پریسا قاسمی

Abstract<br />This study aimed to explore any type and level of association between Iranian EFL learners’ proficiency level and their intercultural sensitivity on the one hand, and the possible relation between vocabulary knowledge and sensitivity to cultural differences on the other. To this end, Oxford Quick Placement Test (OQPT) was administered to 220 EFL leaners. Based on the results of this test, a homogenized sample of 150 EFL learners (70 male and 80 female) at intermediate and upper-intermediate levels was selected. Afterwards, the participants took Vocabulary Levels Test (VLT) developed by Nation, and validated by Webb, Sasao, and Balance. Finally, Intercultural Sensitivity Scale (ISS) by Chen & Starosta was administered. The results of Pearson correlation analyses revealed a statistically significant correlation between the participants' proficiency level and their intercultural sensitivity. The results of regression analyses also indicated that language proficiency contributes as much as 55.4 percent to the prediction of level of intercultural sensitivity. Moreover, a significant positive correlation was detected between EFL learners’ L2 vocabulary knowledge and their intercultural sensitivity level. Further, the results revealed that Iranian EFL learners’ L2 vocabulary knowledge can offer contributions up to 17.3 percent to the prediction of intercultural sensitivity level. These findings can offer prominent implications for all practitioners, material developers, and EFL instructors who are primarily preoccupied with linguistic competence. The results can motivate them to consider intercultural sensitivity as a complementary element to EFL learners’ linguistic knowledge, as well as their communicative commands.

Purpose: This study was conducted aiming to investigate the effect of selected TRX and Pilates training on balance parameters, fatigue index, and quality of life in female patients of multiple sclerosis. Method: In this study, 30 female patients with MS in Isfahan city with an average age of 37.41 ± 7.57 years and a history of MS of 11.31 ± 3.77 years and an Expanded Disability Status Scale of 0.84 ± 1.81 were placed in three groups including control, TRX and Pilates groups. The training program consisted of eight weeks including 3 sessions of 60 minutes of exercise per week. In order to investigate balance, fatigue, and quality of life, the Berg test, Fatigue Severity Scale, and Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life were used respectively. SPSS version 25 software was used for statistical analysis. Results: The results of this study have shown that both exercise programs have led to a significant improvement in the mean parameters of balance (P < 0.005), fatigue (P < 0.005), and quality of life (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Considering the noticeable impact of these training protocols on the quality of life, balance and fatigue, these interventions can be considered as an efficient and cost-effective methods to improve health condition in MS patients.