Search Results (292)

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly explored in counselor education, yet its pedagogical implications remain underexamined. This study investigated counselor trainees’ experiences using ChatGPT (GPT-4o) as a simulated client for role-play practice, aiming to assess its potential benefits and limitations as a supplemental training tool. Using qualitative content analysis, AI-simulated counseling session transcripts were coded based on dimensions such as authenticity, emotional expression, consistency, self-awareness, and cultural dynamics. Additionally, a focus group interview provided insights into trainees’ perceptions. Findings indicate that AI simulations offered a psychologically safe, flexible environment for practicing counseling skills, reducing performance anxiety, and fostering confidence before working with real clients. Participants emphasized the importance of detailed prompts to enhance realism and complexity, while noting limitations such as overly agreeable responses, lack of emotional nuance, and cultural neutrality unless explicitly prompted. Overall, trainees viewed AI as a valuable supplement rather than a replacement for live practice. These results suggest that generative AI can enhance experiential learning when integrated thoughtfully with structured guidance, ethical oversight, and culturally responsive design. Future research should explore strategies to improve authenticity and emotional depth in AI simulations to better support counselor competency development. Full article

Disproportionality in missing persons cases raises critical questions about forensic and legal decision making. In the UK, Black individuals comprise 14% of missing persons but only 3% of the population. This study analysed 18,266 cases from nine police forces in England and Wales to examine how case characteristics and ethnicity influence risk assessments. Analyses proceeded in three stages: (i) descriptive profiling of demographic, contextual, and risk-related factors; (ii) statistical comparison across ethnic groups; (iii) predictive modelling of how these characteristics influence risk classification. Ethnicity did not independently predict risk classification once other characteristics were controlled for. However, characteristics disproportionately associated with Black missing persons, such as youth and care orders, were linked to lower risk classifications. In contrast, White individuals were more often reported with mental health, health, or harm risks, which strongly predicted high-risk classification. This suggests police decision making may be indirectly shaped by ethnicity via associated characteristics, raising concerns about equity in assessment and investigative prioritisation. Potential mechanisms include underreporting of vulnerabilities in minority communities and inconsistencies in police recording practices. The study highlights the need for culturally informed, evidence-based decision frameworks in missing persons investigations to support just and accurate decision making in policing. Full article

Background/Objectives: Integrating behavioral health and primary care services is a national public health priority in the US, especially in underserved settings like northern Arizona. This healthcare delivery model is crucial to meet the mental and physical health needs of people with SU/SUDs, particularly those belonging to culturally diverse populations. In collaboration with a behavioral health center in northern Arizona, the current study aimed to assess the perspectives of providers and administrative staff on the implementation of integrated primary care (IPC) services for people with SU/SUDs. Methods: In February 2023, twelve healthcare providers and administrative staff from diverse educational backgrounds were recruited using purposive sampling to capture a range of perspectives on IPC implementation at the behavioral health center. Participants completed individual, semi-structured interviews conducted via Zoom, which were audio recorded and lasted approximately 30 min. The interview recordings were transcribed verbatim using Trint Software, and analyzed on Google Docs using applied thematic analysis. Two researchers coded the transcripts, iteratively developing and refining themes through multiple cycles of review and team discussions. Additional team members provided feedback and verified the themes, with consensus reached through collaborative meetings. This rigorous, iterative approach ensured the reliability and validity of the final thematic framework. Results: We found that IPC supports SU/SUDs recovery by providing holistic care that integrates medical, mental health, and addiction services while addressing social and co-occurring needs. It fosters an empathetic environment where clients do not need to repeatedly disclose their SU/SUDs, improves access to preventive care, and offers continuous support and education. Implementation barriers included workforce shortages, limited internal communication, and insufficient interdisciplinary training. Gaps in culturally centered care were identified, including reliance on Western models, limited representation of Native American and sexual and gender minority staff, and inconsistent use of inclusive practices such as pronouns, traditional healing, and trauma-informed approaches. Additionally, community partnerships with multisectoral organizations help clients access supportive resources beyond the facility, including vision care, clothing, and dental services. Conclusions: The implementation of IPC was seen as important to support the behavioral health center in northern Arizona to foster an empathetic environment where clients with SU/SUDs can have their mental, physical, and social needs addressed, either within the facility or through community partnerships, thereby supporting their recovery. However, progress is hindered by barriers such as workforce shortages, limited internal communication, and insufficient interdisciplinary care training. Additionally, despite regular cultural competency training, gaps remain in culturally centered care for underserved populations, particularly Native American and sexual and gender minority clients. Full article

The developmental competence of oocytes is a critical limiting factor in bovine in vitro embryo production (IVEP). Our study aimed to investigate the relationship between the intrafollicular concentrations of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and progesterone (P4), follicle characteristics, and the subsequent developmental success of bovine oocytes. Follicular fluid (FF) and corresponding cumulus–oocyte complexes (n = 314) were collected from FSH-stimulated heifers. A novel, high-sensitivity Surface Plasmon Resonance Imaging biosensor was used to quantify IL-10, while P4 was measured by an enzyme-linked fluorescent assay. Oocytes were individually cultured to assess cleavage (Day 3) and blastocyst formation (Day 7). Statistical analysis revealed that intrafollicular IL-10 concentration was a significant positive predictor of developmental success, significantly correlating with blastocyst rate (ρ = 0.29, p = 0.016). Oocytes from follicles with IL-10 concentrations above an optimized cutoff of 142.16 pg/mL had a 16.33-fold greater chance of developing into a blastocyst (p = 0.006). A predictive model combining IL-10 and oocyte morphology demonstrated the highest accuracy for predicting blastocyst success (AUC = 0.724). Conversely, poor oocyte morphology (Grade 4) and large follicular volume (>1200 µL) were significantly associated with developmental failure. Intrafollicular P4 concentration was not directly correlated with embryo development but rather with follicle size. Our findings identify intrafollicular IL-10 as a potent biomarker for predicting bovine oocyte competence and suggest that its quantification using sensitive biosensor technology could enhance the efficiency of IVEP programs. Full article

Endometriosis (ENDO) and poor ovarian response (POR) represent challenging conditions in assisted reproduction. Both, associated with altered follicular fluid (FF) composition, specifically impact on granulosa cell (GC) function in an incompletely understood way. GCs from male factor (MF, n = 30), ENDO (n = 38), and POR (n = 27) patients were cultured in media supplemented with FF from each group (FF-MF, FF-ENDO, FF-POR). Proliferation, morphology, and secretory activity (cortisol, estradiol, progesterone, IL-6) were assessed. GC proliferation depended primarily on FF origin, being highest with FF-ENDO, intermediate with FF-POR, and lowest with FF-MF. Morphological analysis revealed enrichment of muscle-like and fibroblast-like morphologies under FF-ENDO and FF-POR, suggestive of dysregulated luteinization and extracellular matrix remodeling. Secretory activity reflected a complex interplay between GC origin and FF type: IL-6 was strongly induced by FF-MF and FF-POR but consistently suppressed by FF-ENDO; cortisol and estradiol were generally consumed, while progesterone synthesis was largely confined to MF-GCs, with only variable induction in ENDO-GCs exposed to FF-POR. These findings indicate that pathological FF milieus reprogram GC behavior in distinct ways, with potential consequences for luteal function and oocyte competence. Identifying the molecular mediators of these alterations may guide tailored strategies to improve ART outcomes in ENDO and POR patients. Full article

Background: Culturally diverse patients with diabetes often face barriers that contribute to poor outcomes. Providing culturally sensitive care requires awareness of how cultural beliefs influence management, yet no standard model of cultural competency exists, underscoring the need for further research. Aims: To evaluate the level of cultural competence among healthcare professionals in caring for patients with diabetes, and to assess the impact of cultural competence training on their ability to deliver culturally sensitive, patient-centered care. Methodology: A systematic review was conducted of primary research articles published between 2015 and 2025 that examined the cultural competence of healthcare providers in diabetes care, described relevant training programs, and evaluated their impact. The databases searched included Medline, CINAHL, ProQuest, and the Nursing and Allied Health Database. Result: A total of 15 studies were included in the review. Seven assessed the cultural competence of diabetes care providers, reporting moderate to high levels of awareness and sensitivity but noting gaps in communication and cultural knowledge. Eight studies evaluated training interventions, all of which demonstrated improvements in provider attitudes and self-perceived competence. Some also reported better patient outcomes, particularly among high-risk groups. However, the long-term effects were inconsistent, and no single assessment tool proved universally effective. Conclusion: This systematic review suggests that the cultural competence of healthcare providers in diabetes care remains limited, although some evidence indicates that interventions can enhance competence. The findings may assist researchers in selecting appropriate measures to evaluate cultural competence in diabetes care. Full article

Background/Objectives: High turnover and staff shortages in nursing pose challenges to professional integration and compromised patient safety. Structured onboarding programs are considered key strategies to enhance adaptation, reduce clinical errors, and promote retention. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a structured onboarding program compared with the standard routine on early professional adaptation, safety culture, and satisfaction among newly hired nurses and nursing assistants. Methods: A prospective quasi-experimental study was conducted between 2022 and 2024 in three private hospitals in Madrid. A total of 200 newly hired health professionals (128 nurses and 72 assistants) were assigned alternately to either the intervention group (structured onboarding program) or the control group (usual routine). The intervention comprised three consecutive days of guided training with mentorship, simulation-based learning, and digital tool instruction. Adaptation was assessed with the validated GAML scale, and satisfaction was measured through a Likert survey one month later. Statistical analyses included Mann–Whitney U, Chi-squared tests, and linear regression. Results: The intervention group achieved significantly higher scores across all competency domains for both nurses and nursing assistants, with overall medians of 25 [22–27] and 22 [20–23.25], respectively, compared with notably lower values in the control groups (p < 0.001). The greatest improvements were observed in digital tool management, clinical protocol knowledge, problem-solving and decision-making, and patient safety practices, demonstrating the strong impact of the structured onboarding program. In terms of satisfaction, participants in the intervention group also reported higher ratings for the clarity and completeness of information, particularly regarding hospital structure, service-specific orientation, and occupational risk prevention. However, global satisfaction differences were more pronounced among nurses than nursing assistants. Conclusions: The structured onboarding program demonstrated substantial benefits in professional adaptation, safety culture, and perceived preparedness of newly hired staff. These findings support integrating standardized onboarding plans as part of hospital quality and safety strategies, requiring sustained leadership and resource investment for long-term success. Full article

Background: Nursing is an essential pillar in health services provision; however, its social value is often underestimated. The public image of, and society’s attitude toward, the profession is commonly influenced by stereotypes and biases. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the predictive influence of empathy, professional values and communication skills on the social image and attitude towards nursing. Methods: A cross-sectional, correlational study was conducted in the Valencian Community, Spain. Snowball sampling was used for data collection from 300 participants (81% female; mean age 35.85 years, SD = 14.99). Empathy, professional values and communication skills were measured, and a structural equation model was proposed to assess their influence. Results: Professional values were significant predictors of both social image (β = 0.41) and attitude toward nursing (β = 0.34). Similarly, communication skills predicted social image (β = 0.31) and attitude (β = 0.37). Empathy also emerged as a significant, though minor, predictor. Collectively, these three factors explained 30% of the variance in social image and 39% in attitude toward the profession. The main limitations arise from the severe demographic bias of the snowball sample (skewed toward women, young, and highly educated individuals) and the modest explanatory power (R² of 30–39%). This limits the generalizability of the findings and suggests the need for future research on omitted variables, such as working conditions and organizational culture. Conclusions: Empathy, professional values and communication skills are key competencies contributing to a more positive social image of and attitude toward nursing. Investing in the development of these competencies can significantly enhance the recognition and appreciation of nursing within the healthcare system. Full article

Background: Faculty burnout in allied healthcare education institutions represents a significant challenge with implications for educational quality, organizational effectiveness, and healthcare workforce development. This scoping review aims to map the existing literature on the relationships between leadership approaches, faculty personality factors, and burnout within allied healthcare education, while examining digital competence as a potential moderating factor. Methods: This scoping review followed the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Five electronic databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, ERIC, PsycINFO, and Web of Science) were searched for relevant studies published between 2010 and 2024. Studies examining burnout among allied healthcare educators in relation to leadership, personality traits, or digital competence were included. Data extraction captured study characteristics, methodological approaches, key findings, and theoretical frameworks. Quality assessment was conducted using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Results: Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Existing research indicates significant relationships between leadership styles and faculty burnout rates, with transformational leadership consistently associated with lower burnout scores. The literature reveals that individual personality traits demonstrate significant relationships with burnout vulnerability, with emotional stability and extraversion showing the strongest protective effects. Limited research has examined digital competence in relation to burnout, though emerging evidence suggests it may function as a moderating factor. Significant gaps exist in non-Western contexts and in understanding interaction effects between leadership, personality, and digital competence. Conclusions: The current literature supports the importance of leadership approaches that emphasize collaboration, faculty autonomy, recognition, and professional development opportunities in protecting against burnout in allied healthcare education settings. Digital competence represents a promising but understudied job resource that may mitigate burnout effects. Future research should explore cross-cultural variations, interaction effects between personal and organizational factors, and the effectiveness of interventions in reducing faculty burnout. Full article

This study aims to examine the corporate values of IBEX35-listed companies and compare them with the sustainability governance information in their Non-Financial Statements (NFSs) to identify cultural patterns indicating high sustainability governance maturity (HSGM). The study uses the Cultural Fit Assessment Method (CFAM©) based on the Competing Values Framework (CVF) and six cultural archetypes (People, Goals, Digital, Innovation, Norms, ESG). It also incorporates sector-specific indicators related to sustainability governance from the IV Comparative Report of the NFS of IBEX35-listed companies published in 2021 by Ernst and Young (E&Y). A fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) was conducted to identify patterns of corporate culture that explain the high maturity levels of sustainability governance. The results reveal two sector-level paths to HSGM in which Digital emerges as a core presence condition and ESG appears as a core absence condition (~ESG). ESG does not emerge as a necessary condition; instead, HSGM arises configurationally. The first combination encompasses the presence of people, goals, and digital cultures, coupled with the absence of innovation, norms, and ESG archetypes, resulting in an HSGM model. The other alternative to obtaining HSGM is through a cultural combination of the absence of people, goals, and ESG cultures alongside a strong emphasis on digital, innovation, and norms archetypes. This study offers a unique approach to assessing the maturity of sustainability governance based on corporate culture. Identifying patterns of corporate culture that indicate high maturity levels of sustainability governance offers practical guidance on how organizations can enhance their sustainability practices. Full article

Background: Childhood obesity is a growing public health challenge in Poland and worldwide, associated with serious long-term health consequences. Effective prevention requires family-centered, evidence-based interventions that actively engage both children and their caregivers. This study presents the Finnish Smart Family practice—an evidence-based lifestyle counseling method developed by the Finnish Heart Association—and describes its adaptation and implementation in Poland as part of the EU Health4EUkids project. The study emphasizes the method’s practical utility for professionals working with families of children with obesity. Methods: The Smart Family approach is a structured lifestyle counseling method based on findings from the Special Turku Coronary Risk Factor Intervention Project (STRIP) that is grounded in health psychology and strength-based counseling principles. Unlike traditional counseling, which focuses mainly on information transfer, Smart Family promotes motivation, families’ active participation, and recognition of their strengths in areas such as nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and oral hygiene. The method uses practical tools including the Smart Family card, other supporting materials, and dedicated online platforms for both families and healthcare providers. These tools enable families to self-assess their lifestyle, select discussion topics during visits, and set achievable goals while supporting professionals in initiating non-judgmental, collaborative conversations. In Poland, the program was adapted using culturally appropriate materials and professional training, followed by pilot implementation in primary healthcare and educational settings that included pre-implementation planning, practical training sessions, the application of intervention tools, and outcome evaluation. Results: Pilot implementation demonstrated high usability and effectiveness. The approach enabled non-judgmental, supportive engagement with families, facilitated active participation in setting health goals, and promoted sustainable lifestyle changes in nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and other health behaviors. Evaluation highlighted the importance of supporting program objectives at the national level, standardizing child healthcare practices, and engaging media and local authorities to create a supportive ecosystem. Conclusions: The Polish experience confirms that Smart Family is an evidence-based intervention that strengthens professional competence, provides practical tools for family-centered care, and supports the long-term prevention of child-hood obesity and related non-communicable diseases. Its integration into healthcare and educational settings offers a promising strategy for improving public health outcomes. Full article

Somatic embryogenesis (SE) in Narcissus offers significant potential for both horticultural propagation and pharmaceutical applications. In this study, embryogenic callus lines derived via primary and secondary SE were evaluated under different in vitro conditions to assess the effects of medium type (liquid vs. solid) and composition (proliferation vs. regeneration) on biomass growth and somatic embryo formation. Lines derived from primary SE (LC1–LC4) were less efficient compared to those obtained through secondary SE (LC5–LC7). Cultures cultivated in liquid proliferation medium for eight weeks showed a greater biomass accumulation than those grown on solid medium. Multivariate analyses revealed distinct growth patterns and responses to medium type among the callus lines. The LC5 and LC7 lines formed a separate cluster characterized by superior biomass proliferation and embryogenic competence. An eight-week culture in a liquid proliferation medium followed by a transfer to a solid medium of the same composition resulted in the highest somatic embryo yield in the LC5 line (54.4 embryos per 0.5 g of callus). Under the same conditions, the LC7 line showed the highest biomass growth (a 23.4-fold increase), but its embryogenic response was more effectively stimulated when the callus was initially proliferated on a solid medium and then transferred to a regeneration medium. Full article

Purpose: The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the effects of commonly used dietary supplements on soccer performance and to bridge the gap between scientific evidence and their practical application by practitioners working with elite soccer players. Methods: Relevant literature involving dietary supplement use in soccer players was identified through searches of PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science. Additionally, insights were gathered from a cross-sectional online questionnaire completed by practitioners (nutritionists, physicians, sport scientists, strength and conditioning coaches, and heads of performance) working with first-division men’s teams across five European leagues. Eligible respondents were over 18 years old with >2 years of experience in elite sport. The 20-question survey, designed on Qualtrics and pilot-tested for content validity, covered practitioner background, beliefs about supplementation, and real-world practices. The study was approved by the Ethical Independent Committee in Genoa, Italy (Ref. 2020/12). Results: Among performance-enhancing supplements, caffeine has been shown to improve endurance, sprint performance, power, and cognitive function, while creatine consistently enhances short-duration, high-intensity efforts. Beta-alanine and sodium bicarbonate help reduce the buildup of acidity in muscles during repeated high-intensity exercise, supporting repeated sprint performance. For hydration and endurance support, dietary nitrates improve blood flow and oxygen delivery to muscles, and glycerol enhances fluid retention in hot environments and during compressed match schedules, where players compete in multiple matches within a short recovery window. Regarding recovery aids, protein and tart cherry supplementation have been shown to accelerate recovery, reduce muscle damage, and support training adaptations. Field insights revealed that creatine and caffeine were widely adopted by practitioners (>90%), with protein powders also commonly recommended (>80%). In contrast, beta-alanine, tart cherry, and dietary nitrates were only partially integrated into daily practice (30%, 32%, and 48.5%, respectively), while sodium bicarbonate (24%) and glycerol (10.5%) were used by a minority. Conclusions: Although scientific evidence provides a strong foundation for the efficacy of dietary supplements, their translation into elite soccer practice is shaped by a range of practical factors, including cultural resistance, taste preferences, gastrointestinal side effects, established team routines, and individual player preferences. These findings highlight the importance of targeted education for players and staff, individualized supplementation plans, and close collaboration between nutritionists, coaches, and medical teams. However, our survey did not directly assess reasons for non-implementation. In addition to practical barriers reported by practitioners, unfamiliarity with current evidence likely contributes to this evidence–practice gap. Full article

This study examines how domain-general (processing speed and receptive vocabulary) and domain-specific (symbolic and non-symbolic comparison) cognitive skills contribute to early informal mathematical thinking in preschoolers. The aim was to assess the invariance of these predictive relationships across two sociocultural contexts: Chilean and Spanish samples. A total of 130 children participated, and structural equation modeling was used to estimate latent structures and test multigroup invariance. The results revealed a consistent latent structure across samples and a significant contribution of symbolic and non-symbolic comparison to early math performance, while processing speed and vocabulary showed context-specific variations. These findings indicate that although foundational mathematical competencies rely on common cognitive mechanisms, cultural and educational contexts modulate the strength of these associations. This study contributes to understanding the cognitive architecture underlying early numeracy and highlights the importance of culturally sensitive assessment and intervention strategies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Despite the increasing recognition of person-centered care (PCC), existing evaluation tools often have profession-specific limitations, lacking broad applicability across interdisciplinary contexts. This study aimed to develop and validate the Person-Centered Care Instrument (PCCI), designed to assess the competence of healthcare providers from diverse professions. Methods: Using a two-round modified Delphi technique, ten experts validated an initial pool of 63 items. The process assessed both face validity (overall appropriateness) and content validity using a 9-point Likert scale and the Item-level Content Validity Index (I-CVI). Items with a median rating of 6 or higher and an I-CVI of ≥0.70 were retained. Results: The final PCCI consists of 37 items, with a scale-level content validity index of 0.65. Three items achieved universal agreement among the experts (I-CVI = 1.0). For the final 37-item PCCI, the Scale-level Content Validity Index (S-CVI) was 0.65, and the index based on universal agreement was 0.22. Conclusions: The developed PCCI demonstrated good face and content validity, making it a valid and broadly applicable tool for assessing competence in delivering PCC. This instrument can support quality improvement initiatives and help promote a culture of empathy and respect in healthcare. Full article