Validity and reliability of the Chinese version of Threats of Artificial Intelligence Scale (TAI) in Chinese adults

Abstract With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, artificial intelligence (AI) has been widely used in fields such as medical treatment, while the threat of artificial intelligence has also received extensive attention. However, this topic has been only limitedly explored in China. To provide a measurement tool for AI threat research in China, this study aimed to examine the validity and reliability of the Threats of Artificial Intelligence Scale (TAI) in two Chinese samples of adults (N1 = 654, N2 = 1483). Results of exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) suggested that the one-factor model of TAI as the best fitting model. Furthermore, the Chinese TAI was significantly related to Positive and Negative Affect Scale and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, proving good criterion-related validity of the Chinese TAI. In sum, this study suggested the Chinese version of the TAI as a reliable and effective tool in assessing AI threat in the Chinese context. Limitations and future directions are discussed.

Expressões de homofobia e conflito intergrupal entre fãs de league of legends / Expressions of homophobia and intergroup conflict between league of legends fans / Expresiones de homofobia y conflicto intergrupal entre aficionados de league of legends

Os jogos digitais são considerados um ambiente de privilégio masculino que exalta o padrão heteronormativo de masculinidade. A partir da Teoria das Representações Sociais, buscamos identificar as diferentes formas de expressão e ancoragens da homofobia a partir de princípios organizadores, nos discursos dos fãs do jogo League of Legends (LoL) na rede social Facebook. Foram selecionados 470 comentários publicados em 2017, os quais foram analisados com apoio do Iramuteq (software de análise lexicométrica) por meio de uma classificação hierárquica descendente, resultando em quatro classes: "Debate sobre a sexualidade dos campeões" (14,9%), "Representatividade no LoL" (29,8%), "Confronto entre as histórias de Varus" (39%), e "Estratégia empresarial" (16,2%). Os resultados evidenciam a existência de um conflito intergrupal, mediado pelo processo de ameaça simbólica: enquanto alguns comentários, realizados majoritariamente por homens heterossexuais, se utilizam do preconceito sutil para perpetuar a manutenção da heteronormatividade, outros comentários reforçam a importância da representação da diversidade nos jogos digitais.(AU)

Digital games are considered an environment of male privilege that promotes heteronormative standard of masculinity. Based on the Theory of Social Representations, we seek to identify, based on organizing principles, the forms of expression and anchorages processes related to homophobia within the speeches of the fans of the game League of Legends (LoL), on Facebook. A total of 470 comments published in 2017 were selected to be then analyzed with support from IRAMUTEQ software (lexicometric analysis software), which resulted in four classes: "Debate on the sexuality of champions" (14.9%), "Representativeness in LoL" (29.8%), "Confrontation between the stories of Varus" (39%), and "Business strategy" (16.2%). The results show intergroup conflict that is mediated by the process of symbolic threat: some comments, which are mostly from heterosexual men, carry aspects of covert prejudice to perpetuate the maintenance of heteronormative standards, whereas other comments reinforce the importance of representing diversity in digital games.(AU)

Los juegos digitales son un entorno de privilegio masculino que enaltece el estándar heteronormativo de la masculinidad. Con base en la Teoría de las Representaciones Sociales, buscamos identificar las formas de expresión y anclaje de la homofobia a partir de principios organizativos en los discursos de aficionados del juego League of Legends (LoL) en la red social Facebook. Se seleccionaron 470 comentarios publicados en 2017, que pasaron por el análisis en IRAMUTEQ (software de análisis lexicométrico) mediante una clasificación jerárquica descendiente la cual dio como resultado cuatro clases: "Debate sobre la sexualidad de campeones" (14,9%), "Representatividad en LoL" (29,8%), "Confrontación entre las historias de Varus" (39%) y "Estrategia comercial" (16,2%). Los resultados muestran un conflicto intergrupal, mediado por la amenaza simbólica; mientras que algunos comentarios, hechos en su mayoría por hombres heterosexuales, utilizan prejuicios sutiles para perpetuar el mantenimiento de la heteronormatividad, otros comentarios refuerzan la importancia de representar la diversidad en los juegos digitales.(AU)

Análisis bifactorial y validez de constructo de la Escala de Percepción de Amenaza exogrupal frente a los inmigrantes VIH positivos en una muestra de adultos peruanos / Bifactorial analysis and construct validity of the Out-group Threat Perception Scale against HIV-positive immigrants in a sample of Peruvian adults

En la actualidad se evidenciado aumento de los desplazamientos provocados por conflictos, persecuciones, falta de oportunidades, seguridad, entre otras razones, inscrementando la población de migrante en países de América Latina. Se destaca los desplazados venezolanos, siendo Perú el segundo país de Latinoamérica con más de esta población de migrantes. Estudios han alertado sobre la desvalorización de los migrantes y especialmente aquellos que vivan con enfermedades infectocontagiosas como es el VIH. Los ciudadanos autóctonos del país receptor, percirbe la presencia del exogrupo como amenazas a sus derechos sociales relacionándose con actitudes negativas, que se ha ido poteciando por los medios de comunicación. Por tanto, es importante realizar estudios que estimen el discernimiento de amenazas exogrupal estrechamente hacia los migrantes. El objetivo evaluar las evidencias psicométricas del instrumento de medición EPAE en una muestra de adultos peruanos frente a los inmigrantes VIH. El análisis de los ítems y de confiabilidad demostró un adecuado funcionamiento a excepción de los ítems 4, 5, 11 y 12. Se propone utilizar el modelo 2, el cual consta de 9 agregados, confirmado por los diferentes índices estadísticos (X2/gl=3.49; WMRM=1.124; NFI=0.993; CFI=0.995; GFI=0.997; RMSEA=0.045; SRMR=0.035). Según los valores del análisis bifactor no existe suficiente evidencia para asumir un factor general, se recomienda trabajar con dimensiones independientes. Es importante la identificación de percepción de amenazas reales, debido a que investigaciones han evidenciado que el estigma asociado con el VIH constituye uno de los mayores obstáculos para la prevención de nuevas infecciones(AU)

Currently, there is evidence of an increase in displacement caused by conflicts, persecution, lack of opportunities, security, among other reasons, increasing the migrant population in Latin American countries. The displaced Venezuelans stand out, with Peru being the second country in Latin America with more than this population of migrants. Studies have warned about the devaluation of migrants and especially those who live with infectious diseases such as HIV. The autochthonous citizens of the receiving country perceive the presence of the outgroup as threats to their social rights, related to negative attitudes, which has been promoted by the media. Therefore, it is important to carry out studies that estimate the discernment of out-group threats closely towards migrants. The objective is to evaluate the psychometric evidence of the EPAE measurement instrument in a sample of Peruvian adults compared to HIV immigrants. The analysis of the items and reliability showed an adequate functioning with the exception of items 4, 5, 11 and 12. It is proposed to use model 2, which consists of 9 aggregates, confirmed by the different statistical indices (X2/df= 3.49; WMRM=1.124; NFI=0.993; CFI=0.995; GFI=0.997; RMSEA=0.045; SRMR=0.035). Given the values of the bifactor analysis, there is not enough evidence to assume a general factor, it is recommended to work with independent dimensions. It is important to identify the perception of real threats, since research has shown that the stigma associated with HIV constitutes one of the greatest obstacles to the prevention of new infections(AU)

Terrorism as a Global Threat: A Brief Analysis

Terrorism is the gravest human security problem of 21st century. Today, it is not the problem of one country, rather the whole world is witnessing the menace of terrorism in one way or the other. It has spread its tentacles to almost all the countries and has posed a great threat to the world. It has not only the killed people, but has also annihilated social and economic systems various countries. It has broken the civilized world order that took millennia to form. Militancy, insurgency, cross-border terrorism, state terrorism, international terrorism are few words which are interchangeably used as different expressions of terrorism, though they are conceptually different from each other. Thus, in this paper an attempt has been made to make a brief analysis of different forms of terrorism which have posed a great threat to the entire world. Further, in this paper an endeavor has been made to offer suggestive measures for solutions to the prolonged problem of terrorism.

An Experimental Investigation into the Influence of Illness-Related Emotions on Indicators of Conformity

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic represents a massive global health crisis which has produced significant psychological fear in individuals. Fear, a survival-related emotion studied in evolutionary psychology, leads people to place importance on conformity to group norms in terms of attitudes and behaviours, leading to better odds of survival. This study strives to explore the relationship between Illness- related emotions and the indicators of conformity. Methodology: The study employed an experimental design. Participants in the experimental group were primed by arousing disease-related threat in them, whereas the control group was not primed. Participants' tendency to endorse conformity in hypothetical situations were examined with the help of four measures- three choice-based tasks and one self-report questionnaire. Results: The research findings revealed that illness-related fear/anxiety has an impact on behavioural conformity with the majority opinion, but this impact was not significant on other three dependent measures of conformity- Valuation of Obedience, Self- reported Conformist attitudes and Liking for people with Conformist Traits. Conclusion: The study has implications in understanding the antecedent of conformity and the psychology of threat in the collectivistic culture of India, especially in the face of a pandemic.

A study on Perceived Threat, Behavior Change, Lockdown Compliance and Coping Strategies among Indian Adults amid COVID-19 outbreak

Introduction: During the current pandemic, threat perception of people during lockdown, any subsequent change in their behaviour , coping mechanisms along with lockdown compliance used to deal with the crisis in the Indian subcontinent have been important. The study aims to explore prevalence of perceived threat, behaviour change, lockdown compliance, and coping strategies amid COVID-19 outbreak in India. Methodology: This cross-sectional study used a semi-structured online questionnaire. Study applied non- probability snowball sampling technique for data collection. The survey questionnaire included four sections on (a) socio-demographic variables (b) perceived threat (c) lockdown compliance and behaviour change (d) coping strategies. Descriptive statistical analysis was done for the evaluation of data. Results: The responses of 1068 participants with a mean age of 32.92±12.88 years were included for analysis. Nearly half (51%) of the participants reported feeling 'very high' anxiety and about 34% reported to have 'high' anxiety about the spread of coronavirus, on the other hand many (41.6%) of them believed that they had very less chances of getting infected with coronavirus. A large population (89.3%) reported complying to the nationwide lockdown. The major coping mechanism being used by the people is distractions, socializing as well as adaptive coping mechanisms. Conclusion: In the current scenario, there is a concern for India, as due to surge in persons infected with COVID 19 and an indication towards 'optimism bias ' prevalent in people there are chances of poor compliance with government guidelines on behaviour change. The findings of the study will be helpful in designing programs and government measures for the people aimed at ensuring compliance with the guidelines related to social distancing and sanitization and using adaptive coping strategies

Percepción de amenaza como mediadora de la relación entre los estereotipos y el prejuicio hacia los migrantes venezolanos en Perú / Perception of threat as a mediator of the relationship between stereotypes and prejudice towards Venezuelan migrants in Peru

Resumen Objetivos: el presente estudio tiene como objetivo explorar la relación entre los estereotipos (moralidad, calidez y competencia) y el prejuicio (sutil y manifiesto) hacia los inmigrantes venezolanos en Perú. Además, se analiza el rol mediador de la percepción de amenaza en la relación entre los estereotipos y los prejuicios hacia este grupo social. Método: se realizó un diseño de investigación correlacional, utilizando la Escala de Prejuicio Sutil y Manifiesto, la Escala de Estereotipos Nacionales y la Escala de Percepción de Amenaza Exogrupal. La muestra consiste en 115 participantes de nacionalidad peruana de entre 18 y 60 años (M = 29.6; DE = 11.77). Resultados: los resultados confirman la relación inversa entre la representación positiva y el prejuicio ambivalente, es decir, cuando los venezolanos son representados como más competentes, cálidos y morales, se aprecian menos expresiones de prejuicio sutil y manifiesto hacia este grupo social. El coeficiente de regresión de las relaciones entre estereotipos y prejuicios tiende a disminuir cuando la amenaza percibida es incorporada como variable mediadora al modelo de mediación parcial. Conclusiones: se confirman las relaciones entre las variables estudiadas. Además, se discute su relevancia para la implementación de intervenciones que promuevan el contacto intergrupal, la inclusión social, y el cuestionamiento de agentes sociales que refuerzan una representación amenazante del inmigrante latinoamericano.

Abstract Objectives: The present study aims to explore the relationship between stereotypes (morality, warmth, and competence) and prejudice (subtle and blatant) towards Venezuelan immigrants in Peru. In addition, the role of threat perception as a mediator in the relationship between stereotypes and prejudice towards this social group is analyzed. Method: A correlational research design was conducted, using the Subtle and Blatant Prejudice Scale, the National Stereotypes Scale, and the Out-Group Threat Perception Scale. The sample consisted of 115 participants of Peruvian nationality between 18 and 60 years old (M = 29.6; SD = 11.77). Results: The results confirm the inverse relationship between positive representation and ambivalent prejudice. In other words, when Venezuelans are represented as more competent, warm and moral, there are fewer expressions of subtle and blatant prejudice towards this social group. The regression coefficient of the relationships between stereotypes and prejudice tends to decrease when perceived threat is incorporated as a mediating variable in the partial mediation model. Conclusions: The relationships between the studied variables are confirmed. Furthermore, their importance for the implementation of interventions that promote intergroup contact, social inclusion, and questioning of social agents that reinforce a threatening representation of the Latin American immigrant is discussed.

Towards diversity in science - a glance at gender disparity in the Brazilian Society of Neuroscience and Behavior (SBNeC)

Gender equity is far from being achieved in most academic institutions worldwide. Women representation in scientific leadership faces multiple obstacles. Implicit bias and stereotype threat are considered important driving forces concerning gender disparities. Negative cultural stereotypes of weak scientific performance, unrelated to true capacity, are implicitly associated with women and other social groups, influencing, without awareness, attitudes and judgments towards them. Meetings of scientific societies are the forum in which members from all stages of scientific careers are brought together. Visibility in the scientific community stems partly from presenting research as a speaker. Here, we investigated gender disparities in the Brazilian Society of Neuroscience and Behavior (SBNeC). Across the 15 mandates (1978-2020), women occupied 30% of the directory board posts, and only twice was a woman president. We evaluated six meetings held between 2010 and 2019. During this period, the membership of women outnumbered that of men in all categories. A total of 57.50% of faculty members, representing the potential pool of speakers and chairs, were female. Compared to this expected value, female speakers across the six meetings were scarce in full conferences (χ2(5)=173.54, P<0.001) and low in symposia (χ2(5)=36.92, P<0.001). Additionally, women chaired fewer symposia (χ2(5)=47.83, P<0.001). Furthermore, men-chaired symposia had significantly fewer women speakers than women-chaired symposia (χ2(1)=56.44, P<0.001). The gender disparities observed here are similar to those in other scientific societies worldwide, urging them to lead actions to pursue gender balance and diversity. Diversity leads not only to fairness but also to higher-quality science.

Gastrointestinal symptoms in COVID-19 patients: a case series

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), presents an ongoing global threat. Common clinical features reported in early confirmed infections included fever, cough, and myalgias or fatigue. But as testing capacity and case numbers have increased worldwide, gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms such as diarrhoea, nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite have been increasingly recognized. Authors present a case series of gastrointestinal symptoms in COVID-19 patients and how they were managed at the hospital. However, correlations between the presence of fecal virus RNA and severity of digestive symptoms, namely, diarrhoea severity could not be established due to unavailability of the test in the hospital setting. Although knowledge about the viability of SARS-CoV-2 is limited, the virus could remain viable in the environment for days, which could lead to faeco-oral transmission. Various studies conducted on COVID-19 patients recommended routine stool sample testing with real-time RT-PCR after the clearance of viral RNA in a patient’s respiratory samples. Strict precautions to prevent transmission should be taken for patients who are in hospital or self-quarantined if their faecal samples test positive. Optimally, testing for COVID-19 should be performed using both respiratory and stool samples, if available.

Pseudoscientific beliefs and practices in the COVID-19 pandemic: A narrative review of unwanted experiments attributed to social media-based misinformation afflicting the public health / Crenças e práticas pseudocientíficas na pandemia do COVID-19: uma revisão narrativa de experimentos indesejados atribuídos à desinformação da mídia social que afeta a saúde pública

Background: On January 30, 2020, India reported its first coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) positive case that led to the national lockdown, health surveillance, and travel restrictions. The Government of India (GoI) is advising personal hygiene practices as prophylaxis, however, remains poorly understood by the people. Too, believing in social media-based misinformation leading to pseudoscientific practices suggesting all from giving up non-vegetarian food to eating garlic is afflicting. This review sheds light on pseudoscientific beliefs and practices of the Indian public to prevent COVID-19. Methods: This narrative review gathered scientific evidence to describe the facts against pseudoscientific beliefs and practices in the COVID-19 pandemic. We examined available evidence from relevant research articles to present the facts about pseudoscientific practices. In particular, regarding the use of complementary and alternative medicine and its practice to prevent COVID-19, we searched the high-quality literature in PubMed, PubMed Central, and Cochrane Library databases for the determined outcomes. Results: Based on scientific shreds of evidence, it is apparent that social media-based misinformation and its pseudoscientific practices severely affecting the public health in the COVID-19 pandemic. The public must look into the facts rigorously before performing pseudoscientific practices and need to follow GoI instructions perpetually. The findings of this review suggest a high level of public awareness of evidence-based prophylactic measures. Conclusion: There is an urgent need for public health promotion initiatives to bring up awareness of the COVID-19 spread and its preventive hygiene practices. The dissemination of health awareness to the public across the nation is warranted.

Antecedentes: em 30 de janeiro de 2020, a Índia relatou seu primeiro caso positivo da doença de coronavírus 2019 (COVID-19) que levou ao bloqueio nacional, vigilância em saúde e restrições de viagem. O governo da Índia (GI) está aconselhando práticas de higiene pessoal, pois a profilaxia continua sendo pouco compreendida pelo povo. Também, acreditar na desinformação baseada nas mídias sociais, levando a práticas pseudocientíficas, sugerindo tudo, desde desistir de alimentos não vegetarianos até comer alho, é aflitivo. Esta revisão lança luz sobre crenças e práticas pseudocientíficas do público indiano para prevenir o COVID-19. Métodos: Esta revisão narrativa reuniu evidências científicas para descrever os fatos contra crenças e práticas pseudocientíficas na pandemia do COVID-19. Examinamos as evidências disponíveis de artigos de pesquisa relevantes para apresentar os fatos sobre práticas pseudocientíficas. Em particular, com relação ao uso de medicina complementar e alternativa e sua prática para prevenir o COVID-19, pesquisamos a literatura de alta qualidade nos bancos de dados PubMed, PubMed Central e Cochrane Library para os resultados determinados. Resultados: Com base em fragmentos científicos de evidência, é aparente que a desinformação baseada nas mídias sociais e suas práticas pseudocientíficas afetam gravemente a saúde pública na pandemia do COVID-19. O público deve analisar os fatos rigorosamente antes de executar práticas pseudocientíficas e precisa seguir as instruções do GI perpetuamente. Os resultados desta revisão sugerem um alto nível de conscientização pública sobre medidas profiláticas baseadas em evidências. Conclusão: Há uma necessidade urgente de iniciativas de promoção da saúde pública para conscientizar sobre a disseminação do COVID-19 e suas práticas preventivas de higiene. A disseminação da conscientização da saúde ao público em todo o país é justificada.

(Des)orden nacional: la construcción de la migración venezolana como una amenaza de salud y seguridad pública en Colombia / National Dis(order): The Construction of Venezuelan Migration as a Public Health and Security Threat in Colombia / (Des)ordem nacional: a construção da migração venezuelana como uma ameaça de saúde e segurança pública na Colômbia

Resumen Introducción: En este artículo se propone una reflexión sobre la construcción mediática y política de la imagen del migrante venezolano como amenaza a la salud y seguridad pública en Colombia. Desarrollo: A partir de 2015, la migración masiva de venezolanos enfrenta a la sociedad colombiana a una situación inédita en su historia reciente. En medio de un contexto atravesado por la hiperpolitización de las relaciones entre ambos países, miles de migrantes se han encontrado con la estigmatización en una sociedad que desarrolla mecanismos para contener las posibles 'amenazas' que representa su movilidad. Para tales fines, este artículo aborda tanto noticias e imágenes de diferentes medios de comunicación, como discursos políticos y noticias falsas que circulan mediante cadenas de WhatsApp que, en su conjunto, terminan por afianzar la percepción de amenaza en distintos sectores de la sociedad colombiana. Conclusiones: Las políticas de solidaridad y ayuda que pregona el Estado van de la mano con mensajes contradictorios producidos en los medios que, en últimas, le presentan al público a una población indiferenciada que pone en peligro al cuerpo de la nación.

Abstract Introduction: This article addresses the political and mediatized construction of the "Venezuelan migrant" as a threat to public health and security in Colombia. Development: Since 2015, massive migration from Venezuela has forced Colombian society into an unprecedented situation in its recent history. Amidst the hyper-politicization of bilateral relations between the countries, thousands of Venezuelan migrants have crossed the border, only to encounter stigmatization in a society that is in the process of developing different mechanisms to contain the supposed "danger" they represent. We use digital news reports and images published by media outlets, political speeches, and "fake news" messages disseminated through WhatsApp to show how this perception of threat consolidates. Conclusions: We suggest that the State's push to address the problem with solidarity and aid goes hand in hand with contradictory messages produced by the media, which present the Colombian public with an undifferentiated population that threatens the body of the nation.

Resumo Introdução: Neste artigo propomos uma reflexão sobre a construção mediática e política da imagem do "migrante venezuelano" como ameaça à saúde e segurança pública n Colômbia. Desenvolvimento: A partir do ano 2015 a migração massiva de venezuelanos enfrenta à sociedade colombiana a uma situação inédita em sua história recente. No meio de um contexto atravessado pela hiperpolitização das relações entre ambos os países, milhares de migrantes se têm encontrado com a estigmatização em uma sociedade que desenvolve mecanismos para conter as "ameaças" que representa sua mobilidade. Para esses fins, o artigo aborda tanto notícias e imagens de diferentes meios de comunicação, quanto discursos políticos e notícias falsas que circulam através de cadeias de WhatsApp, que em conjunto terminam por afiançar a percepção de ameaça em distintos setores da sociedade colombiana. Conclusões: Sugerimos que as políticas de solidariedade e ajuda que proclama o Estado vão da mão com mensagens contraditórios produzidos nos meios que, no final, apresentam ao publico uma população indiferenciada que põe em perigo ao corpo da nação.

Negative stereotypes: an analysis of Social Cognition in different ethnic groups. Social cognition of stereotypes / Estereotipos negativos: un análisis de la cognición social en diferentes grupos étnicos. Cognición social de los estereotipos

Abstract Introduction: The processes related to social cognitions contribute as a traumatic and stressful event for some ethnic and minority groups, causing a series of psychic suffering in individuals. Social cognition considered stereotypes as characteristics of a group included in its mental representation. Objective: The study was conducted to analyze the negative stereotypes in two cultures with very different history and geopolitical context, especially how stereotypes are reflected in the cognitive component of prejudiced attitudes. Method: Four hundred fifty one (N=451) undergraduate students volunteered to take part in the study, the participants came from careers in the area of Social Sciences and Humanities in the non-probabilistic sample. After receiving the information, participants completed Negative Stereotype Index. A descriptive analysis and the T-test to know the differences between the perception and self-perception of the groups. Results: Show that negative stereotype traits in Poland and Brazil, found negative stereotypic traits attributed to an out-group resulted in more unfavorable evaluations than descriptions consisting of positive attributes. In both groups, and their antecedents were associated with negative out-group attitudes, however, is a more general and more important one. Conclusion: The findings found that expectations about the out-group and negative stereotypes occur in conjunction with other negative emotions, which intensify negative out-group attitudes. The assessment that the Poles made of the Germans was like that of the Brazilians of the Argentines or of a group of relatively higher status. That is, they considered the Germans as more arrogant, sincere and less modest. The different groups of people may dislike each other for similar reasons. Explanations are offered for the limitations of the study and proposal for future research.

Resumen Introducción: Los procesos relacionados con cogniciones sociales contribuyen como evento traumático y estresante para algunos grupos étnicos y minoritarios que causan una serie de sufrimiento psíquico en los individuos. La cognición social considera los estereotipos como características de un grupo incluido en su representación mental. Objetivo: El estudio analiza los estereotipos negativos en dos culturas con historia y contexto geopolítico diferentes, especialmente cómo se reflejan los estereotipos en el componente cognitivo de las actitudes prejuiciosas. Método: Cuatrocientos cincuenta y un estudiantes de pregrado se ofrecieron como voluntarios para participar en el estudio, los participantes procedían de carreras en el área de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades en la muestra no probabilística. Después de recibir la información, los participantes completaron el Índice de Estereotipos Negativos. Se realizó análisis descriptivo y prueba T-test de Student para conocer diferencias entre percepción y autopercepción de los grupos. Resultados: Muestran que los rasgos estereotipados en Polonia y Brasil hallaron atributos al exogrupo que resultaron en evaluaciones más desfavorables que en atributos positivos. En ambos grupos, sus antecedentes se asociaron con actitudes negativas para el exogrupo; sin embargo, es una cuestión más general y más importante. Conclusión: Los hallazgos encontrados mostraron que las expectativas sobre el exogrupo y los estereotipos negativos ocurren en conjunción con otras emociones negativas, que intensifican las actitudes negativas exogrupales. La valoración que los polacos hacían de los alemanes era similar a la que hacían los brasileños de los argentinos o de un grupo de estatus relativamente superior. Es decir, consideraban a los alemanes como más arrogantes, sinceros y menos modestos. Los diferentes grupos pueden no gustarle el uno al otro por razones similares. Se ofrecen explicaciones para las limitaciones del estudio y para futura investigación.

Global outbreak of deadly measles in 2019

Measles is an infection of the respiratory system caused by a virus, especially a Paramyxovirus of the genus Morbillivirus, a single stranded negative sense RNA virus. Infants younger than 12 months, school-aged children or young adults depending upon local immunization practice are highly susceptible for the disease.

No evidence of attentional bias toward angry faces in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder

Objective: Although attentional bias (AB) toward angry faces is well established in patients with anxiety disorders, it is still poorly studied in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). We investigated whether OCD patients present AB toward angry faces, whether AB is related to symptom severity and whether AB scores are associated with specific OCD symptom dimensions. Method: Forty-eight OCD patients were assessed in clinical evaluations, intelligence testing and a dot-probe AB paradigm that used neutral and angry faces as stimuli. Analyses were performed with a one-sample t-test, Pearson correlations and linear regression. Results: No evidence of AB was observed in OCD patients, nor was there any association between AB and symptom severity or dimension. Psychiatric comorbidity did not affect our results. Conclusion: In accordance with previous studies, we were unable to detect AB in OCD patients. To investigate whether OCD patients have different brain activation patterns from anxiety disorder patients, future studies using a transdiagnostic approach should evaluate AB in OCD and anxiety disorder patients as they perform AB tasks under functional neuroimaging protocols.

Collective References and Identity Threat among Lebanese and Lebanese-Armenians in the Context of Continuous Intergroup Conflict / Referencias Colectivas y Amenazas a la Identidad entre Libaneses y Libaneses-Armenios en el Contexto de Conflicto Intergrupal Continuo

Abstract How people deal with adversity, in terms of threats to their social or ethnic identity has been extensively investigated. However, most studies have focused on samples (e.g. minority groups) from prototypical Western contexts. It is unclear how individuals perceive and deal with identity threats within non-Western plural contexts characterized by intergroup conflict. We therefore assess whether self-affirmation by recalling a past success can buffer against identity threat in the plural, non-Western context of Lebanon. In two studies we investigate how threats are negotiated at a national (Lebanon) (Study 1) and ethnic minority (Armenian) level (Study 2). In Study 1, we show that in a context characterized by a history of intergroup conflict, a superordinate national identity is non-salient. When investigating the content of memories of a sectarian group in Study 2, we find a hypersalient and chronically accessible ethnic identity, a pattern specific to Armenian Lebanese. We suggest that this hyper-salience is employed as a spontaneous identity management strategy by a minority group coping with constant continuity threat. Our findings point to the importance of expanding the study of identity processes beyond the typically Western contexts and in turn, situating them within their larger socio-political and historical contexts.

Resumen Ha sido ampliamente investigado el cómo luchan las personas con la adversidad, en términos de amenazas a su identidad social o étnica. Sin embargo, muchos estudios se han enfocado en muestras prototípicas de contextos Occidentales (p.ej. grupos minoritarios). Es poco claro cómo los individuos perciben y luchan con amenazas a su identidad dentro de contextos plurales no-occidentales caracterizados por el conflicto intergrupal. Por ello, evaluamos si la auto-afirmación a través del recuerdo de un hecho pasado puede mediar en contra de la amenaza a la identidad en el contexto plural, no-occidental de Líbano. A través de dos estudios investigamos cómo las amenazas son negociadas a nivel nacional (Líbano) (Estudio 1) y a nivel de una minoría étnica (Armenia) (Estudio 2). En el estudio 1 se muestra que, en un contexto caracterizado por la historia de conflicto intergrupal, una identidad nacional superordinada es no-saliente. Cuando se investigó el contenido de las memorias de un sector del grupo en el estudio 2, se encontraron identidades étnicas híper-salientes y crónicamente accesibles, un patrón específico a los Libaneses-Armenios. Se sugiere que esta híper-saliencia sea empleada como una estrategia de manejo de identidad espontánea por un grupo minoritario que se enfrenta a una amenaza continua y constante. Los hallazgos señalan la importancia de ampliar el estudio de los procesos de identidad más allá de los contextos típicos Occidentales, y a su vez, situarlos dentro de contextos sociopolíticos e históricos más grandes.

Medición ecográfica de la longitud cervical y riesgo de parto prematuro / Ultrasound measurement of cervical length and risk of preterm birth

Introducción: el parto prematuro es la causa del mayor número de muertes neonatales en todo el mundo y también de secuelas neurológicas, esto implica un alto costo para la familia y el Estado. Muchos estudios ya se realizaron para tratar de prevenirlo. Objetivo: actualizar los métodos ecográficos utilizados para diagnosticar alteraciones cervicales en relación al parto pretérmino. Resultados: la ecografía transvaginal puede medir y evaluar las características del cuello uterino en la embarazada por lo que es el método más utilizado para identificar mujeres con riesgo del parto prematuro espontáneo, pudiendo ser utilizado como tamizaje debido a su costo accesible y la disponibilidad en los servicios de salud. Conclusiones: la medición ecográfica de la longitud del cuello del útero a las 23 semanas de gestación representa el mejor predictor independiente para el parto antes de las 32 semanas.

Introduction: Preterm birth is the cause of the greatest number of neonatal deaths worldwide and also of neurological sequels, this implies a high cost for the family and the State. Many studies have already been done to try to prevent it. Objective: to update the ultrasound methods used to diagnose cervical alterations in relation to preterm delivery. Results: transvaginal ultrasound can measure and evaluate the characteristics of the cervix in pregnant women, which is why it is the most widely used method to identify women at risk of spontaneous preterm birth, and it can be used as screening due to its accessible cost and availability in the Health services. Conclusions: the ultrasound measurement of the length of the cervix at 23 weeks of gestation represents the best independent predictor for delivery before 32 weeks.

Spatiotemporal variation of roadkills show mass mortality events for amphibians in a highly trafficked road adjacent to a national park, Costa Rica / Variación espacio-temporal de atropellos de vertebrados muestra eventos de mortalidad masiva de anfibios en una carretera altamente transitada adyacente a un parque nacional, Costa Rica

Abstract Roads have detrimental impacts on wildlife populations around the world. Specifically, roads pose direct and indirect threats to wildlife by limiting dispersal movements or through vehicle-related mortality. The rate of wildlife mortality varies both in time and space depending on the landscape composition and the type and use of road infrastructure. The objective of this study was to investigate spatiotemporal variation of vertebrate mortality in a 4 km segment of the 34 national road, adjacent to Carara National Park, Costa Rica. We conducted 81 roadkill surveys by car and bicycle from June 2010 to May 2011, georeferenced the locations of the kills and identified them to the lowest possible taxonomic level. We recorded a total of 4 709 road-killed animals of at least 58 species of vertebrates during the whole study. Amphibians accounted for 93.5 % of all the vertebrate losses and showed strong spatiotemporal variation of mass mortality events. Reptiles, especially snakes, were the second most affected taxon followed by mammals and birds. Relative mortality per day in the 4 km segment was 125.4 amphibians, 4.6 reptiles, 2.7 mammals, 1 bird and 0.46 undetermined. Road proximity to the border of the park, traffic volumes and lack of enforcement of speed limits may influence the high rate of roadkills found. We suggest the reinforcement of speed limits, wildlife crossing signage and the retrofitting of the existing culverts as under passes for animals to minimize vertebrate mortality at the road adjacent to Carara National Park.

Resumen Las carreteras tienen impactos perjudiciales en las poblaciones de vida silvestre en todo el mundo. Específicamente, los caminos representan amenazas directas e indirectas a la vida silvestre limitando los movimientos de dispersión, o debido a la mortalidad por atropellos por vehículos. La tasa de mortalidad de la fauna varía tanto en el tiempo como en el espacio, dependiendo de la composición del paisaje y del tipo y uso de la infraestructura vial. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar la variación espaciotemporal de la mortalidad de vertebrados en un tramo de 4 km de la carretera nacional 34, adyacente al Parque Nacional Carara, Costa Rica. Llevamos a cabo 81 censos de vertebrados atropellados utilizando un vehículo y una bicicleta entre junio 2010 y mayo 2011, georreferenciamos las ubicaciones de los cuerpos y los identificamos al nivel taxonómico más bajo posible. Registramos un total de 4 709 animales muertos por carretera de al menos 58 especies de vertebrados durante todo el estudio. Los anfibios representaron el 93.5 % de todos los vertebrados y mostraron una fuerte variación espaciotemporal en eventos de mortalidad masiva. Los reptiles, especialmente las serpientes, fueron el segundo taxón más afectado seguido por los mamíferos y las aves. La mortalidad relativa por día en el segmento de 4 km fue de 125.4 anfibios, 4.6 reptiles, 2.7 mamíferos, 1 ave y 0.46 indeterminado. La proximidad de la carretera al límite del parque, los volúmenes de tránsito y la falta de cumplimiento de los límites de velocidad pueden influir en la alta tasa de mortalidad registrada. Sugerimos la reducción en los límites de velocidad, la señalización de cruce de vida silvestre y la readecuación de las alcantarillas existentes como pasos para los animales para minimizar la mortalidad de los vertebrados en la carretera adyacente al Parque Nacional Carara.

Chilenos ante la inmigración: un estudio de las relaciones entre orientaciones de aculturación, percepción de amenaza y bienestar social en el Gran Concepción / Chileans Facing Immigration: Relations Between Orientations of acculturation, perception of threat and Social well-being in the Great Concepcion

Resumen En Chile, el aumento sostenido de la inmigración extranjera ha impactado en la construcción de nuevas formas de relación social. Si bien los procesos aculturativos han sido estudiados desde la perspectiva de los inmigrantes por numerosas investigaciones, los miembros de las sociedades receptoras han recibido menor atención. Este trabajo tiene como propósito identificar las preferencias de aculturación de N=553 chilenos, y verificar sus relaciones con la percepción de amenaza y el bienestar social. Contrario a lo esperado, el individualismo aculturativo se asoció con un menor grado de amenaza percibida y una mejor evaluación del propio funcionamiento social que el integracionismo. Estos hallazgos son relacionados con la incorporación de modelos de ciudadanía promovidos por la ideología neoliberal en el Chile post-dictatorial.

Abstract In Chile, the sustained increase of migratory flows is producing an important impact on building new forms of social relations. Acculturation processes have been studied from immigrant's perspective by numerous studies, but host majority members has received less attention from scholars. This study aimed to verify relations between acculturation preferences of N=553 Chilean participants, their social well-being and perceived threat. Results showed that, contrary as expected, individualism was positively linked with better social functioning and less perceived threat than integrationism, suggesting the impact of neoliberal ideology on post-dictatorial Chilean culture.

Progesterona vaginal combinada con nifedipino en la prevención de parto pretermino con cervix corto / Vaginal progesterone combined with nifedipine in The prevention of pretermine labor with short cervix

Objetivo: evaluar los efectos de la progesterona vaginal combinada con nifedipino en comparación al uso único de Nifedipino en la amenaza de parto pretérmino en gestantes entre 24-34 semanas con longitud cervical ≤ a 25 mm en el Hospital Materno Infantil Germán Urquidi. Método: se realizó un estudio de cohorte, prospectivo, comparativo y analítico. Es un diseño de dos grupos (comparativos) donde la selección de pacientes se hizo de acuerdo a criterios de inclusión y exclusión, se evaluaron 231 pacientes. Resultados: el 67% de las pacientes que usaron progesterona más nifedipino resolvieron el evento de Amenaza de Parto Pretérmino en la primera hora en comparación al 50% de las pacientes que usaron solo nifedipino. Con la combinación de progesterona y nifedipino se controló en 1 hora el episodio de Amenaza de Parto Prematuro entre las 24 a 34 semanas de gestación, con el uso único de nifedipino, desde las 32 - 34 semanas existe un promedio de 2 horas en sobrepasar el episodio. Con solo nifedipino como tocolítico, el 80% de los pacientes verificaron parto a los 5 días. Solamente el 20% lograron sobrepasar los 10 días de latencia. La combinación progesterona y nifedipino logro que el 30% de las pacientes alcanzaran una latencia entre los 21-30 días, La edad gestacional al nacimiento con la combinación progesterona y Nifedipino alcanza en un 80% una edad menor o igual a 37 semanas 6 días. Conclusiones: La combinación de Progesterona vaginal más nifedipino, mejora sustancialmente el pronóstico neonatal en todos los resultados obtenidos, el uso único de nifedipino tiene menores efectos beneficiosos en esta investigación.

Objective: evaluate the effects of Vaginal Progesterone combined with nifedipine compared to the single use of nifedipine in the threat of preterm delivery in pregnant women between 24-34 weeks with cervical length ≤ 25mm in the Hospital Materno Infantil Germán Urquidi. Method: a prospective, comparative and analytical cohort study was conducted. It is a design of two groups (comparative) where the selection of patients was made according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, we evaluated 231 patients. Results: the time to exceed the Preterm Childbirth episode, 67% of the patients who used progesterone plus nifedipine resolved the event within the first hour compared to 50% of patients who used only nifedipine. With the combination of progesterone and nifedipine, the episode of Premature Birth Threat between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation was controlled within 1 hour, with the sole use of nifedipine, from 32-34 weeks there is an average of 2 hours in excess of episode. With only nifedipine as tocolytic, 80% of the patients verified delivery at 5 days. Only 20% were able to exceed 10 days of latency. The combination progesterone + nifedipine achieved that 30% of the patients reached a latency between 21-30 days, Gestational age at birth with the combination progesterone + nifedipino reaches 80% an age less than or equal to 37 weeks 6 days. Conclusions: the combination of vaginal progesterone plus nifedipine substantially improves the neonatal prognosis in all the results obtained, the use of nifedipine alone has less beneficial effects in this investigation.

A política de assistência social brasileira e a ameaça temerária aos direitos sociais / The brazilian social assistance policy and the reckless threat to social rights

O objetivo deste artigo é oferecer subsídios para a compreensão da Assistência Social brasileira enquanto política pública de proteção social, apresentando os marcos históricos para a implementação do Sistema Único de Assistência Social, sinalizando a passagem de uma prática arcaica, tradicional e conservadora, para a prática inovadora no campo do direito e no fortalecimento de um sistema de proteção social descentralizada, participativa e de proteção não-contributiva. Com o advento da Constituição Federal de 1988 foi instituído oficialmente o sistema de seguridade social, configurado em um tripé entre a Saúde, a Previdência Social e a Assistência Social, definida como uma política de proteção social inclusiva e não-contributiva. Ressaltamos, também, a importância da Assistência Social nos marcos da crise política que atinge o Brasil nos últimos anos, que prevê o desmantelamento das políticas públicas e direitos sociais no governo de Michel Temer.

The purpose of this article is to provide subsidies for the understanding of Brazilian social assistance as a public policy of social protection, with the sights for the implementation of uniform social assistance, signaling the transition from an archaic, traditional and conservative practice to innovative practice in the right field and strengthening of a decentralized, participatory and non-contributory social security system. With the advent of 1988's Federal Constitution was officially established the social security system, built on a tripod between Health, Social Security and Social Assistance, defined as an inclusive and noncontributory social protection policy. We also emphasize the importance of Social Assistance in the political crisis that has hit Brazil over the last few years, which provides the dismantling of public policies and social rights in Michel Temer's government.