Genre comparative analysis of English and Chinese medical research articles: a small corpus-based study / 中华医学教育探索杂志

In the present study, 15 complete RAs were selected respectively from English and Chinese medical journals based on the principles of representativity, reputation, accessibility and timeliness. Moves and steps were determined with reference to Swales and Nwogu's models, and their distribution and frequency were recorded and genre comparative analysis was performed. The results showed that the English and Chinese RAs shared generally the similar generic structure of 11 common moves. However, obvious cultural differences were found in the frequency, sequence and length between the two corpora. The findings of the present study will provide a practical guide for Chinese medical workers to have their papers published in English medical journals.

Genre comparative analysis of English and Chinese medical research articles:a small corpus-based study / 中华医学教育探索杂志

In the present study,15 complete RAs were selected respectively from English and Chinese medical journals based on the principles of representativity,reputation,accessibility and timeliness.Moves and steps were determined with reference to Swales and Nwogu's models,and their distribution and frequency were recorded and genre comparative analysis was performed.The results showed that the English and Chinese RAs shared generally the similar generic structure of 11 common moves.However,obvious cultural differences were found in the frequency,sequence and length between the two corpora.The findings of the present study will provide a practical guide for Chinese medical workers to have their papers published in English medical journals.

Aportes y limitaciones del Boston naming test: evidencia a partir de controles colombianos / Contributions and limitations of the Boston Naming Test: Evidence from colombian controls

Resumen Introducción: el Boston naming test (Kaplan, Goodglass & Weintraub, 1983, 2001) es una prueba de denominación por confrontación visual que evalúa la capacidad de acceso lexical. La influencia de variables socio-demográficas es significativa en esta tarea y es importante establecer sus características en cada población. Objetivo: analizar las características psicométricas del BNT en una población de controles colombianos, las respuestas erróneas de los mismos y plantear puntos de corte según variables sociodemográficas. Materiales y métodos: se analiza el desempeño de 252 participantes (74 hombres, 178 mujeres, 123 < de 65, 129 > de 65 años, en tres niveles de escolaridad (60 baja, 64 media, 128 alta). Se realizó un estudio descriptivo-comparativo. Se analizó la frecuencia de cada uno de los tipos de errores según los grupos de edad y escolaridad. Se realizó análisis desde la teoría clásica de los test (TCT) y se derivaron puntos de corte. Resultados: se encontró que en personas mayores de 65 años y con nivel bajo de escolaridad son comunes los errores de tipo visual y de no respuesta, mientras que en personas menores de 65 años y con escolaridad alta predominan errores semánticos y visual-semánticos. Se presenta un ordenamiento de los estímulos de menor a mayor dificultad y se identifican las particularidades del desempeño de los controles colombianos estudiados. Conclusión: se resalta la importancia de la prueba en el contexto colombiano, su utilidad, y algunos criterios clínicos ofrecidos por las características de los ítems para diferenciar del envejecimiento patológico.

Summary Introduction: The Boston Naming Test (Kaplan, Goodglass & Weintraub, 1983, 2001) is a test of visual confrontation naming that evaluates the ability of lexical access. The influence of socio-demographic variables is significant in this task and it is important to establish its characteristics in each population. Objective: To analyze the psychometric characteristics of BNT in a Colombian population of controls, analyze error types and raise cutoff points according to sociodemographic variables. Materials and methods: Performance of 252 participants (74 men, 178 women, 123 <65, 129> 65, at three levels of schooling (60 low, 64 medium, 128 high). The study is comparative-descriptive study. Frequency of each of error types according to age groups and schooling was analyzed. Analysis was performed from the Classic Theory of Tests (TCT), and cutoffs were derived. Results: We found that in people over 65 years with low education levels, the more frequent error types are visual and nonresponse, while in people under 65 and education level, semantic and visual-semantic errors predominate. An array of stimuli in increasing difficulty for the Colombian sample is presented and the particular performance of the studied Colombian controls are identified. Conclusion: The importance of the test in the Colombian context, its usefulness, and a highlight of some clinical criteria to differentiate normal from pathological aging are discussed.

Socioeconomic and cultural features of consensual unions in Brazil / Características socioeconômicas e culturais das uniões consensuais no Brasil / Características socioeconómicas y culturales de las uniones consensuales en Brasil

Consensual unions are a well-known practice among the lower social strata in Latin America. However, this type of union is increasing in the region, among higher educated groups and in countries where they were never widespread, such as in Brazil. This study uses couples' data from the demographic census available at IPUMS (N=193,689) to identify the socioeconomic and cultural features of consensual unions in Brazil. The effects of women's education, couples' income, children, and religion on nuptial behavior are analyzed. Utilizing logistic multilevel analysis, special attention is paid to the effect of differences in the cultural environment of states in the five major regions in which these unions occur. Results indicate that socioeconomic factors affect the incidence of consensual unions in Brazil. Consensual unions are more common among lower income couples and less educated women, but are also found among the upper classes. Cultural diversity between Brazilian states is also reflected in nuptial behavior. Significant variance at the state level is partially explained by the ethnic composition of each state...

A prática de uniões consensuais entre as camadas sociais de baixa renda é bem conhecida na América Latina. No entanto, a incidência deste tipo de união está aumentando na região entre os grupos mais educados e em países onde nunca foi predominante, como no Brasil. Este estudo utiliza dados sobre casais do censo demográfico brasileiro (2010), disponibilizado pelo IPUMS (N= 193.689) para identificar as características socioeconômicas e culturais das uniões consensuais no Brasil. O efeito da educação da mulher, classe social do casal, filhos e religião é apresentado. Utilizando uma análise multinível, o ambiente cultural em que estas uniões ocorrem é investigado. Os resultados indicam que fatores socioeconômicos diferenciam as uniões consensuais no Brasil. Uniões estáveis são mais comuns entre as classes sociais mais baixas e mulheres com menor grau de escolaridade, mas também encontradas entre as classes superiores. A diversidade cultural existente entre os estados brasileiros também é refletida no comportamento conjugal. Embora tenha sido encontrada uma variação significativa ao nível do estado, a composição étnica de cada estado explica parcialmente estas diferenças...

La convivencia conyugal entre los estratos sociales más bajos es una práctica muy conocida en América Latina. Sin embargo, estas uniones de convivencia están aumentando en la región entre los grupos con un nivel alto de educación formal y en países donde nunca fue sobresaliente, como en Brasil. Esta investigación utiliza datos de las parejas de los censos demográficos proporcionados por IPUMS (N=193.689) para identificar las características socio-económicas y culturales de la unión consensual en Brasil. El efecto de la educación de la mujer, la clase social de la pareja, los hijos y la religión son analizadas. Utilizando un análisis multinivel, se pone atención especial al ambiente cultural donde ocurren estas uniones. Los resultados indican que los factores socio-económicos afectan las uniones consensuales en Brasil. Esas uniones siguen siendo más comunes entre las clases sociales más bajas y las mujeres que poseen menos educación formal, sin embargo también se encuentran entre las clases altas. La diversidad cultural encontrada entre los estados brasileños también se refleja en el comportamiento conyugal. Mientras que se halla diferencia significativa al nivel del Estado, la composición étnica de cada estado explica parcialmente estas diferencias...

Modelos del planeta tierra en escolares rurales de Chile / Planet earth models about students in rural schools from Chile

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo identificar los modelos del planeta Tierra en escolares mapuches y no mapuches de procedencia rural. Los participantes fueron 40 escolares distribuidos en dos grupos de edad, quienes respondieron a una tarea cognitiva que indaga la representación de la forma del planeta Tierra. En base al grado de acuerdo con la representación científica, cada participante fue categorizado en uno de cuatro modelos del planeta Tierra. El modelo 4, concordante con el conocimiento científico, no fue observado, pues la mayoría de los participantes se concentra en el modelo 3 en el que coexisten conocimientos previos con algunos elementos científicos. En los niños no mapuches se aprecia que el modelo del planeta Tierra se ajusta a los significados científicos a medida que aumenta el conocimiento escolar. Por el contrario, en los niños mapuches no se observa esta tendencia. Se discute el papel de la cultura y la enseñanza en el aprendizaje del modelo científico del planeta.

The aim of this study was to identify planet Earth models in mapuches and non mapuches students of rural origin. The participants were 40 students divided into two age groups who responded to a cognitive task which explores the representation of the shape of the planet Earth. Based on the degree of agreement with the scientific representation, each participant was categorized into one of four models of planet Earth. Model 4, consistent with the scientific knowledge was not observed because the majority of the participants were concentrated in Model 3. In non mapuche children, it is observed that the model of the planet Earth is adjusted to the scientific meaning in accordance with the increase of school knowledge. On the other hand, this trend is not observed in mapuche children. The role of culture and teaching is discussed in the learning of planet scientific model.

Perspectiva Cultural del Desarrollo Infantil en las Instituciones de Protección / Cultural Perspective Regarding Child Development in Protection Institutions / Perspectiva Cultural do Desenvolvimento Infantil nas Instituições de Proteção Legal

Tradicionalmente, el desarrollo de los niños que viven y crecen en los contextos de protección se ha entendido a partir de las perspectivas normativas de desarrollo. Esto ha llevado a que se asuma el desarrollo del niño en acogimiento residencial con la misma lógica implementada para aquellos niños criados por sus padres, lo cual conduce a un desconocimiento del contexto cultural inherente al proceso de desarrollo infantil. Reconocer la relación entre la cultura institucional y el desarrollo del niño que vive en un contexto de protección implica considerar el proceso de constitución entre el desarrollo y el trasfondo cultural. Ello exige una aproximación metodológica diferente a la tradicional.

The development of children living and growing up in protection institutions has been traditionally understood on the basis of normative development perspectives. This has led to the assumption that the development of children living in a foster home or residential care facility is the same as that of children raised by their parents, which means that the cultural context inherent to the process of child development is ignored. Recognizing the relationship between institutional culture and the development of children living in protection institutions entails taking into account the relationship between development and cultural background. This requires a methodological approach different from the traditional ones.

Tradicionalmente, o desenvolvimento da criança que mora e cresce nos contextos de proteção legal tem sido entendido sob as perspectivas normativas de desenvolvimento. Isso tem levado a que se assume o desenvolvimento da criança abrigada com a mesma lógica implantada para aquela criança criada por seus pais, o que conduz a um desconhecimento do contexto cultural inerente ao processo de desenvolvimento infantil. Reconhecer a relação entre a cultura institucional e o desenvolvimento da criança que mora num contexto de proteção legal implica considerar o processo de constituição entre o desenvolvimento e o contexto cultural. Isso exige uma aproximação metodológica diferente da tradicional.

Outcome of a grocery voucher incentive scheme for low-income tuberculosis patients on directly observed therapy in Singapore

<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>The 'DOT & Shop' scheme is sponsored by SATA CommHealth, a local non-governmental organisation. It was launched in July 2009, in collaboration with Singapore's Tuberculosis Control Unit (TBCU). Under this scheme, grocery vouchers are disbursed to low-income patients with tuberculosis (TB) at each clinic visit if they have been adherent to directly observed therapy (DOT). This study aimed to determine the effect of this incentive scheme on treatment completion rates and to report the characteristics of patients who were non-adherent to the scheme.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This descriptive study used data from the TBCU medical social worker database and the National TB Registry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>From July 2009 to December 2012, a total of 883 TB patients were enrolled in the scheme. The overall treatment completion rates of the patients before (July 2006-June 2009) and after (July 2009-December 2012) the implementation of the scheme improved from 85.3% to 87.2% (p = 0.02). Patients under this scheme had a higher treatment completion rate (90.0%) than those not under this scheme (86.4%) (p < 0.01). It was found that the non-adherent patients were more likely to be of Malay ethnicity, younger and unemployed.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>We demonstrate the salutary effect of a non-governmental organisation-funded grocery voucher incentive scheme for low-income TB patients on DOT in Singapore.</p>

A near-infrared spectroscopy study of differential brain responses to one or two-handed handing actions: An implication for cultural difference in perceived politeness / Un estudio de espectroscopía casi a infraroja de respuestas cerebrales diferenciadas en acciones de una o dos manos: una implicación para la diferencia cultural en la cortesía percibida

In interpersonal communication, body posture and nonverbal behavior serve as important channels for transmitting social signals and these often vary among cultures. Specific body postures and actions have not only functional, but also affective elements. For example, in Japan, handing an object to another with both hands is considered polite behavior whereas using only one hand is not. In this study, we have examined whether handing with both hands and handing with one hand would produce indications of differential brain activities in the receiver, and whether this activity would differ among people with different cultural backgrounds. Changes in oxy-Hb concentration were measured by 48-channel near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) from 51 female participants (25 Japanese and 26 non-Japanese). The experimenter handed a bottle to participants using both or one hand. Results showed different amounts of change in oxy-Hb concentrations in the inferior frontal regions, depending on whether one hand or both hands were used. Moreover, the pattern of brain reactions in the inferior frontal regions differed between our Japanese and non-Japanese participants. A discriminant analysis of differences in oxy-Hb values suggested that the degree of oxy-Hb reaction in the right side of inferior frontal regions could predict to which group the participants belonged. These results suggest that different cultural and habitual backgrounds may lead to different NIRS activity while interpreting another's actions, and oxy-Hb IFG concentration may reflect differential interpretations of another's actions.

En la comunicación interpersonal, la postura corporal y el comportamiento no verbal sirven como canales importantes para la transmisión de señales sociales y estas por lo general suelen variar entre culturas. Las posturas corporales específicas y las acciones tienen no sólo elementos funcionales, sino también afectivos. Por ejemplo, en Japón, la entrega de un objeto a otro con las dos manos se considera conducta cortés, mientras que con una sola mano no lo es. En este estudio, hemos examinado si la entrega con las dos manos y la entrega con una mano producen señales de actividad cerebral diferencial en el receptor, y si esta actividad sería diferente entre las personas con diferentes orígenes culturales. Los cambios en la concentración de oxi-Hb fue medida por espectroscopia de infrarrojo cercano de 48 canales (NIRS) de 51 mujeres participantes (25 japonesas y 26 no japonesas). El experimentador le entregó una botella a los participantes utilizando una o ambas manos. Los resultados mostraron diferentes cantidades de cambio en las concentraciones de oxi-Hb en las regiones frontales inferiores, dependiendo de si se utilizaba una o ambas manos. Por otra parte, el patrón de las reacciones cerebrales en las regiones frontales inferiores difiere entre los participantes japoneses y no japoneses. Un análisis discriminante de las diferencias en los valores de oxi-Hb sugirió que el grado de reacción de oxi-Hb en el lado derecho de las regiones frontales inferiores podría predecir a que grupo pertenecían las participantes. Estos resultados sugieren que los distintos orígenes culturales y de hábitos puede dar lugar a actividades diferentes en NIRS, mientras que al interpretar las acciones de los otros, y la concentración de oxi-Hb en IFG puede reflejar interpretaciones diferenciales de las acciones del otro.

Valores y cuidado de la energía: implicancias para la educación ambiental en Argentina y Colombia / Value and care for power: implications for environmental education in Argentina and Colombia

Resumen La educación ambiental reconoce entre sus metas la promoción de factores individuales como las motivaciones y conocimientos para incentivar el cuidado del ambiente. El objetivo de este trabajo fue identificar los valores personales que guían una conducta pro-ambiental en dos países latinoamericanos. Mediante el uso de encuestas se evaluaron los valores biosféricos, altruistas, egoístas y hedonistas y las conductas de ahorro energético en Argentina (Estudio 1) y Colombia (Estudio 2). Los resultados apoyaron empíricamente la distinción teórica entre las cuatro orientaciones de valor. Fundamentalmente, indicaron que los valores biosféricos tienen un papel relevante en la explicación del comportamiento pro-ambiental en ambos países. Se discuten las implicancias de estos resultados para la educación ambiental formal e informal.

Abstract One of the objectives which underlies environmental education is the promotion of individual factors as motivations and knowledge to encourage environmental protection. The objective of this study was to determine the personal values which drive a pro-environmental behavior in two Latin American countries. By means of surveys, biospheric, altruistic, egoistic and hedonic values - as well as power saving behaviors - were evaluated in: Argentina (Study 1) and Colombia (Study 2). Results empirically supported the theoretical distinction between the four value orientations. Fundamentally, indicated that biospheric values play an important role in explaining pro-environmental behavior in both countries. We discuss implications of these results for formal and informal environmental education.

Ethical Issues Caused by Cultural Differences in Clinical Studies of Chinese Medicine / 世界科学技术-中医药现代化

Issues related to bioethics research often involve four basic principles , which are the value and integri-ty of the research, respect for human being, risk to benefit ratio, and the justice in subject selection. These prin-ciples contribute to the basis of bioethics for human-involved studies and they are capable of being applied to other relevant fields including complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) researches. The World Health Orga-nization (WHO) guidelines related to CAM studies clarify that the consideration should be taken for the human rights based on different value systems caused by social, cultural and historical problems, and the ethical prob-lem involved in CAM clinical studies should be properly handled in the further studies. Based on the four prin-ciples and Chinese traditional culture, the author attempted to discuss controversial bioethical issues such as the understanding and setting of informed consent, risk and benefit in western culture bioethics in order to analyze possible issues in the ethical review of Chinese medicine clinical research. We hoped that these considerations can provide references to the bioethical understanding of Chinese medicine clinical studies and ethical review on Chinese medicine practice .

Diferencias culturales en el uso de marcos de referencia espacial: el caso de los niños mapuche / Cultural differences in the use of frame spatial reference: The Case of the Mapuche Indigenous Children

Investigaciones transculturales muestran la variabilidad existente en el desarrollo de la cognición espacial, cuestionando el predominio del marco de referencia relativo y la visión egocéntrica en las representaciones infantiles (Dasen & Mishra, 2010). Este estudio se centra en establecer diferencias en los marcos de referencia espacial usados por 210 escolares mapuche y chilenos, 152 rurales y 58 urbanos, de nivel socioeconómico bajo. Los participantes respondieron una tarea de memoria espacial en la que se evaluó el predominio del marco de referencia relativo o absoluto, y aunque ambos grupos culturales utilizaron los dos marcos de referencia, claramente en los niños mapuche rurales de 10 a 12 años predomina el marco absoluto. Se discuten las implicaciones de la cultura en el desarrollo de la cognición espacial.

Cross-cultural research has showed diversity in the development of spatial cognition questioning the predominance of relative frame of spatial reference and the egocentric point of view in children's representations (Dasen & Mishra, 2010). We examined the use of frames of spatial reference in Mapuche and Chileans children from Region VIII and IX of Chile. Two hundred ten children from low socioeconomic school participated in this study, 102 children were of rural origin and 58 students were of urban origin. They responded to spatial memory task to evaluate the predominance of relative or absolute frame of reference. Although the Mapuche and Chileans children used both frames of reference, in the Mapuche children the absolute frame of reference was predominant. The impacts of culture on the development of spatial cognition are discussed.

Conflito interpessoal entre brasileiros e entre brasileiros e estrangeiros em empresas multinacionais de Manaus, AM / Interpersonal conflict between Brazilians and between Brazilians and foreign workers in multinational companies in Manaus, AM

A globalização tem permitido o contato entre trabalhadores de diferentes países e culturas. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi investigar conflitos interpessoais envolvendo trabalhadores brasileiros e estrangeiros no setor eletroeletrônico da Zona Franca de Manaus. Quatorze trabalhadores brasileiros foram entrevistados acerca de conflitos com outros brasileiros e estrangeiros no local de trabalho quanto aos fatores desencadeadores do conflito, o episódio de conflito e suas consequências. Os fatores desencadeadores de conflito foram organizados em sete grupos: (a) Produtividade e eficiência; (b) Metodologia do trabalho e planejamento; (c) Hierarquia e comando ou liderança; (d) Problemas da empresa ou institucionais; (e) Comunicação e relacionamento interpessoal; (f) Questões éticas ou morais; (g) Diferenças culturais e educação diferenciada. Os conflitos se manifestaram mais como características de um relacionamento no tempo do que como interações pontuais e apresentaram consequências positivas e negativas de acordo com os participantes. Diferenças culturais foram reconhecidas no relacionamento com estrangeiros e também com outros brasileiros. Comparados aos conflitos interpessoais entre brasileiros, os conflitos com estrangeiros mostraram maior diversidade e intensidade, mas um desfecho mais positivo. Pode-se concluir que diferenças culturais afetam conflitos interpessoais, estando presentes no relacionamento entre brasileiros e estrangeiros e entre brasileiros de diferentes origens.

Globalization has allowed the contact among workers from different countries and cultures. The objective of this study was to investigate interpersonal conflicts involving Brazilian and foreign workers in the sector of electrical and electronic appliances, in the Free Zone of Manaus. Fourteen Brazilian workers were interviewed about conflicts with other Brazilians and foreigners in the workplace, including triggering factors of conflict, the episode of conflict and its consequences. The triggering factors of conflict were organized into seven groups: (a) Productivity and efficiency (b) Work methodology and planning, (c) Hierarchy, command and leadership, (d) Institutional or company problems, (e) Communication and interpersonal relationships, (f) Ethical and moral issues, (g) Cultural and educational differences. The conflict was typically part of an ongoing relationship and not only a specific interaction and showed positive and negative consequences according to the participants. Cultural differences were recognized in the relationship with foreigners and with other Brazilians. Conflicts with foreigners showed greater diversity and intensity, but more positive outcomes when compared with interpersonal conflicts among Brazilians. It may be concluded that cultural differences affect interpersonal conflicts but these differences are present not only in the relationship between Brazilians and foreigners but also among Brazilians of different origins.

Construct Validation of Mexican Empathy Scale Yields a Unique Mexican Factor / Validación de constructo de la escala mexicana de empatía

An empathy scale developed in Mexico (Diaz-Loving, Andrade -Palos & Nadelsticher-Mitrani, 1986) was translated and validated in a U.S. sample. The Mexican and Davis' Interpersonal Reactivity Scales shared conceptually similar constructs. However, there were differences. In particular, a unique Mexican factor, Empatía Cognoscitiva and which we called Prescience had not been identified in empathy scales. It appeared to measure empathic accuracy, an individual's purported knowledge of others' feelings and moods. In a second study, we tested individuals' sensitivity in detecting subtle changes in emotional expressions, and found that individuals who scored highly in this characteristic were not necessarily more accurate at detecting emotions, but took significantly more time to look at fearful and angry faces. The results of a third study suggest that this was not due to enhanced attentional capture by negative emotional faces. In a final study, we found that purported accuracy was based on self-presentational concerns. Validation of this factor provides a clearer understanding of its cognitive and motivational properties and future uses.

Una escala de empatía desarrollada en México (Díaz-Loving, Andrade-Palos & Nadelsticher-Mitrani, 1986) fue traducida y validada en una muestra americana. La escala mexicana y la Escala de Reactividad Interpersonal de Davis compartieron constructos conceptualmente similares. Sin embargo, se presentaron algunas diferencias. En particular, un factor único mexicano, Empatía Cognoscitiva, al cual se le llamó Anticipación (Prescience, en inglés), no había sido identificado en escalas de empatía. Este factor parece medir precisión empática, un conocimiento individual que implica conocimiento sobre los sentimientos y estados de ánimo de los demás. En un segundo estudio, se probó la sensibilidad individual en la detección de cambios sutiles en expresiones emocionales, y se encontró que individuos que puntúan alto en esta característica no fueron necesariamente más precisos en la detección de emociones, pero que les toma más tiempo el atender caras con expresiones temerosas y enojadas. Los resultados de un tercer estudio sugieren que esto no se debe a la captura atencional facilitada por caras emocionales negativas. En un estudio final, se encontró que la precisión implicada se basó en preocupaciones auto-presentadas. La validación de este factor provee un mejor entendimiento de sus propiedades cognoscitivas y motivacionales así como usos futuros.

Adding support to cross-cultural emotional assessment: validation of the International Affective Picture System in a Chilean sample / Un apoyo a la evaluación transcultural de la emoción: validación del International Affective Picture System en una muestra chilena

El presente estudio tiene como objetivo validar un conjunto de imágenes del International Affective Picture System (IAPS) de Lang, Bradley y Cuthbert, 2005 -un instrumento ampliamente utilizado en investigación afectiva- en una muestra chilena, así como comparar sus resultados con aquellos obtenidos en el estudio estadounidense, en vistas a contribuir a su validación intercultural. Se utilizó una muestra de 135 estudiantes universitarios, quienes evaluaron 188 imágenes en las dimensiones de valencia y arousal, de acuerdo con instrucciones estándar. Los resultados muestran la organización esperada de la afectividad, con variaciones entre sexos en la valoración de valencia, y diferencias entre países en la dimensión de arousal. Se concluye que la adaptación chilena del IAPS es consistente con los estudios previos, lo cual añade evidencia a favor de su validez intercultural.

The present study aimed to obtain a valid set of images of the International Affective Picture System (Lang, Bradley & Cuthbert, 2005) –a widely used instrumentation in emotion research- in a Chilean sample, as well as comparing these results with those obtained from the US study in order to con tribute to its cross-cultural validation. A sample of 135 college students assessed 188 pictures according to standard instructions in valence and arousal dimensions. The results showed the expected organization of affectivity, with variations between sex in valence judgments, and differences between countries in the arousal dimension. It is concluded that the Chilean adaptation of the IAPS is consistent with the previous evidence, adding support to it cross-cultural validity.

Impact of chronic urticaria on the quality of life in Australian and Sri Lankan populations

BACKGROUND: Chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) has a significant impact on patients' quality of life. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to assess that impact and to compare differences by culture, gender, age or duration of treatment. METHODS: We used the modified chronic urticaria quality of life questionnaire, consisting of 15 questions. Over the course of 6 months, patients attending Immunology clinics at Campbelltown Hospital and private rooms in Australia and at the faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya in Sri Lanka were asked to fill out the questionnaires. We have obtained the data from 125 patients (43 Australian vs. 82 Sri Lankan). There were significantly more female patients (P < 0.01). The data was analysed using SAS. RESULTS: Overall, patients were affected mostly by itch and wheals and least affected by the side effects of treatments. Sri Lankan populations were more affected by wheals and by interference on activities, mood and food choices but were less affected by tiredness due to sleep disturbances (P < 0.01). Females were more affected by sleep disturbance (P < 0.05) while those older than 40 years of age were more impacted by tiredness and by the side effects from medications (P < 0.05), though the complaints themselves were mild. Those who suffered from CIU for more than 1 year were more affected by wheal, tiredness and irritability (P ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSION: The questionnaire highlighted some differences between patients attending Australian versus Sri Lankan outpatients. Significant differences were found in one third of parameters which include mood, sleep, daily activities and food choices.

Cross-cultural differences in picture recognition memory of Chinese and Indian medical students / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective To investigate cross-cultural differences in picture recognition memory of medical students. Methods Picture recognition memory were assessed by the classic new-old picture recognition,and behavioral results were recorded during the test. Results For new medical picture recognition, mean accuracy of Chinese medical students( 83.21 ± 8.95 )% was considerably higher than that of Indian medical students( 75.56 ±12.63)% (P＜0.05), while for old medical picture recognition, reaction time (RT) of Chinese medical students ( ( 887.57 ± 104.07 ) ms ) was longer than that of Indian medical students ( ( 840.93 ± 1 22.48 ) ms) (P＜0.05).Three way ANOVA suggested that cultural background and picture type significantly affected accuracy and RT,learning experience affected RT. In addition to picture type and learning experience, the interaction of each factors is not remarkable. Conclusion Cultural background, professional background and learning experiences have affected recognition memory. Medical students of different cultural background adopted difference strategies in picture recognition memory.

Aculturación y diferencias en las creencias irracionales sobre el rol femenino tradicional (O’Kelly Women Beliefs Scale) en mujeres colombianas residentesen su país de origen y en Estados Unidos / Acculturation and differences in the irrational beliefs about traditional female roles (O’Kelly Women Beliefs Scale) in Colombian women living in Colombia and U. S. A

La Escala de Creencias de las Mujeres de O’Kelly (O’Kelly Women Beliefs Scale., O’Kelly, en prensa; Ellis, 1985) fue aplicada a colombianas residentes en Cali, Colombia, colombianas residentes en el noreste de los Estados Unidos y sus contrapartes estadounidenses (20 madres y 20 hijas mayores de 17 años en cada grupo). Se encontró que existen diferencias transculturales en los puntajes totales de los tres grupos. Comparaciones posthoc (LSD) indicaron que las diferencias significativas se encuentran en las hijas colombianas residentes en Estados Unidos, comparadas con las madres colombianas residentes en Colombia y las madres e hijas estadounidenses. No existen diferencias entre madres e hijas colombianas residentes en Estados Unidos. Los resultados sugieren que el patrón deaculturación de los colombianos en los Estados Unidos es el de asimilación al país de adopción conservando aspectos de la tradición y la cultura del país de origen.

The O’Kelly Women Beliefs Scale (O’Kelly, in press) was given to 120 females: Colombians living in Colombia, and Colombians, and their non- Hispanic US counterparts living in the USA (20 mother-daughter pairs in each group). An ANOVA indicated significant cross-cultural differences among the groups, where posthoc comparisons (LSD) revealed they were largely due to differences between Colombian daughters in the USA and three subgroups: Colombian mothers inColombia, non- Hispanic US mothers, and non- Hispanic US daughters. Results suggest that the acculturation patternof Colombians to the USA seems to be one of assimilation to the new culture keeping several aspects of the traditions and costumes of the country of origin.

Parental control mechanisms and their reflection on identity styles of Turkish adolescents / Mecanismos de controle parental e sua influência no estilo identitário de adolescentes turcos / Mecanismos de control parental y su influencia en el estilo de la identidad de jóvenes turcos

Research has shown that authoritarian parents limit their children's freedom of expression and monitor their children's behavior according to their rules. Children of authoritative families tend to have high self-esteem and refer to internalized norms. Parenting is a cultural product. In this study the model presented is limited in the sense that it does not consider the cultural diversity. We must evaluate the identity not only with perceived parenting style but also within the socio-cultural context. The present study explored the relationships between identity styles and perceived parenting control patterns in late adolescents. Responses of 402 Turkish university students to the Berzonsky's Identity Style Inventory were factor-analyzed, and patterns of correlations between four identity statuses, Steinberg's Authoritative Parenting Scale, and Kaðitçibaþ1's Authoritarianism Scale and parental education were examined. The findings are discussed in relation to ways of incorporating the cultural context into the study of identity development.

Pesquisas têm evidenciado que pais autoritários restrigem a liberdade de expressão de seus filhos e orientam o comportamento deles de acordo com suas normas. Crianças de famílias autoritárias tendem a apresentar elevada auto-estima e responder a normas internalizadas. A paternagem é um produto cultural, o modelo aqui apresentado é limitado por não considerar a diversidade cultural. Devemos avaliar a identidade não apenas como modelo parental percebido, mas também como parte do contexto sócio-cultural. O presente estudo explorou as relações entre modelos identitários e padrões de controle parental percebidos em jovens adultos. As respostas de 402 estudantes de uma universidade turca ao Berzonsky's Identity Style Inventory foram submetidas à análise fatorial. Padrões de correlação entre quatro status de identidade, Steinberg's Authoritative Parenting Scale, Kaðitçibaþ1's Authoritarianism Scale e educação parental foram examinados. Os resultados são discutidos em relação ao modo de incorporação do contexto cultural no estudo do desenvolvimento da identidade.

Investigación tiene evidenciado que los padres autoritarios restringen la libertad de expresión de sus hijos y orientan el comportamiento de ellos de acuerdo con sus normas. Niños de familias autoritarias tienden presentar elevada auto-estima y responder a normas internalizadas. Lo control de los padres es un producto cultural, el modelo aquí presentado es limitado por no considerar la diversidad cultural. Debemos evaluar la identidad no apenas como modelo parental percibido, más también como parte del contexto socio-cultural. El presente estudio exploro las relaciones entre modelos de identidades y padrones de control parental percibidos en jóvenes adultos. Las respuestas de 402 estudiantes de una universidad Turca al Berzonsky's Identity Style Inventory fueran submetidas al analice factorial. Padrones de correlaciones entre cuatro status de identidad, Steinberg's Authoritative Parenting Scale, Kaðitçibaþ1's Authoritarianism Scale y educación parental fueran examinados. Los resultados son discutidos en relación al modo de incorporación del contexto cultural en el estudio del desarrollo de la identidad.

Diferenças culturais e de gênero em conflitos de pré-escolares / Cultural and gender differences in preschool children's conflicts

O estudo compara episódios de conflitos entre crianças de quatro a cinco anos de idade, pertencentes a dois grupos culturais: um de uma grande metrópole (São Paulo) e outro de uma pequena comunidade praiana do estado de São Paulo (Ubatuba). Foram observadas 39 crianças (20 meninas e 19 meninos). Analisaram-se os motivos, as estratégias de oposição, as reações à oposição e o desenlace de conflitos. Nos dois grupos e gêneros, o motivo mais freqüente para os conflitos foi a disputa por brinquedos e as estratégias de resolução pró-sociais mesclaram-se com as coercitivas. Algumas diferenças comportamentais de gênero encontradas nas crianças de São Paulo, diferentemente do que se observou em Ubatuba, assemelharam-se às verificadas em estudos europeus e norte-americanos: os meninos se mostraram mais agressivos e as meninas, mais conciliadoras. As crianças paulistanas apresentaram maior número de táticas verbais, enquanto as estratégias diretas e proximais predominaram entre as ubatubanas. O estudo evidencia a importância de considerar as influências culturais na resolução de conflitos entre crianças.

The study compares conflict episodes of four- to five-year-old children of two cultural groups: one from a big city (São Paulo), and another from a small seashore community in the State of São Paulo (Ubatuba). 20 girls and 19 boys were observed in their free preschool activities. Motives, strategies of opposition, reactions to opposition, and conflicts outcomes were analyzed. The most frequent motive for conflicts was the dispute for toys and other objects. Pro-social and coercive strategies were found in children from both genders and groups. Behavioral differences between genders in the children from São Paulo, differently from what occurred with the children from Ubatuba, were similar to those found in European an North American studies: boys used more aggressive tactics, while girls tended to be more conciliatory. São Paulo's children showed greater number of verbal tactics, while direct and proximal strategies prevailed among Ubatuba's children. The study evidences the importance of considering cultural influences on children's conflict resolution.

Plastic Surgery and the Cultural and Time-Varying Differences of Physical Beauty / 中国医学伦理学

Physical beauty does not only equal to the shape of body fit for the formal principles of aesthetics, but also the embodiment of culture, and its essence lies in body which embodies wisdom. So plastic surgery does not equal to shape body according to the formal principles of aesthetics, it has to be directed by somaesthetics. Prudence in dealing with the cultural and time-varying differences of physical beauty embodies and even creates the culture of physical beauty.