 2022 met the inclusion criteria. Based on them VR-based solutions in cardiac surgery are useful both for medical specialists and for the patients themselves. The new lifestyle required from cardiac surgery patients is easier to implement thanks to VR-based educational and motivational tools. However, it is necessary to develop the above-mentioned tools and compare their effectiveness with Augmented Reality (AR). With the aforementioned reasons, interdisciplinary collaboration between scientists, clinicians and engineers is necessary.

Web-based applications in higher education: revolutionising language learning in the digital age

This research article aimed to examine the utilisation of web applications in higher education, specifically focusing on their presentation and usage. Methodology: a mixed approach was used in the study. The results showed that by analysing how these applications are used and discussing user perspectives, the study shed light on the interplay between technical functionality and social engagement in information and communication technologies. Students in higher education view educational web applications as supplementary resources, utilising them for tasks such as translation and pronunciation practice. It can be concluded that the active and productive use of educational mobile applications by students in Ukraine has notably increased, particularly in the context of war. The key benefits reported by students included the accessibility and convenience of web-based educational tools. These applications serve as both learning aids and motivational tools, addressing challenges such as remote learning and limited English-language materials. The widespread use of web applications during times of war has proven instrumental in maintaining educational access and quality in Ukraine.

Effectiveness of Incorporating Film Adaptations in EFL Literature Courses: A Case Study in Saudi Arabia

line with the recent and ongoing technological changes in Saudi Arabia, which place greater emphasis on cinema and film adaptations, this study aimed to investigate the effect of incorporating films and visual media into literature courses on students’ understanding of and motivation towards literary texts. The participants were 41 fourth-level female students in the Department of English at Umm Al-Qura University, Saudi Arabia. The treatment group (n=21) read Henrik Ibsen’s play A Doll’s House (1879) and watched the adapted film, whereas the control group (n=20) was asked to only read the play and discuss it in class. The findings revealed that the treatment group performed better in terms of answering questions about play after watching the film adaptation. It is suggested that incorporating film adaptations into literature courses has a positive impact on English as a foreign language students’ understanding of assigned literary texts. This research adds a new case study to the expanding literature. Limitations and future research directions are discussed. KEYWORDS English language, literary texts, motivational tools, students’ comprehension, teaching methods, visual media

FIVE DECADES OF ACHIEVEMENT MOTIVATION RESEARCH IN ELT: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW

Purpose – There is an absence of systematic review papers in the achievement motivation theories literature. In terms of currentresearch trends, English learning motivation is gaining attention as a determiner of success in FLA. Hence, this review aims to trace thetrends in the empirical studies on achievement motivation theories and tools, ranging from 1970 to 2022. Methodology – With a focus on theories, diversity of research participants, and practical ELT-related issues addressed by previousresearchers, this paper applied the PRISMA Systematic Review Protocol to offer a comprehensive synthesis of 91 empirical studieson theories of achievement motivation. Findings – The majority of the published studies were from China and Iran. There was also a large number of studies conducted on tertiary-level learners. Structural equation modelling was found to be the most widely used analysis. In addition, technology-assisted learning is the current trend in achievement motivation research. Significance – This paper offers new insights into the existing achievement motivation literature and identifies the research gaps.This study recommends more studies on expectancy-value theory including in-depth qualitative studies involving culturally diversepopulations and experimental research to develop more effective pedagogical approaches and expand the current understanding ofachievement motivation.

Effect of Employee Motivation on the Performance of Micro- Small and Medium Enterprise in FCT Abuja, Nigeria

The paper investigates the Impact of Employee Motivation on Organizational Performance of SME’s in FCT. The aim of this research is to identify the relation between employee motivation and organizational performance and to examine to examine the effect of salaries on organizational productivity. The study made use of descriptive survey design using frequencies and percentages and with a sample population of 450 employees of selected MSME’s in Abuja. The Spearman Rank Correlation Coefficient was used to test the three hypotheses that guided the study. The result of the analysis indicates that there is a relationship between employee motivation and organizational performance. The researcher recommends that organizations should adopt extrinsic rewards in order to increase productivity and performance. Periodic assessment and regular feedbacks are also recommended as a tool to monitor and enhance the motivational tools put in place.

Optimizing the Use of Lontara Fonts and Characters in Learning Local Content of Bugis Local Language at Junior High School Level in Sidenreng Rappang

This research aims to optimize the utilization of Lontara fonts and characters in the development of teaching materials and local culture-based learning media. It is expected to increase students' learning motivation by presenting learning materials in accordance with the trend of the times and current needs. The implementation of this teaching strategy involves the use of computers as an effective source of instruction and multimedia as a learning motivation tool that can accommodate modern learning styles. With this innovation, it is expected that the ability to use multimedia in the learning process will improve, which in turn will make students more enthusiastic in learning Bugis local content at the junior high school level. Overall, the main contribution of this research is to create relevant teaching strategies in learning, utilize computers as an effective source of instruction, utilize multimedia as a learning motivation tool, and increase students' enthusiasm in learning Bugis local content.

A single-armed proof-of-concept study of Lymfit: A personalized, virtual exercise intervention to improve health outcomes in lymphoma survivors in the pandemic.

Treatments of lymphoma can lead to reduced physical functioning, cancer-related fatigue, depression, anxiety, and insomnia. These side effects can negatively impact the cancer survivor's quality of life. Mounting evidence indicates that physical activities are highly therapeutic in mitigating the short- and long-term side effects of cancer treatments. Yet, lymphoma survivors' participation in physical activities remains suboptimal, which has been further exacerbated by the deleterious effects of isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Lymfit intervention aims to offer motivational support, expert guidance, and a personalized exercise prescription to optimize physical activities among lymphoma survivors. This proof-of-concept study explores implementation feasibility (retention, technical and safety), and the preliminary effects of Lymfit on various health outcomes. This was a single-armed trial with a pre-and post-test design. Twenty lymphoma survivors were recruited to participate in the 12-week Lymfit intervention. Wearable activity trackers (Fitbit) were given to participants as a motivational tool and for data collection purposes. Participants received a personalized exercise prescription designed by a kinesiologist. Physiologic metrics were collected by the Fitbit monitors and were stored in the Lymfit database. Self-reported questionnaires measuring health outcomes were collected at baseline and post-intervention. The retention rate of this trial was 70%. Minimal technical issues and no adverse effects were reported. Lymfit led to significant improvements in sleep disturbances and the ability to participate in social activities and decreased fear of cancer recurrence. It also increased daily steps and decreased sedentary time in participants who did not meet the recommended physical activity guidelines. With access to resources and fitness centers being limited during the pandemic, the Lymfit intervention filled an immediate need to provide physical activity guidance to lymphoma survivors. Findings provide preliminary support that implementing the Lymfit intervention is feasible and demonstrated promising results.

Beyond digital platforms: Gamified skill development in real-world scenarios and environmental variables

The goal of this study is to investigate the efficacy of gamified training programs and the influence of contextual variables on skill learning in the specific context of Saudi Arabia. Current research examines the impact of cultural and socioeconomic variables on the efficacy of gamification as a motivating tool. Moreover, it explores the use of real-world situations in skill-development initiatives, paying special attention to how such programs mesh with the aims of Saudi Vision 2030. The goal of this lofty strategy is to develop a knowledgeable and talented labor force and stimulate economic growth. Incorporating quantitative analysis helps to reveal a statistically significant and positive association between involvement and the enhancement of abilities, lending credence to the efficacy of gamified techniques. Extensive studies have also shown that a wide range of external influences have a major impact on the educational setting. Culture, social status, technical progress, and level of education are just a few examples of the many characteristics that fall under this category. They all contribute significantly to the educational setting. To effectively bridge the gap between academic ideas and their practical manifestations, it is crucial to include real-world experiences. Policymakers, educators, and organizations working to improve skill development within Saudi Arabia's specific context may gain much-needed insights from the aforementioned results.

Staff Rewarding as a Motivational Management Tool

Staff Rewarding as a Motivational Management Tool

Community health workers' barriers and facilitators to use a novel mHealth tool for motivational interviewing to improve adherence to care among youth living with HIV in rural Nepal.

Adherence to treatment regimens is a common challenge in achieving HIV control, especially among youth. Motivational Interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based intervention to facilitate behavior change (such as adherence to treatment) by focusing on the client's priorities and motivations. Community Health Workers (CHWs), who are well situated to engage clients for care, can use MI but studies have shown that they often lose MI skills. While mHealth tools can support CHWs in delivering evidence-based counseling techniques such as MI, it is important to understand the barriers and facilitators in using such tools. Our parent study includes developing and testing a novel mHealth tool called, Community based mHealth Motivational Interviewing Tool for HIV-positive youth (COMMIT+). In this descriptive qualitative study, we share the results from semi-structured interviews with 12 CHWs who used COMMIT+ to engage youth living with HIV, and 7 of their Community Health Nurse supervisors. Our results demonstrate the barriers and facilitators experienced by CHWs in using a mHealth tool to deliver MI for youth living with HIV in rural Nepal, and highlight that supportive supervision and user-friendly features of the tool can mitigate many of the barriers.

MakeCode arcade platform for game-based learning

Currently, there is an increasing demand for specialists in the field of computer science. However, for many children computer science is not as interesting as it could be. They learn many topics in a very short time and usually do not have the motivation to continue their studies in Computer Science. The solution could be teaching through games. In this paper, we describe our research into whether the MakeCode Arcade environment is suitable for teaching programming through games (game-based learning platform). In the research, we compare the responses of 315 male and female students and the responses of elementary and secondary school students. The research showed that boys liked the MakeCode environment more than girls and also that programming games in this environment were more meaningful to them as the girls. In this contribution, we describe also our experiences with using this environment for teaching in extracurricular activity at our university, in normal lessons in primary schools, as a motivational tool for distance workshops and also for workshops for teachers.

Exploring Asian maternal experiences and mHealth needs for postpartum mental health care

Background Mental health care during the postpartum period is notably underexplored within Asian demographics, with barriers such as stigma, privacy concerns, logistical challenges, and a shortage of mental health professionals that limits access to optimal mental healthcare. Previous studies found that mobile health (mHealth) technology has been offering a promising solution to these issues. However, the perspectives of mothers on existing mental health services and their mHealth needs are still not well understood and warrant further exploration. Objective This study aimed to explore the postpartum experiences of Malaysian mothers with postpartum depression (PPD) symptoms and their perspectives on using an mHealth technology to improve mental health care during the postpartum period. Methods We carried out in-depth interviews with six mothers, which were transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. Collaborative discussions and consensus were employed to enhanced reliability. Findings Five main themes related to mothers’ postpartum experiences and perspectives emerged, namely, the existing circumstances of mothers, psychosociological reactions, maternal needs, innovation of care, and suggestions for pragmatic mHealth elements. These themes emphasized the emotional challenges of meeting societal, cultural, and personal expectations. The essential resources identified to be included in the mHealth technology were education on PPD, professional guided self-care, cognitive restructuring, validation of diverse infant feeding practices, and fostering partner support. Furthermore, interactive mHealth features such as mood trackers, notifications, platforms to share, and motivational tools aimed at elevating maternal well-being were also sought. Conclusions Mothers expressed a desire for mHealth services emphasizing the need for these educational tools to be culturally sensitive, accommodating local language and religious practices, and offering support during confinement, to effectively address the unique needs of postpartum mothers. This study highlights the importance of prioritizing practical mHealth interventions as strategic support services to enhance positive postpartum mental care in resource-stricken countries.

Exploring the effectiveness of digital games as motivational tools for English language learning in primary school settings

This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of digital games as motivational tools for English language learning in primary school settings. In recent years, the integration of digital games into educational settings has gained significant attention due to their potential to enhance students' motivation and engagement. However, limited research has explored the specific impact of digital games on English language learning in primary school contexts. To address this gap, a mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative measures of student motivation and language proficiency with qualitative data obtained through interviews and observations. The study involved a sample of primary school students aged 8 to 10 years in Shymkent, who participated in a digital game-based English language learning program over a period of 10 weeks. The findings revealed that the use of digital games positively influenced students' motivation to learn English and contributed to improvements in language proficiency. The students reported high levels of enjoyment and engagement while playing the games, which resulted in increased participation and active learning. Additionally, the qualitative data highlighted the potential of digital games to foster collaborative and communicative skills, as well as to provide opportunities for autonomous learning. However, some challenges, such as limited access to technology and the need for appropriate game design and pedagogical integration, were identified. This research contributes to the growing body of literature on gamification and digital technologies in education, emphasizing the potential of digital games as motivational tools for English language learning in primary school settings.

Online Learning Evaluation (Kahoot!) As A Motivational Tool For Students Learning

We live in an era in which technology develops and evolves every second, making it important to explore its application in teaching and learning outcomes. Traditionally, educators have used passive tools and techniques to deliver information and course materials. However, the spread of technology in the field of education has been followed by the use of various tools in the classroom, such as Kahoot!, a game-based learning platform. This study showed that implementing Kahoot! in an undergraduate course, Seminar and Presentation Skills, at Sultan Qaboos University increased students’ motivation and engagement. Overall, 70.2% of students stated that Kahoot! increased their interest in the course and enjoyment of the class atmosphere. About 64% of the students also appreciated the real-time assessment of their performance in the classroom. The use of Kahoot! improved key skills in students’ attention, creativity, and critical thinking. This study could inspire educators and college instructors to use active learning tools to optimize the learning outcomes of their courses.

Using modern theories of motivation in the practice of personnel management

In a fast-changing world and a competitive business environment, effective personnel management is becoming a critical element of any organization's success. One of the key components of modern personnel management is motivation, which determines the degree of involvement and commitment of employees to the achievement of the company's goals. The essence and role of motivation determine the success of the management strategy and affect the effectiveness of the organization. The article examines the importance of effective personnel management in today's competitive environment and highlights its key aspect – employee motivation. The authors examine modern theories of motivation, such as Maslow's need theory, McGregor's theory «X» and «Y», Vroom's expectancy theory, and equity theory. It is considered how these theories can be used in personnel management practice to create effective motivation systems. The authors note the importance of recognizing and rewarding employees to ensure their motivation and job satisfaction. Modern motivational theories face several problems. First, the individualization of the needs and values of employees makes it difficult to create universal methods of stimulation. Second, the role of intangible incentives and self-fulfillment is becoming increasingly important, but measuring and managing them is a challenge for organizations. In addition, the rapidly changing business environment requires constant updating of motivation strategies, which is also a time-consuming task. The development of current theories of motivation is the key reason for the successful development of a company and ensuring competitiveness in the market. In modern society, the development of motivational tools is determined by flexibility, individualization and emphasis on the personal and professional growth of employees. Technological innovations, a balanced approach to incentives, reflection of company values and employee participation in management create a complex motivation system. Addressing issues of health and stress resistance emphasize the importance of the psychosocial well-being of employees. These directions define a new approach to personnel management aimed at creating sustainable and effective organizations in the modern business environment.

Quantitative Light-Induced Fluorescence (QLF) in Assessing the Efficacy of Dental Floss as An Adjunct to Toothbrushing

Objectives: The objective of this was to determine the of adjunctive usage of interdental mechanical aids along with educational, preventive and motivational actions on plaque reduction using Quantitative Light- induced Fluorescence (QLF-D) in motivated and non- motivated individuals. Materials and Method: 25 dental students were selected for this study, clinical indices, and QLF-D scores were recorded for all, after which they were divided into two groups. All the participants were given standardized toothbrushes and toothpaste. One group was asked to follow the regular oral hygiene methods while the other group was asked to use toothbrushes and floss along with instructions to use them for three weeks. After said period, the participants reported to the clinic and clinical indices and QLF-D scores were recorded again. The data was collected and subjected to statistical analysis. Results: The statistically significant intragroup difference was noted in groups. When comparing the plaque reduction three weeks post-intervention, the Simple Plaque Score (SPS) score showed a significant difference, whereas, the red fluorescence did not show any significant difference. Conclusion: According to the results obtained, we can conclude that patient education using QLF-D was effective as interdental plaque can be visualized by the patients and effectively cleaned using interdental aids like floss, which is difficult with clinical indices alone. So QLF- D can be an effective educational and motivational tool.

The Tradition of Surah Al-Hashr Recitation As A Student’s Self-Protective Method at Sulaimaniyyah Islamic Boarding School Turkey, Indonesia

<p>This study examines the tradition of reciting verses 22-24 of <em>Surah al-Hashr</em>, a practice commonly performed within the <em>dhikr</em> following the compulsory <em>Mag</em><em>h</em><em>rib </em>and <em>Fajr </em>prayers at the <em>Sulaimani</em><em>y</em><em>yah</em> <em>Tahfiz </em>Islamic Boarding School in Pati. In this Islamic institution, all students are mandated to participate in this tradition, ensuring their habitual engagement in their daily lives. Employing a <em>Living Qur'an</em> study and a phenomenological approach, the research methodology relied on observation, interviews, and documentation within an interpretative study aimed at elaborating various human experiences. Additionally, Karl Mannheim's theory was employed to analyze the issue from <em>objective, expressive</em>, and <em>documentary</em> perspectives. This study provides the following conclusions: <em>First</em>, the tradition of <em>Surah al-Hashr</em> verses 22-24 recitation, performed on a daily basis after the compulsory <em>Magrib </em>and <em>Fajr</em> prayers, serves as a motivational tool to inspire readers and to tap into the numerous benefits it contains. <em>Second</em>, the <em>objective</em> meaning of reciting these verses establishes the long-standing nature of this tradition, with the holistic purpose of nurturing students into virtuous and Qur'anic individuals. Whereas, the <em>expressive </em>meaning may offer a self-protection, serving as a formidable shield against external malevolence, particularly for the students, protecting them from evil forces that seek to beguile and interfere human beings. Furthermore, it facilitates the students in their Quran memorization processes. In terms of <em>documentary</em> meaning, this tradition helps fostering religious devotion among students, both to their relationship with Allah (<em>hablun minallah</em>) and their relationship with fellow human beings (<em>hablun minannas</em>).</p>

Implementation of Remote Activity Sensing to Support a Rehabilitation Aftercare Program: Observational Mixed Methods Study With Patients and Health Care Professionals.

Physical activity is central to maintaining the quality of life for patients with complex chronic conditions and is thus at the core of neurorehabilitation. However, maintaining activity improvements in daily life is challenging. The novel Stay With It program aims to promote physical activity after neurorehabilitation by cultivating self-monitoring skills and habits. We examined the implementation of the Stay With It program at the Valens Rehabilitation Centre in Switzerland using the normalization process theory framework, focusing on 3 research aims. We aimed to examine the challenges and facilitators of program implementation from the perspectives of patients and health care professionals. We aimed to evaluate the potential of activity sensors to support program implementation and patient acceptance. Finally, we aimed to evaluate patients' engagement in physical activity after rehabilitation, patients' self-reported achievement of home activity goals, and factors influencing physical activity. Patients were enrolled if they had a disease that was either chronic or at risk for chronicity and participated in the Stay With It program. Patients were assessed at baseline, the end of rehabilitation, and a 3-month follow-up. The health care professionals designated to deliver the program were surveyed before and after program implementation. We used a mixed methods approach combining standardized questionnaires, activity-sensing data (patients only), and free-text questions. This study included 23 patients and 13 health care professionals. The diverse needs of patients and organizational hurdles were major challenges to program implementation. Patients' intrinsic motivation and health care professionals' commitment to refining the program emerged as key facilitators. Both groups recognized the value of activity sensors in supporting program implementation and sustainability. Although patients appreciated the sensor's ability to monitor, motivate, and quantify activity, health care professionals saw the sensor as a motivational tool but expressed concerns about technical difficulties and potential inaccuracies. Physical activity levels after patients returned home varied considerably, both within and between individuals. The self-reported achievement of activity goals at home also varied, in part because of vague definitions. Common barriers to maintaining activity at home were declining health and fatigue often resulting from heat and pain. At the 3-month follow-up, 35% (8/23) of the patients withdrew from the study, with most citing deteriorating physical health as the reason and that monitoring and discussing their low activity would negatively affect their mental health. Integrating aftercare programs like Stay With It into routine care is vital for maintaining physical activity postrehabilitation. Although activity trackers show promise in promoting motivation through monitoring, they may lead to frustration during health declines. Their acceptability may also be influenced by an individual's health status, habits, and technical skills. Our study highlights the importance of considering health care professionals' perspectives when integrating new interventions into routine care.

Pedometer- and accelerometer- based physical activity interventions in Type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AimsAlthough accelerometer- and pedometer-based physical activity (PA) interventions can increase PA, there is no solid evidence for their benefits in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) was to determine the effects of accelerometer- and pedometer-based PA interventions on hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting glucose, weight, BMI, blood pressure, lipids, and PA in adults with T2DM. Data synthesisRecords from MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, LILACS, and Scopus were searched from inception through March 28th, 2022. RCTs of at least two weeks of duration evaluated the effectiveness of pedometers or accelerometers as motivating tools for increasing PA in T2DM patients. This study was registered with PROSPERO and followed the PRISMA reporting guide. Of the 7131 non-duplicated articles retrieved, 24 RCTs (1969 patients) were included. The mean baseline HbA1c of the experimental group of included studies varied from 6.3 ± 0.9 % to 9.0 ± 0.01 %. The accelerometer- and pedometer-based PA interventions resulted in a greater improvement in HbA1c (−0.22 %; 95%CI, −0.4 % to −0.05 %; I2 = 77 %) and triglycerides (−13.11 mg/dL; 95%CI, −25.21 to −1.02; I2 = 22 %) versus control participants. Pedometer ambulatory use as a motivating tool significantly increased PA by 2,131 steps/day (95 % CI, 1,348 to 2,914; I2 = 74 %) in T2DM patients. ConclusionsPedometers and accelerometers are associated with reductions in HbA1c and triglycerides when used as motivating tools. Larger and higher-quality studies are required to determine the full effects of PA as motivated by trackers in T2DM population.