Development of Low-Cost IoT System for Monitoring Piezometric Level and Temperature of Groundwater.

Rural communities in Mexico and other countries with limited economic resources require a low-cost measurement system for the piezometric level and temperature of groundwater for their sustainable management, since anthropogenic action (pumping extractions), natural recharge and climate change phenomena affect the behavior of piezometric levels in the aquifer and its sustainability is at risk. Decrease in the piezometric level under a balanced level promotes salt intrusion from ocean water to the aquifer, salinizing and deteriorating the water quality for agriculture and other activities; and a decrease in water level under the pumps or well drilling depth could deprive communities of water. Water temperature monitoring is essential to determine electric conductivity and dissolved salt content in groundwater. Using IoT technology, a device was developed that monitors both variables inside the well, and the ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure outside the well. The measurements are made in real time, with sampling every second and sending data to a dedicated server every 15 min so that the visualization can be accessed through a device with Internet access. The time series of the variables measured inside and outside the well were obtained over a period of three months in the rural community of Agua Blanca, Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico. Through these records, a progressive temporary drawdown of the piezometric level is observed, as well as the frequency of pumping. This low-cost IoT system shows potential use in hydrological processes of interest such as the separation of regional and local flow, drawdown rates and recognition of geohydrological parameters.

Internalized homonegativity moderates the association between attachment avoidance and emotional intimacy among same-sex male couples.

Introduction: The present study aimed to examine dyadic associations between attachment insecurity and emotional intimacy in same-sex male couples, and to investigate whether and how each partner's internalized homonegativity (IH) moderated these associations. Methods: The sample included 138 same-sex male couples. Both dyad members completed self-report measures of attachment insecurity, emotional intimacy, and IH. The actor-partner interdependence model with moderation analysis was applied. Results: Indicated that higher levels of actor's and partner's attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance were associated with lower actor's emotional intimacy. IH moderated the partner effects of attachment avoidance on emotional intimacy. The partner's higher attachment avoidance was associated with one's own lower emotional intimacy at low (but not high) levels of one's own IH and at high (but not low) levels of the partner's IH. Discussion: Findings suggest that the partner's attachment avoidance may differently affect one's own emotional intimacy depending on the IH levels of both dyad members. Helping partnered sexual minority men decrease attachment insecurity while recognizing their own and their partners' IH may promote relationship quality.

Psychological Adjustment Profiles of LGBTQ+ Young Adults Residing with Their Parents during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An International Study.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with poor mental health symptoms, particularly among vulnerable populations such as LGBTQ+ individuals. In the present study, we aimed to (i) identify different psychological adjustment profiles among LGBTQ+ young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic and compare LGBTQ+ young adults in relation to (ii) sociodemographic characteristics and COVID-19-related experiences and (iii) the internal and external protective resources associated with each adjustment profile. An online questionnaire was administered to 1699 LGBTQ+ young adults from six countries (Brazil, Chile, Italy, Portugal, Sweden, and the UK). A cluster analysis was conducted, and four profiles of psychological adjustment were identified: unchallenged, resilient, distressed, and at-risk. The at-risk cluster scored lowest in social support (particularly from family). The profiles of participants who experienced the highest levels of pandemic adversity (at-risk and resilient) comprised mostly South American participants, those under lockdown at the time of survey completion, those who self-identified as transgender and non-binary, and those with a plurisexual sexual orientation. Interventions should consider strategies to help young adults maintain support systems and reinforce the value of positive family relationships. Specific groups within the LGBTQ+ community that seem to be in a particularly vulnerable situation may need additional tailored support.

Perceived Emotional Impact of COVID-19 and Depressive Symptoms among Male Same-Sex Chilean Couples: Direct and Indirect Dyadic Associations through Relationship Satisfaction.

Stressors arising from the COVID-19 pandemic can spill over into the quality of couple relationships, with negative consequences on mental health. The mental health impact of COVID-19 might be particularly pronounced in disadvantaged populations such as LGBT people. This study aimed to examine direct and indirect dyadic associations between emotional impact of COVID-19 and depressive symptoms through relationship satisfaction in male same-sex couples. Using a cross-sectional design, 158 male same-sex Chilean couples completed self-report measures of the emotional impact of COVID-19, relationship satisfaction and depressive symptoms. We used the actor-partner interdependence mediation model for indistinguishable dyads to explore the direct and indirect dyadic associations. Results indicated that each partner's perceived emotional impact of COVID-19 was associated with his own higher depressive symptoms directly and indirectly, through his own lower relationship satisfaction. The other partner's perceived emotional impact of COVID-19 was associated with one's own higher depressive symptoms only directly. Our findings reinforce the notion that satisfactory couple relationships can act as a protective factor against depression in the LGBT population. Programs to promote adaptive coping strategies to deal with the emotional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic may have beneficial effects for the emotional adjustment of male same-sex couples, also by promoting relationship satisfaction.

The negative effects of internalized homonegativity on sexual satisfaction: dyadic effects and gender-based differences in Chile.

Heterosexism is not only expressed through sexual prejudice as an external stressor, but also as an internalized rejection toward one's own (and others') sexually diverse identity. That is, lesbian women and gay men themselves internalize negative societal attitudes toward their sexual orientation and identity-a phenomenon called internalized homonegativity. A wealth of research shows that internalized homonegativity negatively affects the health and social adjustment of gay and lesbian people. However, the literature has documented this trend from an individual (over a dyadic) perspective, and largely among gay (over lesbian) samples. To address this oversight, we analyzed data from 210 gay and lesbian couples in Chile to examine both actor and partner effects of internalized homonegativity on their sexual satisfaction. Results from moderation analyses from an actor-partner interdependence model (APIM) approach show that partners' internalized homonegativity negatively affects actor sexual satisfaction, a pattern significantly moderated by gender; that is, only observed among lesbian couples. Our results further demonstrated that these effects hold above and beyond the actor and partner effects of age and relationship satisfaction, as well as relationship length. These results are consistent with the broader literature, which discusses the specific features of internalized homonegativity in lesbian women, characterized-among other aspects-by restrictive social demands over their sexuality. Accordingly, our findings highlight the deleterious relational consequences of internalized homonegativity and offer a relevant empirical contribution to the understanding of specific minority stress dynamics among lesbian women.

The native potato, a symbol of macho expression in the Quechua culture of Peru.

The present field research focuses on the native potato varieties, Wira pasña and Llumchuy waqachi, cultivated in the Peruvian highlands at roughly 4,000 m above sea level. The objective is to analyze the macho essence of the names assigned to the native potato, names that represent the social manifestation of women in Quechua culture. Participant observation and interviews about the different daily activities of the participants facilitated the research on the macho essence of the names of the native potato in the Quechua culture. The preponderant Quechua oral sources in the Peruvian Andes did not allow us to identify exactly how names associated with the macho way of social life were assigned to the native potatoes.

Mental health in the Chilean LGBT population in times of COVID-19 / Salud mental en población LGBT chilena en tiempos de la COVID-19

Abstract Introduction There are few reports on mental health among the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) population in the context of COVID-19, especially in South America. Objective To describe the prevalence of symptoms associated with mental health disorders, as well as to analyze the risk of their occurrence, in different groups of the Chilean LGBT population in the context of COVID-19. Method A total of 1,181 LGBT people, ranged from 18 to 64 years participated in an online survey, using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-DASS-21. The central tendency measures were analyzed, then cut-off points were used to establish prevalence according to sex and sexual orientation. Finally, the probability of symptoms was analyzed using odds ratio. Results Lower levels of mental health were identified among the bisexual and other sexual orientations (pansexual, demisexual, asexual, etc.) population as compared with gays and lesbians, finding a greater presence of depressive symptoms (p = .000), anxious (p = .000) and related to stress (p<.001). Similarly, bisexual women are more likely to present symptoms associated with mental health disorders than men, as lesbians do, as compared with gays in the case of anxiety. Gays are at a higher risk of stress than lesbians. Discussion and conclusion Even though the pandemic affected the entire population, results give evidence of disparities among the various LGBT communities, showing the need to focus on preventive interventions and the implications of increased risk in bisexual population, particularly women, who are affected by various cross discriminations.

Resumen Introducción Existen pocos reportes sobre la salud mental en poblaciones de lesbianas, gays, bisexuales y transexuales (LGBT) en el contexto del COVID-19, especialmente en Sudamérica. Objetivo Describir la prevalencia de síntomas asociados a problemas de salud mental, así como analizar su riesgo de ocurrencia en diferentes grupos de población LGBT chilena en el contexto de la pandemia del COVID-19. Método Participaron en una encuesta en línea un total de 1,181 personas LGBT, con edades comprendidas entre los 18 y los 64 años, quienes completaron el cuestionario DASS-21 (del inglés Depression Anxiety Stress Scales). Primero se analizaron las medidas de tendencia central, luego se estableció la prevalencia según sexo y orientación sexual y finalmente se analizó la probabilidad de presentar síntomas mediante el odss ratio. Resultados Se identificaron menores niveles de salud mental en la población bisexual y otras orientaciones sexuales (pansexual, demisexual, asexual, etc.), en comparación con gays y lesbianas, debido a una mayor presencia de sintomatología depresiva (p = .000), ansiosa (p = .000) y vinculada al estrés (p<.001). Asimismo, las mujeres bisexuales fueron más propensas que los hombres a presentar síntomas asociados a trastornos de salud mental, al igual que las lesbianas, en comparación con los gays en el caso de la ansiedad. Los gays tienen un mayor riesgo de estrés que las lesbianas. Discusión y conclusión Aun cuando la pandemia afectó a toda la población, los resultados evidencian las disparidades entre las distintas comunidades LGBT, mostrando la necesidad de centrarse en las intervenciones preventivas y las implicaciones de un mayor riesgo en la población bisexual, especialmente en las mujeres, que se ven afectadas por diversas discriminaciones cruzadas.

Mental Health and Life Satisfaction on Chilean Gay Men and Lesbian Women: The Role of Perceived Sexual Stigma, Internalized Homophobia, and Community Connectedness.

The Minority Stress Model has proposed that connectedness to a specific minority community may be a protective factor for stigmatized groups. This study evaluated the mediational role of connectedness with the gay men's and lesbian women's community on the relationship between two minority stressors (internalized homophobia and perceived sexual stigma) with anxiety-depressive symptomatology and life satisfaction. The sample consisted of 467 Chilean self-identified as gay men (57%) and lesbian women (43%). Results revealed that the two minority stressors were associated with anxiety-depressive symptomatology, but only internalized homophobia was associated with life satisfaction. The mediation hypothesis was partially supported by the relationship between internalized homophobia and life satisfaction. Unexpectedly, we found a negative association between connectedness with the gay men's and lesbian women's community and life satisfaction. This finding introduces a view that contrasts with the literature, which proposes that connectedness with the specific community would be a protective factor against sexual stigma.

Social Support, Stress and Emotional Symptoms Among LGBTQ+ College Students in Chile.

Objective: to compare the relationships between emotional symptomatology and perceived social support according to gender identity and sexual orientation in LGBTQ+ university students. Methods: 322 Chilean LGBTQ+ college students answered an online survey based on sociodemographic information and validated instruments. Analysis of variance and linear regressions were made. Results: Transgender people have more emotional symptoms and stress and less perceived social support from family than the rest of LGBTQ+ students. Depression and anxiety are negatively associated with perceived social support from friends and family. Conclusions: Perceived social support decreases emotional symptomatology even when controlling for current stress in LGBTQ+ students.

Propiedades psicométricas de la versión en español de la Escala de Intimidad Emocional en personas heterosexuales, gais y lesbianas en pareja / Psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Emotional Intimacy Scale with heterosexual, gay and lesbian individuals in couple relationships

Resumen: La Escala de Intimidad Emocional (EIE) es un instrumento de auto-informe que evalúa la intimidad emocional en relaciones cercanas. El objetivo de esta investigación fue examinar las propiedades psicométricas de la EIE para su uso en personas heterosexuales, gais y lesbianas involucradas en una relación de pareja. La muestra incluyó 883 personas chilenas (404 hombres y 479 mujeres; 565 heterosexuales y 318 homosexuales), entre 18 y 72 años. Mediante un Análisis Factorial Confirmatorio, se replicó la estructura unidimensional de la escala logrando un buen nivel de ajuste a los datos, mientras que el análisis multigrupo reveló que la EIE-E (versión en español) es invariante según sexo y orientación sexual. Los índices de consistencia interna mediante el alfa de Cronbach y McDonald Omega fueron apropiados y se observó una asociación positiva entre la intimidad emocional y la satisfacción con la relación de pareja. Finalmente, se identificó que las mujeres lesbianas evidencian mayores niveles de intimidad que el resto de los grupos. Se concluye que la EIE-E es un instrumento apropiado para el estudio de la intimidad emocional en personas que se encuentran en una relación de pareja, sean estas hombres o mujeres heterosexuales, gais o lesbianas.

Abstract: The Emotional Intimacy Scale (EIE) is a self-report instrument that assesses emotional intimacy in close relationships. The aim of this research was to examine the psychometric properties of the EIE for its use in heterosexual, gay and lesbian people who are currently involved in a couple relationship. The sample consisted of 883 Chileans, (404 men and 479 women; 565 heterosexuals and 318 homosexual), between the ages of 18 and 72. Using a Confirmatory Factor Analysis, the one-dimensional structure of the scale was replicated, achieving a good fit to the data, while the multi-group analysis revealed that the EIE-E (Spanish version) is invariant according to sex and sexual orientation. The internal consistency indices using Cronbach's alpha and McDonald Omega were appropriate, and a positive association was observed between emotional intimacy and relationship satisfaction. Finally, results showed that lesbian women showed higher levels of intimacy relative to the other groups. It is concluded that the EIE-E is an appropriate instrument for the study of emotional intimacy in people who are in a couple relationship, be they heterosexual men or women, gays or lesbians.

Dyadic Invariance of the Positive Sexuality Scale in Chilean Heterosexual Couples.

Gender differences in sexuality-related dimensions have long been investigated in close relationship research. An important assumption when comparing values across gender in dyadic research is that both partners conceptualize the construct under investigation in the same way. Thus, issues of measurement invariance should be considered when working with dyadic data. The aim of the present study was to test the dyadic invariance of the Positive Sexuality Scale (PSS) to assess an individual's sense of happiness and fulfillment with his/her sexual expression. The PSS was completed by 166 Chilean heterosexual couples, and measurement invariance was tested using confirmatory factor analysis within a dyadic framework. Configural, metric, scalar, and partial strict measurement invariance were supported for the PSS original one-factor model. No between-partner difference was found in the PSS latent factor mean. The functioning of the PSS and the meaning attributed to positive sexuality were the same for both partners. Hence, variations in the PSS levels between both partners in heterosexual couples can be interpreted as true mean differences rather than measurement artifacts.

Psychosocial Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Mental Health among LGBTQ+ Young Adults: A Cross-Cultural Comparison across Six Nations.

Across the world, people have seen their lives interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Using an online survey, we explored how the psychosocial effects of the pandemic affected the mental health of LGBTQ+ young adults who were confined with their parents during the lockdown period (N = 1,934), from six countries: Portugal, UK, Italy, Brazil, Chile, and Sweden. South American participants experienced more negative psychosocial effects of the pandemic. Depression and anxiety were higher among participants who were younger, not working, living in Europe and who reported feeling more emotionally affected by the pandemic, uncomfortable at home, or isolated from non-LGBTQ friends. Not attending higher education predicted depression while not being totally confined at home, residing habitually with parents, and fearing more future infection predicted anxiety. LGBTQ+ community groups, as well as health and educational services should remain particularly attentive to the needs of LGBTQ+ young adults during health crises.

Exploring Determinants of Sexual Satisfaction in a Chilean Representative Sample.

This article examines the relationship between sexual satisfaction and gender, age, social status, being in stable relationships, intercourse frequency, and satisfaction with physical attractiveness (physical appearance and sex appeal). A self-report questionnaire was applied in a representative sample of 767 residents of Santiago (Chile), over 18 years old and that have had, at least, one sexual relation (with penetration) during their lives. Higher sexual satisfaction was predicted negatively by age and positively by higher satisfaction with sex appeal, higher intercourse frequency and having a stable relationship. Among women, the principal predictors are satisfaction with sex appeal and intercourse frequency. Among men to the above, it is necessary to add satisfaction with physical appearance and having a stable relationship - at odds with supposed higher relevance for women of body satisfaction and sensibility to social relationships. Discussion emphasizes the controversial nature of the gender differences found regarding the Latin American culture.

Salud mental en población transgénero y género no conforme en Chile

Background: Transgender population is at a higher risk of suffering mental health problems than cisgender population (people whose sex and gender identity are in agreement) and other sexual minorities (gays, lesbians, and bisexuals), partly due to the greater stress that they suffer or for being victims of sexual prejudice. Aim: To describe positive and negative mental health indicators in a sample of transgender people living in Chile. Material and Methods: An intentional sample of 377 transgender individuals older than 18 years, living in the country's northern, center and southern zones were studied. Sociodemographic and well-being features, negative emotional symptoms, suicidal behavior, and substance consumption were assessed. Results: A precarious mental health was confirmed among participants. A high frequency of depression, ideation and suicide attempts, and high levels of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms were identified. Also, a high frequency of substance abuse was found. These mental health indicators varied according to the sex assigned at birth and gender self-identification. Conclusions: Transgender people experience precariousness and vulnerability in their mental health.

Validation of the Sexual Personal Well-being Index (PWI-Sex).

Objective: The purpose of this study is the validation of a proposed additional item for the PWI-7 scale for measuring sexual satisfaction as a dimension of Personal Well-being.Methodology: An adaptation of the PWI-7 questionnaire was administered to adult inhabitants of urban areas of Santiago, Chile. Analysis consisted of exposition of descriptive statistics, item-scale correlation, item-item correlation, multiple linear regression with the Overall Life Satisfaction Scale (OLS), moderation analysis and, confirmatory factor analysis. All analyses were divided by gender due to significant differences in sexual satisfaction found in literature reviewed.Results: All items were significantly and positively associated with the PWI. Internal consistency was satisfactory for Cronbach's alpha (α = 0.884 for males and α = 0.877 for females). After conducting a Confirmatory Factor Analysis using maximum likelihood (ML) as estimator, adequate levels of adjustment were obtained.Discussion: Results indicate that adding a new item on sexual satisfaction might be a contribution for the measurement of life satisfaction. The scale shows adequate internal consistency once the item is added and the new item on sexual satisfaction has a better fit than the one regarding satisfaction with spiritual life. Factor structure was invariant for males and females.

Propuesta de valores de referencia para la Escala de Dificultades de Regulación Emocional (DERS-E) en población adulta chilena / Cut-off points of the difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale for the Chilean population

Background: There are no reference values for the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS-E) for the Chilean population. Aim: To elaborate reference values for the interpretation of the DERS-E for the Chilean population. Material and Methods: The Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale was answered by participants from the general population (1,153 heterosexual men and women and 467 gay and lesbian individuals) and a group of 351 participants with emotional complaints. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to obtain the reference values. A concordance index was determined, and the odds ratio was calculated to evaluate the probability of having mental health problems comparing participants with emotional complaints with those from the general population. Results: The DERS-E cut-off score was 73 points for the Chilean population. No differences were detected for emotional regulation difficulties between men and women or by sexual orientation. Age had a weak association with emotional regulation difficulties. Conclusions: DERS-E has an adequate diagnostic capacity, allowing to differentiate between those who have high or low emotional regulation difficulties.

[Cut-off points of the difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale for the Chilean population]. / Propuesta de valores de referencia para la Escala de Dificultades de Regulación Emocional (DERS-E) en población adulta chilena.

BACKGROUND: There are no reference values for the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS-E) for the Chilean population. AIM: To elaborate reference values for the interpretation of the DERS-E for the Chilean population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale was answered by participants from the general population (1,153 heterosexual men and women and 467 gay and lesbian individuals) and a group of 351 participants with emotional complaints. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to obtain the reference values. A concordance index was determined, and the odds ratio was calculated to evaluate the probability of having mental health problems comparing participants with emotional complaints with those from the general population. RESULTS: The DERS-E cut-off score was 73 points for the Chilean population. No differences were detected for emotional regulation difficulties between men and women or by sexual orientation. Age had a weak association with emotional regulation difficulties. CONCLUSIONS: DERS-E has an adequate diagnostic capacity, allowing to differentiate between those who have high or low emotional regulation difficulties.

[Mental health in a sample of transgender people]. / Salud mental en población transgénero y género no conforme en Chile.

BACKGROUND: Transgender population is at a higher risk of suffering mental health problems than cisgender population (people whose sex and gender identity are in agreement) and other sexual minorities (gays, lesbians, and bisexuals), partly due to the greater stress that they suffer or for being victims of sexual prejudice. AIM: To describe positive and negative mental health indicators in a sample of transgender people living in Chile. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An intentional sample of 377 transgender individuals older than 18 years, living in the country's northern, center and southern zones were studied. Sociodemographic and well-being features, negative emotional symptoms, suicidal behavior, and substance consumption were assessed. RESULTS: A precarious mental health was confirmed among participants. A high frequency of depression, ideation and suicide attempts, and high levels of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms were identified. Also, a high frequency of substance abuse was found. These mental health indicators varied according to the sex assigned at birth and gender self-identification. CONCLUSIONS: Transgender people experience precariousness and vulnerability in their mental health.

Romantic Attachment and Relationship Satisfaction in Gay Men and Lesbians in Chile.

Attachment theory has proven to be a solid framework for understanding couple bonds, but research focused on same-sex relationships among gay men and lesbian women from Latin America remains limited. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between romantic attachment and relationship satisfaction in a sample of Chilean gay men and lesbian women. A snowball sampling was used. The final sample consisted of 259 individuals involved in a same-sex couple relationship, ranging from 18 to 66 years of age (M = 27.2, SD = 6.8) for gay men and 18 to 57 years of age (M = 28.6, SD = 8.1) for lesbian women. Our hypotheses were partially supported, as there was a negative association between attachment avoidance and relationship satisfaction, but not between attachment anxiety and relationship satisfaction. We did not find a gender moderating effect. These findings may contribute to the understanding of lesbian and gay people in a same-sex couples relationship from an attachment theory perspective.