Stable Partner Research Articles

Introduction Although it is understood that previous betrayals affect future trust decisions, the degree to which this is true remains unclear in terms of frequency and severity. Additionally, it is currently unknown whether this relationship between the frequency and magnitude of received actions and subsequent trust decisions is mirrored when individuals experience acts of generosity. Prospect theory proposes that losses are weighed more heavily than gains, but the comparison between frequent, minor losses or gains and infrequent major losses or gains has yet to be explored. Methods The current study (n = 123) utilizes an adapted version of an economic trust game to examine the effects of minimum and maximum offerings on both reciprocations and perceptions of trust. Participants played the game with two partners: one who offered a maximum or minimum offer (extreme) and one who did not (stable), in either a high or low offer condition where all offers from the stable partner were above or below the median amount, respectively. Results The results align with prospect theory in that minimum offers had a greater impact on both behavior and perceptions than equivalent gains (maximum offers). Discussion This study highlights complexities between trust, reciprocity, and perceptions of fairness, with implications for understanding social behavior in real-world settings.

BackgroundSexuality is a complex construct influenced by various social and cultural factors, and while sexual behavior is generally considered adaptive for physical and mental well-being, it can become uncontrollable and harmful, leading to Compulsive Sexual Behavior (CSB). Limited research has explored how Asian cultural values may mediate the psychological consequences of CSB and influence attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help. This study examines the relationships among CSB, Asian cultural values, and attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help (ATSPPH) in a Vietnamese context.MethodsThree scales were employed to gather demographic variables and self-reported data, including the Asian Values Scale – Revised, the Individual-Based Compulsive Sexual Behavior Scale, and Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help. The present study was evaluated utilizing the partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) methodology.ResultsThe findings confirm significant relationships, with a lack of control and negative affect in CSB being negatively associated with freedom and flexibility in Asian values. Conversely, the negative consequences of CSB showed a positive relationship with these values. Crucially, both traditional and freedom-flexibility values were found to negatively predict openness to seeking professional help. The study also revealed that Asian cultural values play a significant mediating role between CSB and ATSPPH. Furthermore, behavioral factors such as the frequency of pornography use, sexual frequency, and having a stable sexual partner moderated these relationships.DiscussionThese results highlight the complex interplay of cultural beliefs and individual behavior, underscoring the need for culturally sensitive interventions for those struggling with CSB in Asian culture.

Validity of the FRAIL-España scale for critically ill patients.

Introduction and objectivesHigh socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with improved oncological outcomes across various cancer types, including prostate cancer. However, limited evidence exists regarding the impact of SES and lifestyle factors on patient-reported outcomes (PROs), including quality of life (QoL), health status (HS), and functional recovery following radical prostatectomy (RP).Materials and methodsWe conducted a retrospective single-center analysis of 327 patients undergoing RP (177 open, 150 robotic-assisted) assessing pre- and postoperative functional outcomes (QoL, HS, erectile function, continence). PROs were evaluated 24 months postoperatively. Correlations with sociodemographic, socioeconomic (ISEI-based SES, marital status, occupational status, hometown size), and lifestyle factors (physical activity, BMI, mental stress) were analyzed.ResultsPathological features of locally advanced tumors correlated negatively with QoL and HS. Higher SES was significantly associated with improved continence, but not with QoL, HS, or erectile function. Pre-existing mental stress negatively affected both continence and HS. Regular physical activity correlated positively with QoL and HS. Multivariable regression confirmed these findings and identified mental stress, SES, partnership and physical activity as independent predictors of PROs.ConclusionBeyond adverse tumor pathology, mental stress adversely impacts functional recovery and subjective health. In contrast, physical activity and a stable partnership correlate with better PROs. These findings may inform personalized patient counseling to increase postoperative satisfaction.

At present, China's cigarette industry enterprises are developing rapidly, and have made positive contributions to the sustainable development of China's economy. However, in recent years, in the face of the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic and the complex and severe changes in the economic situation at home and abroad, the internal and external business environment of the cigarette industry has been challenged unprecedentedly, and the cigarette industry enterprises in China have experienced problems such as slowing down the growth of production and sales, rising inventory and shrinking consumer demand, which have made the industry as a whole. In the inter-provincial regions of the country, the cigarette planned quantity is closely related to the regional economy, which makes the major cigarette industrial enterprises compete and game with each other because of the cigarette planned quantity, and hinders the sustainable development of the big cigarette brands. In this paper, the complete information Cournot game model and Stackelberg game model are constructed among the strong and weak enterprises in the industry. Through the game calculation data, the current trend of cooperation among cigarette industrial enterprises is objectively judged. Through the analysis of the game model, the best partners and strategic partners of industrial enterprises are found, so as to stabilize the scale of cooperative production. Promote the development of key cigarette brands. The study found that from the two game models, it is found that most cigarette enterprises are in an unstable state of cooperation, and the construction of strategic cooperative relationship between enterprises can promote the stability of cooperation, meet the needs of strong cigarette industrial enterprises to find stable strategic partners, and promote the common development of cigarette industrial enterprises.

Background and ObjectivesRecruiting blood donors among a population with a high human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) burden requires detailed information on HIV risks. We studied demographic and behavioural risk factors for incident HIV infection among blood donors in South Africa.Materials and MethodsWe conducted a case–control study. Incident HIV was defined as HIV antibody negative and RNA positive, or concordant serology and RNA positive with a limiting antigen avidity assay optical density of <1.5. Cases were matched to infection‐negative controls (ratio 1:3) on race, age and geography. Risk factors in the 6 months before donation were ascertained by audio computer‐assisted self‐interview. Data were fitted using separate multivariable logistic regression models for males and females.ResultsFrom April 2014 to March 2017, we enrolled 323 people with incident HIV and 877 controls. Among women, incident HIV was associated with sex with a person living with HIV (PLWH) or unknown HIV status, multiple male sex partners, never or occasional condom use, anal preparation before sex, first‐time donor status and referral to donation by a healthcare worker. Among men, incident HIV was associated with being aged 31–40 years, sex with a PLWH or unknown HIV status, multiple sex partners, more than four lifetime male sex partners, gay/bisexual identity, marriage or stable partnership, lower education, penetrative injury, occasional condom use and first‐time or lapsed donor status. Some novel or indirect risks for incident HIV were also observed.ConclusionWe confirmed the known sexual behaviours asked on the donor screening questionnaire. The findings highlight ongoing challenges in donor disclosure during selection and the importance of donor education.

PurposeOffenders often select partners based on shared characteristics such as age, sex, or ethnicity, a phenomenon known as homophily. At the same time, co-offenders also face a challenge of choosing between trustworthy partners to maintain stable collaborations and useful partners who provide access to new skills and information. This study investigates how homophily shapes the structure of criminal networks and, consequently, the diffusion of information within these networks.MethodsUsing an Agent-Based Model, we simulate a population of offenders that select partners either randomly or based on high similarity preference. When two agents mutually select each other, they commit a co-offense, forming a social network and exchanging skills.ResultsCompared to the case of the random partner selection, the homophily-driven environment results in sparse networks with a higher number of repeated interactions between agents, but with a slower rate of skill exchange. Moreover, on the individual level, having many partners is more beneficial for diverse skill acquisition, but those partners should belong to different subgroups.ConclusionThe results provide insights into how offender preferences shape the structure and dynamics of criminal networks, particularly in relation to opportunities for collaboration and skill acquisition. The findings highlight a key trade-off introduced by homophily. Although it promotes stable partnerships, it restricts the exchange of information across the broader network.

This paper examines the relationship between Resveratrol (RSV), a naturally occurring polyphenol with a reputation for having anti-aggregatory and antioxidant properties, as well as amyloid beta ("Ab1-42"), a central protein in the etiology of “Alzheimer's disease (AD).” Molecular dynamics (MD) models are used in the study to examine the impact of RSV on the structural behavior and aggregation of “Ab1-42.” The result analysis of the peptide and ligand complex was performed, followed by 200 nanoseconds of interaction at physiological conditions, carried over with root mean square values (RMSD), root mean square fluctuations (RMSF), radius of gyration (Rg), solvent-accessible surface (SASA), secondary structure profiling, and hydrogen bond analysis (HB). The results show that Resveratrol (RSV) is a stable binding partner of “Ab1-42” stabilizing its demand with reduced conformational flexibility, an increase in structural compactness, and reduced solvent exposure. Aggregative protection is hinted at by these changes. Furthermore, the RSV in the form of secondary structure was found to help preserve both β-sheets and α-helix in “Ab1-42.” The experiment confirms the postulation that RSV inhibits the aggregation of “Ab1-42” and provides some evidence to show that RSV may represent a viable therapeutic modulator of “Alzheimer's disease (AD)” in reducing disease due to its effects.

The objective of this study is to assess Serbia’s international market position in the sector of sunflower derivatives and edible fats from 2014 to 2023, with particular focus on competitiveness and stability as global trade partner. Using method Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA) and calculating the Self-Sufficiency Ratio (SSR) the study evaluates Serbia competitiveness and its ability to meet domestic needs through domestic production. The analysis covers key products such as margarine, sunflower seeds, and sunflower oil (both crude and refined). Over the past decade Serbia has experienced significant growth in production and export of sunflower based products, particularly in category of refined oil. Sunflower industry stands out as a stable partner in the global market of sunflower products, following price dynamics and adapting to market challenges. The findings of this research provide a foundation for further discussion on measure to enhance Serbia’s competitiveness, with an emphasis on adapting to global market changes and challenges.

Due to recent increase in US reciprocal tariffs in 2025, India's gherkin exports got effected, with a surge of 129.87 percent tarrif for HS-200110 (preserved in vinegar or acetic acid) and 104.17 percent for HS-071140 (provisionally preserved), This poses a significant challenge for India's gherkin trade, which heavily relies on the US market (which accounts for 80 percent of exports). Despite India being the largest exporter of gherkins, the sector faced a decline in 2022-23 due to the pandemic, with a negative CAGR for HS-200110 in Period-II. Markov chain analysis further highlights the US and Russia as stable partners, but the increased tariff risks undermine this stability. This heavy dependence on a single market, coupled with geopolitical tensions such as the Russia-Ukraine war, underscores the need for India to diversify its export destinations. This study aimed to assess India's trade competitiveness in the global gherkin market, analyze the direction and stability of trade flows, and evaluate the implications of recent tariff changes on export performance. The past decade showed positive export performance and growth, but to secure future competitiveness, India must focus on policy measures that prioritize investment in processing infrastructure, promote value-added products, and strengthen compliance with international quality standards, while also negotiating trade agreements to ensure geographical diversification and reduce reliance on the US.

Questioning motherhood as a social mandate has been one of the main objectives of feminism. Motherhood has traditionally been linked to the idea of femininity and the reproductive function, which has led to women being thought of as “compulsory mothers”. However, this idea is currently changing, despite the fact that judgment is exercised on non-mothers. This research is part of a cross-sectional descriptive study, whose objective is to analyze the barriers and incentives to childbearing in the female population. A questionnaire was designed and administered to a representative sample of 318 women who were selected for our analysis, with a confidence level of 95% and a margin of error of 5%. Results: Economic motives correlate positively with other variables, as well as work motives, the couple’s decision to not want to have children, and not having a stable partner, which suggests that these women have different motives for choosing not to have children. The main conclusions are that social and family pressures appear to have a limited impact on the decision not to have children, suggesting a change in social norms and expectations about the role of women in society, as women continue to gain autonomy and control over their reproductive decisions.

Postpartum depression is a common and serious mental health problem which is associated with maternal distress and negative consequences for the offspring. Research confirms the presence of differences in the prevalence of postpartum depression in different social groups. The aim of this study was to compare the severity of maternal symptoms in Poland and Zimbabwe and to identify risk factors occurring in both groups. The survey was conducted in 2022 among mothers who gave birth at the Department of Neonatology and Rare Diseases and at the Mpilo Central Hospital Maternity Clinic. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was used to assess the risk of postnatal depression. A total of 945 patients were included. The study indicated statistically significant differences in the percentage of women with an increased risk of postpartum depression, with the percentage for the Polish group being 13.54 % and the Zimbabwean group 35.74 %. For the Zimbabwean group, the risk of depression was associated with a problem in obtaining breastmilk and these were women in informal partnerships or those without a stable partner. In the group of Polish patients there was evidence of a correlation between increased risk and having a stable, non-formalised relationship. According to the analysis, women in Zimbabwe are more likely to be at risk of postpartum depression than Polish women. PPD remains an important issue in obstetric practice, and it is necessary to sensitize health care personnel to the risk of PPD to make timely and appropriate clinical interventions.

Sexual dissatisfaction and associated factors among middle-aged men-data from the Bavarian Men's Health study.

Abstract ObjectiveUsing a third world feminist lens, we aimed to examine experiences of never‐married, single, middle‐aged Arab‐Muslim women in Israel who married an older widower. The study has potential to promote knowledge on agency for such women in Israel and other patriarchal societies undergoing modernization.BackgroundWomen in modern Western societies have the option to remain single, without being involved in a stable partner relationship, yet engage in casual sexual relationships. However, for women in patriarchal societies, having a partner relationship outside wedlock is forbidden.MethodWe conducted semistructured qualitative interviews with 12 Arab‐Muslim, childless, low‐educated women who at midlife married for the first time a much older widower with offspring from his previous marriage. A phenomenological approach was used as the framework for data analysis.ResultsWe identified three themes: (a) motivations to marry to avoid loneliness and the “old maid” experience; (b) gaps between marital expectations and reality regarding care and caregiving, freedom and restrictions, sexual disappointment, and the unfulfilled fantasy of motherhood for securing old age, versus being content with enjoying life; and (c) the relationship with the husband's family, reflecting the essence of these marriages.ConclusionCoinciding with third world feminism, despite these women's inability to fulfill modern Western marital values they are exposed to, they experience agency alongside vulnerability, perceiving their marriage as a choice to upgrade their status rather than submission to patriarchy.ImplicationsPublic service providers could use the knowledge for implementing programs tailored to these women's needs.

Couple relations are a key determinant of mental and physical well-being in old age. However, we do not know how the advantages and disadvantages associated with partnership histories vary between socioeconomic groups. We create relationship history typologies for the cohorts 1945-1957 using the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe and examine, for the first time, how relationship histories relate to multiple indicators of well-being by educational attainment. The results show that stable marriages predict greater well-being, compared to single and less stable partnership histories. The positive outcomes are similar across all educational groups. Those with lower education who have divorced experience even lower well-being in old age. The interaction analyses suggest that individuals with fewer resources could suffer more from losing a partner. The findings underscore that current and past romantic relationships are linked to well-being in old age and help policymakers identify vulnerable subgroups among the ageing population.

Objective: To analyze the transition patterns of anal sex and unprotected anal intercourse (UAI), estimate the transition intensity and probability, and identify factors influencing the transition patterns in men who have sex with men (MSM) in Shandong Province. Methods: In August 2019, MSM aged ≥18 years old were recruited as subjects from 11 cities in Shandong Province. The baseline survey were completed in December 2019, and followup surveys were conducted once every 3 mouths from June 2020 to March 2021. Time-continuous, state-discrete multi-state reversible Markov model was constructed based on the status of MSM's sexual behaviors with different types of sexual partners [anal sex occurred or not (S1=No, S2=Yes) and UAI occurred or not (S1=No,S2=Yes)] to analyze the transition patterns and the influencing factors. Results: A total of 735 MSM were included. The transition intensity of starting anal sex with stable and casual partners was 1.935 times and 0.595 times higher than that of discontinuing this behavior, respectively. While the transition intensity to start UAI with stable and casual partners was 0.430 times and 0.169 times higher than that of discontinuing it, respectively. During the follow-up, the transition probabilities of anal sex and UAI with both stable and casual partners increased first and then stabilized. For stable partners, the transition probability of starting anal sex was higher than that of discontinuing it at the same period, for casual partners, it was just the reverse. For both stable and casual partners, the transition probabilities of discontinuing UAI were higher than starting it at the same time. The results of multivariate analysis showed that participants who received intervention materials (HR=1.47), had an associate degree (HR=1.77) or a bachelor's degree and above (HR=1.47) were at higher risk of starting anal sex with stable partners. Those who received intervention materials (HR=1.39) were at higher risk of discontinuing anal sex with stable partners, while participants identified themselves as non-male gender (HR=0.49) were at lower risk of discontinuing anal sex with stable partners. Participants received intervention materials (HR=1.75) were at higher risk of starting UAI with stable partners. Those who lived apart, divorced, or widowed (HR=3.22) were at higher risk of starting UAI with casual partners, whereas had a bachelor's degree and above (HR=0.58) were at lower risk of starting UAI with casual partners. Participants identified themselves as non-male gender (HR=0.45) at lower risk of discounting UAI with casual partners. Conclusions: The transition patterns of homosexual behavior in MSM are different. Marital status, gender identity, educational level and other factors are the influencing factors of sexual behavior status transitions. Future researches should develop targeted interventions for different types of sexual partners and characteristics of MSM.

DIMENSIONS OF THE SEXUAL SELF-CONCEPT IN MEN AFTER VASECTOMY COMPARED TO MEN WITHOUT A VASECTOMY – A PROPENSITY SCORE MATCHED APPROACH

CHANGES IN NOCTURNAL PENILE TUMESCENCE AND RIGIDITY AFTER LOW INTENSITY EXTRACORPOREAL SHOCKWAVE TREATMENT FOR ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION

It is indicated that proper protection of fundamental human rights is a key criterion for the existence of a true legal state. Coverage of the functioning of the European Court of Human Rights is becoming increasingly widespread in the information space. The significance of this institution not only does not decrease over time, but also increases. Today, the ECHR has become an effective mechanism of legal protection for those citizens who have exhausted the possibilities of achieving justice within the national legal system. The article examines the impact of the ECtHR decisions on the protection of human rights through the prism of modern challenges and threats. It is noted that the imperfection of the national judicial system is an obvious fact. At the same time, Ukraine is among the five countries with the largest number of applications to the European Court of Human Rights. It is emphasized that the fact that more and more people are applying to the European Court of Human Rights indicates that it is an effective mechanism for protecting their rights and freedoms. However, the ECtHR is a supranational mechanism for the protection of human rights: its capabilities are limited by its powers, the breadth of which is determined taking into account respect for the sovereignty of the member states that have voluntarily undertaken to implement the decisions of the Court to which they are parties. The effectiveness of the legal protection mechanism established by the European Convention on Human Rights depends not only on the efficiency of the Court’s work, but also on how conscientiously states implement its decisions. And only the combination of these two factors has the effect of ensuring human rights and fundamental freedoms stipulated by the Convention. It is concluded that in the context of adapting Ukrainian legislation to EU legislation, ensuring social human rights (the right to a decent standard of living and social development), political rights (compliance with international electoral standards, the right to association), and protecting human rights are the key to stable partnership relations with EU member states. Ukraine needs to continue to make considerable efforts to ensure the effectiveness of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, to create new effective national remedies for its violations, and to adapt national legislation to European standards. That is, the most effective and direct protection of human rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Convention should be ensured at the national level.

This study is dedicated to the analysis of military-technical cooperation (MTC) between the Russian Federation and the Kingdom of Cambodia in the context of the overall strategic partnership between Russia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). In the context of growing geopolitical competition in Southeast Asia, where tensions between the US and China are increasing, ASEAN countries are striving to maintain neutrality and diversify their foreign policy ties. In this context, Russia is attempting to position itself as a neutral and stable partner through participation in multilateral formats (ADMM+, EAS) and the development of bilateral relations, including cooperation with Cambodia. The study reveals a contradiction between the formally proclaimed status of strategic partnership and the actual limitations of interaction with Cambodia, especially in the area of MTC. The focus is on assessing existing forms of cooperation, the reasons for their low intensity, and the prospects for deepening ties considering geopolitical, economic, and institutional constraints. The study employs methods of comparative analysis, an institutional approach, and geopolitical contextual analysis to identify structural and political factors that restrict MTC between Russia and Cambodia. The scientific novelty of the article lies in a systematic assessment of Cambodia's role as a potential partner for Russia in the field of MTC within the broader context of interaction with ASEAN. The work demonstrates that despite symbolic steps, such as Cambodia's participation in joint exercises and visits by Russian military ships, actual military-technical cooperation remains fragmented and is not backed by substantive initiatives. One reason for this is the lack of mutual strategic priorities: Cambodia primarily orients itself towards China and Vietnam, while Russia is focused on relations with Vietnam and Myanmar. In addition, Russia's foreign policy isolation and Western sanctions limit opportunities for arms supplies and project implementation. It is concluded that without changing the current geopolitical situation and enhancing Russian involvement in regional institutions, cooperation with Cambodia will remain marginal. Nevertheless, with political will and institutional support, multilateral interaction formats (ADMM+, EAS) could serve as a basis for building trust and expanding dialogue, including in areas of MTC.