Categorical Analysis Research Articles

Coping with Sinkholes: A Systematic Literature Review

Sinkholes have frequently occurred around soluble rock formations, but they have been indirectly related to imprudent human practices, based on long-standing recognition. The aim of this study was to explore how to improve sinkhole hazard management to decrease the extent of related risks. The main methodology was a systematic literature review that identified and synthesized the relevant information. The proposed analytical framework served as the basis for review criteria, and the scope of literature was mainly restricted to relevant text data. Analytical categories and analytical units were both used in the text synthesis process. Sinkholes were traditionally treated as natural events; however, major stakeholders started to pay attention to them as human-induced events under climate change. These players extensively included international organizations, sinkhole-prone countries (e.g., Venezuela, China, Saudi Arabia, etc.), and sinkhole-resistant countries (e.g., United Arab Emirates, Kenya, Australia, etc.) in this study. A key theme in the literature was that these stakeholders would no longer deal with sinkholes as natural events but as human-induced events, based on potential advantages (i.e., managing manmade sinkholes and implementing emergency operation plans). Similarly, as addressing emergency prevention, public awareness, technological application, social challenges, education, and training, the key tenet of study would be further achieved in terms of managerial implications. The results of this study suggested that human activities would act as negative factors in sinkhole occurrence more directly than were indicated previously. Hence, the understanding of sinkhole hazard management would be quite deepened via social environment, while policy makers were to proactively manage the issue with the sincere cooperation of local residents.

“Tecnologias Sociais” and The Northeast Brazilian Semi-Arid: A Study on the Cisterns Program

Purpose: To analyze the role of the Cisterns Program as a generator of “tecnologias sociais” in the Northeast Brazilian Semi-Arid. Theoretical framework: Characteristics, mechanisms and requirements of “Tecnologia Social”. Design/methodology/approach: Instrumental single case study in the Cisterns Program, using interviews and document analysis for data collection. Categorical content analysis to evidence analysis. Findings: The results show that the “tecnologias sociais” designed by the Cisterns Program have positive impacts beyond access to potable water. These include, among others, mitigation of desertification and articulation and mobilization between communities. Such findings corroborate the understanding that the Cisterns Program as a “supplier” of “tecnologias sociais” and its relevance to the advancement of the regions where it operates, mainly in the northeastern Brazilian semi-arid region. Originality: This study deepens analyzes of the component elements of "tecnologia social", ways of acting by the groups involved and social implications (results), aspects with little discussion in the literature on the subject. Theoretical and practical contributions: The study summarizes the forms of action, the groups involved, the mechanisms, the bottlenecks in the process, and the impacts related to social technologies in a set of elements that can serve as a guide for the implementation of social technologies in other places. It also identifies mechanisms for creating/strengthening actions and public policy to scale up, disseminate, and optimize these technologies. Keywords: “Tecnologia Social”. Cisterns Program. Northeast Brazilian semi-arid.

Categories in Social Interaction: Unlocking the Resources of Conversation Analysis and Membership Categorization for Psychological Science.

This article reviews two related approaches-conversation analysis (CA) and membership categorization analysis (MCA)-to sketch a systematic framework for exposing how categories and categorial phenomena are (re)produced in naturally occurring social interaction. In so doing, we argue that CA and MCA address recent concerns about psychological methods and approaches. After summarizing how categories are typically theorized and studied, we describe the main features of a CA approach to categories, including how this differs from conventional psychology. We review the core domains of research in CA and how categories can be studied systematically in relation to the basic machinery of talk and other conduct in interaction. We illustrate these domains through examples from different settings of recorded naturally occurring social interaction. After considering the applications that have arisen from CA and MCA, we conclude by drawing together the implications of this work for psychological science.

Role of Ultrasonographic and Clinicopathological Characteristics in Assessing Stromal Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocyte Density in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer.

A high density of stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (sTILs) is positively correlated with the pathological complete response rate and favorable survival in patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Heterogeneity in stromal lymphocyte distribution and limited tumor sampling may affect the accuracy of sTIL quantification in biopsy samples from patients receiving neoadjuvant therapy. Thus, identifying additional biomarkers to complement sTIL evaluation is essential. To identify biomarkers that could be used to complement sTILs evaluation. Retrospective cohort study. A total of 162 patients with invasive TNBC were enrolled in the study. The following data were gathered: sTIL density, Ki67, nuclear grades of cancer cells, lymphovascular invasion status, the American Joint Committee on Cancer stage, axillary lymph node metastasis status, and ultrasonographic parameters of the tumor (size, shape, orientation, margin, internal echo pattern, posterior feature, and vascularity). The relationship between sTIL density and ultrasonographic or clinicopathological characteristics was investigated using both continuous and categorical analyses. Posterior features of the primary tumors was associated with sTIL density (p = 0.038). Additionally, the Ki67 levels and nuclear grades were also associated with sTIL density (p < 0.001 and p = 0.024, respectively). When stratified according to a 20% cut-off of sTIL density, the posterior features of primary tumors, Ki67 levels, and nuclear grades significantly differed between the high and low sTIL density tumors. Tumors with high Ki67 levels were more likely to exhibit high sTIL density than low sTIL density [odds ratio (OR): 2.75, p = 0.021]. Furthermore, nuclear grade III tumors demonstrated significantly higher sTIL density than nuclear grade I-II tumors (OR: 2.49, p = 0.014). Additionally, tumors with posterior enhancement or no posterior features were more likely to exhibit high sTIL density than tumors with acoustic shadows (OR: 2.91, p = 0.028; OR: 2.74, p = 0.022, respectively). Low sTIL density is frequently observed in tumors exhibiting acoustic shadows on ultrasound. However, high sTIL density is more common in tumors with posterior enhancement or no posterior features. Furthermore, high Ki67 levels (> 40%) and high nuclear grades are positively correlated with high sTIL density. Our study findings highlight the need for closer surveillance of these biomarkers to complement sTIL evaluation in TNBC.

Trends in land cover and in pollen concentration of Quercus genus in Alentejo, Portugal: Effects of climate change and health impacts

Mediterranean forests dominated by Quercus species are of great ecological and economic value. The Quercus pollen season, peaking in April, varies in concentration due to geographical and climatic factors and has a remarkable allergenic potential. This study investigates Quercus trends in the Alentejo region of Portugal and examines the influence of meteorological parameters on DPC, PSD and SPIn, as well as the impact on allergic respiratory disease. The results show a progressive increase in Quercus Forest area from 1995 to 2018. Temperature and Precipitation are a key factor influencing pollen concentration, especially before peak of pollen season and prior to the pollen season. Particularly prior to the season, the precipitation of t-6 before influence, significantly, the pollen production. On the other hand, Global Srad and RH determine the beginning of the season. Using quartile-based categorization and multivariate statistical analysis, we identified years and scenarios within the IPCC projections where meteorological conditions influence may SPIn production. The study found a statistically significant correlation between high Quercus pollen concentrations in April and increased antihistamine sales. These findings are crucial for enhancing pollen forecast models and early warning systems.

Allostatic Load, Cigarette Smoking, and Lung Cancer Risk.

Background: Allostatic load (AL) is a biomarker of chronic stress associated with various chronic diseases. No study has evaluated the relationship between AL and lung cancer risk. Methods: To address this gap, we analyzed the association between AL and the development of lung cancer in 344,380 participants from the UK Biobank. Results: During the follow-up period from 2006 to 2020, 2517 participants were diagnosed with incident lung cancer. Participants who developed lung cancer had significantly higher AL compared to cancer-free controls (mean: 3.49 vs. 2.87, p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, a marginally significant association was observed between higher AL and increased lung cancer risk (per one AL unit: Hazard Ratio [HR] = 1.02, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.99, 1.04). In the categorical analysis, individuals with high AL (AL > 2) had a 15% higher risk of lung cancer compared to those with low AL (AL ≤ 2) (HR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.25). Stratified analyses revealed that this increased risk was only observed in former (HR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.43) and current smokers (HR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.10, 1.42) but not in never-smokers (HR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.74, 1.17). Moreover, we found that demographics, socioeconomics, and other health behaviors could modify the risk association. Finally, among cigarette smoking-related variables, a significant trend of increasing AL was observed with higher pack-years, longer smoking duration, earlier age of smoking initiation, and later age of smoking cessation. Conclusions: These findings suggest that higher AL is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer. The results need to be further confirmed in additional studies.

Gadgets and Sleep Problems are Causes of Neck Pain in Young Adults

Neck pain affects two-thirds of the population, disrupting daily activities. In young adults, it can reduce quality of life and productivity. While risk factors for neck pain are known, the impact of sleep quality and gadget use on its incidence in Generation Z is less studied. This study aimed to determine the effect of sleep quality and gadget use on neck pain in young adults. A cross-sectional, unpaired categorical comparative analysis was conducted on preclinical students of the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Pelita Harapan (class of 2020-2022). Neck pain incidence was assessed using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire; sleep quality was measured with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index; and gadget use duration was evaluated with the Screen Time Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26 and Chi-Square analysis. A significant relationship was found between sleep latency and neck pain (P &lt; 0.001; OR = 3.210), sleep disturbances and neck pain (P = 0.030; OR = 3.106), and gadget use duration on weekdays and neck pain (P = 0.048; OR = 1.781). Sleep latency, sleep disturbances, and the duration of gadget use are significantly associated with neck pain in young adults.

Disparities in the Levels of Whole-Blood Epstein-Barr Virus between the Cancer and Non-Cancer Populations in Zhejiang, China.

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection in patients with and without cancer. A total of 26,648 participants who underwent whole-blood EBV DNA (WBEBV) assays between January 1, 2020, and August 31, 2023, were included. The chi-square test was used for categorical data analysis, and R software was used to analyze the differences in EBV DNA load levels and the diagnostic capabilities of WBEBV. Positive rates were 10.2% and 25.4% for healthy controls (HC) and patients, respectively. The positivity rate for EBV-associated neoplasms (EN) was the highest at 7.53%, followed by leukemia (Le) at 5.49%. The subgroup analysis showed that the positivity rate for abnormal proliferation or hyperplasia (APH) was 31.9%, followed by 30.5% for Le. The WBEBV of patients with transplants (TP), especially living-related transplants (LT), was the highest among all subgroups. WBEBV at diagnosis was used to differentiate between infectious mononucleosis (IM) and chronic active Epstein-Barr virus (CAEBV), with a sensitivity of 67.4% (95% confidence interval [ CI]: 57.6-75.8) and specificity of 72% (95% CI: 63.3-79.3). We conclude that the prevalence of EBV infection is low in the healthy population in this region and that a high EBV load at baseline is more common in LT, IM, and Lymphocyte Leukemia (LL). This study used a large-sample survey to characterize the prevalence of whole-blood EBV levels in various diseases, including the stages and subtypes. The EBV detection rate was higher in patients with malignant disease than in those with benign disease. Our study provides clinicians with baseline information regarding EBV-associated diseases.

Trans-Parasocial Relationship on TikTok Live Shopping: A Netnography Study of Streamers and Audiences Interactions

Social media live shopping has grown rapidly and become common in Indonesian e-commerce since 2020. The development of live and real-time interactions between streamers and audiences establishes trans-parasocial relationships. The relationship is an extension of the parasocial concept, where this seemingly reciprocal relationship occurs between streamers and their audience. This study aims to explore the processes and patterns of forming trans-parasocial relationships between streamers and audiences during TikTok Shop live shopping sessions in Indonesia. This study employs a qualitative method with a netnography study conducted during TikTok Shop live session and post-session comments on X/Twitter. The data include verbal statements from the streamers and audiences on the chat sections, as well as the audience’s posts with keywords related to streamers on platform X/Twitter. Based on data categorization analysis, this study identifies five aspects of the formation of trans-parasocial relationships; (1) building proximity, (2) engaging in self-disclosure, (3) addressing personal acquaintances, (2) receiving audiences’ responses, and (5) creating a reciprocal interaction. The proximity between streamers and audiences can be virtually built by both parties by incorporating conversations about topics rather than products during live sessions. The formation of trans-parasocial relationships leads the audience to keep watching TikTok live shopping and could become a strategic online marketing communication method.

Pollution source characterization and evaluation of groundwater quality utilizing an integrated approach of Water Quality Index, GIS and multivariate statistical analysis

ABSTRACT The Mid-Gangetic Plain, a vital farmland in India, faces increasing groundwater quality deterioration due to anthropogenic activities. This study aimed to assess groundwater quality and contamination sources in the region utilizing statistical methods. A total of 78 groundwater samples were collected and analyzed using standard methods. The hydrochemistry analysis of samples revealed that several parameters such as Ca2+, Mg2+, HCO3−, NO3−, F− and PO43− surpassed the limits prescribed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The principal component analysis yielded three significant factors, explaining 68.96% variation, highlighting geogenic and anthropogenic influences on groundwater chemistry. Hierarchical cluster analysis categorized groundwater into three clusters based on the parameters with similar trends of variation. Furthermore, Discriminant analysis identified four significant variables (Mg2+, F−, Cl− and NO3−) responsible for creating the distinction among the identified clusters. Hydrogeochemical categorization and multivariate statistical analyses indicated that rock–water interaction, weathering, leaching and anthropogenic activities collectively influenced groundwater quality throughout the studied region. The Water Quality Index reveals that 59% of samples have good water quality, while 41% exhibit poor quality predominantly concentrated in the south-western, south-eastern and central regions. This study demonstrates the efficacy of statistical techniques to interpret complex datasets and grasp water quality dynamics, enhancing groundwater management.

“He flattered me”. A comprehensive look into online grooming risk factors: Merging voices of victims, offenders and experts through in-depth interviews

Online grooming is the process by which an adult uses the Internet to initiate a dynamic of sexual persuasion and victimisation through online contact to obtain an encounter or sexual content from a minor. Although there is an abundant literature of attempts to define the risk factors for grooming, fewer studies have addressed the risk factors qualitatively through direct interviews with offenders, victims and experts. Further understanding such characteristics of the grooming process allows the development and improvement of evidence-based prevention programmes, designed to target specific risk factors. To deepen our understanding of how risk factors operate and how offenders exploit minors’ vulnerabilities, the European H20201 project RAYUELA conducted 15 in-depth interviews with offenders, 8 with victims, and 23 with subject-matter experts from different European countries. The results, based on a categorical content analysis, are consistent with previously reported risk factors for victims. Social isolation was revealed as the most relevant factor. The age of greatest risk is in adolescence due to the characteristics of this developmental stage, among which sexual curiosity stands out. In relation to gender, although girls receive more requests from groomers, boys are more likely to accept them, showing a different perception of the risk. Other relevant factors found non-heterosexual sexual orientation, and poor family communication. In addition, a high percentage of offenders were found to be from the victims’ environment. Thus, a relevant conclusion is that risk factors cannot be separated from structural aspects of the offline reality, such as gender stereotypes and lack of sex education, so focusing on them in prevention may be more effective than addressing exclusively Internet aspects.

Considerations on citizen participation in the development of public policies: insights from a Habermasian perspective

The Habermasian theory has the potential to help understand government initiatives aimed at implementing actions in the public interest with social participation. It provides an epistemic framework for understanding the coherence, comprehensiveness, and sustainability of government decisions and actions. The objective of this analysis was to examine the fundamental concepts of Habermasian thought and its strengths in understanding public policies. Additionally, a proposed analytical framework of public policy with Habermasian categories is presented. A documentary-analytical methodology was used, involving the review, analysis, systematization, and interpretation of books, scientific articles, and theses related to the central themes of the study. The results indicate that the theory of communicative action, the notions of public sphere, and deliberative procedure enable the creation of mechanisms and spaces for debate and social participation in the management of public policies, legitimizing the normative system in a democratic rule of law. In conclusion, it is established that the use of analytical categories from Habermasian thought, when contextualized, contributes to the practice of social management in addressing public policy issues of collective interest.

Using a Triple Sensor Collocation Approach to Evaluate Small-Holder Irrigation Scheme Performances in Northern Ethiopia

This study uses a triple-sensor collocation approach to evaluate the performance of small-holder irrigation schemes in the Zamra catchment of Northern Ethiopia. Crop water productivity (CWP), as an integrator of biomass production and water use, was used to compare the overall efficiencies of three types of irrigation systems: traditional and modern diversions, and dam-based irrigation water supply. Farmer-reported data often rely on observations, which can introduce human estimation and measurement errors. As a result, the evaluation of irrigation scheme performance has frequently been insufficient to fully explain crop water productivity. To overcome the challenges of using one single estimation method, we used a triple-sensor collocation approach to evaluate the efficiency of three small-scale irrigation schemes, using water productivity as an indicator. It employed three independent methods: remotely sensed data, a model-based approach, and farmer in-situ estimates to assess crop yields and water consumption. To implement the triple collocation appraisal, we first applied three independent evaluation methods, i.e., remotely sensed, model-based, and farmer in-situ estimates of crop yields and water consumption, to assess the crop water productivities of the systems. Triple-sensor collocation allows for the appraisal and comparison of estimation errors of measurement sensor systems, and enables the ranking of the estimators by their quality to represent the de-facto unknown true value, in our case: crop yields, water use, and its ratio CWP, in small-holder irrigated agriculture. The study entailed four main components: (1) collecting in-situ information and data from small-holder farmers on crop yields and water use; (2) derivation of remote sensing-based CWP from the FAO WaPOR open database and time series; (3) evaluation of biomass, crop yields and water use (evapotranspiration) using the AquaCrop model, integrating climate, soil data, and irrigation management practices; (4) performing and analysis of a categorical triple collocation analysis of the independent estimator data and performance ranking of the three sensing and small-holder irrigation systems. Maize and vegetables were used as main crops during three consecutive irrigation seasons (2017/18, 2018/19, 2019/20). Civil war prevented further field surveying, in-situ research, and data collection. The results indicate that remote sensing products are performed best in the modern and dam irrigation schemes for maize. For vegetables, AquaCrop performed best in the dam irrigation scheme.

Quality of birth care and risk factors of length of stay after birth: A machine learning approach.

Length of stay (LOS) is an outcome measure and is assumed to be related to quality. The objective of this study is to examine the quality of birth care and risk factors associated with LOS after birth. A nationwide population-based Turkish Demographic and Health Survey (TDHS) was used for the year 2018. A total of 1849 women ages 15-49 were included. Explanatory factor analysis and machine learning predictors such as Random Forest, Support Vector Machine, Neural Network, k-Nearest Neighbor, and Naïve Bayes were used to identify the quality of birth care and risk factors associated with LOS after birth. As a result of the explanatory factor analysis, factor structures of quality of birth care, antenatal check-ups and supplements, and risk factors associated with birth were obtained using the Categorical Component Analysis method. The type of delivery, place of delivery, age, and type of place, which are under the quality of birth care, and risk factors associated with birth factors were found to be the variables that had the highest impact on LOS estimation. Random forest (Accuracy = 0.5789), support vector machine (radial) (Accuracy = 0.5766), and neural network (Accuracy = 0.5750) models outperformed, respectively. Type of delivery which is an indicator of quality of birth care is a strong predictor of LOS after birth according to the Random Forest model. We demonstrated that machine learning techniques offer precise LOS prediction after birth. Further studies assessing the effect of quality of birth care on predicting LOS at birth would be beneficial.

The concept of the psyche in Russian pre-revolutionary psychology

The article examines the concept of the psyche in Russian pre-revolutionary psychology. In the course of the study, the main meanings of the concept of «psyche» («soul») were studied from the point of view of three directions in pre-revolutionary psychology (empirical, philosophical and natural science) using comparative historical and bibliographic methods, categorical analysis; The source base of the study consisted of monographs, textbooks and articles by leading Russian psychologists from 1900 to 1917 inclusive. As a result of the study, it was found that in Russian pre-revolutionary psychology there was no unified interpretation of the concept of the psyche, as it would be later, starting in the mid-1930s in Soviet psychology; It was also found that this interpretation depended on the methodological orientation of representatives of three trends in Russian psychology of the specified period: the rejection of the direct use of the concept of the psyche in empirical psychology, the understanding of the soul as the inner world of man in philosophical psychology, understanding of the psyche as an adaptation, having subjective and objective sides, in natural science psychology.

Patient Health Engagement Model (PHE) in Affecting Patient Activation and Self-efficacy Among Cardiac Patients

Background: Heart patients must be able to actively manage and take care of their disease, medication, and symptoms. On the other hand, following self-management recommendations also requires patient activation. Objectives: This study assessed the relationships of patient health engagement model (PHE) with self-efficacy and activation in cardiac patients. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study is cross-sectional. The sample size was determined to be 207 cardiovascular patients. Subjects were randomly selected from a list of patients referred to a government hospital in the south of Iran. The data collection tools included the Patient activation measurement (PAM-19), health promotion strategies (SUPPH), and Patient Health Engagement Scale (PHE-S). Data were analyzed using descriptive tests, linear regression, optimal scaling, correlation test, and categorical principal components analysis (CATPCA). Results: All subjects were in the third stage of the PHE model (median = 3). A total of (49.5%) of subjects had good self-efficacy, and 39.7% of patients had a good activation score. The PHE model predicted self-efficacy (P &lt; 0.001, R = 0.264) and patient activation (P &lt; 0.001, R = 0.252). Patient Health Engagement had stronger predictive power for the active participation dimension (P &lt; 0.001, R = 0.222). Conclusions: It seems that PHE is shaped according to the patients' level of activation and self-efficacy. However, more studies need to be conducted. By focusing on the emotional states, mental processes, and behavior of the patients, the PHE model can enhance their engagement in the chronic disease care process. Nonetheless, further research is necessary.

Affinity in Adversity: Examining Brand Love and Online Customer Engagement in the Restaurant Industry

Previous studies have investigated brand love in restaurants but have not considered the dynamics of online reviews about restaurant brands. To fill this gap, this study aims to understand how consumers with a high level of love towards restaurant brands defend them in the face of negative reviews on social media. This research, carried out in a Brazilian context, adopts a qualitative approach, analysing 3,979 customer reviews sourced from Instagram through sentiment and categorical content analysis. From the dimensions of brand love, the results showed that customers who love restaurant brands react to negative reviews about them on social media, expressing their positive emotional connection with the companies and acting as their defenders. The study shows that for the restaurant segment, it is relevant to have consumers who love the brand once they help mitigate the effects generated by negative comments online. Furthermore, the research highlights how brand love manifests in restaurant brands' digital context.

From HIV to Mpox: Socio-discursive Analysis of Communicable Diseases, Stigma, and Pathologization in Sexual Minorities in Brazil.

Discrimination and stigma are significant barriers to healthcare for the LGBTQIAPN+ community, necessitating a deeper analysis of their sociocultural causes. There is a notable gap in the literature regarding the understanding of socio-discursive representations and their impact on the stigmatization and pathologization of sexual minorities in the context of communicable diseases. This study aims to discuss the understanding of the sociodiscursive aspects of the health-disease process, particularly in stigmatized infectious diseases affecting the LGBTQIAPN+ community. The focus is on examining how news articles, or the set of analyzed texts (corpus), shape these perceptions. We conducted documentary research with a qualitative and discursive approach using news articles retrieved from Google NewsⓇ about diseases affecting the LGBTQIAPN+ population from 2011 to 2022. The analysis was based on critical discourse analysis, processed using MAXQDA and IRAMUTEQ software. The identified representations predominantly align with biomedical ideology, manifesting in a discourse that normalizes and medicalizes (normative-curative discourse), and notable for its pathologizing and stigmatizing nature. Six classes were found: Ethical professional dilemmas facing stigma, infection and contamination of the LGBT+ population, prejudice and discrimination in the form of information, stigma related to sexual behavior/orientation, Vulnerability and stigma related to infectious diseases, and strategies for minimizing health risk/stigma for the LGBT+ public. The most relevant analytical categories were related to infectious diseases and sexual identity. These themes were identified, indicating that media representations reinforce stigma and maintain unequal health practices (verticalization) for the LGBT+ community. Understanding these patterns within a broader historical context is crucial for promoting health education and strategies that challenge internalized prejudice. The need to reformulate cultural norms and develop health information and education policies is urgent. These policies should be led by professionals with a comprehensive and humanized vision, addressing the diverse needs of the LGBT+ population.

Dietetics students' opinion on food and their future profession

Introduction: Although it is believed that dietitians will use their opinions about food in their professional practice, few studies evaluated conceptions about food and health among dietitians, and this evaluation could be useful for understanding university education and thinking about possible professional implications. Methods: The study aimed to understand the role of food and what it means to be a dietitian from the perspective of Brazilian dietetics students (495 from 34 institutions in the state of São Paulo) through the questions, "What do you consider the main role of food?" and "For me, being a dietitian means...” The responses were analyzed with the support of AtlasTi software and codified into analytical categories based on content analysis. Results: Of the total, 93% were female and 20% were enrolled in public institutions. Two main categories were defined for food: biological and psycho-sociocultural aspects, and two for nutritionists: health promoter and integral health promoter; 69% indicated the function of food as only biological and 61,3% see the dietitian to be only a health promoter, considering only physiological aspects. Students from public institutions responded more for psycho-sociocultural aspects and integral health promotion (p&lt;0.0001). Conclusion: Most participants present opinions about food in their professional practice focusing mainly on biological and physical health aspects. The possible impact of these opinions on professional practice should be discussed and addressed so that undergraduation can expand critical training and better professional practice.

Interrogating “political masculinities”

This article interrogates the concept of “political masculinities” in terms of its usefulness as an analytical category. The article covers four major areas associated with the concept. First, some critical questions concerning the dichotomy between studying “men in politics” and “political masculinities” are offered. Second, concerns are raised regarding specific terms used in the current definition of political masculinities. Third, probing queries are presented on the conceptual utility of political masculinities as an analytical category. Finally, the article closes with a discussion of ex-US President Donald Trump, illustrating his distinct type of dominating masculinity and how this masculinity illuminates the substance and meaning of his “politics.”