Monogamous Research Articles

Determinants Affecting the Adoption of Vasectomy as a Family Planning Method among Married Men in Kiziranfumbi Sub-County, Kikuube District

Despite its reliability, vasectomy remains an underutilized family planning choice among men, being prevalent in only a handful of countries. Globally, its use stands at 2%, with sub-Saharan Africa reporting less than 100,000 cases by 2019 and a mere 0.4% utilization in Uganda. To investigate this, a cross-sectional community-based study was conducted to scrutinize the factors influencing the acceptance of vasectomy among married men in Kiziranfumbi sub-county, Kikuube district. Three parishes—Bulimya, Munteme, and Kidoma—were chosen, and 384 married men residing in the area for over six months were selected through systematic random sampling. The majority fell within the 21-30 age range (30.2%), with the Banyoro tribe comprising 66.4%, Catholics at 53.9%, primary education level at 70.6%, and 82.6% engaged in peasant farming. Monogamous marriages (69%) were prevalent, lasting between 5-25 years (69%), and with less than five children (50.8%). While 85.9% were aware of vasectomy, sources of information varied—32.6% from health workers and 25.3% from family and friends. Misconceptions persisted, with 52.1% uncertain about its impact on sexual function and 19.3% mistaking it for castration. Cultural influences loomed large, with 45.8% citing cultural beliefs as influencing their decision, 35.7% considering it culturally unacceptable, and 38.8% labeling it taboo. Furthermore, 42.2% believed vasectomy diminished men’s societal role. The study revealed a generally low level of knowledge (mean 2.1189, SD 0.38994), a high prevalence of negative attitudes (mean 3.1289, SD 0.30335), and strong cultural beliefs (mean 2.8620, SD 0.58887) against vasectomy. However, despite these barriers, 46.6% expressed an intention to opt for vasectomy, influenced significantly by knowledge (P 0.011) and cultural beliefs (P 0.000), contributing to 51.5% of the observed intention to uptake vasectomy. Addressing these hurdles will require widespread vasectomy awareness campaigns through health education, with a focus on male involvement in family planning to enhance the acceptance and uptake of vasectomy as a viable choice. Keywords: associated factors, vasectomy, family planning

Whether Improved Socioeconomic Development Sees a Shift Towards Monogamous Mating Strategies

From the early prehistoric civilizations to the modern world, marriage practices have undergone tremendous changes. Changing environments and social perceptions have contributed greatly to how people choose to marry. This paper will investigate whether changes in socioeconomic factors such as the need to survive and religion has influenced the spread and demise of monogamous and polygynous marriages from the hunter-gatherer era to the modern day. Also investigated will be the increasing prevalence of socially imposed monogamy displacing ecologically imposed monogamy. Through research, it has been concluded that socioeconomic factors are not necessarily linked to changes to marriage practices, but that monogamous marriages did benefit the socioeconomic development of a country or society, and that the rise in monogamy is what brought improved socioeconomic development of a society, not the other way round.

The use of emotionally focused therapy with polyamorous relationships.

Approximately 5% of people in the United States engage in some form of consensual non-monogamy (CNM; Archives of Sexual Behavior, 2018, 47, 1439). Therapists are becoming increasingly aware of the need to treat members of CNM relationships, including polyamorous relationships. To date, no research has been conducted and little has been written about applying existing couple therapy models normed on heterosexual, cisgender, monogamous relationships to CNM or polyamorous relationships. Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) is an empirically supported treatment for relationship distress that offers promise for working with polyamorous relationships due to the model's systemic and attachment theoretical foundations. We propose EFT is an ideal model for working with polyamorous relationships because of the focus on externalizing, interpersonal and intrapersonal emotional and experiential coherence, and the attachment bond. Building and sustaining multiple attachment relationships allows for the fulfilment of a diverse range of relational needs and wants as well as provides a secure base for individual and relational exploration. In this article, we first provide general information about polyamory and discuss the research on attachment theory and polyamory. We then provide a step-by-step conceptualization of how EFT therapists can expand the model to include extra-dyadic attachment relationships. In addition, we include specific ways in which the model would need to be adapted when working with polyamorous clients. We conclude with recommendations for EFT therapists working with polyamorous relationships.

Molecular detection and association of HIV and HSV-2 IgM co-infection among asymptomatic pregnant women in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

HSV-2 is a common human pathogen that can cause primary and recurrent infection of the mucous membrane. Genital infection with HSV-2 facilitates the acquisition of HIV, both mutually reinforcing infection. Infection with herpes simplex virus type 2 is a significant public health problem being the leading cause of genital ulcerative disease. This study aimed at Molecular investigation and association of HIV and HSV-2 IgM co-infection among asymptomatic pregnant women in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. This is a cross-sectional study conducted at the antenatal unit of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), River State. A total of 168 consenting pregnant women were selected. The study involved collecting socio-demographic data and laboratory determination of HSV-2 immunoglobulin M (IgM) and HIV seroprevalence using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (DIAPRO Diagnostic Bioprobes, Milan, Italy) and ALERE determine/STAT PAK respectively. Data analysis was done using graph pad statistical package. Chi square analysis was used to determine the correlation of the infection with socio-demographic factors. The seroprevalence for HSV-2 IgM was 29.8% (50/168) of the respondents while there was no co-infection between IgM and HIV. All HIV respondents were married. Majority are trader having tertiary educational qualification and are in a monogamous relationship. With regard to IgM seropositivity age, marital status, religion and gestation period were significantly associated with IgM while educational level, occupation, type of family and parity were not significantly associated with HSV-2 IgM. There is a significant correlation between HIV seropositivity with parity and history of sexually transmitted disease while there is no significant difference between HIV prevalence with age, marital status education level occupation type of family, religion history of abortion and the prevalence of HSV-2 was high among women of childbearing age in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Effort should be made to increase the awareness of HSV-2 and HIV infection among the childbearing populace and serological testing of pregnant women should be included as a routine test.

Gender differences in the acceptance of wife-beating: evidence from 30 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa

BackgroundThe World Health Organization (WHO) has cited domestic violence as an urgent global maternal and child health priority. Gender differences in the acceptance of wife-beating have not been explored at the multi-country level in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) where the occurrence of wife-beating (36%) is greater than the global average (30%). It is against this backdrop that we examine the gender differences in the acceptance of wife beating in SSA.MethodsWe used Demographic and Health Survey data from 30 SSA countries. Acceptance of wife beating among women and men was the principal outcome variable of interest. We employed Multiple correspondence analysis and logistic regression model as the primary estimation methods for this study. The descriptive statistics show that women had a higher acceptance rate (44%) of wife beating than men (25%). For the women sample, Mali, Democratic Republic of Congo, Chad, and Guinea had higher rates of acceptance of the wife beating (80.6%, 78.4%, 77.1% and 70.3% respectively) For the men, only Guinea had an acceptance rate above 50 percent.ResultsWe found that all else equal, women’s acceptance of wife beating is higher for male-headed households than for female-headed households. Women without formal education were 3.1 times more likely to accept wife beating than those with higher education. Men with no formal education were 2.3 times more likely to accept wife beating than men with higher education. We found that polygamous women were comparable to polygamous men. Polygamous women were 1.2 times more likely to accept wife beating than those in monogamous marriages. Women were 1.2 times more likely to accept wives beating if they had extramarital relationships. Contrarily, men who engaged in extramarital affairs were 1.5 times more likely to justify wife beating. We also found that women’s acceptance of wife beating decreases as they age. Men who decide on major household purchases and spending decisions on their earnings are more likely to accept wife beating. Corollary, women with similar gender and employment roles also accept wife beating. Finally, exposure to mass media is significantly associated with lower acceptance of wife beating for women and men.ConclusionWe conclude that women have a higher acceptance rate of wife beating than men in SSA. Acceptance of wife beating differs significantly by country. Given the same level of education, women are more likely to accept wife beating than men. If women and men have similar levels of employment and gender roles, acceptance of wife beating is higher when men make major household purchasing decisions and and it is still higher even when the woman makes these decisions. Acceptance of wife beating is higher among young women and men, the uneducated, those in polygamous marriages, women, and men who engage in extra marital affairs, poor households and in rural areas. The findings indicate the need for policies and programs by SSA countries to truncate the high acceptance rate of wife beating, especially among women.

Disparities in Income Levels and Violence against Women among Intimate Partners in Informal Settlements in Nakuru County, Kenya: A Case of Jimmia Rescue Centre

Purpose: Intimate Partner Violence is on the rise in developing countries and is alarming in Kenya specifically, therefore this study will establish the relationship between disparities in income levels and violence against women among intimate partners in Nakuru County, Kenya; A case of Jimmia Rescue Centre. Resource Theory founded by Goode in 1971 and Gendered Resource Theory founded by Atkinson and Greenstein in 2005 anchored this study.
 Methodology: Embedded mixed method was employed which consisted of descriptive survey and phenomenological designs for quantitative and qualitative enquiries respectively. The study was conducted in Nakuru County, specifically in Jimmia Rescue center located in Nakuru East. A total sample of 112 respondents from Jimmia Rescue center were sampled through proportionate and purposive techniques. Questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. Qualitative data was grouped, coded, and placed in different categories by selecting similar issues, then assembled analyzed and interpreted. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 for windows was used for coding and keying in data. The results were presented using tables, themes, quotes, and narrative descriptions.
 Findings: The study established that the majority of the Intimate Partner Violence victims were married as reported by 54 out of 90 (60%) respondents and 66 out of 90 (73% ) of the respondents were from monogamous marriages. The study also established 53% of the women victims were unemployed, income levels and unemployment status influenced violence against women. Violence was experienced in households where 80% respondents reported that earnings was controlled by husbands. This study concluded that Intimate Partner Violence is a concern among married women especially those in monogamous marriages and unemployed.
 Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommends couples to work towards equal contribution in gender roles and contributing household income to reduce power imbalances that contribute to Intimate Partner Violence

Reproductive Coercion Among College Students: An Extension and Test of Routine Activity Theory.

The current study is guided by routine activity theory to explore the risk of experiencing reproductive coercion among a sample of sexually active college students (N = 1,515). Findings indicate that being in an exclusive relationship was associated with lower odds of reproductive coercion, yet prior victimization, including emotional abuse and sexual violence, was associated with higher odds of reproductive coercion. This study supports other research that finds reproductive coercion does not occur in isolation from other victimization experiences, and multifaceted prevention strategies are needed. Implications relating to autonomous reproductive decision-making are discussed.

The investment model of commitment: examining asexual and aromantic populations using confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis

ABSTRACT Past research on the Investment Model of Commitment suggests that satisfaction, quality of alternatives, and investment consistently predict commitment levels in romantic relationships. Previous research examining the Investment Model has focused on allosexual and alloromantic populations – i.e. individuals who experience sexual and romantic attraction, respectively. We extended this research to asexual and aromantic individuals. Asexual and aromantic participants in relationships completed the four Investment Model subscales (i.e. satisfaction, investments, quality of alternatives, commitment). A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) showed that the model fit to the original Investment Model factors was poor. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) revealed that the investments and quality of alternatives items mostly loaded on the original factors; however, satisfaction items and commitment items mostly loaded on the same factor. These results suggest that asexual and aromantic individuals may not distinguish between relationship satisfaction and commitment, or individuals may have relatively equal amounts of satisfaction and commitment in their relationships. In addition, many asexual and aromantic individuals practice non-monogamous relationships, and have a higher quality of alternatives than those who practice monogamous relationships. Ultimately, the findings could guide practitioners when working with asexual and aromantic individuals as well as future research focusing on these populations.

S100A5 Attenuates Efficiency of Anti-PD-L1/PD-1 Immunotherapy by Inhibiting CD8+ T Cell-Mediated Anti-Cancer Immunity in Bladder Carcinoma.

Although immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies have been approved for bladder cancer (BLCA), only a minority of patients respond to these therapies, and there is an urgent need to explore combined therapies. Systematic multi-omics analysis identified S100A5 as a novel immunosuppressive target for BLCA. The expression of S100A5 in malignant cells inhibited CD8+ T cell recruitment by decreasing pro-inflammatory chemokine secretion. Furthermore, S100A5 attenuated effector T cell killing of cancer cells by inhibiting CD8+ T cell proliferation and cytotoxicity. In addition, S100A5 acted as an oncogene, thereby promoting tumor proliferation and invasion. Targeting S100A5 synergized with the efficacy of anti-PD-1 treatment by enhancing infiltration and cytotoxicity of CD8+ T cells in vivo. Clinically, therewasa spatially exclusive relationship between S100A5+ tumor cells and CD8+ T cells in tissue microarrays. Moreover, S100A5 negatively correlated with immunotherapy efficacy inourreal-world and several public immunotherapy cohorts. In summary, S100A5 shapes a non-inflamed tumor microenvironment in BLCA by inhibiting the secretion of pro-inflammatory chemokines and the recruitment and cytotoxicity of CD8+ T cells. Targeting S100A5 converts cold tumors into hot tumors, thus enhancing the efficacy of ICB therapy in BLCA.

Substance Use, Sexual Agreements, and Sexual Risk Behaviors Among Adolescent Sexual Minority Males (Aged 13–17) in the United States

PurposeDespite the fact that adolescence represents a distinct developmental period wherein dating and sexual relationships are emergent, much of what is known about substance use, sexual agreements, and sexual risk behaviors among adolescent sexual minority males (ASMM) is extrapolated from research on adults. This study tested associations between substance use and sexual risk behaviors among ASMM and examined whether relationship status and sexual agreements moderated these associations. MethodsCross-sectional online survey data were collected from 2,892 HIV negative ASMM aged 13–17 years between November 2017 and March 2020. All were sexually active with male partners and not on pre-exposure prophylaxis. A multigroup hurdle model predicted the occurrence and frequency of condomless anal sex (CAS) with casual partners. ResultsNon-monogamous ASMM were more likely to use illicit drugs and more likely to have CAS with casual partners compared with single ASMM and those in monogamous relationships. Among ASMM who had CAS at least once, those in relationships (both monogamous and nonmonogamous) had CAS more frequently than single ASMM. Binge drinking (odds ratio (OR) = 1.47, p < .001), cannabis (OR = 1.30, p < .001), and illicit drug use (including prescription drug misuse) (OR = 1.77, p < .001) were associated with the occurrence of CAS with casual partners but only binge drinking (rate ratio (RR) = 1.23, p = .027) and illicit drugs (RR = 1.75, p < .001) were associated with its frequency. DiscussionWhile results aligned with adult studies in many respects, unlike adult sexual minority males, these findings suggest partnered ASMM–particularly those in nonmonogamous relationships–were at highest risk of substance use and associated sexual HIV transmission risk.

Worldly Threads

This article examines the layered history of Japonse rokken, European silk production, and self-fashioning in Dutch-American portraiture. First imported from Japan and subsequently copied by European tailors, Japonse rokken became popular in the Dutch Republic as the Dutch East India Company developed an exclusive trade relationship with Japan. By the early eighteenth century, European weavers had begun producing silks, referred to as indiennes, with dynamic patterns inspired by Asian design motifs. On both sides of the Atlantic, elite Dutchmen fashioned themselves in these silk robes: a ca. 1700-1705 patroon portrait, for example, presents New York merchant Isaac de Peyster (1662-1728) wearing a Japonse rok cut from an indienne. While the Dutch community in early New York has been considered peripheral to the Dutch Republic, I argue that in adopting a garment styled after Japanese robes, tailored from silk woven in Europe, and painted in a Hudson Valley style, the Dutch-American elite signalled their ability to access, understand, and participate in intellectual and mercantile networks that spanned from Asia to Europe to the Americas.

The Cultural Self-Construals and the Romantic Relationship Experiences of Turkish Young Adults

ABSTRACT The capacity to form and maintain committed romantic relationships is a key aspect of young adulthood. Yet, little is known about the role of cultural factors, in particular cultural self-construal, and their links to romantic relationships. The goal of the current study was to examine the cultural concepts of autonomous and related self-construal as defined by Kağıtçıbaşı’s Family Change Theory and their association with the quality and satisfaction of non-marital romantic relationships. The sample included 621 Turkish young adults (74.4% female, 83.7% undergraduate students, ages 18–25) who were currently in an exclusive and heterosexual romantic relationship for at least three months. Participants completed informed consent and a 15-minute online survey through Qualtrics. Hierarchical linear regression analysis indicated that autonomy self-construal was positively associated with relationship quality and satisfaction, while relatedness self-construal was linked to relationship quality but not satisfaction. Additionally, high levels of commitment significantly predicted better relationship outcomes. The findings suggest a need to explore cultural self-construal and relationship outcomes across cultures.

Agile solution search strategy for solving multi-conflicts in product development

An agile solution strategy is proposed to solve the multi-conflicts problem and low efficiency in the innovation process of product development. A hierarchical representation of the conflicts is formed using a layered conflict resolution diagram based on the current reality tree (CRT) for the problem identification. The conflict solution tendency is searched using a conflict solution tendency network (CSTN). An ant colony optimization algorithm is introduced to analyze the CSTN model for the global optimal solution. The multi-conflict agile solution path is obtained based on the mutually exclusive relationship between conflicts. The TRIZ tool is used to search the agile solution of the multi-conflicts problem. A case study of the innovative design of the multi-functional nursing bed verifies the proposed method.

Monogamy relations of entropic non-contextual inequalities and their experimental demonstration

We analyze monogamous relationships of abritrary entropic non-contextuality (ENC) inequalities via a graph theoretic approach. While ENC inequalities are important in quantum information theory, a theoretical and experimental understanding of their monogamous nature is still elusive. We analyze conditions for ENC inequalities to exhibit a monogamous relationship and derive the same explicitly for an entropic version of the Bell-CHSH scenario. Next, we consider two different sets of three qubit states and experimentally show that they exhibit monogamy of entropic Bell-CHSH inequality. The monogamous relationship of these inequalities is theoretically exhibited via an insightful proof and is experimentally demonstrated on an NMR quantum information processor. We also develop a novel and easy-to-implement experimental method to evaluate entropies on an NMR quantum information processor using only the information about expectation values of the observables.

INFLUENCE OF LANGUAGE ON MARITAL SATISFACTION AMONG COUPLES IN INTERCULTURAL MARRIAGES, KIAMBU COUNTY, KENYA

Language is essential for marital functioning and contentment. Conversely, couples in heterosexual monogamous intercultural marriages may experience exceptional challenges emanating from conveying or interpreting messages based on divergent cultures that influence their marital satisfaction. The objective of this study was to assess the influence of language on marital satisfaction among couples in intercultural marriages in Kiambu County, Kenya. Bowen Family System Theory (BFST) and Cognitive Behavioral Theory guided this study. Convergent mixed methods research design was applied in the study. The target population was 11,028 individuals in intercultural marriages with a sample size of 99 participants. Snowball sampling was helpful to recruit participants for the study. Data was collected using questionnaire that adapted relevant items from The Five Love Languages Test (FLL). Quantitative data was analysed through descriptive statistics of means and standard deviation. Inferential statistics applied linear and multiple regression computed through SPSS version 25.0. Qualitative data was thematically analysed. Findings were presented in tables and respondents’ descriptions. Permission to conduct the study was obtained from accredited Institutional Review Board, National Council for Science and Technology and Kiambu County Government, Kenya. Findings of the study revealed that language has a positive, significant influence on marital satisfaction (β=0.872, p=0.000). This implies that an increase in marital language positively increases marital satisfaction by 0.872. Participants descriptions equally supported language influence on marital satisfaction. The study recommends that policy makers develop strategies that increase awareness of the importance of mental health services. The study also recommends further research by mental health professionals on the influence of language on couples’ marital satisfaction to attain comprehensive understanding which is crucial for couples’ marital management that boosts satisfaction.

A damage-tolerant Ti-rich multiphase metallic-glass composite with hierarchically heterogeneous architecture

Lightweight materials with good combinations of properties, such as high strength, ductility and damage tolerance, are highly desirable in engineering applications; nevertheless, it remains a challenge to “defeat” the generally exclusive relationships between different properties for structural materials. One viable means is to construct complicated architectures in materials. Here, we employ a lightweight Ti-based metallic glass (MG) and pure Ti as constituents and assemble them into a hierarchically-structured multiphase composite with tailored heterogeneity. The Ti-rich multiphase composite exhibits a relatively low density of 4.95 g∙cm−3 owing to its high Ti content and a high strength of ∼1408 MPa derived primarily from the MG phase. The hierarchical architecture with tailored heterogeneity promotes the formation of abundant shear bands and microcracks in MG, yet inhibits their extension to avoid catastrophic fracture, thereby endowing the Ti-rich multiphase composite with a remarkable tensile ductility of ∼7.1% which is nearly two times that of the MG composite having similar phase constitution but a uniform structure. Moreover, this architecture causes crack-tip blunting by promoting plastic deformation, together with crack bifurcation and microcracking ahead of the crack tip, which bestows a high (notched) fracture toughness of ∼109 MPa∙m1/2 which is around three times that of its counterpart. This study is intended to give insight for the architectural design of new materials by offering a viable means for their architectural construction to achieve good combinations of properties.

(035) Feasibility and Acceptability of a Virtual Group Mindfulness-based Therapy for Women with Lifelong Anorgasmia: A Pilot Study

Abstract Introduction For a woman to experience an orgasm she needs adequate physical, psychological, social and emotional stimulation to be highly aroused and have the ability to let go and be vulnerable. Mindfulness positively impacts attentional control, cognitive control, emotion regulation, and how one processes the perception of one’s self. Research indicates the positive influence of mindfulness training on immune function and overall brain function1, positively influencing outcomes including improved levels of performance on attentional tasks2, increased empathy3, and reduced physical symptoms and stress4, as well as positive changes in anxiety and depression.5 Group-based mindfulness cognitive behavioral therapy in women with sexual interest and arousal disorder have shown an improvement in sexual desire, distress, and function measures.6-8 Objective We expect that we will be able to recruit, enroll and retain females living with anorgasmia into a virtual, group-based mindfulness intervention. Methods Subjects were recruited using social media and flyers for self-referral and physician-referral methods. The study enrolled 10 females with self-reported lifelong anorgasmia with an average age of 39 years (±10.4), 90% white, 10% black. All subjects reported being non-Hispanic or Latina, identified as straight, and in monogamous relationships. Menopause status varied among subjects. We conducted an 8-week virtual, group mindfulness series incorporating mindfulness education, writing exercises, opportunities for meditation practice, with time for discussion and sharing. Subjects received daily reminders to listen to prescribed mindfulness meditations at home. Meditation usage was tracked using REDCap including which recording was listened to, session duration, and session frequency. Results Of 26 women screened, 10 enrolled in the study. Two had scheduling conflicts, 2 never attended a session, and 6 attended at least four sessions. Of these, the average attendance was 75% during each session and each subject attending an average of 6 sessions. Subjects were asked to rate (0-10, where “0” is Not at all Appropriate and “10” is Very Appropriate) the degree to which group and virtual formats were appropriate (8.33 ±1.89, 8.17±2.62), and the weekly meeting schedule (7.33 ±2.56). At-home recording platform was deemed easy to use (8.83 ±1.67), however, subjects felt the recordings were moderately beneficial and convenient (6.33 ±1.11 and 5.17 ±1.86). Mindfulness meditations were listened to 173 times, with a subject mean of 28.8 (±20.7) times. When session duration was adjusted for excessive time, the mean mindfulness duration was 15.5 (±9.2) minutes. With a sample of only 8 subjects, we cautioned against reporting any pre-to-post analyses for the Female Sexual Function Index, the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, Perceived Stress Scale-10, PROMIS-Sexual Function, PROMIS-Depression SF or PROMIS-Anxiety SF. Completion rates at both the pre- and post- time points was 75%. Conclusions The virtual group-based mindfulness intervention was generally perceived to be appropriate and easy to use for females presenting with anorgasmia and enabled participation from all over the US. With this success, future research with a larger sample size and a comparison group are warranted. Disclosure No.

(024) A Randomized Trial on the Sexual Effectiveness and Impact on the Vaginal Microbiome of Reformulated Personal Water Lubricants with Lowered Osmolality and pH in Premenopausal and Postmenopausal Women

Abstract Introduction Vaginal dryness may be associated with postmenopausal women; however, it may also occur due to chronic medical conditions and as a direct side effect from medications. Personal lubricants can address sexual complaints and symptomatology associated with vaginal dryness, although clinically published data supporting their efficacy remains limited. Age-associated vaginal-physiological changes due to hypoestrogenic milieux include increased pH, decreased natural lubrication, reduced endothelial rugae and altered vaginal microbiome. While personal lubricants may alleviate symptoms, their definitive effects on the vaginal microbiome remain understudied and underappreciated. Objective This study examined reformulated water-based lubricants (lowered osmolalities and pH,) and their effect on female sexual function compared to their counterparts (higher osmolalities/increased pH). A secondary analysis examined if these reformulated lubricants influenced the vaginal microbiome of women from different age groups. Methods An open-label, parallel-design study was performed in heterosexual women in stable monogamous relationships, aged 18–65 years with mild-to-moderate vaginal dryness and dyspareunia. The study population (n=174) included an approximate 50:50 ratio of premenopausal to postmenopausal women. The randomization schedule was stratified by menopausal status. Subjects were randomized to use one of five water-based lubricants and instructed to use their lubricant during vaginal intercourse at least once a week over a 4-week period. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) measured sexual functioning after 4 weeks of use as an indicator of lubricant performance. More than a 4-point increase in total FSFI is deemed clinically important. From the study-enrolled subjects, 50 females were randomized to one of five lubricant treatment groups for secondary microbiome analysis. To this end, four vaginal swabs per participant were sampled during pre- (“baseline”) and post- (“2 hours”, “24 hours” and “4 weeks”) lubricant application to assess bacterial diversity via 16S sequencing. Additionally, vaginal moisture and pH measurements were collected at baseline, 2 hours, and 24 hours post-lubricant application and correlated with microbiome diversity and richness using non-parametric tests and linear mixed models. Results An increase in FSFI total score of &amp;gt;4 points was found for all lubricants in the total population and for 4/5 lubricants in the premenopausal subgroup, as indicated by the mean differences to baseline. The number of subjects in sexual function (total FSFI &amp;gt;26.55) after treatment was significantly greater than the number in sexual function before treatment for both subgroups (premenopausal 19.3% to 78.4%; postmenopausal 22.3% to 75.3%; p&amp;lt;0.0001 for both). Lactobacillus species and Gardnerella vaginalis were the predominant taxa across all participants. Repeated lubricant applications did not alter the vaginal microbiome for up to 4 weeks post-product applications. Microbial diversity and relative abundance differed significantly between age groups but remained unaffected during product applications. Relative abundance of Lactobacilli spp. negatively correlated with vaginal pH while that of Gardnerella spp. showed a positive correlation with vaginal pH across all age groups. Conclusions These reformulated lubricants can be used not only to relieve symptomatology of vaginal dryness and dyspareunia, but to enhance overall sexual satisfaction regardless of menopausal status. These study lubricants demonstrated no significant impact on vaginal microbiome. Further studies with larger samples are warranted. Disclosure Yes, this is sponsored by industry/sponsor: Reckitt Benckiser Health. Clarification: Industry funding only - investigator initiated and executed study. Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Reckitt Benckiser Health.

Analysis and Study of Fatigue Driving Detection System based on Multimodal Fusion

Fatigue driving always endangers road traffic safety and is one of the main causes of traffic accidents. How to effectively monitor and determine the fatigue driving state, so as to realize the fatigue early warning, has become a hot spot of scientific research. The traditional detection methods are mostly based on a certain human physiological parameters, through the monitoring of the physiological parameters changes, to complete the determination of the fatigue state. Compared with the traditional detection methods, the fatigue detection method based on computer vision has the advantages of accurate and reliable detection results, detection not relying on wearable devices, and good human-computer interaction experience. However, in the specific algorithm application scenarios, there are often interference from environmental factors such as partial occlusion of the inspected image, low image resolution, complex illumination of the detection environment, and unstable acquisition equipment. In the face of many challenges, how to effectively improve the detection accuracy of fatigue state, and the algorithm has the practical application space, still needs to be explored. The traditional fatigue detection method based on facial information often detects and analyzes a certain subordination. Due to the detection of individual differences and the fuzzy definition of fatigue state, the algorithm has the problems of high recognition error rate and poor robustness. Moreover, the single attribute model separates the potential integration and exclusion relationship between facial attributes. At the same time, the huge model size and complex model structure also limit the actual implementation of the algorithm. In view of these urgent problems, this paper first proposes the fusion model of face detection and head posture analysis based on the multi-task convolutional neural network (MTCNN). The model uses the architecture strategy of multi-task cascade to complete the complete facial posture analysis task while completing the facial detection task. Secondly, based on the lightweight convolutional neural network (SqueezeNet) of the network cascade, the facial key point detection network is designed to obtain the 72-point key point coordinates of the face. For the obtained facial attribute information, extract fatigue features and propose a fatigue determination method of multimodal fusion. Finally, combined with the research results, the construction of the online fatigue detection and early warning system platform was completed.

Reproductive inequality in humans and other mammals

To address claims of human exceptionalism, we determine where humans fit within the greater mammalian distribution of reproductive inequality. We show that humans exhibit lower reproductive skew (i.e., inequality in the number of surviving offspring) among males and smaller sex differences in reproductive skew than most other mammals, while nevertheless falling within the mammalian range. Additionally, female reproductive skew is higher in polygynous human populations than in polygynous nonhumans mammals on average. This patterning of skew can be attributed in part to the prevalence of monogamy in humans compared to the predominance of polygyny in nonhuman mammals, to the limited degree of polygyny in the human societies that practice it, and to the importance of unequally held rival resources to women's fitness. The muted reproductive inequality observed in humans appears to be linked to several unusual characteristics of our species-including high levels of cooperation among males, high dependence on unequally held rival resources, complementarities between maternal and paternal investment, as well as social and legal institutions that enforce monogamous norms.