Female Version Research Articles

Development and Psychometric Evaluation of the Sexual Life Quality Evaluation Tool for Patients With Coronary Heart Disease.

Patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) will have a series of sexual problems, and their sexual life quality can be affected. However, a standardised evaluation tool for patients with CHD was lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a sexual life quality questionnaire for patients with CHD and to evaluate its psychometric properties. Based on previous phenomenological studies, literature analysis and group discussion, questionnaire items were formed. After two rounds of expert consultation and pre-survey, the questionnaire items were modified. Items were screened by item analysis. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were used to explore and confirm the structure of the questionnaire. Content validity and criterion validity were evaluated using the expert consultation and correlation analysis, respectively. The questionnaire reliability was evaluated using internal consistency, split half reliability, and test-retest reliability. The sexual life quality questionnaire of patients with CHD was developed, which included two versions: male version and female version. The male version of the questionnaire contains 3 dimensions and 20 items, while the female version contains 3 dimensions and 17 items. After reliability and validity test, the two versions of the questionnaire have good reliability and validity. In this study, the sexual life quality questionnaire of patients with CHD was developed and its psychometric properties were confirmed, which can be used to evaluate the sexual life quality of patients with CHD. The development of a sexual life quality evaluation tool for patients with coronary heart disease to provide objective and quantitative tools for clinical staff to evaluate patients' sexual life status. Patients were invited to participate in a questionnaire survey for this study.

The effects of motivational interviewing on sexual quality of life and sexual self-efficacy in postmenopausal women with sexual dysfunction.

This study was conducted to determine the effects of motivational interviewing on sexual quality of life and sexual self-efficacy in postmenopausal women with sexual dysfunction. This randomized controlled study was conducted with 164 postmenopausal women with sexual dysfunction who presented to the gynecology outpatient clinic of a university hospital in Kahramanmaras, Türkiye (82 experimental, 82 control). The data were collected using a personal information form, the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale-Female Version Questionnaire, the Sexual Quality of Life-Female Questionnaire, and the Sexual Self-Efficacy Scale. Four motivational interview sessions were conducted with the postmenopausal women in the experimental group at 1-week intervals, and those in the control group did not receive any intervention. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's chi-squared test, and independent samples and paired samples t tests. Both the sexual quality of life and sexual self-efficacy levels of the participants in the experimental and control groups were similar in the pretest stage (P > 0.05). After the motivational interviews with those in the experimental group, the rate of sexual dysfunction was determined as 82.9% in the experimental group and 98.8% in the control group. Additionally, after the motivational interviews, the sexual dysfunction scores of the participants in the experimental group decreased significantly, and their sexual quality of life and sexual self-efficacy levels increased significantly compared to those in the control group (P < 0.001). The results of this study revealed that motivational interviewing decreased sexual dysfunction and increased sexual quality of life and sexual self-efficacy in postmenopausal women with sexual dysfunction.

THE MOTIF OF THE FATHER’S BLESSING IN F. M. DOSTOEVSKY’S NOVEL “HUMILIATED AND INSULTED”

The article presents an interpretation of the motif of the father’s blessing in F. M. Dostoevsky’s novel “Humiliated and Insulted,” which is the key to the plot of this work. By depicting Natasha’s and Nelly’s mother’s departure from home and return to their fathers, the writer presented a female version of the biblical motif of the “prodigal son.” However, the two stories have different plots due to the absence or presence of a father’s blessing. Nellie’s mother died without receiving blessing and forgiveness. Natasha Ihmeneva, after ultimately receiving her father’s repentance, forgiveness and blessing, returned to her former life. The article notes that a parent’s blessing is an important motif in Russian folklore. In the fairy tale “Sivko-Burko,” recorded by A. N. Afanasyev, it is given as a reward for passing a test, and the fool Ivan manages to conquer the heart of the princess. Ihmenev’s condition at the time of his daughter’s escape is similar to that of the hero of Pushkin’s “Stationmaster” Samson Vyrin: the torments of the fathers are caused not so much by human shame as by the implied punishment of God. In ‘Humiliated and Insulted,” it was Ihmenev who took the first step towards reconciliation with his daughter, forgiveness and paternal blessing. While preserving significant folklore and biblical connotations, in Dostoevsky’s work the motif of the prodigal son is complemented by the motifs of Christian forgiveness and compassion.

CRUZAS SIMPLES PROGENITORAS E HÍBRIDO TRILINEAL DE MAÍZ H-53 AE: DENSIDADES Y PRODUCTIVIDAD

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background&lt;/strong&gt;. The use of improved seeds in Mexico is limited. To increase its use and improve its supply, it is necessary to promote the generation of micro-enterprises; for this, the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) and Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias (INIFAP) work in a coordinated manner on the development of new varieties. &lt;strong&gt;Objective&lt;/strong&gt;. To determine the seed productivity by effect of the population density of the trilinear hybrid of H-53 AE maize and its simple progenitor crosses in two environments of Valles Altos. &lt;strong&gt;Methodology&lt;/strong&gt;. In the spring-summer cycle of 2014, in Cuautitlán Izcalli and Texcoco, State of Mexico, three genotypes were evaluated: the simple female cross androsterile (M53AE x M59) and fertile version (M53F x M59), as well as the trilineal hybrid H-53 AE. Population densities were 55,000, 70,000, and 85,000 ha&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt; plants, respectively. The variables evaluated were male and female flowering, plant and ear height, volumetric weight, weight of 200 grains, ear length, grains per row, dry matter percentage, and grain percentage. The experimental design employed a factorial design with random complete blocks, and the Tukey method was used for mean comparison. &lt;strong&gt;Results&lt;/strong&gt;. The simple crosses, androsterile and fertile, exceeded the performance of the hybrid trilineal H-53 AE (7280 Kg ha&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt;). The population density where genotypes expressed a higher yield was 70, 000 ha&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt; plants, with 8602 Kg ha&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt;, significantly different to 7813 Kg ha&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt;, and 7748 Kg ha&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt; for 85,000 and 55, 000 ha&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt; plants, respectively. &lt;strong&gt;Implications&lt;/strong&gt;. Further analysis of other environmental factors should be carried out to strengthen the recommendation of the evaluated trilinear hybrid. &lt;strong&gt;Conclusion. &lt;/strong&gt;The best responses were presented in the population density of 70,000 plants ha&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt;, and the highest average yield of three genotypes and three population densities with 8768 Kg ha&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt; was in the FESC environment (Cuautitlán Izcalli).&lt;/p&gt;

Psychological Background of Sexual Dysfunctions – a Comparative Study on Hungarian and Spanish Samples

IntroductionSexual dysfunctions are prevalent issues affecting individuals’ sexual well-being and relationships. These conditions encompass a range of difficulties in sexual functioning, from desire and arousal to orgasm and pain. Psychological factors, such as dysfunctional beliefs about sexuality, play a significant role in the development and perpetuation of sexual dysfunctions (Nobre, Pinto-Gouveia, 2006; Nobre, Pinto-Gouveia, 2008). Additionally, personality traits, particularly those associated with the Dark Triad (Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy), have been suggested as potential protective factors to sexual problems, probably in interaction with sexual assertiveness and a wider experience in sexual behavior (Pilch, Smolorz, 2019).ObjectivesThis study investigates the interplay between sexual dysfunctions, sexual dysfunctional beliefs, and Dark Triad personality traits, and compares the differences and similarities in the two different cultural (Hungarian and Spanish) samples.MethodsBoth samples were collected online by sharing the questionnaires on various platforms. Apart from the demographic and sexuality related background questions (age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, sexual lifestyle, etc.) our set of questionnaires included the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX), Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire (SDBQ, Male and Female Version) and The Short Dark Triad Questionnaire (SD3).ResultsThe Hungarian sample consists of 465 participants, the Spanish of 215. However, the processing of the data is still underway, our preliminary results show, that there is a connection between the number of dysfunctional beliefs and occurrence of sexual dysfunctions. Just like Dark Triad traits seem to have negative correlation with dysfunctions.Conclusions Our research gives an opportunity to a better understanding of the psychological background of sexual dysfunctions. By taking in consideration the relationship between dysfunctional beliefs and said disorders, professionals can optimize sexual education to aid the prevention of them. Nevertheless, our findings can help the practice of psychotherapy in finding more advanced treatments, thus improving individuals’ overall sexual, and general well-being.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Incidence and risk factors of stress urinary incontinence after laparoscopic hysterectomy

ObjectiveTo observe the long-term effects of total hysterectomy on urinary function, evaluate the effects of preoperative nutritional status, urinary occult infection, and surgical factors on the induction of postoperative stress urinary incontinence (SUI), and explore the incidence and risk factors of SUI.Study designFrom January 2017 to December 2017, 164 patients with benign non-prolapsing diseases who underwent a laparoscopic total hysterectomy in the First People's Hospital of Taicang were selected as the analysis objects. The International Incontinence Standard Questionnaire for Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (ICIQ-FLUTS) and Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire-short version 20 (PFDI-20) were used for telephone follow-up to subjectively assess the urinary function of patients, collect their medical records, and statistically analyze the number of postoperative SUI cases. Logistic multivariate analysis was used to analyze the influencing factors of postoperative female SUI, presented as adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals.ResultsOnly 97 out of 164 patients completed the ICIQ-FLUTS and PFDI-20 questionnaires. Among these participants, 28 patients (28.86%) were diagnosed with SUI (study group), while 69 patients (71.13%) were classified as women without SUI (control group). The age, menopause, parity ≥ 2 times, Body mass index (BMI) ≥ 28 kg/m2, neonatal weight ≥ 4000 g, history of chronic cough, preoperative hemoglobin ≤ 100 g/L, preoperative urine bacteria ≥ 100u/L, preoperative uterine volume ≥ 90 cm3, intraoperative blood loss, and operation time of the study group were compared with those of the control group. The differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Further Logistic multivariate analysis showed that menopause, preoperative hemoglobin ≤ 100 g/L, preoperative urine bacteria ≥ 100u/L, uterine volume ≥ 90 cm3, history of chronic cough, BMI ≥ 28 kg/m2 were risk factors for postoperative SUI in patients undergoing hysterectomy (P < 0.05).ConclusionsHysterectomy for benign non-prolapse diseases has a long-term potential impact on the urinary system of patients, and the risk of postoperative SUI increases. The main risk factors of SUI are parity, menopausal status, obesity, preoperative nutritional status, and occult infection of the urinary system.

(031) Effects of Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy vs. Puberty Blockers on Sexual Function and Desire

Abstract Introduction Many transgender and nonbinary (TGNB) individuals seek out puberty blockers (PB) to stop the progression of unwanted changes from endogenous puberty and/or gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) to aid in their medical transition. There has been limited research assessing the effect of these hormone therapies on sexual function and desire, especially in comparing GAHT and PB+GAHT. Objective Our aim was to compare the effect of GAHT and PB+GAHT on sexual function and desire of TGNB individuals during or following hormone therapy. Methods We performed an IRB approved two institutional study on the effect of GAHT and/or PB on sexual function and desire in adults. The GAHT group (n=12) included individuals who started GAHT (estrogen or testosterone) &amp;gt;18 years old. The PB group (n=10) included subjects with current or past history of GnRH agonist use (&amp;gt;10 years old). Enrolled subjects completed the validated Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (CSFQ). The CSFQ was validated in adults to assess medication-related changes in sexual functioning. The questionnaire is specific to sex assigned at birth with a male and female version. The answers were scored in total and separated into sexual function and sexual desire subscales. Scores in each group were compared using unpaired t-tests. Results A total of 22 TGNB (16 assigned male at birth and 6 assigned female at birth: 14 transgender women, 5 transgender men, 3 non-binary) subjects ages 18-25 completed the CSFQ about the effect hormone therapy had on sexual function and desire. There was no difference between groups in total scores (t = 0.8, p = 0.05) or in categories of sexual function (t = 0.3, p = 0.05) and desire (t = 0.8, p = 0.05). There were an equal number of participants in both groups whose results showed sexual dysfunction in total (n=2 per group) and in categories of sexual function (n=7 per group) and desire (n=3 per group). The cause of their dysfunction is unclear at this time and is to be investigated in the future. Interestingly, despite meeting quantitative criteria for sexual dysfunction, 6 participants answered that their sexual life brings them “much” or “great” enjoyment or pleasure. Conclusions Based on our results, while there were &amp;gt;70% of subjects in each group with impaired sexual function, there were no differences in effect on sexual function and desire between subjects on GAHT vs. PB+GAHT. Additionally, the scores for both groups did not differ substantially from scores of cisgender individuals (Keller, et al 2006). In fact, both the GAHT and PB+GAHT groups scored higher on average in the sexual desire category compared to cisgender individuals. Prospective data collection will help us clarify further whether starting age of pubertal blockers and hormone therapy affects sexual function and desire. Disclosure No.

Coping strategies and its relationship with sexual dysfunction in adults receiving haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis: A cross-sectional study.

To explore relationship coping strategies and sexual dysfunction, and the predictive factors of sexual dysfunction in adults receiving haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Sexual dysfunction is a common problem in adults receiving haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. This problem may be related to psychological and physiological conditions. However, the association between psychological conditions such as coping strategies and sexual dysfunction is not clearly understood. This study is a cross-sectional study. The data were collected from November 2021 to July 2022 using the General Information Form, Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale: Female and Male Versions, and the Ways of Coping Inventory. Correlation and multiple regression analyses were conducted to investigate the relationship between coping strategies and sexual dysfunction. STROBE checklist. A total of 110 adults, 67 on haemodialysis and 43 on peritoneal dialysis, who met the eligibility criteria were included in this study. The optimistic, helpless and submissive approach sub-dimensions of coping strategies had positive correlation with sexual dysfunction in adults receiving haemodialysis. Among the sub-dimensions of the ways of coping inventory, helpless approach was positive predictor and seeking social support was negative predictor of sexual dysfunction in adults receiving haemodialysis. The coping strategies were not predictors of sexual dysfunction for adults receiving peritoneal dialysis. This study showed that helpless coping strategy increases sexual dysfunction, and seeking social support decreases sexual dysfunction in haemodialysis. According to this study, social support is effective coping strategy for reducing sexual dysfunction. Education and support for effective coping strategies should be provided to dialysis patients by healthcare professionals at the start of dialysis treatment. Effective coping strategies should be integrated into routine care standards and nursing or hospital policies. Adults receiving haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis were involved in this study.

Validation of an Arabic version of the female version of The Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire: a factor analysis study

Several questionnaires have been developed to evaluate female sexual dysfunction (FSD) and sexual health problems. However, there is a lack of validated versions of these questionnaires in Arabic. One of the most used instruments is the female version of The Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire (SDBQ). The current study aimed to validate an Arabic version of the SDBQ. The Arabic version of SDBQ-Female was incorporated into an online questionnaire using and distributed among Jordanian Facebook groups and women-only groups. Factor analysis was performed to investigate evidence for the validity of the questionnaire. 530 females (mean age 30 years, SD = 9) completed the questionnaire. Principal component analysis produced the final model composed of 24 items distributed across four factors: Sexual Desire & Pleasure, Affection Primacy, Sexual Conservatism and Age-Related Beliefs. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted, and fit indices were acceptable (CMIN/DF = 2.52, GFI = 0.91, AGFI = 0.89, CFI = 0.90, SRMR = 0.05 and RMSEA = 0.05). Income level and marital status both influenced FSD beliefs, with higher scores associated with higher income and being single. The Arabic version of the SDBQ-female demonstrated evidence of validity and reliability. Additional research is necessary to explore beliefs related to FSD within an Arabic context.

Fair Use in the Rag Trade: In Defense of the Fashion Industry’s Casual Appropriation of Artwork

Throughout history, the concept of appropriation has been understood as an act by which an interloper takes the work of another without consent and uses it for a different, typically self-serving, purpose. This concept, however, has become increasingly misapplied by courts in the context of art, and is particularly flawed when applied to fashion art. Recent federal case law purporting to clarify the appropriation doctrine for the art world has only served to muddle it further, as judges have struggled to make determinations on issues of artistry. As such, the existing rules are not only muddy, but also specious, when related to fashion. This Article analyzes the weaknesses in the current judicial framework governing art appropriation and demonstrates why the existing framework should not apply to fashion as a unique and transformative form of art.&#x0D; When France and parts of Italy banned Marithé+François Girbaud’s appropriation of Leonardo da Vinci’s “Last Supper” in its advertising campaign (Figure 1), it was not because of any ostensible copyright violation. Rather, the advertisements were banned because they made offensive use of religious symbolism. While Marithé+François Girbaud argued that the female version of the fresco showed “the place of women in society today, which is a reflection of our changing values,” a French judge ruled that it presented “a gratuitous and aggressive act of intrusion of people’s innermost beliefs.” Apparently everyone forgot that the advertisement was based on a painting, and not the Bible. No one seemed to care about whether the advertisement was a transgression against da Vinci. In fact, one might recognize the piece as an extraordinary transformation of his work.&#x0D; In the same vein, there were no concerns about copyright infringement when Yves St. Laurent appropriated Piet Mondrian in creating his iconic Mondrian dress (Figure 2). This is because art appropriation is recognized as a valid, and valuable, artistic endeavor itself. Respected appropriation artists such as Andy Warhol, Sherrie Levine, and Richard Prince have created famously provocative works of art by using the work of others. Many in the fashion industry likewise embrace art appropriation in their own works, as well as in the advertising of them (Figure 3).&#x0D; As discussed more thoroughly in Part I of this Article, fashion itself is art, and fashion artists have created truly remarkable pieces by appropriating others’ artworks. Take, for example, L’Wren Scott’s transformation of Gustav Klimt’s Hygieia (Figure 4). Scott appropriated the original work from a fragment of Klimt’s painting, Medicine, which is one of a series of paintings on the ceiling of University of Vienna’s Great Hall. The splendor of this artistic appropriation is undeniable.&#x0D; Lately, however, United States federal courts have sought to limit art appropriation. Recent rulings from within the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit (“Second Circuit”) have prohibited artists such as Richard Prince and the foundation representing Andy Warhol from using the fair use defense to claims of appropriation, or more specifically, copyright infringement. By rendering artists’ works indefensible as such, courts threaten to stifle artistic creation, including beautifully inspired fashion works like those created by L’Wren Scott. These rulings may create a chilling effect on the fashion industry and would deny the world the benefit of some of the most superb works of art that fashion artists create.&#x0D; In this Article, I will argue that the existing legal framework governing art appropriation is overly restrictive and should be relaxed, particularly as applied to the fashion industry. The increasingly prohibitive common law governing the fair use doctrine is contrary to public policy intended to support the continuing inspiration of artists in our society, as specifically charged by the United States Constitution. Accordingly, Part I of this Article demonstrates that fashion is art, both culturally and legally. In the same vein, Part II illustrates how fashion has historically made uniquely transformative creations when borrowing from other works of art which, as explained in Part III, must be supported. In Part III, I examine the legal framework surrounding copyright law and the right artists have to use others’ works fairly. I conclude with a discussion of the fair use doctrine as applied to fashion in Part IV and entreat courts to recognize the inherently transformative nature of appropriative fashion. Courts should interpret the fashion industry’s right to fair use liberally, so as to follow, rather than thwart, the directive of the United States Constitution to “promote the Progress of . . . Art[].”

Parliamentary Dress

Parliamentary Dress

Reading the ‘wordless unease’ in Margaret Atwood’s ‘Death by Landscape’

This article examines the way Margaret Atwood’s short story ‘Death by Landscape’ (1991) engages with the representational strategies of Canada’s celebrated Group of Seven artists. I situate my reading of Atwood’s work first within aesthetics, focusing on her subtle problematization of the masculine ideology and wilderness aesthetic of the Group of Seven. I argue that Atwood unsettles the dominant, virulently male tradition of representation of the wilderness by uncovering an alternative female narrative through an ekphrastic engagement with the paintings. By doing so she not only dismantles the concept of wilderness both as a physical space that women have limited access to and as an imaginary construct; but at the same time she also reconfigures the structure and the content of wilderness stories, and in fact the concept of wilderness itself. Atwood offers a counter-discursive revision of the male adventure and maturation story by deconstructing and restructuring traditional narrative practices to render the female experience visible. This article hopes to show that Atwood expands the possibilities of the adventure story and wilderness writing and creates room for a female version of the maturation story with a fundamentally different aesthetic.

Analysis of the Measurement Properties of the Female Sexual Function Index 6-item Version (FSFI-6) in a Postpartum Brazilian Population.

We evaluated internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and criterion validity of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the Female Sexual Function Index 6-item Version (FSFI-6) for postpartum women. Therefore, questionnaires were applied to 100 sexually active women in the postpartum period. The Cronbach α coefficient was used to evaluate the internal consistency. Test-retest reliability was analyzed by Kappa for each item of the questionnaire and by the Wilcoxon parametric test, comparing the total scores of each evaluation. For the assessment of criterion validity, the FSFI was used as the gold standard and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 21.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). It was found that the internal consistency of the FSFI-6 questionnaire was considerably high (0.839). The test-retest reliability results were satisfactory. It can also be stated that the FSFI-6 questionnaire presented excellent discriminant validity (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.926). Women may be considered as having sexual dysfunction if the overall FSFI-6 score is < 21, with 85.5% sensitivity, 82.2% specificity, positive likelihood ratio of 4.81 and negative likelihood ratio of 0.18. We conclude that the Brazilian Portuguese version of FSFI-6 is valid for use in postpartum women.

Disfunção sexual no climatério e fatores associados

Abstract Objectives: to evaluate associated factors with sexual dysfunction among middle-aged women. Methods: cross-sectional and analytical study was carried out with climacteric women attended at a Family Health Strategy Unit in the city of Montes Claros, MG. Brazil. The eligible women answered a question form containing sociodemographic, behavioral, anthropometric, gynecological factors and sexuality. The Body Mass Index and waist circumference were used to assess nutritional status and metabolic risk. To evaluate quality of life and sexual performance the Menopause Rating Scale and the Sexual Quotient - Female Version were used, respectively. Bivariate analysis and hierarchical multiple regression were used to identify associated factors with sexual dysfunction in the climacteric period. Results: among 195 women, 29.6% had sexual dysfunction. The prevalence of unsatisfactory sexual performance was higher among women who reported moderate to severe climacteric symptoms (OR=2.47) and lower schooling level was also associated (OR=1.95). However, age at menarche below 12 years (OR=0.43) and non-white (OR=0.36) seem to have a protective effect for good sexual performance. Conclusion: the prevalence of sexual dysfunction was high and the level of schooling and climacteric symptomatology were associated factors with this outcome.

Corrigendum.

The authors of the article entitled "Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Arizona Sexual Scale (ASEX) into Portuguese" (doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/2237-6089-2018-0056), published in Trends in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy in volume 41 (2019), issue 3, pages 247-253, would like to correct an error in the Appendix, namely, on page 253, question no. 3 of the female version of the scale is shown in English, when instead it should be shown in Portuguese. Below we reproduce the correct version of this part of the scale.

Трансформація античного міфу у романі Маргарет Етвуд «Пенелопіада»

This article discusses the work of Margaret Atwood, one of Canada's most prominent contemporary writers, with a particular focus on her exploration of the female theme in her literature. Atwood is known for her interest in issues related to women's self-identification, their presence in society and culture, their priorities, desires, and claims, with a central theme being the secondary status of women compared to men. The article delves into Atwood's novel "The Penelopiad," published in 2005, which reimagines and transforms the ancient myth of Penelope and Odysseus in a new narrative context. It explores how Atwood uses the ancient myth, expanding and altering its content and meaning, to create a qualitatively new female version of well-known events, distinct from the canonical male culture represented by Homer. The novel "The Penelopiad" places the female character, Penelope, at its center. In European culture, Penelope has traditionally been perceived as the faithful wife of a great hero, as clever as her husband. This tradition of defining Penelope through her connection to Odysseus dates back to antiquity. However, Margaret Atwood challenges this tradition by giving Penelope her voice. The author offers readers a unique opportunity to hear Penelope's story "from the horse's mouth," a narrative told with irony that demythologizes the image of the great wanderer. The novel begins with a somewhat ironic tone, drawing readers into a deep monologue with the main character. Notably, the style of the narrative is sarcastically simple and primitive, emphasizing the significant contrast with the original myth of Odysseus, which is filled with complex language, numerous epithets, and comparisons. The use of parody, a humorous genre, gives the narrative its own plot, composition, imagery, and stylistic features. The title of the novel, "The Penelopiad," itself highlights the contrast with Homer's "The Odyssey." By replacing the male name of the great hero with Penelope's female name, Atwood brings the wife of the hero to the forefront of the story. This powerful feminist technique places Penelope on an equal footing with Odysseus, and both stories are intertwined to the point that it becomes impossible to determine which one holds more significance. In contrast to "The Odyssey," "The Penelopiad" should have been a story of a woman's journey. However, such a story would hardly have been possible in a patriarchal society where a woman's place has always been in the household, beside her children and husband, engaged in the mundane chores of running a household. The journey undertaken by the protagonist is symbolic, representing a journey into her own self, self-discovery, and a quest to uncover historical roots and fulfill her genuine desires. Atwood reinterprets the trivial stories about Penelope in a feminist context, portraying them as an attempt by a patriarchal society to belittle women and absolve the truly guilty men. Overall, the article provides an insightful analysis of Margaret Atwood's use of mythology and feminist perspectives in her novel "The Penelopiad." Atwood's work challenges traditional narratives and offers a fresh interpretation of well-known stories from a female point of view, shedding light on the complexities of gender dynamics and power structures in literature and society. Key words: Margaret Atwood, Penelopiad, ancient Greek myth, transformation, history, feminism

The Influence of William Hogarth on Later Generations

The Influence of William Hogarth on Later Generations

Sexual Function, Physical Activity, Mean Amplitudes and Maximal Voluntary Contraction of Pelvic Floor Muscles Are Related to Handgrip Strength: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Pelvic floor musculature assessment methods are generally invasive, subjective, and technologically expensive. Therefore, there is a need to identify other methods that can predict changes in the function of these muscles. This study aimed to verify whether the levels of strength and myoelectric activity of pelvic floor muscles (PFM) can be related to handgrip strength (HGS), to ensure faster and earlier identification of possible dysfunctions of this musculature. Furthermore, we verified whether these variables vary across different age groups. This was a cross-sectional observational study involving 44 healthy women. The women were divided into two groups: the young (18−35 years) and middle-aged (36−55 years) adult groups. Social, anthropometric, and clinical data were collected from the participants, and a functional assessment of their PFM was performed by bidigital palpation, electromyographic biofeedback (sEMG), and HGS (using a dynamometer). The levels of physical and sexual activity were measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and Sexual Quotient−Female version (SQ-F) questionnaire. There were no differences in HGS, power/pressure, sEMG, SQ-F score, or IPAQ score between the two groups (p > 0.05). Moderate correlation (r = 0.601; p = 0.019) was observed during multivariate analysis. HGS is related to mean amplitudes (p = 0.123), MVC (p = 0.043), sexual function (p = 0.049), and physical activity (p = 0.004). We therefore conclude that there were no differences between HGS and PFM strength in young adult and middle-aged women. Furthermore, HGS is related to the PFM functionality, sexual function, and physical activity.

Judge the Evil of Human Nature: “Moll Flanders” and Defoe's View of Conscience

“Moll Flanders” is a companion piece of Daniel Defoe's “Robinson Crusoe”, known as Defoe's "female version of spiritual autobiography". For a long time, Defoe researchers have focused on the "individual self-sufficiency" and social problems in his works. However, the research on Defoe's moral outlook is slightly fragmented, involving money and morality, Christian morality, national morality and so on. Therefore, it is necessary to start from the text of “Moll Flanders” to deeply explore the core of Defoe's moral thought, reveal Moll Flanders' crime and punishment under the threshold of his view of conscience, and analyze the birth context of Defoe's view of conscience, which mainly includes the following aspects: The relationship between Moll Flanders and the spirit of early capitalism, the lack of national welfare policy and Moll Flanders’s moral crisis, Moll Flanders' criminal predicament and spiritual redemption. Finally, this paper aims to explore the similarities and differences between Defoe's view of conscience and David Hume's and Adam Smith's view of conscience in the context of moral philosophy, to reveal the continuity and development of the ideas, to provide the thought resources from Defoe for the modern society. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the behavior and moral concepts of the heroine Moll Flanders in Defoe's work and to explain how the social values and ideas implied in it reflect Defoe's notion of conscience. The significance of this paper is to explore the moral philosophy of Defoe's work and the connection between his conscience and Hume and Adam Smith.

Female and male versions of the 12-item sexual distress scale (sds) and of the 5-item sexual distress scale-short form (sds-sf): translation and psychometric properties of the italian versions

Female and male versions of the 12-item sexual distress scale (sds) and of the 5-item sexual distress scale-short form (sds-sf): translation and psychometric properties of the italian versions