Search Results (1,866)

Background/Objectives: The Rett Syndrome Behavior Questionnaire (RSBQ) is a widely used caregiver-reported instrument for assessing behavioral and neurological features of Rett syndrome (RTT). However, a validated Korean version has not been available. This study aimed to translate the RSBQ into Korean (K-RSBQ) and to evaluate its psychometric properties in a Korean RTT population. Methods: The RSBQ was translated and back-translated using standardized procedures and refined through a Delphi process. Primary caregivers of individuals with clinically diagnosed RTT completed an online survey including the K-RSBQ and the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). Test–retest reliability was assessed in a subset of caregivers who completed the questionnaire twice within one week, and inter-rater reliability was evaluated when an additional caregiver was available. Results: Sixty-six primary caregivers participated. The K-RSBQ demonstrated high internal consistency for the total score (Cronbach’s α = 0.912) and moderate-to-high consistency across most subscales. Test–retest reliability for the total score was moderate (weighted κ = 0.594), while inter-rater reliability between primary and secondary caregivers was generally low. The hand behavior subscale showed low and non-significant test–retest reliability. The K-RSBQ total score exhibited a low-to-moderate correlation with the CARS total score, and the general mood subscale showed a moderate correlation with the CARS emotional response item. Caregivers reported minimal difficulty in understanding the questionnaire items. Conclusions: The K-RSBQ demonstrates acceptable internal consistency and test–retest reliability when administered to primary caregivers, with preliminary evidence supporting its construct validity. Although limitations exist regarding criterion validation and inter-rater agreement, the K-RSBQ represents a feasible and culturally adapted tool for assessing RTT-related behavioral features in Korean clinical and research settings. Full article

This research investigates the process of determining and maintaining the Acceptable Level of Safety Performance (ALoSP) at an airport, utilizing a case study conducted at Split Airport. The study illustrates how the ALoSP framework, originally developed for State-level application under ICAO Annex 19, can be systematically adapted and implemented at the organizational level within the Safety Management System (SMS) of an aviation service provider. The aim of the study is to systematically demonstrate the process by which an airport defines, monitors, and maintains its ALoSP through the application of Safety Performance Indicators (SPIs), Safety Performance Targets (SPTs), and alert thresholds within the framework of Safety Performance Management (SPM). Main results show that Split Airport consistently maintained its safety performance at an acceptable level throughout a ten-year monitoring period (2015–2024), with a small number of deviations observed in certain safety performance indicators. The findings highlight the airport’s robust safety culture, strong data-driven monitoring, and proactive use of both leading and lagging SPIs to anticipate and prevent safety issues. The study confirms that the ALoSP framework can successfully support continuous safety improvement and regulatory compliance at the organizational level, offering a practical example for other aviation service providers. Full article

Background: Breast cancer-related lymphedema is a common long-term complication of breast cancer treatment that affects physical functioning, emotional well-being, and quality of life. Although the Lymphedema Quality of Life Questionnaire-Arm (LYMQoL-Arm) is widely used internationally, no Croatian version has been available. The primary objective of this study was to translate and validate the Lymphedema Quality of Life Questionnaire-Upper Limb-Croatian (LYMQoL-UL-CRO) version and evaluate its psychometric properties. A secondary objective was to examine associations between its scores and the relative volume change (RVC) of the affected limb to assess construct validity further. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in 87 women at least six months post-treatment. The questionnaire was translated using a forward-backward procedure. Participants completed the LYMQoL-UL-CRO, the Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36), Pain Intensity Numerical Rating Scale, and underwent clinical examination and limb-volume assessment. Test–retest reliability was assessed in 68 participants after 10 days. Psychometric analyses included internal consistency, intraclass correlation coefficients, measurement error indices, construct and discriminant validity tests, exploratory factor analysis, and evaluation of floor and ceiling effects. Results: LYMQoL-UL-CRO domains demonstrated acceptable to strong internal consistency and moderate test–retest reliability, with low measurement error. Strong negative correlations with the SF-36 Physical Component Summary supported construct validity, and participants with RVC ≥ 5% reported worse scores, supporting discriminant validity. Exploratory factor analysis confirmed the original four-factor structure, and no floor or ceiling effects were observed. Conclusions: The LYMQoL-UL-CRO is a reliable, valid, and culturally appropriate tool for assessing quality of life in Croatian breast cancer survivors with upper-limb lymphedema. Full article

This study aims to report the first Latvian version of the RESTQ-76, focusing on its internal validity, reliability, structural validity, and the relationships between the factors of the questionnaire. A total of 394 athletes (225 men and 169 women), aged 18–30 years (average age = 21, SD = 1.65), participated in the study. They were recruited from various sports clubs and universities. The RESTQ-76 was translated into Latvian through a forward-backward translation process to ensure accuracy of cultural relevance. To examine the questionnaire’s structure, principal component analysis (PCA) was performed. This analysis revealed a stable four-factor model comprising 18 scales, with acceptable fit indices (RMSEA = 0.089, CFI = 0.914, TLI = 0.896, NFI = 0.889), indicating good model fit. The psychometric validity of the Latvian version is supported by the original, indicating it is appropriate for use in sports settings throughout Latvia. As research on training load and recovery continues to expand, tools like the RESTQ-76 are becoming increasingly important. They help athletes and coaches monitor recovery and stress levels, which is essential for optimizing performance and preventing overtraining in competitive sports. Full article

Heterocapsa bohaiensis is an emerging harmful dinoflagellate increasingly reported from coastal regions of the Pacific. However, an available molecular assay offering rapid and sensitive detection is still lacking. This study developed a SYBR Green real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay for the identification and quantification of H. bohaiensis. Species-specific primers (F: 5′-CCATCGAACCAGAACTCCGT-3′; R: 5′-AGTGTAGTGCACCGCATGTC-3′) were designed and the assay was optimized and evaluated using laboratory cultures for specificity, sensitivity, and quantitative performance. Primer screening and melt-curve analysis confirmed that the selected primer pair produced a single, specific amplification peak for H. bohaiensis, with no cross-reactivity observed in non-target species (Chlorella pyrenoidosa, Phaeocystis globosa, Skeletonema costatum, Alexandrium tamarense) or mixed algal communities. The standard curve displayed strong linearity (R² = 0.9868) and a high amplification efficiency (102.5%). The limit of detection (LOD) was approximately 2–3 cells per reaction, as determined from 24 replicates of 5-cell equivalents and verified at ~2.7-cell equivalents. This sensitivity was comparable to or exceeded that reported for assays targeting other HABs forming dinoflagellates. Quantitative results derived from the qPCR assay closely matched microscopic cell counts, with a relative error of 10.79%, falling within the acceptable threshold for phytoplankton surveys. In summary, this study established and validates a species-specific qPCR assay for H. bohaiensis under controlled laboratory conditions. The method shows strong potential for incorporation into HAB monitoring programs, early-warning systems, and future ecological investigations of this emerging species. Full article

The rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and smart technologies is transforming hospitality operations, yet guest acceptance remains uneven, shaped by utilitarian, experiential, ethical, and cultural evaluations. This study develops and empirically tests a multicomponent framework to explain how these factors jointly influence two behavioral outcomes: whether AI-enabled features affect hotel choice and whether guests are willing to pay a premium. A cross-sectional survey of 689 hotel guests in Tirana, Albania, an emerging hospitality market and rapidly growing tourist destination in the Western Balkans, was analyzed using cumulative link models, partial proportional-odds models, nonlinear and interaction extensions, and binary robustness checks. Results show that prior experience with smart or AI-enabled hotels, higher awareness, and trust in AI, especially trust in responsible data handling, consistently increase both acceptance and willingness to pay. Perceived value, operationalized through the breadth of identified benefits and desired features, also exhibits robust positive effects. In contrast, privacy concerns selectively suppress strong acceptance, particularly financial willingness, while cultural–linguistic fit and support for human–AI collaboration contribute positively but modestly. Interaction analyses indicate that trust can mitigate concerns about reduced personal touch. Open-ended responses reinforce these patterns, highlighting the importance of privacy, human interaction, and staff–AI coexistence. Overall, findings underscore that successful AI adoption in hospitality requires aligning technological innovation with ethical transparency, experiential familiarity, and cultural adaptation. Full article

This study investigates why Generation Z in Surabaya remains reluctant to live in vertical housing despite strong urbanization pressures and policy promotion. Using an explanatory sequential mixed-methods approach with 340 respondents aged 18–27, the research identifies five key factors influencing preferences: physical environment, psychological-social concerns, social status and stress, economic considerations, and cultural accommodation. Factor analysis explains 45.1% of total variance, while structural equation modeling reveals that physical environment preferences play a central mediating role. Economic factors affect psychological-social concerns both directly and indirectly, and cultural accommodation strongly shapes social status perceptions but does not directly influence physical preferences. Qualitative analysis of 411 statements shows consistently negative psychological themes, predominantly negative economic sentiments, and more balanced views of physical attributes. Subgroup analysis reveals stronger economic effects among early-career professionals than students. The findings challenge purely rational housing choice models, demonstrating that cultural and economic factors shape psychological acceptance through indirect pathways. Recommendations include culturally sensitive designs (flexible guest rooms, communal gathering spaces), innovative ownership schemes (rent-to-own, cooperative models), and reframed marketing emphasizing lifestyle enablement rather than amenity features. Full article

Migrant populations drive Canada’s demographic expansion, making their successful integration a national priority. However, research has consistently shown that refugees and immigrants experience declining mental health and encounter significant barriers to accessing culturally appropriate mental health support. This scoping review examined the breadth of evidence on culturally adapted mental health education (MHE) programs for migrant populations, including those that integrate traditional and complementary healing practices, and their effectiveness. Systematic searches across six databases (Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Global Health, CINAHL, and Scopus) identified 4075 peer-reviewed articles, with 28 studies meeting inclusion criteria. These included mental health education and awareness programs that integrate psychoeducation and skill-building. Inclusion criteria required cultural adaptation of programs through one or more approaches such as language modification, culturally adapted content, community-based delivery, or integration of traditional and complementary healing practices. Thematic analysis of the programs revealed seven key themes characterizing effective MHE programs: cultural adaptation and sensitivity, addressing unique migration-related stressors, integration of traditional and Western approaches, use of theoretical frameworks and evidence-based practices, rigorous evaluation methodologies, application of holistic frameworks, and community-based peer support models. Programs predominantly utilized psychoeducation and culturally adapted interventions, with common theoretical frameworks including cognitive–behavioral therapy and the PRECEDE–PROCEED model. Across the reviewed studies, program evaluations reported positive outcomes including increased mental health literacy, reduced stigma, enhanced coping skills, and decreased depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms, suggesting that culturally adapted MHE programs are acceptable and feasible interventions for migrant populations. Full article

Background: Chemical Intolerance (CI), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) are conditions with rising incidence rates not fully explained by greater awareness or changes in diagnostic practices. It is now generally accepted that the interaction between genetic and environmental exposures plays a role in all of these conditions. Prior studies show that these conditions co-occur. This study seeks to explore previous findings using an international sample. Methods: A five-country (N = 5000) stratified panel survey was used to assess self-reported CI in themselves, and ASD and ADHD in their children. A generalized linear model was used to estimate Odds Ratios. Age- and sex-adjusted logistic models used CI as a predictor of ASD and ADHD in separate models. Results: Compared to those classified as Low CI, High levels of CI were associated with greater Odds Ratios (OR) of reporting a child with ASD and ADHD in all countries except Japan. Italy, India, and the USA had over twice the OR of reporting a child with ASD. Mexico had over 1.9 times the OR. The results with ADHD are similar to the ASD results. Conclusions: The results of this study are consistent with two prior U.S. studies, showing an association between ASD and ADHD among women who have CI. However, cross-cultural comparisons, especially prevalence estimates for ASD and ADHD, cannot be interpreted as epidemiologic rates due to serious limitations of the survey methodology. No causal relationship should be inferred from this study. Full article

(1) Background: Criminogenic cognitions can influence criminal behavior and recidivism. The validation of the Criminogenic Cognitions Scale (CCS) within the cultural and social context of Romanian offenders, along with an understanding of their profiles, is essential for the development of effective rehabilitation. (2) Methods: The CCS was administered to 460 inmates across eight Romanian prisons, with the respondents having a mean age of 39.23 (SD 10.36; range 21–71). Data were analyzed using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and the Kruskal–Wallis test. (3) Results: The Non-Acceptance of Responsibility (FAR) subscale had the highest internal consistency (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.707), followed by Notions of Entitlement (NOE) (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.683). The Negative Attitudes Toward Authority (NATA) subscale was considered valid with caution (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.529). The highest FAR scores were observed among inmates convicted of sexual offenses, those who were widowed, and those with lower education levels. Higher scores were recorded on all scales for inmates who identified as drug users and those who perceived their punishment as unjust (p < 0.05). (4) Conclusions: The CCS is valid in the Romanian context, and the variability of criminogenic cognitions based on education level, type of offense, and perception of punishment should be considered when implementing rehabilitative measures. Full article

Digital Transformation (DT) is a strategic challenge that reshapes the way companies operate. Nevertheless, its adoption in the construction industry remains slow. This paper analyzes the DT process in Brazilian construction companies through two phases. Initially, an exploratory study was conducted with 17 firms using semi-structured interviews with their Technical Directors. Second, three companies were selected for case studies involving 14 in-depth interviews, observation, and document analysis. Data underwent content analysis. In the exploratory phase, DT was found to be mainly pursued to improve construction efficiency. Barriers were strongly associated with individual aspects, especially limited knowledge about technologies and resistance to change, reinforced by difficulties in implementing organizational changes. Most problems that DT seeks to address are concentrated in the technical department and construction site. Companies adopted approaches such as technology investments, open innovation, organizational restructuring, and training, but the success of these strategies depends on top management engagement and employee acceptance. Besides cultural barriers, technological obstacles, system integration and digital delay were identified, along with process difficulties such as the complexity and costs of the DT journey. Indirect sustainability objectives also emerged, indicating that DT is perceived as both technological advancement and a means to transform the sector. Finally, based on the empirical findings, a multi-level framework comprising 12 strategies for DT in the construction industry was proposed. Overall, the empirical field investigated remains in the early stages of DT, with experimentation with technologies and a focus on efficiency, characteristics of digitization, a step prior to total transformation. The study provides a valuable diagnosis of DT to support the digital transition and informs policymakers in designing initiatives that foster DT, contributing to sector sustainability and SDG9. Full article

In the digital age, social media platforms homogenize beauty standards and intricately link clothing choices to social norms and class identities. Grounded in Pierre Bourdieu’s concepts of cultural and social capital, supplemented by Erving Goffman’s theory of stigma, this study examines how social media amplifies pre-existing socio-cultural pressures that influence Turkish women’s decisions to abandon the hijab. The research has practical implications for understanding and addressing hijab abandonment. It employs a qualitative design based on semi-structured interviews with 13 participants, analyzed through a phenomenological approach. The findings reveal that the pursuit of social acceptance and resistance to social exclusion are more decisive factors in hijab abandonment than direct social media influence. While social media serves as a crucial amplifier of aesthetic ideals and a gateway to digital legitimacy, the primary drivers are deeply rooted in the pursuit of social acceptance and resistance to long-standing mechanisms of socio-cultural exclusion, stigmatization, and symbolic violence—processes intensified and mediated through digital platforms. The analysis uncovers the operation of a dual-sided neighborhood pressure, whereby women face scrutiny from both religious communities enforcing idealized piety norms and secular circles perpetuating stigmatizing labels such as backwardness or ignorance. Crucially, participants reported that unveiling was strategically employed as a means of overcoming barriers to professional advancement, gaining access to elite social spheres, and escaping the constant burden of representation. The study concludes that hijab abandonment emerges as a complex strategy of social navigation, where digital platforms act as powerful accelerants of pre-existing class- and identity-based conflicts. Full article

(1) Background: As an innovative drug derived from botulinum neurotoxin serotype E, TrenibotulinumtoxinE^® demonstrates a rapid onset and shorter effect. Due to concerns regarding specificity, test throughput, and animal welfare, a new cell-based potency assay (CBPA) method was developed for BoNT/E drug substance and drug product; independent evaluation of this new CBPA was required. (2) Methods: The CBPA for BoNT/E is a quantitative assay that measures the accumulated cleaved SNAP25₁₈₀ in human neuroblastoma cells. It involves sequential culturing, differentiation of cells, and then treatment with drug products. Data were analyzed using a quadratic parallel model via statistical software. Linearity was determined using five effective concentration levels. Key assay parameters including accuracy, linearity, repeatability, intermediate precision and range were evaluated. (3) Results: The overall assay’s accuracy was 98%, and the intermediate precision was 6.3%. The coefficient of determination (R²) and slope were determined as 0.963 and 0.942, respectively. The root mean squared error (RMSE) was 0.057, and the intercept was 0.032 for the combined data. The repeatability was 2.4%, which is well within the acceptance criterion of ≤8%. (4) Conclusions: The evaluation was carried out within a single laboratory under controlled conditions; the new CBPA meets all acceptance criteria and can be used for BoNT/E potency determination. Full article

Increasing consumption of plant-based alternatives is promoted to reduce the environmental impact of food systems, yet adoption remains limited. The aim of this study was to identify distinct consumer segments and examine differences in their perceptions, consumption habits, and trial intentions concerning plant-based dairy alternatives (PBDAs). Conceptually, it advances PBDAs segmentation by jointly incorporating pro-dairy justifications, avoidance of animal-origin considerations, and self-reported PBDAs familiarity, capturing psychological defence mechanisms alongside knowledge-related influences on adoption. Data were collected in a nationwide cross-sectional CAWI survey of 1220 Polish adults responsible for household food purchasing, stratified and quota-matched by gender, age, region, and settlement size. Factor analysis of the segmenting variables was conducted using principal component analysis with varimax rotation, followed by two-step cluster analysis. Alternative cluster solutions were compared using the Bayesian Information Criterion based on the log-likelihood (BIC-LL). The selected five-cluster solution showed acceptable to good clustering quality, as indicated by silhouette-based measures of cohesion and separation. Given the cross-sectional CAWI design and reliance on self-reported measures, the findings do not allow causal inference and should be interpreted as context-specific to the Polish, dairy-centric food culture. Cluster analysis identified five segments that differed in PBDA-related beliefs, product image evaluations, consumption patterns, and trial intentions. PBDA-oriented segments, comprising a dairy-critical segment and a dual-consumption segment, exhibited higher perceived familiarity and stronger ethical and environmental concerns and showed greater PBDA use and willingness to try new products. The dual-consumption segment reported the highest use and trial readiness. In contrast, resistant segments showed stronger dairy attachment, lower perceived familiarity, and more sceptical evaluations of PBDAs’ healthfulness, naturalness, and sensory appeal, and rarely consumed plant-based alternatives. The findings highlight substantial heterogeneity in how Polish dairy consumers perceive PBDAs, emphasising the importance of segment-specific approaches for communication and product development. Tailored strategies can help address the diverse motivations and barriers of consumers, supporting a dietary shift toward more plant-based options. Full article

Over the past two decades, escalating climate crises, geopolitical conflicts, and pandemics have intensified the frequency and severity of disasters, exposing severe vulnerabilities in global food systems. In this pressing context, disaster nutrition emerges as a vital domain of intervention. However, existing academic literature and field practices often address this topic through fragmented, single-axis perspectives. Nutritional physiology, food technology, humanitarian logistics, and policy–ethics frameworks tend to progress in parallel yet disconnected tracks, which results in a lack of holistic models that adequately reflect field realities. The urgency of this issue is underscored by the latest global data. In 2023 alone, disasters resulted in over 86,000 deaths, a significant increase from the preceding two-decade annual average. Furthermore, the 2025 Global Report on Food Crises reveals that 295.3 million people faced high levels of acute food insecurity in 2024, marking the sixth consecutive year this number has risen. This escalating crisis highlights the inadequacy of fragmented approaches and necessitates the development of an integrated framework for disaster nutrition. To address this fragmentation, this study redefines disaster nutrition as a multi-layered, integrated food system challenge. Based on a comprehensive literature analysis, it proposes an “Integrated Disaster Food System Model” that brings these different dimensions together within a common framework. The model is built on four main components: (i) nutritional requirements and vulnerable groups (such as infants, older adults, pregnant individuals, and populations with chronic diseases requiring special diets); (ii) product design, technology, and packaging (balancing shelf life, nutritional value, cultural acceptability, and sensory attributes, including innovative components such as microalgae and fermented foods); (iii) logistics, storage, and distribution systems (centralized storage versus localized micro-warehouses, as well as the use of drones and digital traceability technologies); and (iv) policy, regulation, ethics, and sustainability (the applicability of the Sphere Standards, fair distribution, food waste, and environmental impact). By emphasizing the bidirectional and dynamic interactions among these components, the model demonstrates how decisions in one domain affect others (for example, how more durable packaging can increase both logistics costs and carbon footprint). The study highlights the risks and cultural mismatches associated with a “one-size-fits-all high-energy food” approach for vulnerable groups and argues for the necessity of localized, context-specific, and sustainable solutions. In conclusion, the article posits that the future of disaster food systems can only be shaped through a holistic approach in which interdisciplinary collaboration, technological innovation, and ethical–environmental principles are integrated into the core of policy-making. Full article