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Language, politics, and identity: challenges to the Panjabi language in IndiaThis paper provides an evidence-based study that evaluates the attitudes of Panjabi speakers in the Panjab region towards the Panjabi language, exploring the underlying reasons shaping those attitudes. Panjabi language activists have expressed concerns about the challenges confronting the language and its vitality. However, due to a noticeable absence of any empirical data these concerns often become entangled in a discourse, questioning the authenticity and reliability of these concerns. This paper, therefore, aims to measure the realistic standing and situation of the language, by undertaking the first, empirical study across nine districts in Panjab, India.
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The email conservation task: testing the validity of an online measure of direct pro-environmental behaviorThere is a need for valid measures of pro-environmental behavior, in particular ones measuring actual behavior. In response, a number of such measures have been introduced recently, however each faces limitations such as high costs, practical use and/or only measure indirect environmental behavior, limiting their scope, accessibility and inclusivity. In response, this study introduces the easily administered and low-cost Email Conservation Task (ECT), which measures direct pro-environmental behaviour (in this case, email use). Here, participants chose between personal costs (time spent on trivial tasks) or environmental costs (receiving unnecessary emails leading to CO2 emissions) across multiple trials. In a pre-registered study testing the validity of the ECT, it was found (as hypothesized) that participants scored higher on the ECT (incurred more personal costs rather than receiving unnecessary emails) when personal costs to them were lower, and scored higher when the environmental costs of receiving unnecessary emails were higher. Finally, total scores on the ECT significantly correlated with scores on three self-reported indicators of pro-environmentalism. Overall, the results of this study support all three hypotheses, indicating that the ECT is a valid measure of pro-environmental behavior that can be implemented across a diverse range of research areas
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The role of intrasexual competition and the Big 5 in the perpetration of digital dating abuseRecent research has examined digital dating abuse through an evolutionary lens, finding people who report intrasexual competitiveness engage in digital dating abuse. Here, we replicated this finding and extended the literature by examining the role of the big 5 personality traits in the perpetration of digital dating abuse, which, to our knowledge, has not been examined in relation to digital dating abuse (n=280). This paper reports findings showing intrasexual competitiveness positively predicts dating abuse; whereby high intrasexual competition is related to high levels of digital dating abuse. Agreeableness was a negative predictor of digital dating abuse; whereby high agreeableness was related to low perpetration of digital dating abuse. Our findings extend the literature exploring digital dating abuse through a variety of theoretical perspectives.
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Further support for the impact of altruistic costs in human mate choiceFrom an evolutionary perspective, the significance of altruistic acts in romantic relationships has been extensively studied, as such qualities are desirable in mate choice. Although prior research has been conducted to determine if altruism influences romantic desirability, little research as focused on the role of altruistic costs in human mate choice, particularly using hypothetical online dating profiles and messages. Our study adopted a three-way mixed-design ANOVA to examine if romantic desirability is influenced by a target being highly altruistic, moderately altruistic or non-altruistic, comparing relationship type in the context of online dating. One hundred eighty participants were asked to read online dating profiles and messaging scenarios, rating how desirable the individual was for a short-term and long-term relationship. The findings of this study partially supported previous research as males and females rated moderately altruistic targets as more desirable than highly altruistic targets. Our findings add to the literature on the role of altruism in mate choice.
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Views of female genital mutilation survivors, men and health-care professionals on timing of deinfibulation surgery and NHS service provision: qualitative FGM Sister StudyBackground Female genital mutilation is an important UK health-care challenge. There are no health benefits of female genital mutilation, and it is associated with lifelong physical, psychological and sexual impacts. The annual cost to the NHS to care for survivors is £100M. Deinfibulation may improve the health and well-being of some women, but there is no consensus on the optimal timing of surgery for type 3 survivors. UK care provision is reportedly suboptimal. Objectives We aimed to explore the views of survivors, men and health-care professionals on the timing of deinfibulation surgery and NHS service provision. Methods This was a qualitative study informed by the Sound of Silence framework. This framework is useful for researching sensitive issues and the health-care needs of marginalised populations. A total of 101 interviews with 44 survivors, 13 men and 44 health-care professionals were conducted, supplemented by two workshops with affected communities (participants, n = 10) and one workshop with stakeholders (participants, n = 30). Data were analysed using a hybrid framework method. Results There was no clear consensus between groups on the optimal timing of deinfibulation. However, within groups, survivors expressed a preference for deinfibulation pre pregnancy; health-care professionals preferred antenatal deinfibulation, with the caveat that it should be the survivor’s choice. There was no consensus among men. There was agreement that deinfibulation should take place in a hospital setting and be undertaken by a suitable health-care professional. Decision-making around deinfibulation was complex. Deficiencies in professionals’ awareness, knowledge and understanding resulted in impacts on the provision of appropriate care. Although there were examples of good practice and positive care interactions, in general, service provision was opaque and remains suboptimal, with deficiencies most notable in mental health. Deinfibulation reportedly helps to mitigate some of the impacts of female genital mutilation. Interactions between survivors and health-care professionals were disproportionately framed around the law. The way in which services are planned and provided often silences the perspectives and preferences of survivors and their families. Limitations Only a minority of the interviews were conducted in a language other than English, and the recruitment of survivors was predominantly through maternity settings, which meant that some voices may not have been heard. The sample of men was relatively small, limiting interpretation. Conclusions In general, service provision remains suboptimal and can silence the perspectives and preferences of survivors. Deinfibulation services need to be widely advertised and information should highlight that the procedure will be carried out in hospital by suitable health-care professionals and that a range of time points will be offered to facilitate choice. Future services should be developed with survivors to ensure that they are clinically and culturally appropriate. Guidelines should be updated to better reflect the needs of survivors and to ensure consistency in service provision. Future work Research is needed to (1) map female genital mutilation service provision; (2) develop and test effective education to address deficits in awareness and knowledge for affected communities and health-care professionals; and (3) develop, monitor and evaluate clinically and culturally competent female genital mutilation services. Trial registration Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN14710507. Funding This project was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment Programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 27, No. 3. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Values in English and Swedish pre-school teachers: a comparative study in early childhood settingsThis doctoral case study research aims to explore the values of English and Swedish pre-school teachers, focusing on their roles and the experiences they provide for 3 and 4-year-old children. Values are beliefs held by individuals to which they attach special worth or priority; and this research recognises that values are personalised and shaped by the social, cultural and political contexts in which the teachers are situated and they act as a prism through which practice is realised. The theoretical framework titled, situated pedagogy is used to help contextualise. Two ‘day in the life of’ videos were filmed (in a Swedish and an English pre-school) using polyvocal ethnography to capture two teachers’ multiple ‘voices’. This aim was to ascertain their values through ongoing dialogue, telling and retelling of their ‘stories’ provoked by their reflections on the video footage. The findings revealed many similarities in the teachers’ values, especially regarding relationships, a play-based pedagogy, valuing parents as partners, the layout of the environment and types of resources utilised, valuing the voice and rights of the child. It is concluded that these similarities are shaped by the underpinning educational policy and the curricula in the teachers’ respective countries.
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Age-related differences in the functional demand placed on the lumbar spine during walking in healthy older versus younger men>Age-related declines in the musculoskeletal system may place additional demands on the lumbar spine during everyday activities such as walking. This study aimed to investigate age-related differences in the functional demand (FD) of walking on the lumbar spine in older and younger adults. A motion analysis system with integrated force plates was used to acquire kinematic and kinetic data on 12 older (67.3 ± 6.0 years) and 12 younger (24.7 ± 3.1 years) healthy men during walking at a self-selected speed along a 10 m walkway. Isokinetic dynamometry was used to acquire the maximal joint moment capacity of the lumbar spine. The FD of the lumbar spine was calculated as the muscle moment during key phases of the gait cycle (GC) relative to the maximum moment capacity of the lumbar spine. The difference in FD between age groups was not significant (p = 0.07) and there were no significant differences between the young group (YG) and older group (OG) for any individual phase in the GC. Despite the lack of statistical significance, the results indicate that a practical difference may exist, as walking was approximately 20% more functionally demanding on the lumbar spine in the OG compared to the YG. Therefore, older adults may employ modified gait strategies to reduce mechanical load whilst walking to fall within the limits of their maximal force-producing capacity in the lumbar spine, which may have implications for injury risk.
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Polycystic ovary syndrome and the internet of things: a scoping reviewPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder impacting women’s health and quality of life. This scoping review explores the use of the Internet of Things (IoT) in PCOS management. Results were grouped into six domains of the IoT: mobile apps, social media, wearables, machine learning, websites, and phone-based. A further domain was created to capture participants’ perspectives on using the IoT in PCOS management. Mobile apps appear to be useful for menstrual cycle tracking, symptom recording, and education. Despite concerns regarding the quality and reliability of social media content, these platforms may play an important role in disseminating PCOS-related information. Wearables facilitate detailed symptom monitoring and improve communication with healthcare providers. Machine learning algorithms show promising results in PCOS diagnosis accuracy, risk prediction, and app development. Although abundant, PCOS-related content on websites may lack quality and cultural considerations. While patients express concerns about online misinformation, they consider online forums valuable for peer connection. Using text messages and phone calls to provide feedback and support to PCOS patients may help them improve lifestyle behaviors and self-management skills. Advancing evidence-based, culturally sensitive, and accessible IoT solutions can enhance their potential to transform PCOS care, address misinformation, and empower women to better manage their symptoms.
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Exploring the views of female genital mutilation survivors, their male partners and healthcare professionals on the timing of deinfibulation surgery and NHS FGM care provision (the FGM Sister Study): protocol for a qualitative study.Introduction Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a significant global health concern and is likely to become an increasingly important healthcare challenge in destination countries such as the UK owing to rising levels of migration from FGM-affected countries. Currently, there is no consensus on the optimal timing of deinfibulation (opening) surgery for women who have experienced type 3 FGM and care provision remains suboptimal in the UK. This qualitative study aims to explore the views of survivors, male partners and healthcare professionals (HCPs) on the timing of deinfibulation and delivery of NHS FGM services. Methods and analysis A qualitative study, informed by the Sound of Silence conceptual framework, will be undertaken via two work packages (WPs). WP1 will explore views on timing preferences for deinfibulation and NHS FGM services through interviews and discussion groups with FGM survivors (n~50), male partners (n~10) and HCPs (n~50). WP2 will use established techniques via two workshops (community (n~20–25 participants) and national stakeholder (n~30–35 participants)) to synthesise qualitative research findings and inform best practice and policy recommendations around the timing of deinfibulation and NHS FGM care provision. Supported by trained interpreters, data collection will be audio recorded and transcribed. Data will be analysed using the framework method to facilitate a systematic mapping and exploration of qualitative data from multiple sources. Ethics and dissemination The study has received ethical approval from the North West Greater Manchester East Research Ethics Committee (18/NW/0498). The outputs for this study will be recommendations for best practice and policy around FGM care provision that reflects the views and preferences of key stakeholders. The findings will be disseminated via conference presentations, peer-reviewed publications, patient groups, third sector organisations and social media.
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“Hopes, worries and expectations” experiences of pregnancy with inflammatory bowel disease: An interpretative phenomenological analysis studyBackground and Aims: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) affects many women of childbearing age. High levels of voluntary childlessness and high levels of pregnancy-related fears have been reported amongst these patients in several quantitative studies. We investigated the lived experiences of pregnant patients to better understand decision-making processes around family planning. Methods: Nine participants between 7 and 34 weeks pregnant (6 Crohn's Disease/3 Ulcerative Colitis), with an age range of 22–39 were recruited prospectively from three United Kingdom hospitals. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and audio recorded. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to interpret the data. Results: Two main themes emerged: 1) IBD is perceived as a threat to family planning; and 2) healthcare professional advice, support, and reassurance was important. IBD was viewed as a potential threat to fertility and reproductive health. Consequently, women's lived experience of pregnancy is shaped by anxiety and pregnancy-related worries for mother and baby. Mothers actively sought out expert medical assurances to alleviate some of the perceived fears. Conclusion: Previous research has repeatedly found that women with IBD exhibit high levels of pregnancy-related worries and anxieties. Our findings find that high levels of anxiety are due to patients’ perceptions that IBD is a threat to their reproductive health and their offspring. Women relied on a medicalized discourse to understand their IBD experiences during pregnancy and actively sought biomedical resources for assistance before and during pregnancy. Consultants should be aware that when dealing with pregnant patients, some women may experience anxiety and require extra support.
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Examining the impact of chatbot-based language learning support, adaptive learning algorithms, and virtual reality language immersion on EFL learners' language learning proficiency and self-regulated learning skills.The rapid advancement of technology has revolutionized language learning, introducing innovative methods that depart from traditional instructional approaches. This study employs a mixed-methods research design to examine the impact of chatbot-based language learning support, adaptive learning algorithms, and virtual reality language immersion on the language learning proficiency and self-regulated learning skills of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners. The research design includes quantitative analysis of language proficiency scores and qualitative exploration of learner experiences with the technological interventions. The theoretical implications of this study are rooted in constructivist and socio-cultural learning theories, which underpin the design and implementation of technological interventions. The triangulation of qualitative and quantitative data revealed that the participants' positive perceptions of the effectiveness of chatbot-based language learning support were supported by the quantitative results, with the variable "chat-bot based support" demonstrating a substantial mean difference compared to other groups. This convergence of findings reinforces the positive influence of chatbot-based support on language learning outcomes and highlights the importance of integrating theoretical perspectives with empirical evidence to gain a comprehensive understanding of the impact of technological interventions on language learning outcomes for EFL learners. The study's findings provide insights into the potential of these technological interventions to optimize language learning outcomes for EFL learners and promote autonomous learning behaviors.
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A study of Palestinian students’ perspectives on their willingness to communicate with foreigners in EnglishWillingness to communicate (WTC) in a foreign language (FL) has become one of the most important affective variables in the context of learning a foreign language including motivation, anxiety, learner beliefs, and many others. This study looks into the underlying causes of English students' propensity to speak English, particularly in higher education settings after the Covid-19 pandemic. The study also determines the WTC of college students in English classes. One thousand students who are presently enrolled in English programs at Palestinian universities constitute the study's participants. The study employed a descriptive research design: a questionnaire was used to collect the data, which were then analyzed using statistical analysis methods in the SPSS program. The findings of the study indicated that the two primary factors negatively affecting the WTC among English learners in Palestine's colleges and universities were personality traits and a lack of confidence in one's speaking abilities.
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Age-related degeneration of the lumbar paravertebral muscles: Systematic review and three-level meta-regressionBackground: Morphological changes of the lumbar spine muscles are not well characterised with ageing. To further the understanding of age-related degeneration of the lumbar spine musculature, normative morphological changes that occur within the paravertebral muscles must first be established. Methods: A systematic review and meta-regressions were conducted adhering to PRISMA guidelines. Searches for published and unpublished data were completed in June 2019. Results: Searches returned 4781 articles. 34 articles were included in the quantitative analysis. Three-level meta-analyses showed age-related atrophy (r = −0.26; 95% CI: −0.33, −0.17) and fat infiltration (r = 0.39; 95% CI: 0.28, 0.50) in the lumbar paravertebral muscles. Degenerative changes were muscle-specific and men (r = −0.32; 95% CI: −0.61, 0.01) exhibited significantly greater muscle atrophy than women (r = −0.24; 95% CI: −0.47, 0.03). Imaging modality, specifically ultrasound, also influenced age-related muscle atrophy. Measurements taken across all lumbar levels revealed the greatest fat infiltration with ageing (r = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.35, 0.74). Moderators explained a large proportion of between-study variance in true effects for muscle atrophy (72.6%) and fat infiltration (79.8%) models. Conclusions: Lumbar paravertebral muscles undergo age-related degeneration in healthy adults with muscle, lumbar level and sex-specific responses. Future studies should use high-resolution imaging modalities to quantify muscle atrophy and fat infiltration.
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Age-related changes in concentric and eccentric isokinetic peak torque of the trunk muscles in healthy older versus younger menThis study investigated age-related changes in trunk muscle function in healthy men and the moderating effect of physical activity. Twelve older (67.3 ± 6.0 years) and 12 younger (24.7 ± 3.1 years) men performed isokinetic trunk flexion and extension tests across a range of angular velocities (15°/s–180°/s) and contractile modes (concentric and eccentric). For concentric trunk extension, mixed-effects analysis of covariance revealed a significant interaction between Angular velocity × Age group (p = .026) controlling for physical activity. Follow-up univariate analysis of covariance revealed that the younger group produced significantly greater peak torque for all concentric extension conditions. Eccentric trunk strength was somewhat preserved in the older group. Age-related changes in trunk strength were independent of physical activity. The normal loss of trunk muscle strength in older age is muscle- and contractile-mode specific. These findings provide guidance for effective intervention strategies to offset adverse health outcomes related to trunk strength loss in older adults.
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Age-related degeneration of lumbar muscle morphology in healthy younger versus older menAim: The aim of this study was to evaluate age-related changes in lumbar paravertebral muscle (LPM) morphology in healthy younger and older adult men. Methods: T2-weighted axial MRI of the lumbar spine were obtained for 12 healthy older (67.3 ± 6.0 years) and younger (24.7 ± 3.1 years) men. Normalised muscle volume (NMV) and muscle fat infiltrate (MFI) were determined bilaterally for the psoas (PS), quadratus lumborum (QL), erector spinae (ES) and multifidus (MF). MANOVA was used to compare NMV and MFI between age groups. Follow-up ANOVA compared NMV and MFI for each muscle between age groups, with physical activity (PA) as a covariate. Stepwise regression was used to explore the association between muscle morphology. Results: NMV of the ES and QL were significantly lower in the older group (OG) (p = 0.040 and p < 0.001, respectively). MFI across all muscles was significantly greater in the OG (p < 0.001). PA did not moderate the relationship between aging and muscle degeneration. Non-dominant handgrip strength was associated with NMV (p = 0.003). Conclusions: Age-related atrophy is muscle specific in the lumbar spine; changes in lumbar musculature is independent of PA, handgrip strength may reflect morphological changes in the postural muscles with age. This study supports establishing effective targeted exercise interventions in the lumbar musculature.
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Application of acute whole-body vibration and lower-body exercise: effects on concentric torque in lower-limb musclesStudy aim: With contrary evidence regarding the effectiveness of acute whole-body vibration training (WBVT) on sporting performance, the current study examined WBVT's effect on concentric torque of the quadriceps (Q) and hamstrings (H). Material and methods: Following ethical approval, 11 male team sport players (age: 22.9 ± 3.3 yrs, height: 1.80 ± 0.07 m, mass: 82.5 ± 12.6 kg) completed three separate weekly WBVT sessions. Baseline and post-WBVT intervention measurements of Q and H concentric torque were recorded, using an isokinetic dynamometer, at each session. Isokinetic knee extension and flexion was performed at 180os-1 through 90o range of motion. For the training intervention, vibration amplitude remained at 2 mm, while frequency was set at 0Hz, 30Hz or 50 Hz; randomised so participants experienced one frequency per session. Torque data (Nm) and H and Q ratio (H: Q) were analysed using 3-way and 2-way ANOVA with repeated measures respectively, with three within subjects' factors: Frequency, muscle group and intervention. Results: Main interaction effect (frequency x muscle group x intervention) was insignificant (P = 0.327). Significant muscle group x frequency (P = 0.029) and muscle group x intervention (P = 0.001) interactions were found. Intervention, regardless of WBVT, significantly increased concentric torque of H (P = 0.003) and significantly reduced concentric torque of Q (P = 0.031). While H: Q x frequency interaction was insignificant (P = 0.262), the intervention significantly improved H: Q (P = 0.001). Conclusions: Team sport athletes experience a muscle-specific response in peak concentric torque to lower-body exercise. Acute WBVT does not provide additional positive or negative effects on Q or H strength.
