Diverse Motivations Research Articles

Clinical comparison of laparoscopic and open surgical approaches for uterus-preserving myomectomy: a retrospective analysis on patient-reported outcome, postoperative morbidity and pregnancy outcomes.

Uterine fibroids pose clinical challenges due to varied symptoms and impact on fertility. Aim of this research is to compare open and laparoscopic myomectomy, with focus on evaluating their effects on patients' quality of life and analyzing their implications for pregnancy outcomes. This retrospective study compares open and laparoscopic myomectomy outcomes in 168 patients treated October 2017 and July 2023. Preoperative characteristics and postoperative outcomes in terms of symptoms and pregnancy outcomes were examined. The patient cohort comprised patients with a high symptom burden. Only 51.2% expressing a desire for future pregnancies, highlighting diverse motivations for uterus-preservation. No significant differences were observed in preoperative symptoms. Larger and multiple myomas were associated with a higher likelihood of laparotomy. Recurrence rates were lower after laparoscopy (10.2% vs. 23.8%, p = 0.02). Cesarean section recommendations were more frequent post-laparotomy group (36.6% vs. 86.6%, p = 0.000). Morbidities and satisfaction showed no significant differences between approaches, with slightly better bleeding improvement after laparotomy. Despite similar pregnancy outcomes, a high proportion of patients did not conceive postoperatively (75.4%). Among patients who became pregnant postoperatively (n = 31), most patients conceived after one year or more, with no dependence on the surgical approach (p = 0.227). Both open and laparoscopic myomectomy surgeries showed high patient satisfaction, symptom alleviation, and comparable pregnancy results. A preference emerged for laparoscopy in terms of cesarean section recommendations and recurrence risk. Laparoscopic procedures tended to offer higher operative satisfaction and fewer complications. The study emphasized the complexity of therapeutic decision-making.

Self-Regulation for Reputation-Sensitive Buyers: SA8000 in China

Industries and firms have diverse motives for adopting self-regulatory institutions. This research develops and tests propositions about one motive—exploiting opportunities to do business with reputation-sensitive buyers—as distinct from self-regulation to defend against regulatory or activist threats. To study the adoption and effects of self-regulation for reputation-sensitive buyers, we study the SA8000 socially responsible employment certification among large firms in China in the early 2000s. Using official longitudinal industrial microdata, we test hypotheses generated by this assumed motive for self-regulation and find that (a) despite concerns about the corruptibility of certification bodies, SA8000 adopters in China exhibited higher precertification worker wages than comparable nonadopters, (b) self-regulation led to increased employment and sales to foreign markets, where reputation-sensitive buyers are concentrated, (c) the positive effect on exports was greater than the (insignificant, negatively signed) effect on domestic sales, and (d) there is no evidence that self-regulation increased worker wages beyond the initial high start. Contrasting these findings with prior research on industry self-regulation for other motives, this study highlights how both adoption patterns and downstream effects differ according to the audience for self-regulation. This paper was accepted by Olav Sorenson, organizations. Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2020.01306 .

Social Media Usage Patterns Among Families That Influence Family Cohesion in Uasin-Gishu County, Kenya

This study examined social media usage patterns among families in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya, and their influence on family cohesion. With internet penetration growing significantly in Africa, social media has become a pervasive element in daily life, facilitating communication, content sharing, and networking. This research explored how various social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube, and others were integrated into family dynamics and their impact on family relationships. The study employed a convergent parallel mixed-methods design, collecting quantitative data through structured questionnaires from 400 respondents aged 15-64 and qualitative data from interviews and focus group discussions with key informants. The analysis covered understanding of social media, sources of awareness, usage patterns, purposes of usage, and the impact of social media on family dynamics. Findings indicated that a significant majority (74.2%) of respondents had a complete understanding of social media, with media, personal experience, and school education being the primary sources of awareness. Social media usage was ubiquitous among family members, with platforms like Facebook (19.6%), WhatsApp (18.4%), and YouTube (16.6%) being the most popular. High frequency and duration of usage, particularly on WhatsApp and Facebook, highlighted their importance in maintaining daily interactions and family connections. The primary purposes for social media usage were entertainment (40.72%), socialization (39.90%), and information sharing (29.33%). The hypothesis tested was that there was no relationship between the usage of social media within the family set up by respondents and the patterns of social media adopted. Several statistical tests were conducted, including Chi-Square, Pearson Correlation, Spearman Correlation, and Independent Samples T-Tests. The Chi-Square Test showed a Pearson Chi-Square value of 48.783 with 48 degrees of freedom and a p-value of 0.441, indicating no significant association (p > 0.05). The Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.056 with a p-value of 0.213, the Spearman correlation coefficient was 0.062 with a p-value of 0.198, and the Independent Samples T-Test showed a mean score of 3.56 (SD = 0.89) for families that used social media and 3.49 (SD = 0.92) for those that did not, with a t-value of 0.84 and a p-value of 0.402. These tests all indicated no significant relationship between family social media usage and social media usage patterns. These findings suggested that individual social media habits were influenced more by personal or external factors rather than family practices. The theoretical implications of this study demonstrated the applicability of the Uses and Gratifications Theory (UGT) and Social Exchange Theory (SET) in understanding social media usage patterns among families in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. UGT explained the diverse motivations behind social media use, highlighting the pursuit of entertainment, socialization, and information. SET provided a framework for understanding how families balanced the benefits and costs associated with social media usage to enhance family cohesion. Together, these theories offered a comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics of social media use within family contexts, emphasizing the need for strategies to maximize benefits and manage conflicts effectively. The study concluded that while social media played a significant role in family life, its usage patterns did not significantly influence family cohesion. Recommendations included enhancing digital literacy, promoting balanced usage, addressing conflicts, supporting positive engagement, and conducting further research to explore the nuanced factors influencing social media usage and family dynamics. These findings provided a comprehensive understanding of social media usage patterns among families in Uasin Gishu County and offered valuable insights for promoting healthy and balanced digital engagement within familial contexts.

Three diverse motives for information sharing

Knowledge is distributed over many individuals. Thus, humans are tasked with informing one another for the betterment of all. But as information can alter people’s action, affect and cognition in both positive and negative ways, deciding whether to share information can be a particularly difficult problem. Here, we examine how people integrate potentially conflicting consequences of knowledge, to decide whether to inform others. We show that participants (Exp1: N = 114, Pre-registered replication: N = 102) use their own information-seeking preferences to solve complex information-sharing decisions. In particular, when deciding whether to inform others, participants consider the usefulness of information in directing action, its valence and the receiver’s uncertainty level, and integrate these assessments into a calculation of the value of information that explains information sharing decisions. A cluster analysis revealed that participants were clustered into groups based on the different weights they assign to these three factors. Within individuals, the relative influence of each of these factors was stable across information-seeking and information-sharing decisions. These results suggest that people put themselves in a receiver position to determine whether to inform others and can help predict when people will share information.

Motivated to Fight: Diverse Motivations of Foreign Fighters in the Russia–Ukraine War

Why fight for someone else’s war? This study explores the motivations of foreign fighters joining the Ukrainian Foreign Legion during the 2022 to 2023 phase of the Russia–Ukraine War. Unlike previous research centered on foreign nationals’ involvement in terrorist organizations and jihadist groups, particularly in the Middle East, this case captures a different trend characterized by institutionalized recruitment processes and tacit international support. Using an original data set of 296 pro-Ukraine fighters compiled from open-source materials, we analyze their stated motivations and demographic characteristics. We found motivations vary based on specific factors. Fighters’ origin includes Westerners fighters for empathy, altruism, and moral duty, while former Soviet fighters are driven by ideology and geopolitics. The complex and context-dependent nature of foreign fighter motivations is highlighted in this study, emphasizing how motivations can shift across time and context. This finding urges future research to consider both general and conflict-specific factors.

Civilian knowledge industries and the ascendance of small and medium-sized states in world politics

In the evolving landscape of international politics, the ascent of small and medium-sized (SMS) states in knowledge industries is notable. As these states, exemplified by Israel, Sweden, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates, harness advanced technological capabilities, their global influence grows. Unlike great powers, SMS states face a heightened risk in developing advanced technology due to limited national resources and the absence of technological redundancies. Our examination of Israel’s experience in the satellite, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence industries serves as a case study demonstrating how an SMS state can establish competitive knowledge sectors. These technologically advanced SMS states attain a status akin to middle powers, challenging conventional perceptions. Analyzing Israel’s commitment to securing these technological fields reveals government intervention aimed at cultivating sustainable knowledge industries and preserving critical knowledge. While diverse motivations drive the technological development of SMS states, their capabilities reshape conventional notions of middle powers and global power distribution.

Digital self-presentation and adolescent mental health: Cross-sectional and longitudinal insights from the “LifeOnSoMe”-study

BackgroundThe intensive use of social media among adolescents has caused concern about its impact on their mental health, but studies show that social media use is linked to both better and worse mental health. These seemingly contradictory findings may result from the diverse motivations, interactions, and experiences related to social media use, and studies investigating specific facets of social media use in relation to mental health and well-being, beyond general usage metrics, have been called for. Aspects of self-presentation on social media, such as feedback-seeking and upwards social comparison have been linked to worse mental health, however, there is a need for more studies exploring the relationship between self-presentation on social media and adolescent mental health over time.AimThe aim of this study was to explore the cross-sectional and longitudinal relationship between aspects of self-presentation and depression, anxiety, and well-being among adolescents.MethodsThis study utilised both cross-sectional and longitudinal datasets from the LifeOnSoMe-study, comprising 3,424 and 439 participants, respectively (OSF preregistration https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/BVPS8). Latent Class Analysis (LCA) was used to identify similar response patterns within the Self-Presentation and Upwards Social Comparison Inclination Scale (SPAUSCIS). Regression models and first differencing methods were applied to evaluate the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between focus on self-presentation and mental health and well-being among adolescents.ResultsA strong emphasis on self-presentation was linked to increased levels of depression and anxiety in both males and females, and reduced well-being in females when compared to those with lower or intermediate self-presentation focus. The effect sizes ranged from small to medium. Furthermore, an escalation in self-presentation focus over time was associated with a slight increase in symptoms of anxiety and depression; however, the association with well-being did not reach statistical significance.ConclusionThe results of the present study suggest that a heightened focus on self-presentation, which includes behaviours such as seeking feedback, employing strategic self-presentation tactics, and engaging in upward social comparisons, is associated with an elevated risk of reduced mental health.

Motivations and Impact of Training of Home Care Workers for Older Adults in Nigeria

Background: The aging population in Nigeria presents a significant challenge to the healthcare system, particularly in providing adequate home care. This study addresses the urgent need for well-trained home care workers as traditional family-based care models become increasingly unsustainable due to urbanization and economic pressures. Objectives: The study explored the motivations and impacts of a two-week training program for home care workers, aimed at equipping participants with essential skills for caring for older adults in Nigeria. Methods: Using a descriptive qualitative approach, including semi-structured interviews with 20 participants, this study investigates the motivations for joining the training program and its impact on professional development and competency in elder care. Results: The findings reveal diverse motivations for participation, including aspirations for career advancement, personal growth, and a strong commitment to providing quality care. The training program significantly enhanced participants' skills, knowledge, and confidence, enabling them to manage complex caregiving situations more effectively and improve the overall quality of care. Conclusions: This research highlights the critical role of specialized training in improving the quality of life for older adults in Nigeria. It emphasizes the need for policy interventions to standardize training for home care workers, ensuring consistent quality of care for Nigeria's aging population and recognizing the profession's essential contribution to the healthcare system.

Typology of esports crowdfunding investors

PurposeOnline fundraising has become a rapidly growing alternative business financing method for esports. Despite this, a lack of attention has been given to its fans' motivations for participating in crowdfunding (CF) projects or behavioral intentions for spectatorship. To address this, the present study (1) categorizes esport CF investors' motivations based on the big five personality traits and (2) compares whether motivations and behavioral intentions for esports spectatorships vary depending on each group.Design/methodology/approachWe applied K-means clustering analysis to classify investors. ANOVA was used to verify whether there were differences in CF motivations and behavioral intentions.FindingsThe study identified six distinct investor segments. Overall, esports CF investors showed high agreeableness and conscientiousness with low neuroticism. Fanatic fans were the most motivated and had the highest spectatorship intentions, driven by strong openness. In contrast, recognition seekers and charity donors exhibited the lowest viewing intentions. Entertainment seekers were highly motivated by excitement and aesthetics, linking CF participation to a strong desire to watch events. Despite higher neuroticism, reward hunters also showed significant viewing intentions, driven by drama and aesthetics. These findings highlight the diverse motivations and their influence on esports spectatorship.Originality/valueThis study investigates the motivations and behavioral intentions of CF investors and spectatorship, which has substantive theoretical and managerial implications for the business of esports.

Not the average farmer: Heterogeneity in Dutch arable farmers’ intentions to reduce pesticide use

Ambitious environmental policies and regulations in Europe aim to reduce pesticide use, yet their implementation faces significant obstacles. Effective strategies that gain support within the farming community require a deeper understanding of the underlying intentions, considering that farmers are a heterogeneous group with diverse beliefs related to socio-demographic characteristics. Using an existing dataset with theory of planned behaviour data from 359 Dutch arable farmers (Bakker et al., 2021), we examined the heterogeneity in intentions and beliefs regarding pesticide reduction. Expanding the analysis with quantile regression models, we show that the influence of attitude becomes increasingly important as farmers' aspirations to reduce pesticide use grow. Additionally, we observed a small positive effect of injunctive norms at the 25th quantile and a small negative effect at the 75th quantile of intention. These findings indicate that the relative impact of these constructs varies across the intention distribution, emphasising the need for more nuanced quantitative analyses of heterogeneity in TPB studies. Using moderation models, we observed variations in the relative impact of attitude, injunctive and descriptive norms on intention across different segments of the farming community, particularly concerning age, educational level, and farm income dependencies. Younger, higher-educated farmers, and those less reliant on farm income demonstrated greater openness towards reducing pesticide usage and adopting alternative crop protection practices. These findings suggest that different farmer segments may respond differently to interventions and incentives. Policymakers can leverage this knowledge to develop more nuanced and targeted strategies that promote pesticide reduction while aligning with the diverse motivations and beliefs present among farmers.

Exploring the Lived Experiences of Home-Educating Families with Young Children in the UK: The Untold Stories.

Recent trends indicate a significant increase in the number of families opting for home education in the UK, yet research dedicated to this area remains limited. Moreover, there is a notable scarcity of studies focusing on the lived experiences of home-educating families of young children. Amidst this context, a new conceptual framework was developed combining the portraiture approach and the life course theory to study five families with young children in the UK. Semi-structured interviews, observations, and curriculum document analysis were used to gain insights into these families' experiences. The study revealed diverse motivations driving parents to choose home education, including concerns about the traditional education system, a preference for personalized learning, and personal lifestyle choices and ideologies. The research data presented suggests that participants had diverse and dynamic daily routines shaped by their unique educational philosophies. In general, parents consistently sought beneficial opportunities to foster their children's social development. Challenges participants faced included curriculum suitability, financial burdens, and managing dual roles within the home. However, participants viewed these challenges as worthwhile because their main aim of educating their children in a purposeful manner was being met. In line with the theme of parental autonomy in education, parents shared their belief in the freedom for families to educate their children outside traditional schools. They supported flexi-schooling, advocated for accessible resources, the inclusion of home-educated children in assessments, and government funding provision.

Smoking cessation program preferences of individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a qualitative study.

To explore the views of tobacco-smoking chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma-COPD overlap (ACO) patients on telehealth-based cessation programs and the role of e-cigarettes as an aid to quit smoking. Tobacco smoking accelerates the progression of COPD. Traditional smoking cessation programs often do not entirely address the unique needs of COPD patients, leading to suboptimal effectiveness for this population. This research is aimed at describing the attitudes and preferences of COPD and ACO patients toward innovative, telehealth-based smoking cessation strategies and the potential application of e-cigarettes as a quitting aid. A qualitative exploratory approach was adopted in this study, employing both focus groups and individual interviews with English-speaking adults with diagnosed COPD or ACO. Participants included both current smokers (≥ 5 cigarettes/day) and recent ex-smokers (who quit < 12 months ago). Data were systematically coded with iterative reliability checks and subjected to thematic analysis to extract key themes. A total of 24 individuals participated in this study. The emergent themes were the perceived structure and elements of a successful smoking cessation program, the possible integration of telehealth with digital technologies, and the strategic use of e-cigarettes for smoking reduction or cessation. The participants stressed the importance of both social and professional support in facilitating smoking cessation, expressing a high value for insights provided by ex-smokers serving as mentors. A preference was observed for group settings; however, the need for individualized plans was also highlighted, considering the diverse motivations individuals had to quit smoking. The participants perceived online program delivery as potentially beneficial as it could provide immediate access to support during cravings or withdrawals and was accessible to remote users. Opinions on e-cigarettes were mixed; some participants saw them as a less harmful alternative to conventional smoking, while others were skeptical of their efficacy and safety and called for further research.

The Appreciation of Tattoo Art among Malaysian

Tattoo art, once considered a taboo in many parts of Malaysia, is increasingly being recognized as a form of personal expression and artistic appreciation. This paper explores the evolving perceptions of tattoos within Malaysian society, emphasizing the factors contributing to their growing acceptance. Historically, tattoos were often linked to indigenous rituals, gang affiliations, or negative stereotypes. However, globalization, exposure to different cultures, and the rise of social media have shifted these perceptions, fostering a more nuanced appreciation of tattoo artistry. Through interviews, surveys, and analysis of tattoo-related media content, this study investigates the diverse motivations behind Malaysians’ decisions to get tattoos, including self-expression, cultural identity, and aesthetic appeal. The findings suggest that while conservative views persist, particularly among older generations and certain religious communities, a significant portion of younger Malaysians view tattoos as a legitimate art form. This demographic shift is influenced by the increasing visibility of tattoo artists, both local and international, who highlight the skill and creativity involved in tattooing. Furthermore, the study discusses the role of tattoo conventions and exhibitions in fostering a community of appreciation and learning. These events provide platforms for Malaysians to explore tattoo designs that resonate with their personal and cultural narratives, challenging traditional stigmas associated with body art. The paper concludes by suggesting that as societal norms continue to evolve, the appreciation of tattoo art in Malaysia will likely expand, reflecting broader global trends toward the normalization of body art as a personal and artistic choice.

Behavioural patterns and dangers: a mixed-methods exploration of simultaneous polysubstance use and intervention strategies among Swiss adolescents.

Recent trends in Switzerland indicate a concerning rise in simultaneous polysubstance use among adolescents, a practice marked by the concurrent or sequential consumption of multiple psychoactive substances, notably alcohol and cannabis, alongside prescription medications (e.g. benzodiazepines) and illicit drugs, resulting in dozens of fatal outcomes. However, data on simultaneous polysubstance use and evidence-based approaches to effective prevention is lacking. The study aimed to explore and gain insights into use patterns, use settings, use motives, harm-reduction strategies, concerns associated with substance use, and support and counselling services from the point of view of adolescents practicing simultaneous polysubstance use in Switzerland. An exploratory study was conducted via an online survey (n = 116) and two focus group discussions with affected Swiss adolescents aged 14 to 20. A mixed-methods approach was applied to gain insights and better understand the phenomenon of simultaneous polysubstance use among Swiss adolescents. Quantitative survey data obtained between November 2021 and March 2023 by means of convenience sampling - organised by distributing flyers (in three national languages) among several project partners, on the internet, over social media and by word of mouth - was analysed descriptively, whereas qualitative survey data and focus group data were thematically explored. A concurrent nested design was employed, utilising quantitative findings as a core foundation for addressing research questions, while qualitative findings were instrumental in validating and providing contextual depth to the results. Our findings reveal a preference of the sample for combining alcohol with cannabis and/or other substances (e.g. benzodiazepines or hard drugs) in social settings, driven by diverse motives, including enhancement of experiences and partly maladaptive coping mechanisms leading to self-medication. Despite some awareness of the potential harms, there is a significant reliance on peer-shared strategies for harm reduction, highlighting a gap in formal support and counselling services, some of which are perceived by adolescents as lacking empathy and relevance. This study underscores the urgency of developing targeted, youth-centred interventions that resonate with the lived realities of adolescents, aiming not only to reduce substance use but also to address the broader psychosocial factors contributing to simultaneous polysubstance use. By shedding light on the complex dynamics of adolescent polysubstance use, our research contributes to the ongoing dialogue on effective prevention strategies, advocating for a holistic approach encompassing education, policy reform and community support to tackle this multifaceted public health challenge.

For sex, ulterior motives or relief: a latent profile analysis of individuals who sext their relationship partner(s)

ABSTRACT Sexting has emerged as a prevalent avenue for individuals to express their sexuality and desires. To explore the diverse motivations to engage in sexting a comprehensive review of existing literature and analysis of survey data from 109 individuals from the United States (collected online 2019, mean age of 29.0 years, 56% identified as female) we employ Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) to identify distinct profiles of sexting motivations. Three primary profiles emerge: those who sext primarily for sexual purposes, individuals who sext to alleviate relational anxiety and those engaging in sexting for ulterior motives such as body image reinforcement or instrumental/aggressive reasons. Notably, each profile exhibits unique patterns of attachment styles and motivations for engaging in sexting behaviours. While the largest number of participants sext to initiate sexual encounters with their partner(s) (n = 44, 40.4%), a significant subset sexts as a coping mechanism for relational insecurities (n = 34, 31.2%) or with manipulative intentions (n = 31, 28.4%). These findings underscore the complexity of sexting behaviours and highlight the need for tailored interventions and awareness campaigns to promote healthy sexual communication and relationship dynamics. Understanding these diverse motivations is crucial for clinicians, educators and policymakers aiming to address the multifaceted implications of sexting in contemporary society.

Systematic Literature Review of Commercial Participation in Open Source Software

Open source software (OSS) has been playing a fundamental role in not only information technology but also our social lives. Attracted by various advantages of OSS, increasing commercial companies are participating extensively in open source development, and this has had a broad impact. Enormous research efforts have been devoted to understanding this phenomenon and trying to pursue a win-win result. To characterize the current research achievement and identify challenges, this paper provides a comprehensive systematic literature review (SLR) of existing research on company participation in OSS. We collected 105 papers and organized them based on their research topics, which cover three main directions, i.e., participation motivation, contribution model, and impact on OSS development. We found that companies have diverse motivations from economic, technological, and social aspects, and no one study covered all the motivation categories. Existing studies categorize five main companies’ contribution models in OSS projects through their objectives and how they shape OSS communities. Researchers also explored how commercial participation affects OSS development, including companies, developers, and OSS projects. This study contributes to a comprehensive understanding of commercial participation in OSS development. Based on our findings, we present a set of research challenges and promising directions for companies’ better participation in OSS.

Neural mechanisms of altruistic decision-making: EEG functional connectivity network analysis.

Altruism is an enigmatic form of prosocial behavior, characterized by diverse motivations and significantinterindividual differences. Studying neural mechanisms of altruism is crucial to identify objective markers of pro- and antisocial tendencies in behavior. This study was designed to delve into the mechanisms of altruism by analyzing EEG-based functional connectivity patterns within the framework of the network approach. To experimentally induce a situation of altruistic decision-making, we employed the Pain versus Gain (PvsG) task, which implies making choices concerning financial self-benefit and pain of the other. Our results reveal that the behavioral measure of altruism in the experiment correlated with emotional empathy, which is in line with the "empathy-altruism" hypothesis. Applying the network approach to EEG functional connectivity analysis, we discovered that the very process of decision-making in the PvsG is characterized by the synchronous activity of structures in the right hemisphere, which are involved in empathy for pain. The prosociality of decisions was reflected in functional connectivity between the rostral ACC and orbital IFG in the left hemisphere and the overall network centrality of the caudal ACC. This finding additionally points to the distinct functional roles of the ACC subregions in altruistic decision-making. The proposed neural mechanisms of altruism can furtherbe used to identify neurophysiological markers of prosociality in behavior.

The influence of real-time quantitative feedback and verbal encouragement on adults' performance in maximal and explosive strength and power in bench press exercise.

In sports practice, a wide array of verbal and non-verbal stimuli can elicit diverse motivations and performance changes. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to compare the impact of various stimuli on maximal strength and power in bench press exercises. This study involved 48 university students (average age 20.5 ± 2.8years; body mass 80.1 ± 20kg; height 174.6 ± 6.7cm; BMI 26.2 ± 6kg/m2) who engaged in an 8-week resistance training program. The students were randomly divided into three experimental groups and one control group. The first group received real-time quantitative feedback (RF) on their power output during the bench press exercise, the second group received verbal encouragement (VE) from an instructor, and the third group exercised without any external stimulus (WS). The control group (CG) underwent only pre- and post-measurements. To compare differences in strength parameters among groups a Two-Way Repeated Measures ANOVA was applied. The results revealed significant improvements in the mean weight for one repetition maximum in the real-time quantitative feedback group (5kg, 9.76%, p = 0.001, d = 0.529) and the verbal encouragement group (5.42kg, 11.51%, p = 0.001, d = 1.201). Positive changes were also observed in the mean power at 20 and 30kg for the RF, VE, and WS groups, but at 40kg, significant improvement was only seen in the real-time quantitative feedback group (247W, 31.30%, p = 0.001, d = 1.199). These findings underscore the effectiveness of selected stimuli in enhancing maximum strength and power during bench press exercises, with real-time quantitative feedback proving to be the most effective stimulus for improving both maximal strength and power.

How they did it: Homeschooled students share their top tips to succeed in dual enrollment and beyond

AbstractThis article examines how personal characteristics contribute to the success of homeschooled students in dual enrollment programs and their transition to higher education, the workforce, or the military. It emphasizes the effectiveness of metacognitive strategies in improving academic achievement and challenges misconceptions about socialization outcomes. The review also acknowledges diverse motivations, methods, and approaches used by homeschooling families. Empirical evidence reveals that homeschooled students excel academically, exceeding national averages in tests and college performance. Interviews with three homeschooled students in dual enrollment programs highlight the significance of parental involvement, self‐knowledge, time management, collaboration, seeking support, and personal growth through social interactions. The findings emphasize the unique benefits of homeschooling, including flexibility, self‐direction, and skill development. The article concludes by discussing the implications for educational practitioners, urging them to utilize the experiences of homeschooled students to adapt their programs to better support dual credit students as a whole.

Pathway to Public Health: Investigating Reasons Behind the University of Sunderland Students Pursuit of Postgraduate Studies

Background: Postgraduate studies in public health are vital for addressing global healthcare challenges. This study examines the factors motivating students at the University of Sunderland to pursue advanced degrees in public health, aiming to understand both personal and external influences on their educational choices. Methods: The study employed a cross-sectional quantitative design, utilizing a structured questionnaire with closed-ended questions. The research was conducted at the University of Sunderland's main and London campuses, targeting postgraduate public health students. Purposive sampling was used to select participants, and data were analyzed using SPSS version 28.0, focusing on descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, and standard deviations. Results: Out of 102 respondents, 94 met the eligibility criteria. The mean age was 31.5 years, with a majority being female (61.8%) and from the African continent (58.5%). Most respondents (52.1%) had clinical experience, and a significant portion (66%) cited career advancement as their primary motivation. Other notable motivations included improving community health (60.6%) and a desire to work in healthcare policy (44.7%). Cultural background significantly influenced motivations related to global health challenges, while academic history significantly affected motivations concerning community health improvement and disease prevention. Discussion: The findings highlight the diverse motivations driving students to pursue postgraduate public health studies, with career advancement being the most significant factor. Cultural and academic backgrounds play crucial roles in shaping these motivations, suggesting the need for tailored support and resources to address the specific needs of diverse student populations. The study underscores the importance of understanding these motivational factors to enhance educational strategies and support services for public health students.