Search Results (4,854)

Even though it has been previously suggested that Spanglish is not exclusive to the US, research on this sociolinguistic phenomenon has focused on the US Hispanophone context, thus providing a limited understanding of how the US compares to Belize and Gibraltar, two language contact situations where Spanglish is also attested. This paper fills this gap by bringing together insights from scholarship on these three contexts where Spanish has been in prolonged contact with English. To this end, this article highlights some of the key debates and discussions regarding Spanglish. It also introduces the reader to some similarities between the US, Belize and Gibraltar and posits that there are Spanglish phenomena, which necessarily entail the reevaluation of the role that structural hybridity plays in Spanglish. Lastly, through an overview of comparative analyses that have been conducted more recently, we illustrate the importance of this work in elucidating our knowledge of the remarkable patterns of uniformity and variability that characterize the dynamic nature of Spanglish varieties in different parts of the world today. Full article

Artificial intelligence (AI) is generating a profound and quick transformation in several areas of knowledge, as well as in industry and society on a global scale, and is considered one of the most significant technological advances of the present era. Understanding citizens’ attitudes toward AI is essential forguiding its development and implementation. To achieve this, valid and reliable instruments are needed to assess attitudesin different sociocultural contexts. With this objective, the General Attitudes towards Artificial Intelligence Scale (GAAIS) was adapted to Spanish. The sample comprised 644 participants: 327 men and 316 women, aged between 18 and 78 years (M = 33.06, SD = 14.91). The original two-factor structure (Positive GAAIS and Negative GAAIS) was validated using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Both the fit indices and the internal consistency of the scale were adequate. Furthermore, the validity of the measure (i.e., convergent and discriminant) and the invariance of the model were confirmed. The analyses performed support the adequacy of the model and, therefore, the usefulness of the instrument, considering the ambivalence that people often experience regarding AI. The limitations of the study and the implications for the design of public policies and intervention strategies that promote the ethical, equitable, and socially responsible use of AI are discussed in this study. Full article

Introduction: Death anxiety is a salient psychological construct across the adult lifespan; however, few studies have examined the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Death Anxiety Scale (DAS) in university populations spanning diverse age ranges. Objectives: To evaluate the factorial structure, model fit, and reliability of the Spanish DAS in a heterogeneous academic cohort comprising traditional (younger) and non-traditional (older) adult learners. Methods: A total of 928 participants (aged 18–93 years) from a Spanish university completed the DAS. We conducted an exploratory factor analysis (EFA; principal axis factoring with oblique rotation) to identify latent dimensions, followed by a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to evaluate model fit. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega, and associations with sociodemographic variables (age, religious belief) were explored. Results: EFA supported a two-factor solution comprising Fear of Death and Peacefulness/Serenity towards Death. Factor reliability was acceptable (α = 0.818 and 0.734; total α = 0.789; ω_total ≈ 0.81). CFA indicated good fit to the two-factor model (χ²(89) = 401.19, RMSEA = 0.064, 90% CI [0.058–0.071], CFI = 0.940, TLI = 0.912, SRMR = 0.063), with information criteria (AIC = 17,018.33; BIC = 17,236.77) supporting model parsimony. Age and religious belief showed small-to-moderate associations with response patterns. Conclusions: The Spanish DAS demonstrates adequate factorial validity and reliability in a university sample spanning a wide age range. The identification of a Peacefulness/Serenity dimension may enrich interpretation, although its distinctiveness should be considered provisional and warrants replication. Future research should examine measurement invariance across age groups and assess applicability in clinical and longitudinal contexts. Full article

Background/Objectives: Coenzyme Q 10 is a lipid molecule that works as a mobile electron transporter in the mitochondrial respiratory chain and, in addition, plays the role of an antioxidant. Interestingly, CoQ10 synthesis in human cells derives from the mevalonate pathway, the same metabolic route that delivers endogenous cholesterol. Mutations leading to Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) alter the levels of CoQ10 production and remarkably, statin therapy associated muscular symptoms (SAMSs) might also be modulated by CoQ10 supplementation. CoQ10 is also provided by diet and only a few studies have calculated the dietary intake of this metabolite among populations. Methods: Here, we present our Spanish FH cohort (n = 261) and characterized relevant clinical, metabolic, and anthropometric parameters. Results: A cohort of 75.1% followed lipid-lowering treatment at inclusion, being the most prescribed drugs statin alone (32.7%) and statins combined with ezetimibe (56.6%). The average time on statin treatment was 3.7 years. Interestingly, 22% of cohort patients presented with SAMS. In addition, we performed an exhaustive literature review to define for the first time the CoQ10 content present in food typically found in Spain or other southern-European countries and classified them from very rich (over 50 mg/kg) to very poor (<1 mg/kg). With this information, we calculated the daily intake of CoQ10 from a small group (12) of selected FH patients using a validated food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and determined a daily intake 9.72 ± 2.64 mg/day, different to other described populations. Conclusions: we discussed the relevance of exogenous CoQ10 for FH development and potential SAMS. Interestingly, this information can be extrapolated to define the regular CoQ10 intake of the Spanish population, especially when following the MedDiet. Full article

Occupational therapy (OT) advocates for rehabilitation and social reintegration within prison systems, yet its integration must consider the ethical and institutional constraints of incarceration. This paper critically examines the Spanish penitentiary system to explore the tensions between the punitive logic of imprisonment and the rehabilitative values of OT. The aim is to assess whether the current institutional structure enables socio-health professionals—particularly occupational therapists—to act coherently with their humanistic and ethical principles. A detailed documentary review was conducted using the Triangular Method of Ontologically Grounded Personalism (Sgreccia), which integrates biological/situational, anthropological, and ethical dimensions. Legislative documents, institutional reports, and academic literature were systematically analyzed to identify ethical challenges affecting professional practice within Spanish prisons. Findings reveal a paradoxical reality: Spain maintains one of the lowest crime rates in the EU yet exhibits a high incarceration rate, reflecting a punitive penal culture. The prison population, mostly adult males convicted of property and public health offenses, experiences significant occupational deprivation, mental illness, and social vulnerability. Ethical dilemmas include dual loyalty, loss of autonomy, and institutional priorities that undermine person-centered rehabilitation. The study underscores profound ethical tensions limiting OT practice in prisons. Addressing these challenges requires institutional and professional transformation toward more participatory and dignity-centered correctional models. Future research should incorporate empirical and qualitative approaches to design ethical frameworks that promote occupational justice and sustainable reintegration. Full article

Background: The Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire (MSISQ-15) is a questionnaire designed to assess Sexual Dysfunction symptoms in multiple sclerosis patients; its first version was created in English and has been validated in 7 other languages. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to analyze the structural characteristics and psychometric properties of the different versions of the MSISQ-15. Methods: An analysis of the different versions of this questionnaire was carried out. The quality of the evidence was rated according to the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. A systematic review was carried out in different databases, such as PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Dialnet, ScienceDirect, and CINAHL. The following selection criteria were considered: studies that included cross-cultural validation of the MSISQ-15, studies with a sample of the population with multiple sclerosis and suffering from sexual dysfunction, studies that presented psychometric properties with total and/or domain scores of the MSISQ-15, and studies with a sample of the population over 18 years of age. Studies that used the MSISQ-15 as an outcome measure or to validate another instrument, and studies with inconclusive results, were excluded. Results: A total of seven studies were analyzed with regard to structural characteristics and psychometric properties, such as reliability, internal consistency, construct validity, and criterion validity. Conclusions: The different versions of the MSISQ-15 are valid for use in the Polish, German, Italian, French, Turkish, Greek, and Spanish populations, and it will be necessary to adapt the questionnaire to other languages for use with patients with multiple sclerosis in other countries. Full article

This study presents a comprehensive review of the CLH index, a predictive tool developed to estimate the wear of tunnel boring machine (TBM) disc cutters operating in hard rock conditions. The CLH index provides a simplified, time-efficient, and cost-effective alternative to conventional wear prediction methods by employing a statistically derived empirical formula. The methodology is based on the identification and quantitative assessment of key rock properties that influence cutter wear. A detailed statistical analysis was conducted to validate the index, quantify potential errors, and determine confidence levels. As part of this review, updated reference tables are proposed to facilitate cutter wear estimation without the need for preliminary laboratory testing. These tables are derived from empirical data obtained at the Rock Mechanics Laboratory of the Higher Technical School of Mining and Energy Engineers (ETSIME-UPM), using operational records from TBM excavation in multiple Spanish high-speed railway tunnels, with a total length exceeding 120 km. The results confirm the reliability and practical applicability of the CLH index as a decision-support tool in TBM performance forecasting and maintenance planning. Full article

Background: Adolescents spend much of their leisure time using technological devices, especially mobile phones and video games, making their use susceptible to becoming problematic. Objectives: This study aims to examine the relationship between social anxiety and risk perception in problematic mobile phone use (PMU) and problematic video game use (PVGU) among adolescents aged 10 to 16, considering potential gender differences. Methods: A total of 757 participants completed the Spanish version of the Cuestionario de uso problemático de nuevas tecnologías (UPNT), the Mobile Phone Problem Use Scale for Adolescents (MPPUSA), and the Social Anxiety Scale for Children-Revised (SASC-R). Results: Boys reported higher PVGU scores, and significant differences were observed between genders in perceptions of risks associated with both PMU and PVGU. No differences emerged in overall social anxiety or its subfactors. Within each gender, positive associations were observed between PMU, PVGU, and social anxiety. Predictive models explained up to 63% of the variance, identifying different risk and protective factors for boys and girls. Conclusions: Both PMU and PVGU should be analyzed from a gender perspective. Although there are similarities between genders, relevant differences highlight the need for tailored preventive strategies. Full article

Background: The construct of positive mental health (PMH) is defined as the basis of individuals’ psychological well-being and their ability to function effectively and cope with life’s challenges. The Positive Mental Health Questionnaire (PMHQ) is a reliable tool for assessing the PMH factors, but its length (39 items) can pose challenges in certain contexts and populations. This highlights the need for an abridged version of the questionnaire that requires less time to administer. Therefore, the main aim was to validate the Spanish 18 item-shortened version of the PMHQ (PMHQ-SF18). Methods: The sample consisted of 574 nursing students. Psychometric analyses were carried out based on construct validity, criterion validity, and internal consistency. A confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to ascertain whether the internal structure was consistent with the model of the previously validated Portuguese brief version. Results: The results supported the good psychometric properties of the instrument, with adequate validity and reliability. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed optimal goodness-of-fit values, supporting the six-factor structure. The overall Cronbach’s alpha was 0.83. Conclusions: The findings suggest that the PMHQ-SF18 is a valid and reliable instrument, comparable to the original version, but with the added benefits of being shorter, quicker, and easier to administer. Consequently, it may be particularly useful for population-based screening studies and for monitoring change following positive mental health promotion interventions. Its abridged format makes it particularly suitable for assessing individuals with specific characteristics or in contexts where time is limited, and more concise instruments are required, for example, in primary care or critical care. Full article

Electoral abstention has emerged as a critical challenge to democratic legitimacy, with rising rates observed globally. For example, in Portugal, the turnout declined from 91.5% in 1975 to 51.4% in 2022. This systematic review synthesizes multidisciplinary literature to identify key determinants of voter nonparticipation and their interactions, aiming to inform adaptive strategies to enhance civic engagement amid social, organizational, and technological changes. Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched five databases (Academic Search Complete, MEDLINE, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, PsycINFO, and Web of Science) from 2000 to August 2025 using terms such as “electoral abstention” and “non-voting.” Inclusion criteria prioritized quantitative empirical studies in peer-reviewed journals in English, Portuguese, Spanish, or French, yielding 23 high-quality studies (assessed via MMAT, with scores ≥ 60%) from 13 countries, predominantly the USA and France. Results reveal abstention as a multidimensional phenomenon driven by three interconnected categories: individual factors (e.g., health issues like smoking and mental health trajectories, institutional distrust); institutional factors (e.g., electoral reforms such as biometric registration reducing abstention by up to 50% in local contexts, but with mixed outcomes in voluntary voting systems); and contextual factors (e.g., economic inequalities and urbanization correlating with lower turnout, exacerbated by events like COVID-19). This review underscores the need for integrated public policies addressing these factors to boost participation, particularly among youth and marginalized groups. By framing abstention as an adaptive response to contemporary challenges, this work contributes to the political psychology and democratic reform literature, advocating interdisciplinary approaches to resilient electoral systems. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pediatric asthma is the most prevalent chronic respiratory condition in children and adolescents worldwide and remains a major contributor to morbidity, school absenteeism, and the use of integrated healthcare services. The main goal of this systematic review is to synthesize the available evidence about the impact of biologic therapies on the quality of life in the pediatric population (children and adolescents) with asthma. Methods: This systematic review followed the PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search was performed across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for articles published between 2015 and 2025 in English, Portuguese, or Spanish. Studies were eligible if they included pediatric patients (<18 years) with asthma receiving biologic therapies (e.g., omalizumab, mepolizumab, dupilumab) and reported health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes using validated instruments. Article selection followed PICOS criteria and excluded reviews, case reports, and editorials. Risk of bias was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Results: A total of 576 articles were found and screened, and 8 studies were selected. The characteristics of the studies highlighted the involved countries, study design, number of participants, conditions, type of biologic intervention, duration, and follow-up. In addition, the importance of biologic therapies in patients’ HRQoL was presented. All eight included studies reported statistically significant improvements in HRQoL using appropriate scales. Conclusions: The studies reinforced the importance of biologic therapies to improve HRQoL in both patients and families/caregivers. Implications for health promotion, in particular, greater involvement of integrated healthcare comprising health professionals, family, school contexts, and the community, are discussed. Full article

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to significantly enhance clinical decision-making in oncology. However, its application in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remains limited. The ART (Artificial Intelligence in Renal Tumors) project is a Spanish, multi-institutional initiative aimed at developing a dynamic, transcriptomics-based AI model to guide systemic treatment decisions for patients with metastatic RCC (mRCC). Objective: The aim of this paper is to present the rationale, methodology, and early implementation challenges of the ART project, as discussed during a dedicated Think Tank session at the 2025 International Kidney Cancer Symposium Europe (IKCSEU25), and to gather expert insights on its clinical and regulatory viability. Design, Setting, and Participants: The ART project includes three phases: (1) retrospective algorithm training using clinical and transcriptomic data from completed trials; (2) a prospective, non-interventional study collecting multi-omic and clinical data from 500 patients across 30 centers; and (3) a future comparative analysis of ART-guided versus standard clinical decisions. The AI model is designed to evolve continuously through ongoing data integration. Results and Limitations: Experts underscored the importance of integrating multimodal data—including circulating biomarkers and immune profiling—while expressing concerns about the reliance on short-term endpoints. Key barriers identified included data harmonization, external validation, and regulatory uncertainty regarding adaptive algorithms. The absence of a clear approval pathway for non-static clinical decision support systems also poses a challenge. Despite limited initial funding, the ART platform has generated strong institutional engagement and may serve as a scalable model for clinician-oriented AI tools. Conclusions: The ART project represents an innovative approach to AI-driven personalization of kidney cancer treatment. Expert feedback from IKCSEU25 highlighted the scientific robustness of the initiative, while also emphasizing the need for broader validation, regulatory clarity, and the use of clinically meaningful endpoints to support real-world implementation. Patient Summary: Experts reviewed a new AI-based tool being developed in Spain to help doctors choose the best treatments for kidney cancer. The tool shows promise but needs further testing and must meet regulatory standards before it can be used in routine clinical care. Full article

Background/Objectives: We aimed to determine the prevalence of bipolar disorder (BD) in a Spanish disabled adult population (DAP), the differences in sociodemographic and clinical variables in the DAP with and without BD, and the factors associated with self-reported health status in the DAP with BD. Methods: This is a population-based cross-sectional study including N = 11,130 adults from the “Disability, Personal Autonomy and Dependency Situations Survey 2020” carried out in Spain by the Spanish National Institute of Statistics (INE). We used secondary data with self-reported information on sociodemographic, mental and physical health status (HS), difficulties in daily living, and use of health services. We estimated the prevalence of BD in the DAP. Bivariate analyses were carried out to compare the DAP with/without BD and multinomial logistic regression was performed to analyse factors associated with self-reported HS in the DAP with BD. Results: The prevalence of BD in the DAP is 2.42%. People with BD were younger, showed more anxiety and musculoskeletal diseases, reported worse HS, performed less physical and social activities, had more social difficulties and less contact with other people, used more health services, and reported discrimination due to their disability. Older age (OR = 1.030) and the presence of anxiety (OR = 4.479) were related to worse self-reported HS. Conclusions: BD is present in 2.42% of the Spanish DAP with significant consequences for their HS. Our findings summarise some of the main factors that characterise the BD population with disability versus those without BD and show that anxiety is an important factor affecting the perception of HS. Full article

Automatic summarization is essential for processing the vast quantity of news articles. However, existing methods struggle with factual consistency, hallucinations, and English-centric evaluations. This paper investigates whether Large Language Models can generate coherent and factually grounded summaries of Spanish-language news articles, using the DACSA dataset as a benchmark. Several strategies are evaluated, including zero-shot prompting, one-shot prompting, fine-tuning of seq2seq models mBART and mT5, and a novel bottleneck prompting method that integrates attention-based salience scoring with Named Entity Recognition. Our results show that modern instruction-tuned language models can achieve competitive performance in zero- and one-shot settings, often approaching the performance of fine-tuned baselines. Our proposed bottleneck method enhances factual accuracy and content selection, leading to measurable improvements in ROUGE and BERTScore, especially for larger models such as LLaMA-3.1-70B and Gemma-2-9B. These results suggest that structured prompting can complement conventional approaches, offering an effective and cost-efficient alternative to full supervision. The results indicate that LLMs guided by entity-anchored bottlenecks provide a promising approach to multilingual summarization in domains with limited resources. Full article

Cities use 311 platforms for residents to report flooding, offering insight into flood-prone areas. The combined role of environmental and socioeconomic factors shaping these reports remains unexplored. This study analyzes five years of 311 flood reports in Norfolk, VA, using a logistic regression model to identify salient predictors and assess their influence on flood reporting. The model includes environmental variables (precipitation, tide level, and topographic wetness index) and socioeconomic indicators (race, income, and education). The model performed well with an area under the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) of 0.8. Permutation-based feature importance revealed precipitation as the most important predictor (AUC contribution: 0.27), followed by the percentage of Black residents (0.02); tide only contributed ~0.01. The influence of the percentage of Hispanics was also ~0.01. Increases in the percentage of Black residents were associated with increased reporting, while the converse was true for a higher percentage of Hispanic residents. Higher reporting in Norfolk from locations with more Black residents is distinct from findings in other cities, suggesting Norfolk may have more effective communication with these residents about 311 reporting. However, lower reporting in locations with more Hispanic residents suggests Norfolk could improve outreach to non-native speakers, for example, by adding Spanish language options to their 311 platform. Full article