Inequalities in adiposity trends between 1979 and 1999 in Guatemalan children.

BACKGROUND: Guatemala suffered from civil war and high levels of inequality and childhood stunting in the second half of the 20th century, but little is known about inequalities in secular trends in adiposity. OBJECTIVES: To investigate differences in childhood body mass index (BMI) and skinfold thickness trajectories from 1979 to 1999 between three groups of children: High socioeconomic position (SEP) Ladino, Low SEP Ladino, and Low SEP Indigenous Maya. METHODS: The sample comprised 19 346 children aged 7-17 years with 54 638 observations. The outcomes were height, BMI, triceps skinfold thickness (TST), and subscapular skinfold thickness (SST) Z-scores according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) references. Sex-specific multilevel models were used to estimate and compare mean trajectories from 1979 to 1999 between the three groups. RESULTS: Mean Z-scores were always highest for High SEP Ladino children and lowest for Low SEP Maya children. Despite their very short stature, the Low SEP groups had SST trajectories that were above the 50th centile. The BMI trajectories were relatively flat and within one major centile band of the CDC median, with differences between the three groups that were small (0.2-0.3 Z-scores) and did not attenuate over time. Conversely, the TST Z-score trajectories demonstrated larger positive secular trends (e.g., from -1.25 in 1979 to -0.06 in 1999 for Low SEP Maya boys), with differences between the three groups that were large (0.5-1.2 Z-scores) and did attenuate over time (in boys). Secular trends and between-group difference in the SST Z-score trajectories were less pronounced, but again we found stronger evidence in boys that the estimated inequalities attenuated over time. CONCLUSIONS: Secular trends and inequalities in skinfolds differ from those for BMI in Guatemalan children. Differences between groups in skinfolds attenuated over time, at least in boys, but whether this is good news is questionable given the very short stature yet relatively large subscapular skinfolds of the Low SEP groups.

The 3 × 2 Achievement Goal Questionnaire-Argentine (3 × 2 AGQ-AR): Adaptation, Factor Structure and Internal Consistency

This research examined the adaptation, validity and reliability of the 3 × 2 Achievement Goal Questionnaire (Elliot, Murayama, & Pekrun, 2011) in a sample of Argentine university students. A direct translation into Spanish was made and its equivalence was analyzed in a bilingual sample. The correlations between the original and translated versions of the scales were moderate and high (.53 to .93). In two instances, evidence of the factor structure of the instrument was provided by confirmatory factor analysis and the internal consistency was examined by the coefficients alpha and omega. The fit indexes support the proposed 3 × 2 goal model (S-B χ 2 /df = 1.39, p < .001, CFI = .99, RMSEA (IC 95) = .04 (.02-.06)) and were superior to ten alternative models. The internal consistency of each scale was very good (.80 to .96) and similar to that of the original research.

Este trabajo evaluó la adaptación, validez y confiabilidad del Cuestionario de metas de logro 3 × 2 (Elliot et al., 2011) en una muestra de estudiantes universitarios argentinos. Se realizó una traducción directa al español y se analizó su equivalencia en una muestra bilingüe. Las correlaciones entre las versiones original y traducida de las escalas fueron moderadas y altas (.53 a .93). En dos instancias, se proveyó evidencia de la estructura factorial del instrumento mediante análisis factorial confirmatorio y se examinó la consistencia interna a través de los coeficientes alfa y omega. Los índices de ajuste apoyaron el modelo propuesto de metas 3 × 2 (S-B χ 2 /df = 1.39, p < .001, CFI = .99, RMSEA (IC 95) = .04 (.02-.06)) y fueron superiores a diez modelos alternativos. La consistencia interna de cada escala fue muy buena (.80 a .96) y similar a la de la investigación original.

Este trabalho avaliou a adaptação, validade e confiabilidade do questionário de metas de realização 3 × 2 (Elliot et al., 2011) em uma amostra de estudantes universitários argentinos. Foi realizada tradução direta para o espanhol e sua equivalência analisada em uma amostra bilíngue. As correlações entre as versões original e traduzida das escalas foram moderadas e altas (.53 a .93). Em dois casos, a evidência da estrutura fatorial do instrumento foi fornecida por análise fatorial confirmatória e a consistência interna foi examinada por meio dos coeficientes alfa e ômega. Os índices de ajuste apoiaram o modelo de metas 3 × 2 proposto (S-B χ 2 /df = 1.39, p < .001, CFI = .99, RMSEA (IC 95) = .04 (.02-.06)) e foram superiores a dez modelos alternativos. A consistência interna de cada escala foi muito boa (.80 a .96) e semelhante à da pesquisa original.

Construcción y validación de la Escala de Afrontamiento de la Ansiedad durante los Exámenes / Developing and Validation of the Anxiety Coping during Tests Scale

Las estrategias de afrontamiento permiten regular la ansiedad experimentada durante situaciones evaluativas y continuar su resolución. El objetivo de este estudio fue construir una escala para medir el uso de estrategias que permiten afrontar la ansiedad durante un examen escrito, delimitadas a aquellas que permiten continuar resolviendo el examen. El instrumento construido fue aplicado a 184 personas (101 mujeres, 82 hombres y 1 persona no identificada con esas categorías (Medad = 17.27, DE = 0.70) y consideró las experiencias en el examen de admisión a una Universidad. Mediante un Modelo de Ecuaciones Estructurales Exploratorio se evidenció una estructura de tres factores que representaron las estrategias: aceptación, puesta en perspectiva y afrontamiento activo. Cada factor definió una subescala, las cuales presentaron evidencias de confiabilidad: consistencias internas aceptables y correlaciones test-retest positivas y significativas. Se aportaron evidencias de validez favorables mediante análisis de jueces, análisis de ecuaciones estructurales, diferencias según género y correlaciones parciales con ansiedad ante los exámenes. Se concluyó que la escala propuesta es apropiada para medir el afrontamiento de la ansiedad durante exámenes.

Coping strategies are a useful tool to regulate the anxiety experienced in evaluative situations.Based on that, the objective of this study was to develop a scale to measure the use of strategies in order to cope anxiety during tests, delimiting those which allow to continue solving the test. The developed instrument was applied to 184 people (101 women, 82 men and 1 unidentified person with these categories (Mage = 17.27, SD = 0.70) and it considered the experiences in the admission test to a University. The Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling showed a three-factor structure, which represented the strategies: acceptance, putting into perspective and active coping. Each factor defined a subscale, which presented evidence of reliability: acceptable internal consistencies and significant test-retest correlations. Favorable evidence of validity was provided through the analysis of experts, structural equation analysis, gender differences, and partial correlations with test anxiety. It was concluded that the proposed scale is suitable to measure the coping with during tests.

Construcción y validación de la Escala de Afrontamiento de la Ansiedad durante los Exámenes / Developing and Validation of the Anxiety Coping during Tests Scale

Las estrategias de afrontamiento permiten regular la ansiedad experimentada durante situaciones evaluativas y continuar su resolución. El objetivo de este estudio fue construir una escala para medir el uso de estrategias que permiten afrontar la ansiedad durante un examen escrito, delimitadas a aquellas que permiten continuar resolviendo el examen. El instrumento construido fue aplicado a 184 personas (101 mujeres, 82 hombres y 1 persona no identificada con esas categorías (Medad = 17.27, DE = 0.70) y consideró las experiencias en el examen de admisión a una Universidad. Mediante un Modelo de Ecuaciones Estructurales Exploratorio se evidenció una estructura de tres factores que representaron las estrategias: aceptación, puesta en perspectiva y afrontamiento activo. Cada factor definió una subescala, las cuales presentaron evidencias de confiabilidad: consistencias internas aceptables y correlaciones test-retest positivas y significativas. Se aportaron evidencias de validez favorables mediante análisis de jueces, análisis de ecuaciones estructurales, diferencias según género y correlaciones parciales con ansiedad ante los exámenes. Se concluyó que la escala propuesta es apropiada para medir el afrontamiento de la ansiedad durante exámenes.

Coping strategies are a useful tool to regulate the anxiety experienced in evaluative situations.Based on that, the objective of this study was to develop a scale to measure the use of strategies in order to cope anxiety during tests, delimiting those which allow to continue solving the test. The developed instrument was applied to 184 people (101 women, 82 men and 1 unidentified person with these categories (Mage = 17.27, SD = 0.70) and it considered the experiences in the admission test to a University. The Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling showed a three-factor structure, which represented the strategies: acceptance, putting into perspective and active coping. Each factor defined a subscale, which presented evidence of reliability: acceptable internal consistencies and significant test-retest correlations. Favorable evidence of validity was provided through the analysis of experts, structural equation analysis, gender differences, and partial correlations with test anxiety. It was concluded that the proposed scale is suitable to measure the coping with during tests.

Diagnóstico y tratamiento de hipomineralización molar primaria en gemelos: reporte de un caso / Diagnóstico e tratamento de hipomineralização molar decíduo em gêmeos: Relato de caso / Diagnosis and treatment of deciduous molar hypomineralization in twins: Case report

Los defectos del esmalte dental en la dentición primaria en niños con antecedentes de prematuridad y bajo peso son frecuentes. Una de las causas de la prematuridad es el embarazo gemelar, que hace que la mayoría de los fetos sean prematuros debido al crecimiento intrauterino restringido. El objetivo de este trabajo es informar de la importancia de un diagnóstico correcto y precoz de la hipomineralización de los molares deciduos (HMD) en gemelos prematuros, así como de las posibilidades de tratamiento. Materiales y métodos: Dos niñas gemelas idénticas de 5 años que presentaban el mismo patrón de HMD en los dientes 55,65,75,85 ya con gran destrucción e historia de sensibilidad. Ya habían recibido atención odontológica, pero sólo una de las hermanas recibió tratamiento restaurador, la segunda no permitió el tratamiento, se utilizaron técnicas de manejo de la conducta, pero no fue posible realizar procedimientos operatorios. En el examen clínico y radiográfico se constató la posibilidad de realizar la técnica de Hall en los dientes 55,65 de la gemela 1 y 85 de la gemela 2. Resultados: Los dientes 75 y 85 de l a gemela 1, fueron diagnosticados clínica y radiográficamente con necesidad de restauración en resina compuesta, ya que estaban con restauraciones provisionales y asintomáticos. Los dientes 55 y 65 de lagemela 2 recibieron restauraciones ionoméricas y el diente 75 recibió una pulpectomía y una corona de acero. Conclusión: La técnica de Hall es muy bienvenida cuando se trata de rehabilitaciones en hipoplasia, especialmente cuando se trata del manejo de la edad joven, todavía hay diagnósticos erróneos cuando se examina una HMD(hipomineralización molar primaria)

Defeitos de esmalte dentário na dentição decídua são comuns em crianças com histórico de prematuridade e baixo peso. Uma das causas da prematuridade é a gestação gemelar, esta faz com que a maioria dos fetos sejam prematuros devido ao crescimento intrauterino restrito. O objetivo deste trabalho é relatar a importância de um diagnóstico correto e precoce de Hipomineraliação Molar Decíduo (HMD) em gêmeos prematuros, e as possibilidades de tratamento. Materiais e Métodos: duas crianças 5 anos sexo feminino gêmeas univitelinas que possuíam o mesmo padrão de HMD nos dentes 55,65,75,85 já com grande destruição e histórico de sensibilidade. As mesmas já receberam atendimento odontológico, porém apenas uma das irmãs recebeu tratamento restaurador, a segunda irmã não permitiu tratamento, técnicas de gestão comportamental foram utilizadas, mas não foi possível a realização dos procedimentos operatórios. Em exame clínico e radiográfico constatou-se a possibilidade de execução da técnica Hall nos dentes 55,65 da gêmea 1 e 85 da gêmea 2. Resultados: Os dentes 75 e 85 da gêmea 1, foram diagnosticados clinicamente e radiograficamente com necessidade restauradoraem resina composta,pois estavam com restaurações provisórias e assintomáticos. Os dentes 55 e 65 da gêmea 2 receberam restaurações ionoméricas e o dente 75 pulpectomia e coroa de aço. Conclusão: A Hall Technique é muito bem-vinda quando se trata de reabilitações em hipoplasias, principalmente no que tange ao manejo de pouca idade, ainda existem erros de diagnóstico na hora de examinar uma HMD (Hipomineralização Molar Decíduo)

Dental enamel defects in the primary dentition are common in children with a history of prematurity and low birth weight. One of the causes of prematurity is twin pregnancy, which causes most cases to be premature due to restricted intrauterine growth. The objective of this report is to relate the importance of a correct and early diagnosis and as treatment alternatives for of Deciduous Molar Hypomineraliation (DMH) in premature twins. Materials and methods: 5 years old, female, identical twins who had the same HMD pattern in their teeth 55,65,75,85 presented with a long history of destruction and sensitivity. They had previously received dental care. Only one of the sisters received restorative treatment. The other sister did not have

Differences and secular trends in childhood IQ trajectories in Guatemala City.

This study documents differences in childhood IQ trajectories of Guatemala City children, aged 6-15 years and born 1961-1993, according to school attended, height-for-age Z-scores (HAZ) and over time (Flynn effect). IQ data come from the Universidad del Valle de Guatemala Longitudinal Study of Child and Adolescent Development. IQ was measured using standardised tests from the Otis-Lennon Mental Ability Test-series. A multilevel model was developed to describe 60,986 IQ observations (level 1), in 22,724 children (level 2), in five schools representing students of different socioeconomic status (SES) (level 3). Average IQ trajectories differed by school. The difference in average IQ at age 11 years between the students of high and low SES schools was 28.7 points. A one-unit increase in HAZ was associated with a 1.42 (0.72, 2.11) unit higher IQ if HAZ was <0, this association was stronger in public compared to private schools. Conversely, one unit increase in HAZ was only associated with a 0.3 (0.001, 0.5) unit higher IQ if HAZ was ≥0. With each birth year increase, IQ at age 11 years increased by 0.14 (95% CI 0.12, 0.16) units, although this Flynn effect attenuated slightly across adolescence. We found no evidence of secular change in the inequality in IQ trajectories (according to school or HAZ). Shorter children from disadvantaged schools in Guatemala City have lower IQ than their taller and wealthier peers, possibly reflecting the damaging effects of poor early life environments both for linear growth and cognitive development.

Four decades of socio-economic inequality and secular change in the physical growth of Guatemalans.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate changes in socio-economic inequalities in growth in height, weight, BMI and grip strength in children born during 1955-1993 in Guatemala, a period of marked socio-economic-political change. DESIGN: We modelled longitudinal data on height, weight, BMI and hand grip strength using Super-Imposition by Translation and Rotation (SITAR). Internal Z-scores summarising growth size, timing and intensity (peak growth velocity, e.g. cm/year) were created to investigate inequalities by socio-economic position (SEP; measured by school attended). Interactions of SEP with date of birth were investigated to capture secular changes in inequalities. SETTING: Urban and peri-urban schools in the region of Guatemala City, Guatemala. PARTICIPANTS: Participants were 40 484 children and adolescents aged 3-19 years of Ladino and Maya ancestry (nobservations 157 067). RESULTS: The difference in height (SITAR size) between lowest and highest SEP decreased from -2·0 (95 % CI -2·2, -1·9) sd to -1·4 (95 % CI -1·5, -1·3) sd in males, and from -2·0 (95 % CI -2·1, -1·9) sd to -1·2 (95 % CI -1·3, -1·2) sd in females over the study period. Inequalities also reduced for weight, BMI and grip strength, due to greater secular increases in lowest-SEP groups. The puberty period was earlier and shorter in higher-SEP individuals (earlier SITAR timing and higher SITAR intensity). All SEP groups showed increases in BMI intensity over time. CONCLUSIONS: Inequality narrowed between the 1960s and 1990s. The lowest-SEP groups were still >1 sd shorter than the highest. Risks remain for reduced human capital and poorer population health for urban Guatemalans.

Life course associations of height, weight, fatness, grip strength, and all-cause mortality for high socioeconomic status Guatemalans.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to investigate the association between physical growth in preadult life with five outcomes at ages 64 to 76: weight, body mass index (BMI), estimated body fat percentage, hand grip strength, and mortality. METHODS: Super-imposition by translation and rotation (SITAR) growth curves of 40 484 Guatemalan individuals aged 3 to 19 years were modeled for the parameters of size, timing and intensity (peak growth velocity, eg, cm/year) of height, weight, BMI, and grip strength. Associations between the SITAR parameters and old age outcomes were tested using linear and binary logistic regression for a follow-up sample of high socioeconomic status (SES) Guatemalans, of whom 50 were aged 64 to 76 years at re-measurement and 45 died prior to the year 2017. RESULTS: SITAR models explained 69% to 98% of the variance in each outcome, with height the most precise. Individuals in the follow-up sample who had a higher BMI before the age of 20 years had higher estimated body fat (B = 1.4 CI -0.02-2.8) and BMI (B = 1.2, CI 0.2-2.2) at the ages of 64 to 76 years. Those who grew slower in height but faster in weight and BMI before the age of 20 years had higher BMI and body fat later in life. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the importance of a life course perspective on health and mortality risk. Childhood exposures leading to variation in preadult growth may be key to better understanding health and mortality risks in old age.

Instability in longitudinal childhood IQ scores of Guatemalan high SES individuals born between 1941-1953.

Childhood IQ has been used to predict later life outcomes across disciplines in epidemiology, education, and psychology. Most often only a single childhood IQ test is available or is used for these purposes in the belief that IQ is stable across the life course. The primary aim of this study was to examine the longitudinal stability of individuals' IQ test scores derived from school-age tests. The secondary aim was to investigate the association of the pre-adult scores with later life intelligence scores. The longitudinal pre-adult IQ scores of 42 high socioeconomic status Guatemalans born 1941-1953 were analysed and showed low stability of longitudinal test scores. Fluctuations of >1SD were found for 59.5% of the sample. The same participants, aged 64-76 years, were re-assessed and average pre-adult IQ explained 12% of variance in the older age intelligence score. The reasons behind the longitudinal instability in test scores reported in this study remains unknown but the results suggest single point measurements of intelligence before adulthood should be regarded with some caution.

Evidencias de validez y confiabilidad de una Escala de Evitación Conductual en Exámenes Orales en estudiantes universitarios / Validity and reliability evidences for a Behavioral Avoidance in Oral Exams Scale in college students

Los exámenes orales son situaciones interpersonales capaces de activar emociones displacenteras asociadas a la exposición social, que se incrementan durante las fases de preparación y confrontación con la evaluación. Los estudiantes, con frecuencia recurren a conductas de evitación para evitar el malestar emocional. Para superar las limitaciones existentes en la medición de la evitación conductual en exámenes orales, se elaboró un instrumento específico y se evaluaron sus propiedades psicométricas. Para ello, se delimitó conceptualmente el constructo a medir y dos dimensiones del mismo y se elaboraron ítems que reflejaban conductas congruentes con dicha delimitación. Participaron en la investigación 251 estudiantes (81.3% mujeres) de diferentes carreras universitarias, con predominio de alumnos de Psicología (57.8%), y una media de edad de 25 años. Las evidencias de validez y confiabilidad mostraron que mediante 14 ítems se miden las dimensiones de inhibición y postergación de evitación conductual en exámenes orales. Se discuten los resultados de los estudios relacionados con su estructura y consistencia interna, las evidencias de validez test-criterio con indicadores de demora y rendimiento y de grupos contrastados por género y promedio

Oral exams are interpersonal situations that can trigger unpleasant emotions associated to social exposure, especially before and during the examination. Students frequently use avoidance behaviors to cope with emotional distress. To resolve limitations in behavioral avoidance in oral exam situations, a specific inventory was developed and its psychometric properties were analyzed. For this purpose, the construct and its two dimensions were conceptually defined. Items congruent with this definition were created and reliability and validity evidence was documented. In this research, 251 students (81.3% women) from different careers participated, with predominance of psychology students (57.8%), and an average age of 25 years. Validity and reliability results showed that the dimensions of inhibition and postponement of behavioral avoidance in oral exams can be measured with fourteen items. Its structure, internal consistency and test criteria, according to different studies, was analyzed in relation to achievement and delay indicators, as well as gender and grade point average of groups

Will Participatory Syndromic Surveillance Work in Latin America? Piloting a Mobile Approach to Crowdsource Influenza-Like Illness Data in Guatemala.

BACKGROUND: In many Latin American countries, official influenza reports are neither timely nor complete, and surveillance of influenza-like illness (ILI) remains thin in consistency and precision. Public participation with mobile technology may offer new ways of identifying nonmedically attended cases and reduce reporting delays, but no published studies to date have assessed the viability of ILI surveillance with mobile tools in Latin America. We implemented and assessed an ILI-tailored mobile health (mHealth) participatory reporting system. OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the quality and characteristics of electronically collected data, the user acceptability of the symptom reporting platform, and the costs of running the system and of identifying ILI cases, and to use the collected data to characterize cases of reported ILI. METHODS: We recruited the heads of 189 households comprising 584 persons during randomly selected home visits in Guatemala. From August 2016 to March 2017, participants used text messages or an app to report symptoms of ILI at home, the ages of the ILI cases, if medical attention was sought, and if medicines were bought in pharmacies. We sent weekly reminders to participants and compensated those who sent reports with phone credit. We assessed the simplicity, flexibility, acceptability, stability, timeliness, and data quality of the system. RESULTS: Nearly half of the participants (47.1%, 89/189) sent one or more reports. We received 468 reports, 83.5% (391/468) via text message and 16.4% (77/468) via app. Nine-tenths of the reports (93.6%, 438/468) were received within 48 hours of the transmission of reminders. Over a quarter of the reports (26.5%, 124/468) indicated that at least someone at home had ILI symptoms. We identified 202 ILI cases and collected age information from almost three-fifths (58.4%, 118/202): 20 were aged between 0 and 5 years, 95 were aged between 6 and 64 years, and three were aged 65 years or older. Medications were purchased from pharmacies, without medical consultation, in 33.1% (41/124) of reported cases. Medical attention was sought in 27.4% (34/124) of reported cases. The cost of identifying an ILI case was US $6.00. We found a positive correlation (Pearson correlation coefficient=.8) between reported ILI and official surveillance data for noninfluenza viruses from weeks 41 (2016) to 13 (2017). CONCLUSIONS: Our system has the potential to serve as a practical complement to respiratory virus surveillance in Guatemala. Its strongest attributes are simplicity, flexibility, and timeliness. The biggest challenge was low enrollment caused by people's fear of victimization and lack of phone credit. Authorities in Central America could test similar methods to improve the timeliness, and extend the breadth, of disease surveillance. It may allow them to rapidly detect localized or unusual circulation of acute respiratory illness and trigger appropriate public health actions.

Eficacia de una Intervención para Disminuir la Ansiedad frente a los Exámenes en Estudiantes Universitarios Argentinos / Eficácia de uma Intervenção para Diminuir a Ansiedade ante os Exames em Estudantes Universitários Argentinos / Efficacy of an Intervention Aimed at Reducing Test Anxiety in Argentinean University Students

Se evaluó la efectividad de un programa para disminuir la ansiedad ante los exámenes, la procrastinación académica e incrementar la autoeficacia regulatoria, con 19 estudiantes universitarios de Argentina. El programa estimula el automonitoreo de las estrategias de aprendizaje implementadas, el aprendizaje de técnicas cognitivo-conductuales de control de la ansiedad y el ensayo anticipado de exámenes. Al comparar los resultados pre- y posintervención, se constataron mejorías moderadas. Se deben revisar los procedimientos para incrementar la adherencia al programa y la validez de los resultados.

The effectiveness of an intervention designed to reduce test anxiety and academic procrastination, and improve regulatory self-efficacy was evaluated with 19 university students. The program promotes self-monitoring of the study strategies implemented, learning of cognitive –behavioural anxiety control techniques, and practice tests prior to the exam. Comparison of pre- and post-intervention results revealed moderate improvements. Thus, it is necessary to review procedures to improve adherence to the program and to increase the validity of the results.

Avaliou-se a efetividade de um programa para diminuir a ansiedade ante os exames, a procrastinação acadêmica e aumentar a autoeficiência regulatória, com 19 estudantes universitários da Argentina. O programa estimula o automonitoramento das estratégias de aprendizagem implementadas, a aprendizagem de técnicas cognitivo-comportamentais de controle da ansiedade e o ensaio antecipado de exames. Ao comparar os resultados pré- e pós-intervenção, constataram-se melhorias moderadas. Devem-se revisar os procedimentos para aumentar a aderência ao programa e a validade dos resultados.

Ansiedad ante los exámenes y estilos de afrontamiento ante el estrés académico en estudiantes universitarios / Test anxiety and coping styles with academic stress in university students

Los estudios sobre las relaciones entre el afrontamiento y la ansiedad ante exámenes han brindado generalmente resultados dispares. Con el fin de contribuir a clarificar dichas relaciones, en el presente trabajo se exploraron las diferencias respecto de los estilos de afrontamiento ante el estrés académico en 816 estudiantes universitarios con baja, moderada y alta ansiedad ante los exámenes. Adicionalmente, se examinaron las relaciones entre cada estilo de afrontamiento y las cuatro dimensiones de la ansiedad. El análisis multivariante de la varianza (MANOVA) brindó diferencias significativas en los estilos de afrontamiento de acuerdo al nivel de ansiedad, los estudiantes más ansiosos se caracterizan por los estilos de autoculpa y rumiación autofocalizada y los menos ansiosos por aproximación y acomodación. Las correlaciones parciales entre cada dimensión y el afrontamiento indicaron que la preocupación se asocia positivamente a la aproximación, un estilo de afrontamiento más adaptativo que favorece la preparación y el estudio, en tanto que la interferencia y la falta de confianza se vinculan a estilos más disfuncionales. Se discuten los resultados en relación a la teoría de la reducción de la eficiencia en el procesamiento y se comentan algunas implicancias para el tratamiento de la ansiedad ante exámenes (AU)

The studies of the relationship between test anxiety and ways of coping generally have provided mixed results. In order to clarify these relationships, in this paper was explored the differences in coping styles with academic stress in 816 college students with low, moderate and high test anxiety. Additionally, was examined the relationships between each coping style and the four dimensions of test anxiety. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) provided significant differences in coping styles according to the anxiety level; more anxious students are characterized by selfblame and self focused rumination coping styles and less anxious by approach and accommodation coping styles. Partial correlations between each dimension and coping indicated that worry was positively associated with approach, a more adaptive coping style that contribute to preparation and study, while interference and lack of confidence are linked to dysfunctional styles. Results are discussed in the framework of the processing efficiency theory and are discussed the implications for test anxiety treatment (AU)

Propiedades psicométricas de la versión en español revisada del Inventario Alemán de Ansiedad ante Exámenes (GTAt AR) en universitarios argentinos / Psychometric properties of the revised Spanish version of the German Test Anxiety Inventory (GTAI-AR) in argentinean university students

En el presente estudio se analizaron las propiedades psicométricas de la versión en español del Inventario Alemán de Ansiedad ante Exámenes (GTAI-AR) en universitarios argentinos. Se realizó un análisis factorial exploratorio y otro confirmatorio mediante parcelación de ítems. Se evaluó el ajuste de tres modelos de acuerdo a los antecedentes teóricos, uno que apoya la unidimensionalidad, otro que diferencia los componentes cognitivo y afectivo, y otro de cuatro dimensiones: Preocupación, Interferencia, Falta de Confianza y Emocionalidad como factores primer orden y la Ansiedad ante Exámenes total como factor de segundo orden. Los índices de ajuste para el último modelo fueron adecuados. Se discuten los resultados, el uso de parcelas de ítems y la importancia de contar con instrumentos multidi-mensionales de la Ansiedad ante Exámenes en lengua española.

In the present study was evaluated the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the German Test Anxiety Inventory in argentinean university students. Was conducted an exploratory and a confirmatory factor analysis using items parcels. The fit of three possible models was evaluated according to the theoretical background, one that supports the unidimensionality of the test anxiety, other that distinguishes the cognitive and affective components, and one that comprising four dimensions, Worry, Interference, Lack of Confidence and Emotionality as primary factors and total Test Anxiety as secondary factor. Fit indices for the last model were all adequate. Are discussed the results, the use of items parcels and the importance of multidimensional instruments of test anxiety in Spanish language.

Evaluation of the use of vinasse as a biostimulation agent for the biodegradation of oily sludge in soil

This work aimed to study the effect of vinasse on the biodegradation in soil of oily sludge from the Replan-Petrobras oil refinery. The Bartha respirometric method was used to verify the efficiency of the treatments with soil, oily sludge (7 and 14 percent m/m) and soil moisture adjustment with or without vinasse (0.11 mL/g dry soil) for 121 days. Although an increase in the soil microbial population was obtained with the vinasse, it demonstrated not to be adequate to enhance the biodegradation efficiency of the oily sludge in soil, since there was no difference between the CO2 produced from treatments with or without vinasse after the complete consumption of the vinasse. Thus, the use of vinasse as an amendment to biodegradation processes showed not to be efficient under the studied conditions.

Este trabalho objetivou estudar o efeito da vinhaça na biodegradação em solo da borra oleosa proveniente da refinaria de petróleo Replan-Petrobras. Foi utilizado o método respirométrico de Bartha para verificar a eficiência de tratamentos constituídos de solo, borra oleosa nas concentrações 7 e 14 por cento (m/m) e ajuste da umidade do solo com e sem vinhaça (0,11 mL/g solo seco) durante 121 dias. Embora a adição da vinhaça tenha proporcionado um aumento da população microbiana nos tratamentos, esta não se mostrou adequada para aumentar a eficiência de biodegradação da borra oleosa em solo, uma vez que não houve diferença entre o CO2 produzido nos tratamentos com ou sem vinhaça após o consumo total da vinhaça. Assim, o uso da vinhaça como agente estimulante em processos de biodegradação mostrou-se ineficiente nas condições estudadas.

Estrategias de aprendizaje y ansiedad ante los exámenes en estudiantes universitarios

Diversas investigaciones coinciden en señalar que la elevada ansiedad frente a los exámenes estáasociada a la baja habilidad para el estudio y al uso de estrategias superficiales de procesamiento dela información, existendo influencias recíprocas entre dichas variables. De acuerdo a esta perspectiva,se evaluó el uso de estrategias de aprendizaje en 816 estudiantes universitarios con elevada, mediao baja ansiedad frente a los exámenes. Adicionalmente, se analizaron las relaciones entre las cuatrodimensiones de la ansiedad y las estrategias de aprendizaje. Los estudiantes con elevada ansiedadutilizaron más frecuentemente estrategias de repetición y búqueda de ayuda académica y los de bajaansiedad, estrategias de estudio reflexivo. La falta de confianza correlacionó negativamente conestrategias de estudio reflexivo, repetición, búsqueda de ayuda académica y regulación del tiempo yesfuerzo. En sentido opuesto, la preocupación se asoció positivamente con tres de estas estrategias...

Several studies coincidently affirm that a high test anxiety is associated, en general, to low study skillsand the use of surface information processing strategies, existing reciprocal influences between thesevariables. According to this perspective, learning strategies were evaluated in 816 high, medium andlow test anxious university students. Additionally, relationships between four test anxiety dimensionsand learning strategies were analyzed. High tests anxious students used more frequently, rehearsaland academic help seeking strategies, and low anxious, reflexive strategies. Lack of confidencecorrelated negatively with reflexive study strategies, rehearsal, academic help seeking, and time andeffort managing. In opposite way, worry correlated positively with three of those strategies...

Diversas investigações coincidem em assinalar que a elevada ansiedade frente aos exames estáassociada em baixa habilidade para o estudo e ao uso de estratégias superficiais de processamentoda informação, existindo influências recíprocas entre ditas volúveis. De acordo a esta perspectiva, seavaliou o uso de estratégias de aprendizagem em 816 estudantes universitários com elevada, meiaou baixa ansiedade frente aos exames. Adicionalmente, se analisaram as relações entre as quatrodimensões da ansiedade e as estratégias de aprendizagem. Os estudantes com elevada ansiedadeutilizaram mais freqüentemente estratégias de repetição e busca de ajuda acadêmica e os de baixaansiedade, estratégias de estudo reflexivo. A falta de confiança correlacionou negativamente comestratégias de estudo reflexivo, repetição, busca de ajuda acadêmica e regulação do tempo e esforço.Em sentido oposto, a preocupação se associou positivamente com três destas estratégias...

Software para modelagem de dispersão de efluentes em rios / Software for modeling effluent emissions in rivers

Este trabalho apresenta um modelo Fluidodinâmico Computacional tridimensional para simular a dispersão de substâncias solúveis em rios. O modelo pode predizer o impacto causado pela ocorrência de múltiplos pontos de emissão no trecho estudado. O código numérico para o modelo matemático foi desenvolvido em linguagem Fortran. Os resultados mostram que a metodologia proposta é uma boa ferramenta para a avaliação do impacto ambiental causado pela emissão de efluentes em rios. O software é bastante rápido, especialmente quando comparado com outros pacotes de CFD disponíveis comercialmente. Foram feitas comparações entre os resultados numéricos e dados experimentais coletados no rio Atibaia. Os resultados numéricos apresentaram uma boa concordância com os dados coletados experimentalmente.

This work presents a three-dimensional model for the dispersion of effluents in rivers using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) techniques. There are several models in the literature, some of which even analyze complex flows. They are however restricted to small river sections. The main contribution of this work is that it proposes a new software capable of predicting the dispersion of effluents in very large open channels. The model is very fast, an unusual feature of CFD models. Due to this, it is possible to predict the dispersion of substances in long sections of rivers with some kilometers in extension. Moreover, multiple emissions can be analyzed by the model, allowing its use as a predictive tool to analyze and guide management decisions on future industrial installations near rivers. Results for the dispersion of an inert emission in a river near Campinas (Brazil) were used to validate the model.

Adaptación de la Escala de Afrontamiento ante la ansiedad e incertidumbre pre-examen: (COPEAU) / Adaptation of the coping with pre-exams anxiety and uncertainty scale: (COPEAU)

En esta investigación se adaptó la escala de afrontamiento ante la ansiedad e incertidumbre pre-exámenses (COPEAU) para su empleo en estudiantes universitarios argentinos. El COPEAU (Stõber, 2004) es un autoinforme compuesto de 21 items, agrupados en tres escalas: afrontamiento orientado al problema, búsqueda de apoyo social y evitácion. Se tradujeron los items del inglés al español con el método de traducción directa y la versión en español fue administrada a 294 estudiantes de diferentes carreras de la Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina. El Análisis Factorial Exploratorio permitió obtener dos soluciones factoriales alternativas, ambas parcialmente apoyadas por los datos. Una de las soluciones conserva la estructura original de tres factores, mientras que la otra posee una estructura interna de cuatro factores que diferencia al apoyo social en dos categorías: emocional e instrumental, congruentes también con la teoria de base. Aunque las escalas presentaron buenos niveles de consistencia interna en ambas soluciones se optó por la estructura de tres factores , más congruente con la propuesta original del autor del instrumento. También se analizaron evidencias externas de validez del COPEAU en relación a género y rendimiento académico

A Coping with Pre-exams Anxiety and Uncertainly Measure (COPEAU) has been adapted to be used on Argentinean university students. COPEAU (Stõber, 2004) is a self-report consisting of 21 items grouped into three scales: problem oriented coping, social support seeking, and avoidance. The items were translated from English to Spanish and the Spanish version was administered to a two hundred and ninety-four student from different careers in the Nacional University of Cordoba, Argentina. Factor Analysis supported two alternative solutions. One preserved the original three-factor structure , the other one showed a four-factor structure, differentiating two categories in the social support scale: emotional and instrumental, both congruent with coping theory. Though both solutions showed good internal consistency levels, the three-factor structure was chosen for being closer to the instrument's author proposal. Aditionally, external validity evidences related to gender and academic performance were analyzed

Adaptación de la escala de afrontamiento ante la ansiedad e incertidumbre pre-examen (COPEAU) / Adaptation of the coping with pre-exams anxiety and uncertainty scale (COPEAU)

En esta investigación se adaptó la escala de afrontamiento ante la ansiedad e incertidumbre pre-exámenses (COPEAU) para su empleo en estudiantes universitarios argentinos. El COPEAU (Stöber, 2004) es un autoinforme compuesto de 21 items, agrupados en tres escalas: afrontamiento orientado al problema, búsqueda de apoyo social y evitácion. Se tradujeron los items del inglés al español con el método de traducción directa y la versión en español fue administrada a 294 estudiantes de diferentes carreras de la Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina. El Análisis Factorial Exploratorio permitió obtener dos soluciones factoriales alternativas, ambas parcialmente apoyadas por los datos. Una de las soluciones conserva la estructura original de tres factores, mientras que la otra posee una estructura interna de cuatro factores que diferencia al apoyo social en dos categorías: emocional e instrumental, congruentes también con la teoria de base. Aunque las escalas presentaron buenos niveles de consistencia interna en ambas soluciones se optó por la estructura de tres factores , más congruente con la propuesta original del autor del instrumento. También se analizaron evidencias externas de validez del COPEAU en relación a género y rendimiento académico (AU)

A Coping with Pre-exams Anxiety and Uncertainly Measure (COPEAU) has been adapted to be used on Argentinean university students. COPEAU (Stöber, 2004) is a self-report consisting of 21 items grouped into three scales: problem oriented coping, social support seeking, and avoidance. The items were translated from English to Spanish and the Spanish version was administered to a two hundred and ninety-four student from different careers in the Nacional University of Cordoba, Argentina. Factor Analysis supported two alternative solutions. One preserved the original three-factor structure , the other one showed a four-factor structure, differentiating two categories in the social support scale: emotional and instrumental, both congruent with coping theory. Though both solutions showed good internal consistency levels, the three-factor structure was chosen for being closer to the instrument's author proposal. Aditionally, external validity evidences related to gender and academic performance were analyzed (AU)