Beyond Role Conflict and Ambiguity: A Global Measure of Role Stress among South African School Teachers / Más allá del conflicto y la ambigüedad de roles: una medida global del estrés de rol entre los profesores sudafricanos

Abstract Background: Role stress is linked to reduced work performance, diminished organizational commitment, increased intention to leave a job, and negative physical and mental health effects. Given the significant implications of role stress, researchers have sought to understand and quantify the concept. The Role Conflict and Ambiguity (RCA) scales are widely utilized in job stress research as the predominant measurement tools. They were originally conceptualized as consisting of two independent dimensions: role conflict and role ambiguity. Objective: This study advances the validation research of the RCA scales by exploring its dimensionality through Mokken Scale Analysis (MSA) and Classical Test Theory (CTT). Method: South African school teachers responded to the RCA scales, Maslach Burnout Inventory, and Teaching Satisfaction Scale. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and MSA were employed for data analysis. Results: The research determined that a second-order model provided the optimal fit, indicating that role ambiguity and role conflict are subordinate dimensions within the overarching construct of role stress. Conclusion: The findings from the CFA and supplementary bifactor indices reinforce the view that the instrument comprises 13 items, which assess a general dimension of role stress along with two sub-dimensions: role conflict and role ambiguity. Such specificity may lead to more effective strategies to mitigate role-related stress, thereby enhancing overall employee well-being, job satisfaction, and organizational productivity.

Resumen Antecedentes: El estrés de rol está relacionado con la reducción del rendimiento laboral, la disminución del compromiso organizativo, el aumento de la intención de abandonar el trabajo y los efectos negativos sobre la salud física y mental. Dadas las importantes implicaciones del estrés de rol, los investigadores han tratado de comprender y cuantificar este concepto. Las escalas de Conflicto y Ambigüedad de Roles (RCA) se utilizan ampliamente en la investigación del estrés laboral como herramientas de medición predominantes. Al principio, se conceptualizaron como dos dimensiones independientes: conflicto de rol y ambigüedad de rol. Objetivo: Este estudio avanza en la investigación de validación de las escalas RCA, explorando su dimensionalidad mediante el Análisis de Escalas de Mokken (MSA) y la Teoría Clásica de los Test (CTT). Método: Profesores sudafricanos respondieron a las escalas RCA, Maslach Burnout Inventory y Teaching Satisfaction Scale. Se emplearon el Análisis Factorial Confirmatorio (AFC) y el MSA para el análisis de los datos. Resultados: La investigación determinó que un modelo de segundo orden proporcionaba el ajuste óptimo, indicando que la ambigüedad de rol y el conflicto de rol son dimensiones subordinadas dentro del constructo global del estrés de rol. Conclusiones: Los resultados del AFC y los índices bifactoriales suplementarios refuerzan la opinión de que el instrumento consta de 13 ítems, que evalúan una dimensión general de estrés de rol junto con dos subdimensiones: conflicto de rol y ambigüedad de rol. Esta especificidad puede conducir a estrategias más eficaces para mitigar el estrés relacionado con el rol, mejorando así el bienestar general de los empleados, la satisfacción en el trabajo y la productividad de la organización.

RNA or DNA? Revisiting the Chemical Nature of the Cenancestral Genome.

One of the central issues in the understanding of early cellular evolution is the characterisation of the cenancestor. This includes the description of the chemical nature of its genome. The disagreements on this question comprise several proposals, including the possibility that AlkB-mediated methylation repair of alkylated RNA molecules may be interpreted as evidence of a cenancestral RNA genome. We present here an evolutionary analysis of the cupin-like protein superfamily based on tertiary structure-based phylogenies that includes the oxygen-dependent AlkB and its homologs. Our results suggest that the repair of methylated RNA molecules is the outcome of the enzyme substrate ambiguity, and doesn´t necessarily indicates that the last common ancestor was endowed with an RNA genome.

Patients with genital ambiguity referred without a sex definition: the relationship between clinical picture and defined sex of rearing.

OBJECTIVE: It was to verify the association between the definition of sex of rearing and, clinical and cytogenetic features among patients with genital ambiguity referred without a sex assignment. METHODS: The sample consisted of 133 patients with genital ambiguity seen at a single reference service. These patients did not have a defined social sex at the first consultation and their etiological diagnosis was obtained during follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 133 cases were included, 74 of which were reared as males and 59 as females. No correlation was found between the year of birth and the year of the first consultation with the definition of sex of rearing. However, the definition of sex of rearing was associated with age at the first consultation, severity of genital ambiguity, presence of palpable gonad(s), presence of uterus on ultrasound, karyotype, and diagnosis. Palpable gonad(s), more virilized genitalia, absence of a uterus on ultrasound, 46, XY karyotype, or a karyotype with sex chromosome abnormalities emerged as strong predictors for defining male sex. All 77 (58 %) patients over 18 years old had a gender identity in accordance with the sex of rearing; though 9 of 77 (12 %) had homo or bisexual orientation, especially girls with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical and cytogenetic data were strongly associated with the definition of the sex of rearing of children with genital ambiguity referred to a DSD center without sex assignment. Management in a specialized center allows the establishment of a gender identity in accordance with the sex of rearing.

A new constraint to model background signals when processing chromatographic-spectral second-order data with multivariate curve resolution.

BACKGROUND: the chemometric processing of second-order chromatographic-spectral data is usually carried out with the aid of multivariate curve resolution-alternating least-squares (MCR-ALS). When baseline contributions occur in the data, the background profile retrieved with MCR-ALS may show abnormal lumps or negative dips at the position of the remaining component peaks. RESULTS: The phenomenon is shown to be due to remaining rotational ambiguity in the obtained profiles, as confirmed by the estimation of the boundaries of the range of feasible bilinear profiles. To avoid the abnormal features in the retrieved profile, a new background interpolation constraint is proposed and described in detail. Both simulated and experimental data are employed to support the need of the new MCR-ALS constraint. In the latter case, the estimated analyte concentrations agreed with those previously reported. SIGNIFICANCE: The developed procedure helps to reduce the extent of rotational ambiguity in the solution and to better interpret the results on physicochemical grounds.

Are prosodic effects on sentence comprehension dependent on age? / Os efeitos prosódicos na compreensão de frases variam de acordo com a idade?

ABSTRACT Purpose to investigate prosodic boundary effects on the comprehension of attachment ambiguities in Brazilian Portuguese and to test two hypotheses relying on the notion of boundary strength: the absolute boundary hypothesis (ABH) and the relative boundary hypothesis (RBH). Manipulations of prosodic structure influence how listeners interpret syntactically ambiguous sentences. However, the role of prosody in spoken language comprehension of sentences has received limited attention in languages other than English, particularly from a developmental perspective. Methods Twenty-three adults and 15 children participated in a computerized sentence comprehension task involving syntactically ambiguous sentences. Each sentence was recorded in eight different prosodic forms with acoustic manipulations of F0, duration and pause varying the boundary size to reflect predictions of the ABH and RBH. Results Children and adults differed in how prosody influenced their syntactic processing and children were significantly slower than adults. Results indicated that interpretation of sentences varied according to their prosodic forms. Conclusion Neither the ABH or the RBH explained how children and adults who speak Brazilian Portuguese use prosodic boundaries to disambiguate sentences. There is evidence that the way prosodic boundaries influence disambiguation varies cross-linguistically.

RESUMO Objetivo investigar os efeitos de fronteiras prosódicas na compreensão de ambiguidades sintáticas no português brasileiro além de testar duas hipóteses baseadas na noção de intensidade de fronteira: a hipótese de fronteira absoluta (ABH) e a hipótese de fronteira relativa (RBH). Manipulações da estrutura prosódica influenciam como os ouvintes interpretam frases sintaticamente ambíguas. No entanto, o papel da prosódia na compreensão da linguagem oral tem recebido atenção limitada em línguas além do inglês, particularmente do ponto de vista do desenvolvimento. Método Vinte e três adultos e 15 crianças participaram de uma tarefa computadorizada de compreensão de frases envolvendo frases sintaticamente ambíguas. Cada frase foi gravada em oito formas prosódicas diferentes com manipulações acústicas de F0, duração, e pausa, variando o tamanho da fronteira prosódica de modo a transparecer as previsões da ABH e RBH. Resultados Crianças e adultos diferiram em como a prosódia influenciou o processamento sintático; as crianças foram significativamente mais lentas que os adultos. Os resultados indicaram que a interpretação das frases variou de acordo com suas formas prosódicas. Conclusão Nenhuma das hipóteses (ABH ou RBH) explica como crianças e adultos falantes do Português brasileiro utilizam as fronteiras prosódicas para desambiguar frases. Há evidências de que a maneira com a qual os limites prosódicos influenciam a desambiguação de frases varia entre os idiomas.

Cytogenetic and molecular characterization of an SRY-negative 46, XX ovotesticular DSD: a case report / Caracterização citogenética e molecular de um DDS ovotesticular 46, XX SRY-negativo: relato de caso

Introduction: Ovotesticular disorder of sex development is a rare condition characterized by the concomitant presence of testicular and ovarian tissue, and usually presents genital ambiguity. They are chromosomally heterogeneous, and cytogenetic analyses is relevant. Objective: to report a patient from Manaus, Amazonas state, Brazil, with ovotesticular disorder of sex differentiation 46,XX and SRY-negative. Case report: patient aged 19 years, first child of non-consanguineous parents, diagnosed at birth with genital ambiguity and, without correct diagnosis, was registered a male sex. The patient underwent surgery to correct bilateral cryptorchidism, orchiopexy and colpectomy. During puberty, he developed female and male sexual characteristics. Investigation at this time revealed: laboratory (normal total testosterone and estradiol as high follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone, histopathological (right gonad, ovarian follicles and left gonad, atrophic testicles), karyotype (46, XX) and molecular (SRY-negative). Diagnosis of ovotesticular disorder of sex development was established. The patient chose to remain male and underwent bilateral mastectomy, vaginal colpectomy and bilateral gonadectomy. Currently, the patient receives hormonal replacement therapy, followup with a multi-professional approach and awaits masculinizing genitoplasty. Discussion: For OT-DSD individuals with 46, XX, the female sex is suggested as the best sex of rearing option. Unlike the reported cases, the patient chose the male sex, since the sex at registration of birth was important in his choice. Conclusion: Cytogenetic and molecular analyses allowed us to assist in the etiological diagnosis of the patient with OT-DSD. However, molecular analyses are necessary to elucidate the genes involved in the sexual determination of this patient.

Introdução: distúrbio da diferenciação do sexo ovotesticular é uma condição rara com presença concomitante de tecido testicular e ovariano, geralmente com ambiguidade genital. Os pacientes são cromossomicamente heterogêneos e a análise citogenética é fundamental. Objetivo: relatar o caso de um paciente do município de Manaus, Amazonas, portador de distúrbio da diferenciação do sexo ovotesticular 46, XX e SRY-negativo. Caso clínico: paciente de 19 anos, primeiro filho de pais não consanguíneos, que ao nascimento foi diagnosticado com ambiguidade genital, contudo, sem diagnóstico correto, foi registrado como sendo do sexo masculino. Foi submetido a cirurgias para correção da criptoquirdia bilateral, orquidopexia e colpectomia vaginal. Na puberdade, desenvolveu características sexuais feminina e masculina. Investigação diagnóstica mostrou: exames hormonais (testosterona total e estradiol normais enquanto hormônio folículo-estimulante e hormônio luteinizante elevados), histopatológicos (gônada direita, folículos ovarianos e gônadas esquerda, testículos atróficos), cariótipo (46, XX) e molecular (SRY-negativo). O diagnóstico de distúrbio da diferenciação do sexo ovotesticular foi estabelecido. O paciente optou por permanecer no sexo masculino e submeteuse à mastectomia bilateral, colpectomia vaginal e gonadectomia bilateral. Atualmente faz reposição hormonal, acompanhamento com abordagem multiprofissional e aguarda pela genitoplastia masculinizante. Discussão: aos indivíduos DDS-OT com 46, XX é sugerido como a melhor opção de sexo, o feminino. Diferentemente dos casos relatados, o paciente optou por permanecer no sexo masculino, visto que o registro de nascimento foi importante para a sua escolha. Conclusão: análises citogenéticas e moleculares permitiu auxiliar no diagnóstico etiológico do paciente com DDS-OT, contudo, análises moleculares são necessárias para elucidação de genes envolvidos na determinação sexual desse paciente.

Estranhezas no campo analítico / Strange things in the field of analysis / Extrañezas en el campo analítico / Étrangeté dans le champ analytique

O autor discute fatos clínicos que se manifestam como estranhos "acidentes" no campo analítico. O analista se assusta com o surgimento abrupto de descargas, atos, sintomas, imagens e situações que o deixam perplexo e estranho. Tem a impressão de que está participando de situações que correspondem ao estranho inquietante descrito por Freud. Através de material clínico, o autor propõe que esses acidentes indicam a substituição do conhecido, do familiar, pelo não familiar. Mas o desconhecido não é inteiramente desconhecido, porque se refere a experiências primitivas que não foram suficientemente simbolizadas. Essa ambiguidade se manifesta na desorientação do analista, que não sabe se sua função analítica está intacta ou perturbada. É demonstrado que ambas as situações estão de fato presentes. Aspectos teóricos são discutidos.

The author writes about clinical facts that happen as strange "incidents" in the field of analysis. The analyst is astonished by the abrupt rise of release, actions, symptoms, images and situations that made him feel perplexed and strange. He has that impression he is part of situations related to Freud's uncanny theory. Through clinical material, the author proposes these incidents are about replacing the familiar for the unfamiliar. What is not familiar is not completely unknown, though. It is related to primitive experiences that haven't been signified enough. This ambiguity manifests in making the analyst disoriented, not sure if his analytical role is intact or disturbed. It is shown that both situations are actually present. Theoretical aspects are discussed.

El autor discute datos clínicos que se manifiestan como extraños "accidentes" en el campo analítico. El analista se asusta con el surgimiento abrupto de descargas, actos, síntomas, imágenes y situaciones que le dejan perplejo. Tiene la impresión de que está participando de situaciones que corresponden al extraño inquietante descrito por Freud. A través de material clínico, el autor propone que esos accidentes indican la sustitución del conocido, del familiar, por el no familiar. Pero lo desconocido no es totalmente desconocido, porque se refiere a experiencias primitivas que no fueron simbolizadas lo suficiente. Esa ambigüedad se manifiesta en la desorientación del analista, que no sabe si su función analítica está intacta o alterada. Está demostrado que ambas situaciones de hecho están presentes. Aspectos teóricos son discutidos.

L'auteur discute des faits cliniques qui se manifestent comme des « accidents ¼ étranges dans le champ analytique. L'analyste s'étonne du surgissement abrupt de décharges, d'actes, de symptômes, d'images et de situations qui le laissent perplexe et étrange. Il a la sensation qu'il participe à des situations qui correspondent à l'étrange inquiétant décrit par Freud. Au moyen d'un matériel clinique, l'auteur propose que ces accidents indiquent le remplacement du connu, du familier, par le non familier. Mais l'inconnu n'est pas tout à fait inconnu, car il fait référence à des expériences primitives qui n'ont pas été suffisamment symbolisées. Cette ambiguïté se manifeste dans la désorientation de l'analyste qui ne sait pas si sa fonction analytique était intacte ou perturbée. On démontre que les deux situations sont vraiment présentes. On discute des aspects théoriques.

Um pensamento em torno do setting / Thinking about setting / Un pensamiento sobre el encuadre / Une réflexion à propos du cadre

Neste trabalho o autor aproxima-se de um discurso sobre o setting que não dissesse respeito tanto às suas características e funções, mas ao seu significado conceitual. O setting pode ser considerado a parte "material" ou "factual" da relação analítica, mas a redução dele aos seus elementos externos deve ser entendida como intolerância à verdade, como relação primária entre elementos irredutíveis, que sempre têm algo de material e de mental. Por relação primária quer dizer a relação bebê-seio (mãe), entendida como precondição de qualquer experiência possível, que surge, como Bion indicou, como preconcepção - as preconcepções do seio e edípicas. O setting é um espaço real em que os sonhos podem se desenvolver, um espaço em que o ser e o sonhar são dois momentos inseparáveis. Portanto, para indicar um elemento fundamental, pode-se dizer que o setting tem a ver com a ambiguidade paradoxal do ser.

In this paper the author approaches a discourse on the setting that does not concern as much its characteristics and functions as its conceptual meaning. The setting can be considered the "material" or "factual" part of the analytical relationship, but the reduction of the setting to its external elements must be understood as an intolerance of the truth, as a primary relationship between irreducible elements. The setting is a real space in which dreams can create a space in which being and dreaming are two inseparable moments. Therefore, to indicate a fundamental element, it can be said that the setting has to do with the paradoxical ambiguity of being.

En este artículo el autor acercarse de un discurso sobre el encuadre que no se refiera tanto a sus características y funciones sino a su significado conceptual. Se puede considerar el encuadre la parte "material" u "objetiva" de la relación analítica, pero la reducción de él a sus elementos externos debe entenderse como una intolerancia a la verdad, como una relación primaria entre elementos irreductibles. El encuadre es un espacio real en el que los sueños pueden desarrollarse, un espacio en el que ser y soñar son dos momentos inseparables. Por lo tanto, para indicar un elemento fundamental, se puede decir que el encuadre tiene que ver con la ambigüedad paradójica del ser.

Dans cet article, l'auteur aborde un discours concernant le cadre qui ne touche pas tellement ses caractéristiques et ses fonctions mais sa signification conceptuelle. Le cadre peut donc être considéré comme la partie « matérielle ¼ ou « factuelle ¼ de la relation analytique, mais le réduire à ses éléments extérieurs doit être compris comme une intolérance à la vérité, comme une relation primaire entre des éléments irréductibles qui ont toujours quelque chose de matériel et de mentale. Par relation primaire il veux dire le rapport nouveau-né/sein (la mère), prise comme une précondition de toute expérience possible qui surgit, telle que l'a signalé Bion, des préconceptions du sein et œdipiennes. Le cadre est un espace réel dans lequel les rêves peuvent se développer, un espace dans lequel l'être et le rêve sont deux moments indissociables. Par conséquent, pour indiquer un élément fondamental, on peut dire que le cadre a une relation avec l'ambiguïté paradoxale de l'être.

Que dúvida pode haver? / What doubt can there be? / ¿Qué duda puede haber? / Quel doute peut-il y avoir?

Consciente das complexidades que a sexualidade humana implica, Virginia Woolf desconstrói, em Orlando: uma biografia, os binarismos redutores que tolhem o desejo e a liberdade. No corpo de seu protagonista (corpo feito de linguagem), ela tece uma crítica irônica aos estereótipos formados a partir dos conceitos que categorizam os seres humanos em dois gêneros sexuais distintos na sociedade patriarcal ocidental.

In her novel Orlando: a biography, Virginia Woolf deconstructs the sexual dichotomies that restrict human desire and freedom. Knowing how complex sexuality is, she produces the body of her protagonist by the means of an ironical language that criticizes the stereotypes formed by the concepts that categorize the human beings into two distinct genders in the patriarchal occidental society.

En su novela Orlando: a biography, Virginia Woolf desconstruye las dicotomias sexuales que refrenan el deseo y la libertad de las personas. Consciente de las complejidades de la sexualidad humana, ella produce el cuerpo de su protagonista por medio de um lenguaje irónico que critica los estereotipos formados por los conceptos que categorizan los seres en dos géneros distintos en la sociedad patriarcal occidental.

Dans son roman Orlando : une biographie, Virginia Woolf déconstruit les binarismes qui restreignent le désir et la liberté humains. Consciente qu'elle est des complexités la sexualité, elle produit le corps de son/sa protagoniste par le moyen dun langage critique qu'ironise les stéréotypes formés par les deux genres sexuels distincts dans la société patriarcale occidentale.

On the Analysis of PM/FM Noise Radar Waveforms Considering Modulating Signals with Varied Stochastic Properties.

Noise Radar technology is the general term used to describe radar systems that employ realizations of a given stochastic process as transmit waveforms. Originally, carriers modulated in amplitude by a Gaussian random signal, derived from a hardware noise source, were taken into consideration, justifying the adopted nomenclature. With the advances made in hardware as well as the rise of the software defined noise radar concept, waveform design emerges as an important research area related to such systems. The possibility of generating signals with varied stochastic properties increased the potential in achieving systems with enhanced performances. The characterization of random phase and frequency modulated waveforms (more suitable for several applications) has then gained considerable notoriety within the radar community as well. Several optimization algorithms have been proposed in order to conveniently shape both the autocorrelation function of the random samples that comprise the transmit signal, as well as their power spectrum density. Nevertheless, little attention has been driven to properly characterize the stochastic properties of those signals through closed form expressions, jeopardizing the effectiveness of the aforementioned algorithms as well as their reproducibility. Within this context, this paper investigates the performance of several random phase and frequency modulated waveforms, varying the stochastic properties of their modulating signals.

Ambiguity and Ambivalence: an Issue for the Subjective Dynamics in the Relation between Language and Affection.

This article stems from an interest taken in discussing the usage of the terms ambivalence and ambiguity, which are very present in Psychology's publications and savoir faire. It is important to reiterate that in common sense and even in scientific publications these terms are often used as synonyms or notions of little conceptual delimitation. The relevance of such differentiation is proposed once these notions participates of the emergence of the new in human subjective experience, and, in a methodological approach, ambiguity and ambivalence are dimensions that leads the researcher goes beyond a repetitive sterile description of the subject's speech, moving towards new perspectives of the psychological data. This paper aims to retrieve the qualifying power of such notions by making a broader reflection on the functions of language in the production of interpretive realities. We also propose to bring up a reflection about ambiguity in the construction of meaning and to reiterate ambivalences as inherent to human nature, its affective record and the process of human becoming. As a way to explain the proposed themes, we will analyse an excerpt from the documentary "Últimas Conversas", produced by the Brazilian filmmaker Eduardo Coutinho, in which high school students from public state schools in Rio de Janeiro tell their stories, speaking of dreams and shared challenges. The character Rafaela was selected for this article because of the emergence of unspeakable emotions from her narrative about an expected future as a promise of reconciliation with the alterity of her life story.

Association between Down Syndrome and Disorders of Sex Development: Report of Three Cases and Review of 188 Cases in the Literature.

In this study, we present 3 cases of Down syndrome (DS) associated with disorders/differences of sex development (DSD) and review the literature on this topic. Case 1: 1-year-old child with male genitalia and DS phenotype, 47,XX,+21 karyotype and testicular DSD. Case 2: 11-month-old child with male genitalia and few DS dysmorphisms, 45,X/47,XY,+21 karyotype, and mixed gonadal dysgenesis. Case 3: 4-month-old child with female genitalia and DS phenotype, 47,XY,+21 karyotype and XY complete gonadal dysgenesis. In the literature, among 188 patients, 107 (57%) had Klinefelter syndrome and 61 (33%) Turner syndrome, 12 (6%) had mixed gonadal dysgenesis, 2 (1%) had partial androgen insensitivity, 2 (1%) ovotesticular DSD, and the others had congenital adrenal hyperplasia, XY partial gonadal dysgenesis, XY complete gonadal dysgenesis, and complete androgen insensitivity (1 case each). A typical DS phenotype was found in all individuals of the revision, with the exception of one case, but DSD features were not always reported. In conclusion, the association of DS with sex chromosome DSD is the most frequently observed, whereas associations with 46,XX and 46,XY DSD is extremely rare.

Work engagement: a study of daily changes

This research aimed to verify the daily intraindividual and interindividual variations of work engagement and to investigate the predictors of this phenomenon and of the role performance at work, as well as the mediating role of engagement in the relationship between these predictors and performance. The sample consisted of 116 workers of both sexes (71.9% female). Through multilevel modelling, it could be identified that role ambiguity constituted a significant and negative predictor of engagement and performance, while participation in decision-making was characterized as a positive predictive variable of both constructs. The task complexity, in turn, proved to be a negative predictor of performance. Contrary to expectations, engagement did not show intra-individual variations. Brazilian organizations can benefit from these findings and seek to intervene in the work context

La presente investigación buscó verificar las fluctuaciones diarias intraindividuales del engagement laboral e investigar los predictores de este fenómeno y del desempeño de roles en el trabajo, así como el rol de mediación del engagement en la relación entre tales predictores y el desempeño. La muestra fue compuesta por 116 trabajadores, de ambos sexos (71,9% del sexo femenino). Por medio del modelado multinivel, fue posible identificar que la ambigüedad de papeles se constituyó en un predictor significativo y negativo del engagement y del desempeño, mientras que la participación en la toma de decisión se caracterizó como una variable predictora positiva de ambos constructos. La complejidad de la tarea, a su vez, reveló una predicción negativa del desempeño. Al contrario de lo que se esperaba, el engagement no presentó variaciones intraindividuales. Las organizaciones brasileñas pueden beneficiarse de estos hallazgos y buscar intervenir en el contexto de trabajo

Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo verificar as variações diárias intraindividuais e interindividuais do engajamento no trabalho e investigar os preditores desse fenômeno e do desempenho no trabalho, bem como o papel mediador do engajamento na relação entre esses preditores e o desempenho. A amostra foi constituída por 116 trabalhadores de ambos os sexos (71,9% do sexo feminino). Por meio da modelagem multinível, identificou-se que a ambiguidade de papel constituiu-se em um preditor significativo e negativo do engajamento e do desempenho, enquanto a participação na tomada de decisão caracterizou-se como uma variável preditiva positiva de ambos os construtos. A complexidade da tarefa, por sua vez, foi um preditor negativo do desempenho. Ao contrário do que se esperava, o engajamento não mostrou variações intraindividuais. As organizações brasileiras podem se beneficiar dessas descobertas e procurar intervir no contexto do trabalho

El tercer espacio: propiedades de desplazamiento de la experiencia psicocultural / The Third Space: Displacement Properties of the Psycho-Cultural Experience

Resumen El propósito de este artículo consiste en presentar el tema El tercer espacio: propiedades de desplazamiento de la experiencia psicocultural. Se refiere al espacio potencial del desarrollo temprano humano,que hace contrapunto en su devenir histórico con el mundo sociocultural. Surge mayormente de la reflexión concienzuda obtenida de la clínica psicoanalítica con consultantes niños y adultos, así como de la investigación sobre la relación entre psicoanálisis y literatura. La psicoterapia con niños sucede en un espacio de juego, en un taller de trabajo psicológico donde se explicitan los síntomas perturbadores y se vehiculiza el conflicto, en una zona intermedia, así llamada por D.W. Winnicott, no tan lejana del tratamiento con consultantes adultos donde al transcurrir el proceso de análisis del inconsciente se produce un tiempo-espacio de ambigüedad y extrañamiento. Tales procesos de naturaleza clínica permiten observar que en el devenir y la producción cultural humana se hace notar un espacio que se abre hasta que se define el traslado experiencial. Ese es el tercer espacio. Otro modo de observar ese tercer espacio se encuentra en el lenguaje; ese componente ambiguo, incierto, se efectúa mediante el desplazamiento semántico en el texto literario. Así, ese tiempo-espacio de ambigüedad, propicio para el desplazamiento de procesos de lenguaje, convertido en hechos culturales como obra artística o fenómeno psicosocial, tiene como basamento procesos transicionales intrapsíquicos advertidos desde el desarrollo precoz. De manera amplia, el tercer espacio se propone como ámbito teórico e investigativo dado que constituye un aporte a la lectura y a la investigación textual psicoanalítica.

Abstract: The purpose of this article is to present the topic: The Third Space: Displacement Properties of the Psycho-Cultural Experience, referring to the potential space in early human development, which interacts with its historic occurrence in the socio-cultural world. It arises mostly from thoughtful consideration obtained from psychoanalytic consultation with children and adults, as well as investigation of the relationship between psychoanalysis and literatura Psychotherapy with children takes place in a play space, in a psychological workshop where the symptoms causing a disturbance are identified and the conflict is focused in an intermediate zone, thus named by D.W. Winnicott; it is not that far from the treatment of adult patients, wherein the analysis process of the subconscious takes place and creates a time and space of ambiguity and estrangement. Such processes of a clinical nature allow observing that throughout these and human cultural production there is a space which is opened until the transfer of the experience takes place, that is the: third space. Another way to observe this third space is through language; the ambiguous and uncertain component, which takes place in semantic displacement in the literary text. Therefore that temporal and spatial ambiguity, which encourages the displacement of language processes, into cultural expression and artistic productions or psychosocial phenomena, has as its foundation those intra-psychic transitional processes, noticed since early development. Taken amply, the third space is proposed as a theoretical and investigative field becauseit contributes to the reading and investigation of psychoanalytic texts

Validation study of a scale for assessing three personality functional dimensions among Venezuelan HIV-positive patients.

BACKGROUND: Personality has been recognized as a key variable in the prediction of treatment adherence and health care behaviors in patients living with chronic diseases. PURPOSE: In order to contribute to the prediction of treatment-adherence behaviors among HIV-positive patients, this study aimed to test the metric properties of the 12-item Stress-Related Situations Scale (SRSS-12), which assesses four interactive styles of personality related to stressful situations when receiving treatment for a chronic disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed with a nonprobability sampling between May and June 2016. The SRSS-12 was fulfilled by 186 out of 400 HIV-positive patients receiving attention through the regional program for HIV -sexually transmitted diseases control in the State of Lara, Venezuela (sample proportion =0.465). The participants were young adults (X=34.9 years), predominantly men (80.1%), and single (76.3%). Data analysis included exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis, assessment of internal consistency, and description of distributions. RESULTS: The exploratory factor analysis yielded a three-factor structure: Tolerance to Frustration and Ambiguity, Follow-up of Instructions and Impulsivity, and Decision Making. Through confirmatory factor analysis, this model showed an acceptable fit to the data. The three factors showed convergent and discriminant validity and internal consistency from acceptable to high. The factor scores did not follow a normal distribution. CONCLUSIONS: The three-factor model for the SRSS-12 showed validity and internal consistency among Venezuelan HIV-positive patients. Scaled scores for factors can be developed using percentile scores.

The comparison of risky and ambiguity decision making and cool executive functions between patients with obsessive compulsive disorder and healthy controls

Abstract Background: Executive functioning has been evaluated in obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Cool and hot executive functioning discrimination provided a different way of conceptualising executive functions. Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare ambiguity and risky decision-making and cool executive functions in an OCD and a healthy control group. The relationship between decision-making and cool executive functioning was investigated. Methods: Sixty-two OCD patients and 48 healthy control participants were compared. Decision-making was measured using the Iowa Gambling Task. The cool executive functioning was assessed using the Stroop Test and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Task (WCST). Results: The OCD group completed the WCST and the Stroop Test statistically significantly with a lower score than that of the control group. The OCD group had impaired response inhibition and set-shifting that indicate impaired cool executive functioning. In contrast to a lack of a statistically significant difference, the risky decision-making performance was worse in the OCD group than in the healthy control group and in the unmedicated OCD patients than in the medicated OCD patients. Discussion: The OCD patients had a poorer performance in risky decision-making and cool executive functioning. There was a link between risky decision-making performance and impaired cool executive functions.

O segredo na clínica da ambiguidade genital: Um estudo de caso / The secret in the clinic of genital ambiguity: A case study / El secreto en la clínica de ambigüedad genital: Un estudio de caso

O artigo apresenta o estatuto do segredo familiar como forma de enfrentamento ao diagnóstico de ambiguidade genital de uma criança. O estudo de caso, realizado a partir da escuta clínica de base psicanalítica, evidenciou a experiência destes pais frente à condição da ambiguidade genital, de forma particular e única. Destaca-se o modo como cada um tenta assimilar o real desta condição genética a partir de um segredo familiar estabelecido entre os pais e o irmão mais velho do paciente.

This article presents the statute of the family secret as a way of confronting the diagnosis of genital ambiguity in a child. The case study, conducted through a psychoanalytic clinical listening, disclosed a unique and particular parental experience in facing their child's genital ambiguity. We highlight individuals' particular attempts to assimilate the reality of this genetic condition through a family secret established between the patient's parents and older brother.

El artículo presenta el estatuto del secreto de familia como forma de enfrentar el diagnóstico de ambigüedad genital del niño. Un estudio de caso desde la escucha clínica psicoanalítica pone de relieve la experiencia de los padres frente a la condición de ambigüedad genital de manera particular y única. Se destaca la forma como cada cual intenta asimilar el real de esta condición genética a partir de un secreto de familia que se establece entre los padres y el hermano mayor del paciente.

Aplicación de un árbol de decisión difusa con clasificación de ambigüedad para determinar el exceso de peso en escolares / Application of a fuzzy decision tree with ambiguity classification to determine excess weight in schoolchildren

RESUMEN La técnica del árbol de decisiones en las ciencias de la salud sirve para comprender las correlaciones entre las descripciones de los pacientes y para clasificar de forma precisa en diversas categorías. El objetivo del estudio fue analizar la exactitud de la clasificación del exceso de peso de escolares mediante la aplicación de un árbol de decisión difusa, utilizando una base de datos de Itaupú, Paraná (Brasil). Se utilizó la base de datos de una muestra conformada por 5962 estudiantes (3024 del sexo femenino y 2938 del sexo masculino), con un rango de edad entre los 6 a 17 años de edad. Las variables consideradas fueron peso, estatura y el Índice de Masa Corporal (IMC). Para clasificar los datos antropométricos de los escolares se utilizó un árbol de decisión difusa. Los resultados del aprendizaje mostraron una clasificación correcta en el sexo femenino de 2688 y en el sexo masculino de 2471 registros respectivamente. En relación a la exactitud, se determinó 84% en el sexo masculino y 89% en el sexo femenino. El Área Bajo la curva mostró valores más altos en el método Difuso y en ambos sexos (0.965-0.983), mientras que en el método clásico, fueron inferiores (0.804-0.895). De acuerdo a los resultados calculados es posible aplicar el árbol de decisión difusa para la clasificación de escolares con exceso de peso con una exactitud aceptable, además se presenta como una técnica alternativa que puede ahorrar tiempo a la hora de analizar el estado nutricional, sin embargo, no se realizó otros cálculos estadísticos que tengan que ver con la precisión y exactitud a través de métodos estadísticos convencionales y comparar con la técnica de árboles difusos.

ABSTRACT The decision tree technique in the health sciences serves to understand the correlations between the descriptions of patients and to classify accurately in various categories. The aim of the study was to analyze the accuracy of the classification of excess weight of schoolchildren through the application of a fuzzy decision tree, using a database of Itaupú, Paraná (Brazil). We used the database of a sample consisting of 5962 students (3024 female and 2938 male), with an age range between 6 to 17 years of age. The variables considered were weight, height and the Body Mass Index (BMI). To classify the anthropometric data of the students, a diffuse decision tree was used. The learning results showed a correct classification in the female sex of 2688 and in the male sex of 2471 records respectively. In relation to accuracy, 84% was determined in the male sex and 89% in the female sex. The Area under the curve showed higher values in the Fuzzy method and in both sexes (0.965-0.983), while in the classical method, they were lower (0.804-0.895). According to the calculated results it is possible to apply the fuzzy decision tree for the classification of overweight students with an acceptable accuracy, and it is presented as an alternative technique that can save time when analyzing the nutritional status, however, no other statistical calculations were made that have to do with the precision and accuracy through conventional statistical methods and compare with the technique of fuzzy trees.

Can a lexical decision task predict efficiency in the judgment of ambiguous sentences?

The lexicon plays a fundamental role in reading, but little is known about how it influences reading efficiency. Thus, this study seeks to identify which lexical factors in a lexical decision task are relevant in a semantic decision test. A total of 33 university students were recruited to perform a lexical decision task and a semantic decision task. The results revealed differences between the three types of words in the lexical decision task for all measures, but only in the regressive saccades for the semantic decision task. Ambiguous sentences triggered fewer regressions than sentences related to objects. The only lexical measure found to predict efficiency was average time on regular words, which predicted 24% of the efficiency. We discuss the implications of the use of a lexical decision task and the use of the inverse efficiency score as a semantic measure, and we discuss how the lexicon can predict semantic comprehension.

Mutational analysis of the androgen receptor (NR3C4) gene in patients with 46,XY DSD.

Androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) is an X-linked disorder caused by mutations in the NR3C4 gene, which encodes the androgen receptor (AR). In this study, we performed mutational analyses to identify AR molecular defects, in individuals with 46,XY disorders of sex development (46,XY DSD) and a presumptive diagnosis of AIS. Eighteen different gene mutations, including seven previously unreported new variants, were detected in 26 unrelated cases. These included two deletion mutations (P49fs*185 and E308f*320) in exon 1 and five substitution mutations (p.S792P, p.D829G, p.R832P, p.L839F, and p.K906E) located in the steroid-binding domain. Expression analyses of mutants generated by site-directed mutagenesis indicated that these new gene variants impaired AR function by affecting its binding activity. Seventeen of 18 mutations likely lead to reduced or absent responses to androgens, which may in turn account for the different degrees of undermasculinization observed. Our study provides insight into the functional consequences of these mutations.