English-speaking Regions Research Articles

Hey Google? When patients consult Dr Google about tendinopathy; an analysis of search terms and questions from four English speaking regions across six tendons

Hey Google? When patients consult Dr Google about tendinopathy; an analysis of search terms and questions from four English speaking regions across six tendons

MPSA-DenseNet: A novel deep learning model for English accent classification

This paper presents three innovative deep learning models for English accent classification: Multi-task Pyramid Split Attention- Densely Convolutional Networks (MPSA-DenseNet), Pyramid Split Attention- Densely Convolutional Networks (PSA-DenseNet), and Multi-task- Densely Convolutional Networks (Multi-DenseNet), that combine multi-task learning and/or the PSA module attention mechanism with DenseNet. We applied these models to data collected from five dialects of English across native English-speaking regions (England, the United States) and nonnative English-speaking regions (Hong Kong, Germany, India). Our experimental results show a significant improvement in classification accuracy, particularly with MPSA-DenseNet, which outperforms all other models, including Densely Convolutional Networks (DenseNet) and Efficient Pyramid Squeeze Attention (EPSA) models previously used for accent identification. Our findings indicate that MPSA-DenseNet is a highly promising model for accurately identifying English accents.

Relationship Between Subjective Questionnaires and Videofluoroscopy of Dysphagia Evaluation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Early detection of dysphagia is important for preventing aspiration pneumonia. Although videofluoroscopy is currently the primary diagnostic tool for dysphagia, access to this tool may be limited because of radiation exposure risk, high cost, and other factors. In this study, a meta-analysis was used to determine the strength of the correlation between dysphagia detection outcomes obtained using subjective questionnaires and videofluoroscopy. The PubMed and Embase databases were searched for original articles up to December 2022. Studies published in English that used cross-sectional designs to assess the correlation between subjective questionnaires and videofluoroscopy were considered eligible for inclusion. The search terms used included "dysphagia," "questionnaire," and "videofluoroscopy." Two reviewers critically appraised and extracted the correlation coefficient r values. In addition, a random-effects meta-analysis was conducted. The Q statistic was used to assess the heterogeneity among the included studies. Publication bias was checked using the funnel plot and Egger's tests. Multilevel analysis was used to determine sensitivity to consider within-study correlations. In addition, subgroup analyses were conducted based on type of questionnaire, head and neck cancer, and English-speaking regions. The meta-analysis included five studies and 856 patients using the Eating Assessment Tool-10 and one study and 27 patients using the Sydney Swallow Questionnaire. The results of the random-effects meta-analysis showed a moderate relationship between the subjective questionnaires and videofluoroscopy ( r = .35, 95% CI [0.20, 0.48]). Similar results were also obtained using multilevel analysis ( r = .34, 95% CI [0.25, 0.42]). No publication bias was found for any of the studies ( p = .88). In the subgroup analyses, a moderate relationship between Eating Assessment Tool-10 and videofluoroscopy ( r = .31, 95% CI [0.19, 0.42]) and an ultrahigh relationship between Sydney Swallow Questionnaire and video-fluoroscopy ( r = .74, 95% CI [0.50, 0.87]) were found. Furthermore, moderate associations were observed within each head and neck cancer and English-speaking regions subgroup. However, no significant differences were found between these two subgroups. These results indicate the subjective questionnaires considered in this study share a moderate relationship with videofluoroscopy. Subjective questionnaires may be used as an auxiliary tool by nurses and homecare givers for the early assessment of dysphagia risk in patients.

CRISIS SITUATION AND THE CHALLENGES OF PRIMARY SECONDARY SCHOOL TRANSITION IN THE ENGLISH SPEAKING REGIONS OF CAMEROON

The study aims to identify the challenges that affect primary secondary school transition in crisis situations in the English-speaking regions of Cameroon. The attacks on students and teachers, forcing schools to close, destruction of teaching and learning facilities by Anglophone non-state armed groups have affected the transition from primary to secondary schools. Several hundreds of school children and students have dropped out of school as a result of the crisis that started in 2016. The dropout of students from schools because of the crisis motivated the researchers to carry out this study. The study made use of a qualitative research design. An interview guide was used for individuals and for focus group discussions to collect data. The sample was 60 participants including school dropouts, heads of households, school administrators, civil society, and religious authorities. The purposive sampling technique was employed to select the respondents. Data collected from the respondents was analysed using thematic content analysis. The results indicate the social and cultural norms, economic and systematic factors that limit primary secondary school transition, programmes implemented, and ways to prevent students from leaving schools before completing their studies. All children after finishing primary school would like to enroll in secondary education. The ministries of education should formulate policies and take appropriate measures that will meet international expectations and standards for effective transition from primary to secondary school in Cameroon. Children get the best of their future through education.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/lit/0758/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Constraints on novel word learning in heritage speakers.

Recent research on word learning has found that adults can rapidly learn novel words by tracking cross-situational statistics, but learning is greatly influenced by the phonological properties of the words and by the native language of the speakers. Mandarin-native speakers could easily pick up novel words with Mandarin tones after a short exposure, but English-native speakers had specific difficulty with the tonal components. It is, however, unclear how much experience with Mandarin is needed to successfully use the tonal cue in word learning. In this study, we explored this question by focusing on the heritage language population, who typically are exposed to the target language at an early age but then develop and switch to another majority language. Specifically, we investigated whether heritage Mandarin speakers residing in an English-speaking region and speaking English as a dominant language would be able to learn novel Mandarin tonal words from statistical tracking. It helps us understand whether early exposure to the target feature is sufficient to promote the use of that feature in word learning later in life. We trained 30 heritage Mandarin speakers with Mandarin pseudowords via a cross-situational statistical word learning task (CSWL). Heritage Mandarin speakers were able to learn the pseudowords across multiple situations, but similar-sounding words (i.e., minimal pairs) were more difficult to identify, and words that contrast only in lexical tones (i.e., Mandarin lexical tone) were distinguished at chance level throughout learning. We also collected information about the participants' heritage language (HL) experience and usage. We did not observe a relationship between HL experience/usage and performance in tonal word learning, suggesting that HL exposure does not necessarily lead to an advantage in learning the target language.

The Ordeal of Traditional Authorities and Sacraments in the Cameroon Anglophone Armed Conflict

One of the main challenges that the world and Africa have faced for the past fifty years has been the proliferation of armed conflicts. These armed conflicts mostly occurred paradoxically in areas rich with a variety of cultural heritage. In fact, since WWII, several areas harboring rich cultural heritages have been destroyed by armed conflicts. Frequent armed conflicts turn to destroy the cultural heritage which is an expression of the ways of living developed by a community and passed on from generation to generation, including customs, practices, places, objects, artistic expressions, and values. In reality, cultural heritage can provide an automatic sense of unity and belonging within a group and permit people to better understand previous generations and the history of where they come from. The main objective of this paper is to demonstrate how the armed conflicts in the English-speaking regions of Cameroon (North West and South West regions) are gradually destroying the cultural heritages of communities that live in these two regions. The main question posed in this study is: what are the stakes of armed conflict on the socio-cultural heritage of the English-speaking regions of the republic of Cameroon? How can cultural heritage awareness contribute in resolving the armed conflicts in the area? And finally, what is the future of the people without a cultural background? This cultural effacement has been substantiated by the burning and profanation of traditional palaces with all their contents as well as, the looting, kidnapping, torture, and even killing of traditional authorities who prior to the War held the affidavit of all forms of unity, love and power within these traditional communities. Findings in this paper revealed that, so far, the armed conflict in the English-speaking regions of Cameroon has seriously affected the socio-cultural heritage of several communities in the area of study The fact too that armed combatants of this region have rather concentrated on eradicating all the entire paraphernalia of chieftaincies and its network of norms f hierarchy has made the palaces hitherto held to be sanctuary of all cultures to become unsecured thereby, causing the fons to flee for survival elsewhere, also indicates the pressure brought by this armed conflicts to local norms and traditions. It submits that war does far more than kill just belligerents as it sinks far deep into the yards of effacing established customs and traditions that provide the adhesive threads for most generations. This submission is therefore valid not just for the current armed conflict plaguing the Anglophone regions of Cameroon but also for any society that has resulted to seek justice through armed conflict.

The effect of the anglophone crisis on youth sexual and reproductive health in the Northwest region of Cameroon: a qualitative study

Background The ongoing armed conflict in the two English-speaking regions of Cameroon, named the “Anglophone crisis”, has had a deleterious impact on the health and wellbeing of the populations inhabiting these regions, especially adolescents and youth, but there is sparse evidence on the effect of the crisis on adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health (SRH). This study aimed to describe the effects of the crisis on adolescent SRH and identify stakeholder recommendations for strategies to address the SRH of youth in their crisis-impacted communities. Methods This was a secondary analysis of qualitative data collected during discussion forums with 316 community stakeholders, including parents (n=63), youths (n=81), religious leaders (29), neighborhood leaders (n=23), secondary school teachers (n=28), health professionals (n=37), pharmacists (n=5), local drug vendors (n=13), media representatives (n=12), and non-governmental organization representatives (n=29), in Bamenda, northwest region, Cameroon. A total of 12 homogenous discussion groups of 5 to 41 participants in each were conducted between May and July 2020. Session recordings were transcribed and then analyzed using Dedoose qualitative data management software and a text analysis approach. Results The results indicate that the crisis led to internal displacements and idleness among adolescent and youth, which increased their social and economic vulnerabilities, including to sexual violence and transactional sex. Resulting SRH effects were unplanned pregnancies, sexually transmitted Infections, unsafe abortions, maternal mortality, and psychosocial distress. Community stakeholders recommended that strategies to improve adolescent and youth SRH outcomes in these conflict-hit regions focus on spreading information about SRH, providing SRH services, and addressing issues of idleness. Conclusions The armed conflict in the Northwest region of Cameroon has had consequences on adolescent and youth’s adverse SRH outcomes, such as unintended pregnancies, transactional sex, rapes, unsafe abortions, and maternal death. The findings of this study highlight the importance of raising awareness on SRH risks of adolescents and youth and the necessity of adopting a community approach in developing interventions and policies to improve adolescent and youth SRH in regions affected by armed conflicts.

Performance of GPT-3.5 and GPT-4 on the Japanese Medical Licensing Examination: Comparison Study

Background The competence of ChatGPT (Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer) in non-English languages is not well studied. Objective This study compared the performances of GPT-3.5 (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) and GPT-4 on the Japanese Medical Licensing Examination (JMLE) to evaluate the reliability of these models for clinical reasoning and medical knowledge in non-English languages. Methods This study used the default mode of ChatGPT, which is based on GPT-3.5; the GPT-4 model of ChatGPT Plus; and the 117th JMLE in 2023. A total of 254 questions were included in the final analysis, which were categorized into 3 types, namely general, clinical, and clinical sentence questions. Results The results indicated that GPT-4 outperformed GPT-3.5 in terms of accuracy, particularly for general, clinical, and clinical sentence questions. GPT-4 also performed better on difficult questions and specific disease questions. Furthermore, GPT-4 achieved the passing criteria for the JMLE, indicating its reliability for clinical reasoning and medical knowledge in non-English languages. Conclusions GPT-4 could become a valuable tool for medical education and clinical support in non–English-speaking regions, such as Japan.

Blended Learning and Professional Development of Student-Teachers in the English- Speaking Regions of Cameroon

Aim: This study examined blended learning and the professional development of student-teachers in the two English-speaking regions of Cameroon, within the context of the socio-political crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.
 Methods: The argument for this study anchored on Vygotsky’s Social Constructivism Theory, Tchombe’s Mediated Mutual Reciprocity Theory, Harasim’s Online Collaborative Learning Theory, Garrison’s Self-directed Learning Model, and Pavlov’s Classical Conditioning Theory. A cross-sectional survey research design, with a quantitative approach for data collection was used. A sample of 288 student-teachers, derived using two probability (proportionate stratified and simple random) sampling techniques and one non-probability (purposive) sampling technique, participated in this study. A 39-item self-designed structured blended learning questionnaire for student teachers was used to collect data. The data obtained were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The Principal Component Analysis and Ordinary Least Squares Regression Model were used to test the specific null hypotheses.
 Results: Findings showed that, teacher-directed learning has a positive but insignificant influence on student-teachers’ professional development (Coef. .0009534; P>t=0.988), distance learning has a negative but significant influence on student-teachers’ professional development (Coef. -.1169*; P>t=0.072), self-directed learning (Coef. .1985***; P>t=0.002 and flipped learning (Coef. .23711***; P>t=0.000) both have a positive and significant influence on student-teachers’ professional development.
 Conclusion: The study conclude that blended learning has a significant influence on the professional development of student teachers in the English-speaking regions of Cameroon.
 Recommendation: The study recommend that the blended learning strategy with relevant objectives and content be provided in the training of student-teachers, as well as the training of teacher-trainers on the didactics of the blended learning model integrating information and communication technologies.

The Health Economic Assessment Tool (HEAT) for walking and cycling - experiences from 10 years of application of a health impact assessment tool in policy and practice.

In recent years, walking and cycling have moved into the focus as promising approaches to achieve public health, sustainable transport, climate goals and better urban resilience. However, they are only realistic transport and activity options for a large proportion of the population when they are safe, inclusive and convenient. One way to increase their recognition in transport policy is the inclusion of health impacts of walking and cycling into transport economic appraisals. The Health Economic Assessment Tool (HEAT) for walking and cycling calculates: if x people walk or cycle a distance of y on most days, what is the economic value of impacts on premature mortality, taking into account effects of physical activity, air pollution and road fatalities, as well as effects on carbon emissions. Different data sources were collated to examine how the HEAT in more than 10 years of existence, and to identify lessons learned and challenges. Since its launch in 2009, the HEAT has gained wide recognition as a user friendly, yet robust, evidence-based tool usable by academics, policymakers, and practitioners. Originally designed for use in Europe, it has since been expanded for global use. Challenges for a wider uptake of health-impact assessment (HIA) tools including active transport such as HEAT are the promotion and dissemination to local practitioners and policy makers also outside European and English-speaking regions and in low- and middle-income contexts, further increasing usability, and more generally the advancement of systematic data collection and impact quantification related to walking and cycling.

The Overlooked Disorder: (Un)awareness of Developmental Coordination Disorder Across Clinical Professions

Abstract Objectives Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a common condition with core difficulties in motor skills. Recent research has identified links between DCD symptoms and negative outcomes for mental and physical health. Despite this, DCD appears to still not be well known, even to many clinicians. To date, this has been documented among specific groups of clinicians (e.g., occupational therapists) in primarily English-speaking regions, but has not been compared across specific clinical professions or across countries. Therefore, we conducted a cross-national study to examine if clinicians in primarily English-speaking and German-speaking communities of various professions are sufficiently informed about characteristics of DCD in comparison with ADHD and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Methods N = 346 clinicians responded to questions in an online survey about general awareness and their experience in treating neurodevelopmental disorders, especially regarding specific characteristics of DCD and ADHD. Moreover, we asked them to classify a case vignette with DCD. Results Overall, 58% of participants had heard of DCD but only 42% had treated individuals with DCD. More specific knowledge about DCD and ADHD was low, varied by profession, and was generally reduced among clinicians working in primarily German-speaking communities. Participants often gave an incorrect diagnosis for the case vignette (35% correct responses) but still offered correct treatment recommendations (61% correct responses). Conclusions Awareness of the specific nature of DCD is still lacking for many clinicians. More training about DCD and other neurodevelopmental disorders should be disseminated in clinical training.

From “Anglophone Problem” to “Anglophone Conflict” in Cameroon: Assessing Prospects for Peace

Since 2017, an armed conflict has been raging in the English-speaking regions of Cameroon between separatist forces and the Cameroonian military. This review analyses the historical origins and root causes of the conflict; the trigger mechanism of rising protests and state repression in 2016; the emergence and evolution of the armed conflict over the past 5 years; its impact on civilians; and hopes for peace. However, there is currently little prospect for conflict resolution as the Cameroon government appears intent on ignoring limited international pressure, maintaining the charade that the “security crisis” is over and reconstruction is underway, while continuing its counter-insurgency strategy to militarily defeat the armed separatist groups. We note that, while the desire for peace is profound, the political status quo is no longer tolerable nor acceptable, with conflict resolution dependent on political changes that provide, at a minimum, the Anglophone regions with greater autonomy and protection of their particular identity and institutions.

Conflict and Migration Decision: Empirical Evidence from the North West and South West Regions of Cameroon

Numerous pathways exist to explain people’s inherent motive to migrate from one place to another and multiple factors may be at play simultaneously. The objective of this work was to explore the role of income, psychological and family ties in the non-migration decision in the English speaking regions of Cameroon. Based on data collected primarily from 510 individuals regarding migration decisions and it’s determinant based on a Snowball approach. It was found that individuals with low income had higher tendency of migrating. It was also found that people refused to migrate despite the risk because of family ties. On the other hand, psychological factors have no significant effect on migration decision. Policy recommendations are also discussed.

Psychometric Evaluation of the Drive for Muscularity Scale and the Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory among Brazilian Cisgender Gay and Bisexual Adult Men.

Despite high levels of muscularity concerns among sexual-minority men, most of the existing literature on the drive for muscularity and muscle dysmorphia focuses on heterosexual men and has mainly been conducted in Western and English-speaking regions. The present study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Drive for Muscularity Scale (DMS) and the Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory (MDDI) in Brazilian cisgender gay and bisexual adult men who were 18-50 years old. We evaluated the factor structure of both measures using a two-step, split-sample exploratory (EFA; n = 704) and confirmatory (CFA; n = 705) factor-analytic approach, which supported the original three-factor structure of the MDDI and resulted in a reduced two-factor solution with 13 items for the DMS. Convergent validity was supported through associations of the DMS and the MDDI with eating disorder symptoms, body-ideal internalization, self-objectification beliefs and behaviors, and body appreciation measures. Additionally, we found good internal consistency, and test-retest reliability of both measures. Results support the validity and reliability of the DMS and the MDDI in Brazilian cisgender gay and bisexual adult men and will support future studies exploring these constructs in Brazilian sexual-minority men.

A Critical Appraisal of Web-Based Information on Shoulder Pain Comparing Biomedical Versus Psychosocial Information.

Websites have become a primary way for patients to access health-related information which allows patients to not only understand their condition better but also to engage in better decision-making with their healthcare provider. However, this can be a double-edged sword, as information patients access may not be of high quality, easily readable, or could be biased based on website authorship. This study examines the readability and content quality of common websites about shoulder pain, with a specific focus on biomedical versus psychosocial information. The Flesch reading-ease score (FRES) and Flesch-Kincaid grade level (FKGL) instruments were used to assess website readability. Health on the net code of conduct (HONcode) certification and the DISCERN tool were used to evaluate the reliability and quality of information. Lastly, shoulder-specific content quality and focus was gauged using a shoulder-specific website appraisal tool (SWAT) created for this study. A systematic search protocol was used to identify popular shoulder injury websites. The websites were identified using 5 search terms (shoulder pain, shoulder muscle pain, shoulder impingement, shoulder rotator cuff pain, and shoulder pain diagnosis) across 5 English-speaking regions (US, Canada, UK, Australia, and New Zealand) using the Google search engine. The top 10 websites for each term and region combination were included and combined, yielding 41 original websites for appraisal; several (6) websites were omitted as duplicates, behind paywalls, or non-text (video) for a total of 35 websites appraised. On average, the FRES shoulder pain websites readability was 55.37, which is categorized as "fairly difficult" to read, and a 7th or 8th grade reading level based on the FKGL. For trustworthiness and bias, 57% (20 out of 35) of the websites were HONcode certified. The quality of healthcare information utilizing the DISCERN score averaged 50.92%. Examining shoulder-specific content quality, the average SWAT score was 10.54 out of 14 possible points, with only one website reporting information on psychosocial aspects of shoulder pain. This study suggests that shoulder pain websites present information that is at too high of a reading level for public consumption, has a strong bias towards biomedical causes of shoulder pain, and would benefit from implementation of website screening tools to improve evidence-based content.

Using Deep Learning Techniques in Forecasting Stock Markets by Hybrid Data with Multilingual Sentiment Analysis

Electronic word-of-mouth data on social media influences stock trading and the confidence of stock markets. Thus, sentiment analysis of comments related to stock markets becomes crucial in forecasting stock markets. However, current sentiment analysis is mainly in English. Therefore, this study performs multilingual sentiment analysis by translating non-native English-speaking countries’ texts into English. This study used unstructured data from social media and structured data, including trading data and technical indicators, to forecast stock markets. Deep learning techniques and machine learning models have emerged as powerful ways of coping with forecasting problems, and parameter determination greatly influences forecasting models’ performance. This study used Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) models employing the genetic algorithm (GA) to select parameters for predicting stock market indices and prices of company stocks by hybrid data in non-native English-speaking regions. Numerical results revealed that the developed LSTMGA model with hybrid multilingual sentiment data generates more accurate forecasting than the other machine learning models with various data types. Thus, the proposed LSTMGA model with hybrid multilingual sentiment analysis is a feasible and promising way of forecasting the stock market.

Conflict and Livelihood Changes in the South West Region of Cameroon: A Social Capital Perspective

The relevance of acceptable livelihoods for the socioeconomic wellbeing and human survival cannot be overemphasized especially within a socio-political context. This study attempts to understand the livelihood changes that have taken place between 2015 and 2020 for displaced and resident households within the communities in Manyu from a social capital perspective. Despite being replete with conflicts in the past, the recent uptick of socio-political crisis in Cameroon’s two English speaking regions have led to several deaths, displacement of persons and livelihoods are affected. For a long duration of the crisis (6 years), very little attempt has been made to understand how the crisis is changing the livelihood dynamics of different actors in the affected areas of Manyu Division. As an exploratory study, we employ purposive sampling and simple random sampling to respectively select the two divisions and study communities. Quantitative data was collected using a survey questionnaire and interview guide while for qualitative data, an observation guide, participant observation and key informant interviews were considered. The study reveals that the existing social order of communities is replaced by a new form of chaotic dictatorial and coercive structure without respect for human dignity but self-interest. Also, a common meal can pacify tensions during conflicts by building trust, solidarity and netness for conciliation and social harmony. Greater strides be made between contending faction to resolve the conflict so displaced persons and households could return to normal life.

Future tense—Reorienting higher education toward an unknown future

In view of the recent pandemic and growing wicked problems associated with an uncertain, complex and unknown future, this paper explores academics' conceptualizations of the future. Inspired by Kuhn, we chose the academic conference as a public sphere where members of small networks of trusted peers and other such micro-communities gather, creating and recreating the past, present, and future through conversation and collaboration as the site of this paper. We thematically analyzed 83 calls from 39 conferences covering four English speaking regions: North America, Europe, Africa, and Australia/International and five different conference foci, including Teaching and Learning, SOTL, academic staff/faculty development, educational technology and Future Conferences, from 2019 to 2022. Applying thematic analysis, two main themes emerged in relation to the future: responsiveness and temporality. Responsiveness is reflective of the currently dominant neo-liberal paradigm, which seeks to foster incremental adaptations to changing conditions whereas temporality is indicative of more fundamental shifts in thinking. The findings reflect not just what the future may hold, but potentially deeper changes in the relationship between universities and their past, present, and future.

INCOME ATTAINMENT OF IMMIGRANT WOMEN IN CANADA: DOES REGION OF BIRTH MATTER?

Using data from the 2001 Census of Canada, this study compares earnings of 30-year-old immigrant women and their Canadian born counterparts. The central question is whether region of birth has any impact on the earnings of immigrant women in Canada. Multiple regression analysis results indicate that region of birth has significant impact on the earnings of immigrant women in Canada. More specifically, immigrant women who were born in Asia, Africa and other non English speaking regions were clearly disadvantaged in terms of income attainment compared to Canadian born women. Overall, this study provides a strong evidence of “origin effect” for immigrant women in their country of destination.

Protection of Women in a Conflict Situation: Lessons from the Conflict in the English Speaking Regions of Cameroon

Protection of Women in a Conflict Situation: Lessons from the Conflict in the English Speaking Regions of Cameroon