Search Results (113)

Objectives: The objective of this manuscript is to translate, adapt, and validate an Arabic version of the Diabetes Eating Problem Survey—Revised (DEPS-R) questionnaire to assess disordered eating behaviors (DEBs) in adolescents with T1D in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the study sought to estimate the prevalence of DEBs and analyze its associations with glycemic control and diabetes-related complications. Methods: A cross-cultural validation study was conducted following the COSMIN guidelines. The DEPS-R questionnaire was translated into Arabic through forward and backward translation involving expert panels, including psychiatrists, diabetologists, and linguists. A sample of 409 people with type 1 diabetes (PwT1D) (58.4% females) aged 12–20 years was recruited from outpatient diabetes clinics in the five main regions of Saudi Arabia. Participants completed the Arabic DEPS-R and the validated Arabic version of the SCOFF questionnaire. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, and biochemical data were collected, and statistical analyses, including confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and internal consistency tests, were conducted. Results: The Arabic DEPS-R exhibits strong internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.829) and high test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.861), with a CFA supporting a three-factor structure, namely body weight perception, disordered eating behaviors (DEBs), and bulimic tendencies. Notably, higher DEPS-R scores are significantly linked to elevated HbA1c levels, increased BMI, and more frequent insulin use. Alarmingly, 52.8% of participants show high-risk DEB, which is directly associated with poor glycemic control (HbA1c ≥ 8.1%) and a heightened risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Conclusions: The Arabic DEPS-R is a valid and reliable tool for screening DEBs among Saudi adolescents with T1D. Findings underscore the necessity for early identification and intervention to mitigate the impact of EDs on diabetes management and overall health outcomes. Full article

Oral tradition stories hold a vital place in language education, offering rich repositories of linguistic, cultural, and historical knowledge. In the Spanish as a Foreign Language (SFL) context, their inclusion provides dynamic opportunities to explore diversity, foster critical and creative thinking, and challenge dominant epistemologies. Despite their pedagogical potential, these narratives remain largely absent from formal curricula, with most SFL textbooks still privileging canonical works, particularly those from the Latin American Boom or European literary texts. This article aims to provide practical guidance for SFL instructors on designing effective, culturally responsive materials for the teaching of vocabulary. Drawing on a methodological framework for material design and a cognitive approach to vocabulary learning, I present original pedagogical material based on a Colombian oral tradition story about the witches of La Jagua (Huila, Colombia) to inspire educators to integrate oral tradition stories into their classrooms. As argued throughout, oral narratives not only support vocabulary acquisition and intercultural competence but also offer students meaningful engagement with the values, worldviews, and linguistic diversity that shape Colombian culture. This approach redefines language teaching through a more descriptive, contextualized, and culturally grounded lens, equipping learners with pragmatic, communicative, and intercultural skills essential for the 21st century. My goal with this article is to advocate for teacher agency in material creation, emphasizing that educators are uniquely positioned to design pedagogical resources that reflect their own cultural realities and local knowledge and to adapt them meaningfully to their students’ needs. Full article

This paper investigates the cultural landscapes established by nineteenth-century German immigrants in South Australia and the southern Riverina of New South Wales, with particular attention to settlement patterns, architectural traditions and toponymic transformation. German immigration to Australia, though numerically modest compared to the Americas, significantly shaped local communities, especially due to religious cohesion among Lutheran migrants. These settlers established distinct, enduring rural enclaves characterized by linguistic, religious and architectural continuity. The paper examines three manifestations of these cultural landscapes. A rich toponymic landscape was created by imposing on natural landscape features and newly founded settlements the names of the communities from which the German settlers originated. It discusses the erosion of German toponyms under wartime nationalist pressures, the subsequent partial reinstatement and the implications for cultural memory. The study traces the second manifestation of a cultural landscapes in the form of nucleated villages such as Hahndorf, Bethanien and Lobethal, which often followed the Hufendorf or Straßendorf layout, integrating Silesian land-use principles into the Australian context. Intensification of land use through housing subdivisions in two communities as well as agricultural intensification through broad acre farming has led to the fragmentation (town) and obliteration (rural) of the uniquely German form of land use. The final focus is the material expression of cultural identity through architecture, particularly the use of traditional Fachwerk (half-timbered) construction and adaptations such as pug-and-pine walling suited to local materials and climate. The paper examines domestic forms, including the distinctive black kitchen, and highlights how environmental and functional adaptation reshaped German building traditions in the antipodes. Despite a conservation movement and despite considerable documentation research in the late twentieth century, the paper shows that most German rural structures remain unlisted and vulnerable. Heritage neglect, rural depopulation, economic rationalization, lack of commercial relevance and local government policy have accelerated the decline of many of these vernacular buildings. The study concludes by problematizing the sustainability of conserving German Australian rural heritage in the face of regulatory, economic and demographic pressures. With its layering of intangible (toponymic), structural (buildings) and land use (cadastral) features, the examination of the cultural landscape established by nineteenth-century German immigrants adds to the body of literature on immigrant communities, settler colonialism and landscape research. Full article

Background/Objectives: The Jackson/Cubbin scale is a recommended tool to assess the risk of pressure injury in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. This scale is deemed to have superior predictive validity compared to the Braden scale. Many Italian nurses struggle with reading and applying the tool in English. This language barrier results in a lack of use of the Jackson/Cubbin scale clinically, meaning that patients potentially experience worse outcomes. This study aims to translate the original English version of the Jackson/Cubbin scale into the Italian language, conduct a cultural adaptation, and verify its content validity. Methods: An observational study was conducted using Beaton’s five-step methodology: (1) forward translation, (2) synthesis, (3) back-translation, (4) expert committee approval using Fleiss’ Kappa (κ) index, and (5) pre-testing, where participants assessed item clarity on a dichotomous scale (clear/unclear). Items deemed unclear by 20% or more of the sample were revised. Content validity was assessed using the Content Validity Index (CVI). Results: Fleiss’ κ index was 0.74. Item 3 “PMH-affecting condition” was unclear to 36% of the sample and required revision. The item-level CVI (I-CVI) was >0.78 for each item. The scale-level CVI (S-CVI) and the scale-level CVI using the average method (S-CVI-Ave) were 0.92 and 0.94, respectively. Conclusions: The translation process resulted in a linguistically accurate scale requiring content modifications to reflect current evidence and reduce inter-rater variability. This may improve implementation of the Jackson/Cubbin scale in clinical practice for Italian nurses and reduce the incidence of pressure injury for ICU patients. Full article

This study proposes a new benchmark to evaluate the cultural understanding and natural language processing capabilities of large language models based on Sino-Korean words and four-character idioms. Those are essential linguistic and cultural assets in Korea. Reflecting the official question types of the Korean Hanja Proficiency Test, we constructed four question categories—four-character idioms, synonyms, antonyms, and homophones—and systematically compared the performance of GPT-based and non-GPT LLMs. GPT-4o showed the highest accuracy and explanation quality. However, challenges remain in distinguishing the subtle nuances of individual characters and in adapting to uniquely Korean meanings as opposed to standard Chinese character interpretations. Our findings reveal a gap in LLMs’ understanding of Korea-specific Hanja culture and underscore the need for evaluation tools reflecting these cultural distinctions. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to (i) cross-culturally adapt the Inventory of Hyperacusis (IHS) into Danish and (ii) assess its usability, validity, and reliability in Danish adults with hyperacusis. Methods: The translation followed established guidelines for adapting hearing-related questionnaires. A two-phase design ensured linguistic and cultural adaptation and evaluated test–retest reliability and construct validity. The IHS, consisting of 25 items, was translated and tested in seven participants through cognitive debriefing. In phase two, temporal consistency was assessed in 32 patients. Results: Thirty-two participants (twenty-eight female; mean age 49.8 years) completed the study over 2–4 weeks (mean 22 days). Eight used hearing aids, and twenty-four reported tinnitus. The Danish IHS showed good reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.95) and acceptable test–retest reliability, except for the General Loudness factor. While no systematic score changes occurred, significant variability in score changes were noted. Conclusions: The Danish IHS appears to be a reliable and valid tool for assessing hyperacusis. Further research is needed, but the IHS-DK shows potential as an effective clinical and research tool for evaluating hyperacusis impact and treatment outcomes. Full article

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States (U.S.) and a major contributor to several cancers, including cervical, anal, penile, and oropharyngeal cancers. Although a safe and effective vaccine is available, HPV vaccination rates remain suboptimal, particularly among racial, ethnic, and immigrant minority groups. This study explored multiple factors, such as cultural, social, and structural influences, influencing HPV vaccine decision-making among Cape Verdean immigrant parents in the U.S., a population currently underrepresented in HPV research. Methods: Qualitative study using individual, in-depth interviews with Cape Verdean immigrant parents of children aged 11 to 17 years living in the U.S. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically using the social ecological model (SEM) to identify barriers and facilitators at the intrapersonal, interpersonal, organizational, community, and policy levels. Results: Forty-five Cape Verdean parents (27 mothers, 18 fathers) participated. Fathers were significantly older than mothers (50.0 vs. 41.1 years, p = 0.05). Most were married or partnered (60%), had at least a high school education (84.4%), and reported annual household incomes of US$50,000 or more (66.7%), with no significant gender differences. Nearly all spoke Creole at home (95.6%). Fathers had lower acculturation than mothers (p = 0.05), reflecting less adaptation to U.S. norms and language use. Most parents had limited knowledge of HPV and the vaccine, with gendered beliefs and misconceptions about risk. Only seven mothers (25.9%) reported receiving a provider recommendation; all indicated that their children had initiated vaccination (1 dose or more). Mothers were the primary decision-makers, though joint decision-making was common. Trust in providers was high, but poor communication and the lack of culturally and linguistically appropriate materials limited informed decision-making. Stigma, misinformation, and cultural taboos restricted open dialogue. Trusted sources of information included schools, churches, and Cape Verdean organizations. While parents valued the U.S. healthcare system, they noted gaps in public health messaging and provider engagement. Conclusions: Findings revealed that HPV vaccine uptake and hesitancy among Cape Verdean immigrant parents in the U.S. were influenced by individual beliefs, family dynamics, healthcare provider interactions, cultural norms, and structural barriers. These findings highlight the need for multilevel strategies such as culturally tailored education, community engagement, and improved provider communication to support informed vaccination decisions in this population. Full article

Background/Objectives: The Nordic Orofacial Test-Screening (NOT-S) is a versatile tool used for the assessment of orofacial function. The aim of this study was to introduce the Polish version of the NOT-S along with the results of its cultural adaptation. Methods: The original NOT-S was validated into the Polish language in accordance with the current questionnaire translation standards, including the cultural adaptation, which consisted of an examination of Polish society. The pilot study, as a cultural adaptation, was carried out among fifty people between the ages of 3 and 34 (Mean—15.8, SD—8.9). Results: During the translation, three word discrepancies were noted, and also many linguistic equivalences, such as semantic, empirical, conceptual, and other differences, were reported. The average total NOT-S score during cultural adaptation was 1.62 (SD 1.16; Range 0–5). Abnormalities in section III, i.e., habits (78%), were found most frequently in the subjects. A thorough data analysis showed statistically significant results in section IV of the interview, i.e., chewing and swallowing (p = 0.00073), and also significant results in section 3 of the examination, i.e., facial expression (p = 0.00006). Conclusions: The Polish version of the NOT-S is linguistically comprehensible and culturally equivalent, and can be used for the examination of children, adolescents, and adults. The findings of this study indicate that orofacial function screening is advisable in the healthy population. Full article

The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC) is a widely used instrument for assessing cognitive abilities in children. While the latest fifth edition (WISC-V) has been adapted in various countries, Indonesia still relies on the outdated first edition, a practice that raises substantial concerns about the validity of diagnoses, outdated norms, and cultural bias. This study aimed to (1) adapt the WISC-V to the Indonesian linguistic and cultural context (WISC-V-ID), (2) evaluate its psychometric properties in a pilot study with an Indonesian sample, (3) reorder the item sequence of the subtests according to the empirical item difficulty observed in Indonesian children’s responses, and (4) evaluate the factor structure of the WISC-V-ID using confirmatory factor analysis. The adaptation study involved a systematic translation procedure, followed by psychometric evaluation with respect to gender, age groups, and ethnicity, using a sample of 221 Indonesian children aged 6 to 16 years. The WISC-V-ID demonstrated good internal consistency. Analysis of item difficulty revealed discrepancies in item ordering compared to the original WISC-V, suggesting a need for item reordering in future studies. In addition, the second-order five-factor model, based on confirmatory factor analysis, indicated that the data did not adequately fit the model, stressing the need for further investigation. Overall, the WISC-V-ID appears to be a reliable measure of intelligence for Indonesian children, though a comprehensive norming study is necessary for full validation. Full article

This study validates a Spanish-language instrument designed to assess self-efficacy, digital competence, and anxiety in data-driven decision-making (DDDM) among pre-service teachers. Based on the 3D-MEA and the Beliefs about Basic ICT Competencies scale, the instrument was culturally adapted for Chile and Spain. A sample of 512 participants underwent exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Given the ordinal nature of the data and the assumption of non-normality, appropriate estimation methods were utilized. Results supported a well-defined four-factor structure: Interpretation and Application, Technology, Identification, and Anxiety. Factor loadings ranged from 0.678 to 0.869, and internal consistency was strong (α = 0.802–0.888). The CFA confirmed good model fit (χ² (129) = 189.25, p < 0.001; CFI = 0.985; TLI = 0.981; RMSEA = 0.041; SRMR = 0.061). Measurement invariance was established across gender and nationality, reinforcing the validity of cross-group comparisons. The study is framed within an educational context aligned with socioformative principles and sustainable education goals, which support reflective and ethical data use. This validated tool addresses the lack of culturally adapted and psychometrically validated instruments for assessing DDDM competencies in Spanish-speaking contexts, offering a culturally and linguistically relevant instrument with strong internal consistency and a well-supported factor structure. It supports the design of formative strategies in teacher education, enabling the identification of training needs and promoting evidence-based pedagogical decision-making in diverse Hispanic contexts. Future studies should test factorial invariance across additional contexts and explore longitudinal applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Organizing nurses’ work is crucial for ensuring patient care quality and efficiency. Nurses’ work methods directly influence patient safety and healthcare outcomes, making them vital for effective health services. Assessing these methods helps identify effective practices, enhance work organization, and improve both professional satisfaction and patient safety. This study aims to translate, adapt, and validate the Nurse Work Method Assessment Scale (NWMAS) for Turkish. Methods: Methodological study with a non-probabilistic sample of 209 hospital nurses, conducted between June and July 2024. The linguistic adaptation involved translation and back-translation with the participation of bilingual experts. Statistical analyses included exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, item-total correlation tests, test-retest reliability, and internal consistency assessment using Cronbach’s alpha. Results: One item was removed due to cultural incompatibility, resulting in a 24-item Turkish version of the NWMAS. During the adaptation process, expert evaluations led to the removal of one item from the original scale, as it referenced nursing practices that are either not widely implemented or considered culturally incompatible with the structure of the Turkish healthcare system. Content Validity Index values ranged from 0.85 to 0.95. Exploratory factor analysis confirmed a five-factor structure explaining 55.65% of total variance. Confirmatory factor analysis supported this structure with acceptable fit indices (χ²/df = 1.89; RMSEA = 0.06; GFI = 0.86). Cronbach’s alpha for the overall scale was 0.87, with subscale alphas ranging from 0.52 to 0.82. Test-retest reliability coefficients ranged from 0.95 to 0.98, indicating high stability over time. Conclusions: The Turkish version of the NWMAS demonstrated adequate validity and reliability and can be used to evaluate nurses’ work methods in Turkish hospital settings. The study highlights the importance of cultural adaptation in scale development to ensure conceptual relevance in local healthcare systems. Full article

This study investigates the potential of Far From Home, a non-digital board game, as an innovative tool for fostering empathy among university staff towards international students. International students face multifaceted challenges—linguistic barriers, cultural dissonance, and systemic inequities—yet traditional staff training often fails to cultivate the perspective-taking required for meaningful support. Using a mixed-methods approach, we analysed data from 82 participants across 10 game sessions, including surveys (n = 27), recorded gameplay observations, and semi-structured interviews (n = 6). Thematic analysis explored how role-playing as student avatars and collaborative problem-solving influenced staff empathy. The results demonstrated the game’s effectiveness in bridging cultural gaps, with participants reporting a heightened awareness of structural barriers and reduced stereotyping. Notably, the emergent findings suggested a “contrast commitment” effect, where witnessing biassed behaviours reinforced staff’s dedication to equitable practices. This study advocates for game-based training as a complement to existing programmes, with future research needed to assess longitudinal impacts. Potential applications include adapting the framework for other marginalised student groups and institutional contexts. Full article

Effectively managing immigrant workforces presents a significant contemporary challenge for organizations operating in a globalized world. Current management practices often fall short, failing to adequately address the complex interplay of social issues, cultural and linguistic distances, and the valuable human capital immigrants possess. This paper proposes a theoretically developed conceptual model for immigrant management, synthesized from a comprehensive review of systems theory, migration studies, and organizational governance literature. The model advances systems theory by operationalizing its core tenets—interdependence, feedback loops, and holistic perspective—into a practical governance framework for the specific domain of immigrant workforce integration, demonstrating the theory’s applicability to complex socio-organizational challenges. It outlines six interdependent subsystems—from needs assessment to end-of-work transitions. While conceptual, this paper lays a robust foundation for future empirical research by providing testable propositions regarding the efficacy of its subsystems and their impact on integration outcomes. It calls for empirical validation of the proposed relationships and the model’s overall effectiveness in diverse organizational contexts. By adopting this structured yet adaptable framework, organizations can move towards more agile governance practices in human resource management, allowing for iterative adjustments and fostering more resilient and sustainable immigrant integration. This approach directly contributes to addressing immigrant integration issues by offering a holistic, actionable framework that moves beyond piecemeal solutions, thereby enhancing organizational capability and promoting positive societal impact. Full article

Background: Multicultural education and second-language acquisition engaged neural networks, supporting executive function, memory, and social cognition in adulthood, represent powerful forms of brain-inspired multisensory learning. The neuroeducational framework integrates neuroscience with pedagogical practice to understand how linguistically and culturally rich environments drive neuroplasticity and cognitive adaptation in adult learners. Objective: This systematic review synthesizes findings from 80 studies examining neuroplasticity and cognitive outcomes in adults undergoing multicultural and second-language acquisition, focusing on underlying neural mechanisms and educational effectiveness. Methods: The analysis included randomized controlled trials and longitudinal studies employing diverse neuroimaging techniques (fMRI, MEG, DTI) to assess structural and functional brain network changes. Interventions varied in terms of immersion intensity (ranging from limited classroom contact to complete environmental immersion), multimodal approaches (integrating visual, auditory, and kinesthetic elements), feedback mechanisms (immediate vs. delayed, social vs. automated), and learning contexts (formal instruction, naturalistic acquisition, and technology-enhanced environments). Outcomes encompassed cognitive domains (executive function, working memory, attention) and socio-emotional processes (empathy, cultural adaptation). Results: Strong evidence demonstrates that multicultural and second-language acquisition induce specific neuroplastic adaptations, including enhanced connectivity between language and executive networks, increased cortical thickness in frontal–temporal regions, and white matter reorganization supporting processing efficiency. These neural changes are correlated with significant improvements in working memory, attentional control, and cognitive flexibility. Immersion intensity, multimodal design features, learning context, and individual differences, including age and sociocultural background, moderate the effectiveness of interventions across adult populations. Conclusions: Adult multicultural and second-language acquisition represents a biologically aligned educational approach that leverages natural neuroplastic mechanisms to enhance cognitive resilience. Findings support the design of interventions that engage integrated neural networks through rich, culturally relevant environments, with significant implications for cognitive health across the adult lifespan and for evidence-based educational practice. Full article

Background: Dysarthria is a neuromotor speech disorder that significantly impacts patients’ quality of life. In Chile, there is a lack of culturally validated instruments for assessing dysarthria. This study aimed to cross-culturally adapt the Bogenhausen Dysarthria Scales (BoDyS) into Chilean Spanish and to conduct face and content validation. Methods: The adaptation process included translation and back-translation, followed by validation by a panel of experts. Clarity, format, and length were evaluated, and the Kappa index (KI), content validity index (CVI), and content validity ratio (CVR) were calculated to confirm item relevance. A pilot test was subsequently conducted with ten speech–language pathologists to apply the adapted version to patients. Results: The adaptation process produced a consensus version that preserved the semantic and cultural characteristics of the original scale. The statistical measures (KI = 1.00; I-CVI = 1.00; S-CVI/Ave = 1.00; S-CVI/UA = 1.00; CVR = 1.00) indicated satisfactory levels of agreement. The pilot test demonstrated the scale’s appropriateness and effectiveness for assessing dysarthria within the Chilean context, although some experts recommended reducing task repetition for patients prone to fatigue. Conclusions: The Chilean version of the BoDyS (BoDyS-CL) is a valid and useful tool for evaluating dysarthria in Chile. This study provides a foundation for further research and the systematic implementation of this scale in local clinical practice. Full article