Non-sexual Factors Research Articles

Cerai Talak dengan Alasan Virginitas dalam Tinjauan Hukum Islam dan Feminisme

This article is intended to explain the views of Islamic law and feminism on the phenomenon of divorce on the grounds that his wife was not a virgin from the start of her marriage. This research uses a doctrinal legal research approach as well as jurisprudence feminism. Data sources related to doctrinal legal research are in the form of Islamic legal norms contained in the treasures of fiqh, as well as fiqh which has been made into positive law in the form of the Marriage Law and Compilation of Islamic Law. The data source for the feminist jurisprudence approach is in the form of observations on the phenomenon of the rise of divorce cases in the Religious Courts on the grounds that the wife was not virgin before marriage. The results of the study show that there are similarities and differences in Islamic law and feminism in terms of virginity. In terms of similarities, both of them view that virginity is not always measured by the integrity of the hymen, but it is necessary to distinguish between sexual and non-sexual factors. However, from the other side, Islam views that a husband has the right to know about his wife's virginity from the start of marriage, whereas according to feminism a wife has the right to keep this secret. Divorce on the grounds of virginity can already meet the legal-formal fair criteria, but not morally.

Risk Factors of Syphilis and HIV/AIDS Coinfection

Background: Syphilis infection and HIV are major health problems worldwide. Both of these diseases can be transmitted through sexual contact, so often a person suffers from both diseases at the same time. Purpose: To describe the risk factors of syphilis and HIV/AIDS coinfection in the Infectious Disease Intermediate Treatment Unit (UPIPI) inpatient and outpatient ward of Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital in 2019. Methods: The study design used in this study is a retrospective descriptive study aimed at evaluating sexual and non-sexual factors that cause syphilis and HIV coinfection. The research population was patients in the inpatient and outpatient rooms of UPIPI RSUD Dr. Soetomo Surabaya for the January-December 2019 period. The sampling technique was sourced from secondary data, namely medical record data from the inpatient and outpatient rooms of UPIPI RSUD Dr. Soetomo Surabaya for the period January-December 2019. The data in this study were obtained from medical records and patient biodata. Result: Based on the calculation results, it is known that age group (P=0.022>0.05), and gender (P=0.024>0.05) had no effect on the risk of syphilis and HIV coinfection, while marital status (P=0.048<0.05), sexual orientation (P=0.048<0.05), transmission model (P=0.044<0.05), and type of work (P=0.046<0.05fected the risk of syphilis and HIV coinfection. Conclusion: People with HIV/AIDS are expected to be active in participating in programs that are needed by patients, such as antiretroviral (ARV) therapy assistance programs and counseling that will prolong the quality of life in various aspects of life, both physical, psychological and social aspects.

Male-like ornamentation in female hummingbirds results from social harassment rather than sexual selection

Ornamentation is typically observed in sexually mature adults, is often dimorphic in expression, and is most apparent during breeding, supporting a role for sexual selection in its evolution.1-4 Yet, increasing evidence suggests that nonsexual social selection may also have a role in the evolution of ornamentation, especially in females.5-9 Distinguishing between these alternatives remains challenging because sexual and nonsexual factors may both play important and overlapping roles in trait evolution.7,10 Here, we show that female ornamentation in a dichromatic hummingbird, the white-necked jacobin (Florisuga mellivora), cannot be explained by sexual selection. Although all males are ornamented, nearly 30% of females have male-like plumage. Remarkably, all juveniles of both sexes express ornamented plumage similar to adult males (androchromatism), but 80% of females acquire non-ornamented plumage (heterochromatism) as they age. This unique ontogeny excludes competition for mates as an explanation for female ornamentation because non-reproductive juveniles are more likely to be ornamented than adults. Instead, avoidance of social harassment appears to underlie this female-limited polymorphism, as heterochrome taxidermy mounts received more aggressive and sexual attention than androchrome mounts from this and other hummingbird species. Monitoring electronically tagged birds at data-logging feeders showed that androchrome females accessed feeders more than heterochrome females, presumably because of reduced harassment. Our findings demonstrate that ornamentation can arise purely through nonsexual social selection, and this hypothesis must be considered in the evolution of not only female-limited polymorphism but also the spectacular ornamentation often assumed to result from sexual selection.

P088 Sexual contact is the trigger! Women’s views and experiences of the triggers for the onset of bacterial vaginosis and exacerbating factors associated with recurrence

Background/introduction Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection affecting women of childbearing age. While the aetiology and transmissibility of BV remain unclear, there is strong evidence to suggest an association between BV and sexual activity. Aim(s)/objectives This study aimed to explore women’s views and experiences of the triggers for BV onset and factors associated with recurrence Methods A descriptive, social constructionist approach was chosen as the framework for the study. Thirty five women of varying sexual orientation who had experienced recurrent BV in the past five years took part in semi-structured interviews. Results The majority of women predominantly reported sexual contact triggered the onset of BV and sexual and non-sexual factors precipitated recurrence. Recurrence was most commonly referred to in terms of a ‘flare-up’ of symptoms. The majority of women did not think BV was an STI however many reported being informed this by their clinician. Single women who attributed BV onset to sex with casual partners were most likely to display self-blame tendencies and to consider changing their future sexual behaviour. Women who have sex with women (WSW) were more inclined to believe their partner was responsible for the transmission of or reinfection with BV and seek partner treatment or change their sexual practices. Discussion/conclusion Findings from this study strongly suggest women believe that BV onset is associated with sexual activity, concurring with epidemiological data which increasingly suggest sexual contact is associated with the development of BV. There was some evidence to suggest possible transmission among WSW reinforcing the need for new approaches to treatment and management strategies.

Women's Views and Experiences of the Triggers for Onset of Bacterial Vaginosis and Exacerbating Factors Associated with Recurrence.

BackgroundBacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection affecting women of childbearing age. While the aetiology and transmissibility of BV remain unclear, there is strong evidence to suggest an association between BV and sexual activity. This study explored women’s views and experiences of the triggers for BV onset and factors associated with recurrence.MethodsA descriptive, social constructionist approach was chosen as the framework for the study. Thirty five women of varying sexual orientation who had experienced recurrent BV in the past five years took part in semi-structured interviews.ResultsThe majority of women predominantly reported sexual contact triggered the onset of BV and sexual and non-sexual factors precipitated recurrence. Recurrence was most commonly referred to in terms of a ‘flare-up’ of symptoms. The majority of women did not think BV was a sexually transmitted infection however many reported being informed this by their clinician. Single women who attributed BV onset to sex with casual partners were most likely to display self-blame tendencies and to consider changing their future sexual behaviour. Women who have sex with women (WSW) were more inclined to believe their partner was responsible for the transmission of or reinfection with BV and seek partner treatment or change their sexual practices.ConclusionFindings from this study strongly suggest women believe that BV onset is associated with sexual activity, concurring with epidemiological data which increasingly suggest BV may be sexually transmitted. Exacerbating factors associated with recurrence were largely heterogeneous and may reflect the fact it is difficult to determine whether recurrence is due to persistent BV or a new infection in women. There was however evidence to suggest possible transmission and reinfection among WSW, reinforcing the need for new approaches to treatment and management strategies including male and female partner treatment trials.

Exploring Gender in Portuguese Bedrooms: Men's and Women's Narratives of Their Sexuality through a Mixed Methods Approach

The nature of intimacy and self-identity changed profoundly over the past century. The disruption between sex and procreation enabled the emergence of new forms of relationships and contributed towards the legitimacy of a sexuality focused on pleasure, as a mean of self-realization and an expression of intimacy. Despite the evidence that most individuals now approach close relations with expectations of mutual emotional support and romantic love, intimate relationships remain highly gendered, particularly in societies where traditional roles of men and women persist in the growing diversity of sexual relationships. To address this topic, an empirical research was conducted in the Greater Lisbon area using a mixed methods approach. First, a quantitative study, with 323 primary healthcare users, intended to explain how gender influences self-constructions of sexuality and intimacy. Then, a qualitative study, with a subsample of 10 heterosexual men and 15 heterosexual women, employed in-depth interviews to explore how individuals construct their etiquette of sexual behavior. Building upon Gagnon and Simon's scripting theory and Giddens’ transformations of intimacy, along with feminist criticisms concerning male dominance in hetero-relationships, we have reached an explanatory typology that focuses on Portuguese specificity in terms of the subjective experience of sexuality and intimate relationships. Sexuality and intimacy are complex and multifaceted phenomena that are affected by sexual and non-sexual factors, both in and out of the bedroom. Key findings reveal a coexistence of highly gendered sexual scripts with increasingly more egalitarian sexual roles, namely among the youngest and the most educated generations in Portuguese society.

Perceived Partner Responsiveness Mediates the Association Between Sexual and Marital Satisfaction: A Daily Diary Study in Newlywed Couples.

Sexuality is an integral part of intimate relationships, yet surprisingly little is known about how and for whom sexuality matters. The present research investigated the interplay of sexual and non-sexual factors that contribute to relationship satisfaction. Specifically, we tested the hypothesis that the association between sexual satisfaction and marital satisfaction is mediated by a non-sexual factor-namely, perceived partner responsiveness (PPR). Additionally, we tested the role of gender as a possible moderator of this mediated association. Thirty-four newlywed couples completed diaries with each spouse reporting their sexual satisfaction, marital satisfaction, and PPR every day for 30 days. We tested our predictions at both the person level (i.e., the mean level across 30 days) and the daily level. At the person level, we found that sexual satisfaction and PPR separately predicted marital satisfaction. Moreover, the effect of sexual satisfaction on marital satisfaction was partially mediated by PPR. No gender differences emerged at this level. At the daily level, we found similar support for partial mediation. However, at this level, gender did serve as a moderator. The stronger mediation found for women was driven by a stronger association between sexual satisfaction and PPR for women than for men. This study joins a growing literature highlighting the role of PPR in dyadic relationships.

Evolutionary Perspective of Human Papilloma Virus Infection in Humans

The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) strains (16 and 18 mainly) have been proved to be the major cause of cancers of cervix, vulva, penis, Oropharyngeal tissues and many others. HPV infection spreads mainly through sexual intercourse. There are very limited non-sexual modes of HPV transmission available. Sexual intimacy, which includes kissing, is a major mode of transmission in case of HPV whereas in the case of other sexually transmitted infections like HIV and HBV non-sexual factors like contaminated blood transfusions contribute significantly in the spread of the virus to the other host. According to recent research, the HPV virus has been found to be associated with oral and breast cancers which have been linked with the rampant trend of oral sex among the western youth. The virus has adopted to colonize the oral cavity thus creating a new opportunity to spread through passionate kissing which has been confirmed by genotyping. Intense selection pressure can select virus to manipulate the host sexual behavior in a way that facilitates transmission. The selection pressure for such manipulations is very strong in the countries having conservative societies like India, Srilanka, Nepal, Bangladesh and others where sexuality still remains a taboo. People in these countries generally disapprove love marriage, premarital sex and having multiple sex partners. Majority of the population avoids more than one sex partner post-marriage in their entire lifetime. This is a very serious constraint for the virus to get into new hosts. DNA viruses like high risk HPV strains can produce substantial number of variants owing to factors like large population sizes, long infection time and hypermutation of the epitopes which can lead to significant evolution of virus within the host. Evolutionary Medicine can help us to understand infectious diseases better and thus take a step closure to their cure.

The evidence for health-care transmission of HIV in Africa should determine prevention priorities

Our results are consistent with many other sources of evidence including the recent report by St. Lawrence et al. of HIV risks in Zambian women: Medically administered intramuscular(IM) or intravenous injections in the past five years (but not blood transfusions) were overwhelmingly correlated with HIV prevalence (p 607) (OR for IM/ intravenous injections in the past five years = 2.59 [95% CI = 2.15-3.11]). In the multivariate model incorporating injection exposures they also found that more frequent sexual intercourse was protective against HIV which is inconsistent with penile-vaginal intercourse being a risk per se. Further support was provided by the finding that condom use with non-primary partners was not protective against HIV (their finding that occasional but not frequent or always use with the primary partner was protective argues against a direct effect and in favour of being a marker for other perhaps non-sexual factors). Other recent research has also shown a significant HIV risk associated with medical injections but not number of sexual partners in India. Thus our recommendation to reallocate resources to address health-care transmission of HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa is not only supported by our data but also by that of other well-conducted studies. This evidence should determine prevention priorities. (excerpt)

Nonspecific urethritis and reactive arthritis

Nongonococcal urethritis (NGU) is a common sexually transmitted infection most often caused by Chlamydiae and Mycoplasmae. A few other organisms, as well as some nonsexual factors, also contribute to its etiology. NGU can result in considerable physical and psychological morbidity. In a few cases, it can lead to complications like reactive arthirits, and pelvic inflammatory disease, with their attendant morbidities. Correct diagnosis and treatment is therefore imperative in proper management of these cases. While earlier diagnostic support for these infections was limited and expensive, the advent of new methods like the nucleic acid amplification assays (NAA tests) has contributed significantly to better diagnosis. Treatment as per suggested guidelines and follow up of cases and contacts are all crucial in management. Counseling, including advice on behavior change, goes a long way in preventive strategies.

Virtuous vice: homoeroticism and the public sphere

In this daring study of queer life and the public sphere, Eric O. Clarke examines the effects of inclusion within public culture. Departing from studies that emphasize homophobia and its mechanisms of exclusion, Virtuous Vice details how mainstream efforts to represent queers affirmatively continually fall short of full democratic enfranchisement. Clarke draws on contemporary writings along with late-eighteenth- and nineteenth-century English and European cultural history to investigate how concepts of value, representation, and homoeroticism have interacted and circulated in the West since the Enlightenment. Examining the role of eroticism in citizenship and why only normalizing constructions of homosexuality enable inclusion, Clarke reconsiders the work of Habermas and Foucault in relation to contemporary visibility politics, Kant’s moral and political theory, Marx’s analysis of value, and the sexualized dynamics of the Victorian cultural public sphere. The juxtaposition of Habermas with Foucault reveals the surprising value of reading the former in the context of queer politics and the usefulness of the theory of the public sphere for understanding contemporary identity politics and the visibility politics of the 1990s. Examining how a host of nonsexual factors impinge historically upon the constitution of sexual identities and practices, Clarke negotiates the relation between questions of publicity and categories of value. Discussions of television sitcoms (such as Ellen ), marketing techniques, authenticity, and literary culture add to this daring analysis of visibility politics. As a critique of the claim that equal representation of gays and lesbians necessarily constitutes progress, this significant intervention into social theory will find enthusiastic readers in the fields of Victorian, cultural, literary, and gay and lesbian studies, as well as other fields engaged with categories of identity.

Men Facing Their Vulnerabilities: Group Processes for Men Who Have Sexually Offended

This essay describes the clinical work the author has been doing for ten years with men who have committed sex offenses, specifically the major factors that have contributed to their behavior. Of the primarily non-sexual factors, feelings of shame and inadequacy and a need for power, control, and acceptance play a large role in their etiology. Further, most in the group have themselves been abused when young. Through group process, members begin to discover and reveal feelings they have bottled up for years, helping them to accept responsibility for their offenses and initiate necessary changes.

Autecological studies on Audouinia capitata (Bruniaceae). 5. Seed development, abortion and pre-emergent reproductive success

Ovule development, megasporogenesis, megagametogenesis, embryogenesis, endosperm development and seed germination of Audouinia capitata are described. In sharp contrast to the relatively high incidence of abortion and non-viability of microspores demonstrated previously, no pre-anthesis aberrations occur in the megagametophyte. In many fertilized ovules the primary endosperm nuclei remain undivided, enlarge considerably for up to five weeks and eventually degenerate, accompanied by abortion of the zygote. A low incidence of abortion is evident after the fifth week. Abortions after 11 weeks of development are identifiable in mature fruits. A substantial number of mature seeds are devoid of, or contain low densities of, protein bodies. After germination, the radicles of these seeds stop growing soon after emergence from the fruits. It is suggested that abortion is regulated by inter-ovular competition for available nutrients, or by a strongly fixed, genetically controlled system. This strategy could have been selected to allow for the economization of reserves in the 6-ovuled, indehiscent ovaries that act as dispersal units. Possible explanations are suggested for abortion rates in excess of those implied by a fixed general system of one seed per indehiscent fruit. When accepting a seed:ovule ratio of 1:6 as full realization of the seed-setting potential, and ignoring all nonsexual factors, the pre-emergent reproductive success is only 9%. This deficiency is a contributing factor in the rarity of the species. Saadknopontwikkeling, megasporogenese, megagametogenese, embriogenese, endospermontwikkeling en saadontkieming van Audouinia capitata word beskryf. Geen voor-antese-afwykings word in die megagametofiet waargeneem nie, wat in skrille teenstelling is met die voorheen-aangetoonde, relatiewe hoë voorkoms van aborsie en lae kiemkrag van mikrospore. In baie bevrugte saadknoppe bly die primêre endospermkerne onverdeeld, neem vir tot so lank as vyf weke aansienlik in grootte toe en degenereer uiteindelik, met ’n gelyktydige abortering van die sigoot. Na die vyfde week is daar ’n lae voorkomssyfer van aborsie. Aborsies wat na 11 weke van ontwikkeling voorkom, is identifiseerbaar in volwasse vrugte. In die endosperm van ’n aansienlike aantal volwasse sade word geen proteïenliggaampies, of slegs lae digthede daarvan, waargeneem. Na ontkieming van dergelike sade word alle groei deur die kiemwortels, kort na verskyning buite die sade, gestaak. Daar word voorgestel dat aborsie beheer word deur tussen-saadknop-mededinging vir beskikbare nutriente, of deur ’n streng-neergelegde, geneties-beheerde sisteem as ’n aanpassingstrategie vir ekonomisering van reserwes in die vrugbeginsel met ses saadknoppe wat nie-oopspringend is en as verspreidingseenheid optree. Moontlike verklarings word aangebied vir aborsie-tempo’s wat hoër is as dié in ’n algemene sisteem van een saad per nie-oopspringende vrug. Indien ’n saad:saadknop-verhouding van 1:6 as ’n voile verwesenliking van die saadset-potensiaal beskou word, en alle nie-geslagtelike faktore geignoreer word, is die voor-opkoms-voortplantingsukses slegs 9%. Hierdie tekortkoming is ’n bydraendefaktor tot die skaarsheid van die spesie.

Effects of external genital sensory feedback on copulatory behavior of rats.

Summary The role of external genital sensory feedback and sex of S and the effects on copulatory behavior were investigated. The prevention of semen plugs and anesthetization of the vagina had no significant effect on the running times of the female or the number of mounts of the male, when compared to a control group. Anesthetization of the penis and prevention of erection significantly reduced the number of mounts made by the male. Short term changes in external genital sensory feedback were found to be one factor affecting copulation; however, nonsexual factors were also suggested as possible determinants and cited as areas of subsequent research.

ANALYSIS OF FACTORS INVOLVED IN THE AROUSAL, MAINTENANCE AND MANIFESTATION OF SEXUAL EXCITEMENT IN MALE ANIMALS1

ANALYSIS OF FACTORS INVOLVED IN THE AROUSAL, MAINTENANCE AND MANIFESTATION OF SEXUAL EXCITEMENT IN MALE ANIMALS1