Women’s empowerment and food consumption:Evidence from female-headed households in Tanzania

Despite the growing recognition of women’s increasing role in the household and corresponding empowerment programs in sub-Saharan Africa,intensive research on the relationship between women’s influence and household food consumption is minimal.Using the most recent(2017-2018)national household survey data from Tanzania,this study examined the influence of women’s empowerment on household food consumption.First,we compared the monthly consumption of eight food categories between female-headed households(FHHs)and male-headed households(MHHs)using both descriptive statistics and the propensity score matching(PSM)method.Furthermore,we adopted the two-stage Linear Expenditure System and Almost Ideal Demand System model(LES-AIDS)to estimate income and price elasticities for the two household types.The results show that FHHs consume bread and cereals,fish,oils and fats,vegetables,and confectionery(sugar,jam,honey,chocolate,etc.)more than MHHs.Moreover,FHHs have a significantly higher income elasticity of demand for all food groups than MHHs.They are also more price elastic than MHHs in meat,fish,oils,fats,sugar,jam,honey,chocolate,etc.

α-Synuclein pathology from the body to the brain:so many seeds so close to the central soil

α-Synuclein is a protein that mainly exists in the presynaptic terminals.Abnormal folding and accumulation of α-synuclein are found in several neurodegenerative diseases,including Parkinson’s disease.Aggregated and highly phospho rylated a-synuclein constitutes the main component of Lewy bodies in the brain,the pathological hallmark of Parkinson s disease.For decades,much attention has been focused on the accumulation of α-synuclein in the brain parenchyma rather than considering Parkinson s disease as a systemic disease.Recent evidence demonstrates that,at least in some patients,the initial α-synuclein pathology originates in the peripheral organs and spreads to the brain.Injection of α-synuclein preformed fibrils into the gastrointestinal tra ct trigge rs the gutto-brain propagation of α-synuclein pathology.However,whether α-synuclein pathology can occur spontaneously in peripheral organs independent of exogenous α-synuclein preformed fibrils or pathological α-synuclein leakage from the central nervous system remains under investigation.In this review,we aimed to summarize the role of peripheral α-synuclein pathology in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease.We also discuss the pathways by which α-synuclein pathology spreads from the body to the brain.

Relationship between body mass index and course of pregnancy in women

Nutritional management and suitable weight control during pregnancy are very important. However, in clinical practice, it is difficult to determine in detail precisely what pregnant women are eating. We investigated nutritional balance and nutritional requirements in pregnant women and their relationship to the course of pregnancy. A Food Frequency Questionnaire Based on Food Groups (FFQg) was distributed to 223 women at 12 weeks gestation attending one obstetrics clinic. We observed the women’s statuses until delivery and obtained information on pregnancy, delivery, and newborn from their medical records. One hundred and forty-seven (65.9%) of the subjects had problem-free pregnancies. Only 2 (0.9%) subjects developed pregnancy-induced hypertension syndrome. Participants were classified by pre-pregnancy BMI (body mass index;kg/m2) as follows: 44 (19.7%) were underweight (BMI the three groups. However, the underweight group consumed significantly more fat than the normal group and gained significantly more weight before delivery than the others. Blood pressure was significantly higher in the overweight group than in the other groups at some points of gestation, although it remained within the normal range. Fat intake overall was more than the recommended value, especially in the underweight group. The relationship between course of pregnancy and nutritional intake was unclear. However, pre-pregnancy BMI may influence the course of pregnancy in terms of infant weight, gestational weight gain, and blood pressure.

Loose Body in the Knee Joint: A Case Report

Background: Loose bodies (LBs) within the knee joint are commonly encountered during clinical practice and are frequently observed during knee arthroscopy. The primary treatment involves the removal of loose bodies;however, their complete eradication is often challenging and may not address underlying diseases, leading to persistent symptoms and the risk of new loose body formation. Aim: This case report aims to present the findings and surgical management of a 52-year-old male with an unusually large osseous loose body in the knee joint and associated pathologies. Case Presentation: The patient, a 52-year-old male, experienced recurrent episodes of severe, sudden, and painful locking of the knee joint, leading to difficulties moving. A plain MRI study was conducted to evaluate the condition of the knee joint, which revealed various degenerative changes and the presence of a loose body. Subsequently, an arthroscopic examination was performed under general anesthesia, uncovering the presence of an abnormally large loose body, as well as other pathologies including chondropathy, meniscal degeneration, and Baker’s cyst. Conclusion: Loose bodies (LBs) in the knee joint pose significant challenges and may lead to debilitating symptoms. Timely diagnosis and appropriate surgical intervention are crucial for symptom relief and the prevention of further joint damage as arthroscopic excision. Comprehensive imaging has a vital role in guiding treatment decisions and optimizing patient outcomes. In this case, the removal of the loose body improved patient outcomes and helped prevent potential joint complications.

The Three Principles of Institutional Safeguards for Women's Participation in Legislation in China

The participation of women in legislation is an important aspect and means of safeguarding women’s rights.Feminist theory,based on criticism of both the“citizenship identity theory as rights”and the“citizenship identity theory as responsibilities,”proposes the“citizenship identity theory as subjectivity.”Observing the current practice of women’s participation in legislation in China,two institutional safeguard principles can be summarized:the“minimum proportion”and the“influence evaluation.”However,each of these principles has its inherent limitations.Therefore,it is necessary to supplement them with the principle of“subjective participation”in a reflective manner.This principle requires women to participate substantively in the legislative process as subjects,express women’s needs and demands,input women’s perspectives and experiences,and reconstruct the distribution of rights and responsibilities in the existing legislation.The three principles complement each other and work together to comprehensively constitute the institutional structure of women’s participation in legislation,thereby promoting the reproduction of corresponding action structures.

Writing the Silenced Female Body, Scrutinizing the Grand Narrative of Colonization and Decolonization: The Body in Zoë Wicomb’s David’s Story

David’s Story by Zoë Wicomb addresses the complexities of representing female suffering and the limitations of traditional historical narratives in capturing the experiences of marginalized bodies.It challenges the grand narratives of national history by emphasizing the indispensable role of women’s experiences.Through characters like Dulcie and Rachael,Wicomb portrays the female body as a site of resistance and resilience,highlighting the need for more nuanced and inclusive ways of documenting history.Underscoring the inexpressibility of trauma and the limitations of language and representation,the novel self-reflexively acknowledges its own aporia of completing the narrative,embodying the ongoing struggle to capture the full breadth of human experience.

Women Bodies at Trial by Ordeal since Christianity to Trier Movies

In his Antichrist and Nymphomaniac, Lars von Trier seems to defy norms on sex and women＇s desires. However he actually reproduces Christianity＇s perspective that women are sinful by their dispositions. According to the classical creation story, Eve falls into temptation and then, convinces Adam to commit the same crime. All Abrahamic religions but especially Christianity identifies women with the body and bodily desires, rather than the mind which comes from nonmaterial and divine substance. Accordingly, women can easily be deceived by Satan since they contain a lesser amount of mental substance compared to men. In Antichrist, Trier reiterates the story of Adam and Eve in a different context. The woman writes her dissertation on women who are burnt with the accusation of being a witch. But she realizes that her body is sinful and deserving of punishment, too. She finds her salvation when she cuts her clitoris. In Nymphomaniac, the main character gets her clitoris whipped. While she resists traditional and bourgeois morality, she defines herself as morally evil because of her unmanageable sexual desires. Thus, reputed as critical of all social structures and morality, Trier in fact simply rehashes the classical sexist and misogynist perspective.

A Historical Review of the Development of Women’s Higher Education in China (1908-2020): Stages, Explanations, and Trends

The development of women’s higher education in China can be divided into four stages:emergence(1908-1948);foundation(1949-1976);accelerating development(1977-2008);and the qualitative leap(2009-2020).This work considers the principal institutional mechanisms that contributed to this development.First,flexibly planned parenthood gradually promoted gender equality and openness in society facilitated by systematic“awards,grants,and loans”initiatives to support women’s higher education economically.Second,compulsory education ensured that left-out and migrant children had access to higher education.Third,effective connectivity across different education types bridged education gaps between those with different levels of education.Fourth,China made great efforts to invite and integrate international experiences that promoted the development of women’s higher education.Looking beyond these achievements,we also discuss the future trends of women’s higher education in China.

Eating disorders, body image, and dichotomous thinking among Japanese and Russian college women

This study explored cross-cultural differences between Japan and Russia in terms of women’s body images, proneness to eating disorders, and the effects of dichotomous thinking. Participants included 419 Japanese and 187 Russian college women who completed the Dichotomous Thinking Inventory (DTI), the 26-item version of the Eating Attitudes Test, and responses regarding nine figures representing female body shapes. The mean age of the participants was 19.8 years, with no significant age differences between the countries. The results showed that Japanese women have leaner ideal body images than Russian women, whereas there were no cross-cultural differences in the participants’ real body images. DTI scores among Russian participants were higher than DTI scores among Japanese participants, which indicated that Russian women think more dichotomously than Japanese. Structural equation modeling indicated a significantly negative effect of dichotomous thinking only on real body image in Russia;the ideal body image had greater effects on eating disorder in Russia than in Japan.

Changes in fat but not fruit and vegetable intakes linked with body weight change in Mexican women immigrants in Quebec

The objective of the present study was to identify dietary parameters for predicting body weight change (ΔBW) in Mexican-born women (Mexicans) following immigration to Quebec City, Canada. Methods: Changes in fruit (ΔF), vegetable (ΔV), fruit and vegetable (ΔFV), and fat (ΔFat) intake were assessed according to post-immigration periods (1-5 years, 6-10 years, 11-20 years) using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Anthropometric measures were also conducted in 87 Mexicans (study group) and 88 native-born Quebecers (comparison group) aged 18-65 years. Associations were calculated using full and partial robust regression models adjusting for potential confounders (origin, education, income, age, length of residence in Quebec City). Results: There was no difference in ΔBW between the groups. Body weight (BW) increased significantly in both Mexican (5.5 ± 0.9 kg, P < 0.0001) and Quebec women (4.7 ± 0.8 kg, P < 0.0001). ΔBW was positively correlated with ΔFat (β = 0.03, P = 0.003), but not correlated with origin, ΔF, or ΔV. ΔBW was negatively associated with education (β = –4.33, P = 0.007) and positively associated with length of residence (β = 0.3, P = 0.003). Partial models indicated ΔF (β = –1.35, P β = –1.04, P = 0.0001), and ΔFV (β = –2.27, P < 0.0001) were associated with origin, whereas net annual household income (β = 0.16, P = 0.04) was positively associated with ΔFat. Conclusions: Change in body weight could be predicted by length of residence, education, and change in fat intake in Mexican immigrant women and native-born Quebecers whereas changes in fruit and vegetable intakes could be predicted by Mexican or Quebec origin.

Changes Induced by Physical Activity, Weight Loss and Calorie Restriction in Body Composition, Lipoproteins and Functional Capacity in Obese Congolese Women

Background. The effects of physical exercises combined with a low-calorie diet on weight loss, body composition, lipoproteins profile, and physical fitness had been well described. However, Central Africa’s studies investigating these kinds of diets and exercise regimens are lacking. Objective. To investigate the effects of adding 14-weeks exercises to a hypocaloric diet on changes in body composition, lipoproteins concentrations, and physical capacities in obese Congolese women. Population and Methods. In total, 34 obese women aged 30 - 39 years (mean age: 33.7 ± 2.4 years) assigned to 14-weeks training program and low energy ketogenic diet. Body composition was assessed using classic methods and impedancemetry. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and fasting serum insulin were assessing using enzymatic colorimetric and radioim-munoradiometric methods. HOMA-IR and lipoproteins concentrations were assessed using standardized laboratory methods. VO2peak was measured on a treadmill during a progressive exercise test. Speed, cadence and stride length were measured along the 10-m level walkway. Muscular endurance was measured using the tests of sit-up and inflections-extensions of elbows. All the variables of the study were assessed at the beginning, in the 7-weeks, and in the 14-weeks of training methods. Results. Declines in body weight (16%), percent fat (12.1%), fat weight (26.4%), abdominal fat (34.2%), and waist circumference (10.4%) were found. A significant decrease in FPG (13%), fasting serum insulin (60.9%), HOMA-IR (64.7%), total cholesterol (12.2%), LDL-cholesterol (20.3%), triglycerides (92.8%), and VLDL-triglycerides (17.5%) was shown. In contrast, significant increase in HDL-cholesterol (27.13%) was found. The peak oxygen consumption VO2peak relative to body weight improved more in the 14-weeks training program (13.4%). Obese women exhibited higher values in the 14-weeks training program for speed gait (16.5%), cadence (9.1%), and stride length (15.7%) during normal walk and rapid walk. Weight loss combined with a low-calorie diet and 14-weeks training program improved significantly muscular endurance capacities. Conclusion. Exercise added to hypocaloric diet leads to decreases in body composition, to improve in insulin sensitivity, to enhancement of VO2peak and functional fitness. This may be helpful for the treatment of the metabolic complications of abdominal obesity.

Characteristics of Body Composition and Relationship between Muscle Mass and Muscle Strength among Elderly Women in Different Age Groups

Age-related changes in the body composition of older adults differ among age groups. The purpose of the present study was to clarify the characteristics of body compositions in young (age, 65 - 74 years;yE group) and old (age, ≥75 years;oE group) elderly women, and compare the relationship between muscle mass and strength in elderly women with that in young women for preventing motor function loss in older adults. A total of 30 elderly and 45 young women aged ≥ 65 and 19 - 22 years, respectively, participated in this study. The participants underwent body composition measurement via bioelectrical impedance analysis and examinations of handgrip and leg muscle strength. The age-related body composition changes varied among age groups. Compared with young women, fat-free mass (FFM) in the yE group did not decrease significantly;however, fat mass (FM) and waist-hip ratio (WHR) were significantly greater. Compared with the yE group, decreases in FFM, FM, and WHR in the oE group were significant;furthermore, the decrease in FM measurements was attributed to the loss of FM in the trunk and limbs (upper and lower). The measurement results suggested that the greater FM decrease in the oE group was characterized by decreases in both visceral and subcutaneous fat. In the yE group, the muscle mass was comparable to that in young women;however, there was a remarkable reduction in the lower-limb muscle mass (9% - 10%). In the oE group, muscle mass was reduced in all body parts, including upper and lower limbs and trunk. In young women, significant positive correlations between muscle mass and muscle strength in the upper and lower limbs were observed. No such correlations in the lower limbs were found in elderly women, indicating that muscle mass is not proportionally reflected in muscle strength. In conclusion, for improving and maintaining the health of elderly women, especially those above the age of 75 years, it is important to maintain muscle mass, including muscle strength, and prevent the loss of muscle quality.

ADVANCES OF EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH ON ACUPUNCTURE AND MOXIBUSTION FOR TREATMENT OF WOMEN'S CLIMACTERIC SYNDROME

To introduce the advances of experimental research on acupuncture and moxibustion for treatment of Women＇s Climacteric Syndrome.The recent years experimental research literature of acupuncture and moxibustion for treatment of Women＇s Climacteric Syndrome were reviewed.The research literatures on acupuncture treatment were major,focusing on the field of acupuncture and moxibustion regulating hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad axis and nerval-endocritic-immune net.Acupuncture and moxibustion could regulate the endocrine environment of menopausal women.Taking advantage of combination biomedicine with multi-sciences,to improve the acupuncture and moxibustion curative effct and probe the mechanism of menopausal pathology and acupuncture and moxibustion function to Women＇s Climacteric Syndrome,is the research direction afterward.

Women＇s speech in variation studies

It is demonstrated by sociolinguistic variation studies that women are more likely than men to use standard speech. This paper reviews the operational methods and analytical means of classic quantitative studies in this field, intending to provide guidance and enlightenment for relevant studies and verifications in the context of Chinese culture.

The Women Characters of the 1930s in the Chinese TV Serials

The women of the 1930s in the Chinese TV serials deduct inspiring stories.They play different roles in the big wealthy families such as mothers-in-law,daughters-in-law,and maidservants.There are unceasing conflicts between these women,because of their struggle for men's love,wealth or social position.The theme of their stories is always about fertility,love,kindness and evil,with the ending being either comic or tragic.The stories of various kinds of women of the 1930s in the Chinese TV serials decorate and enrich the lives of many of us latecomers and their names are passed on from generation to generation.

备孕女性BMI对IVF/ICSI-ET妊娠结局的影响

目的:探讨体外受精/卵胞质内单精子注射-胚胎移植(IVF/ICSI-ET)对不同体质指数(BMI)女性患者临床结局的影响。方法:回顾性分析2020年1月-2023年3月本中心生殖中心接受IVF/ICSI-ET治疗的女性患者临床资料,根据女性BMI分为低体质量组(BMI<18.5kg/m^(2))、正常体质量组(18.5kg/m^(2)≤BMI<24.9kg/m^(2))、超重组(BMI≥24.9kg/m^(2)),比较3组行IVF/ICSI-ET助孕临床结局,logistic回归分析影响IVF/ICSI-ET临床妊娠率和活产率相关影响因素。结果:3组不孕年限、BMI、Gn用量、不孕原因存在差异(P<0.05)。低体质量组(36%,31/86)、正常体质量组(39.8%,276/693)、超重组(43.2%,108/250)临床妊娠率无差异,流产率(16.1%,5/31)、(10.1%,28/276)、(38.0%,41/108)有差异(P<0.05),活产率(30.2%,26/86)、(34.8%,241/693)、(26.4%,66/250)有差异(P<0.05)。logistic多因素回归分析显示,BMI超重和Gn用量多是影响辅助生殖后临床妊娠的因素,Gn用量多是影响辅助生殖后妊娠活产的因素(均P<0.05)。结论:备孕女性行IVF治疗前,使BMI达到或接近正常,以改善IVF/ICSI-ET助孕的妊娠结局。

Design Guideline of Ultra Thin Body MOSFET

Simulation method is used to provide a guideline f or ultra thin body(UTB) MOSFET designs.Three important parameters of the UTB MOS FE T,i.e.the raised S/D height,Ge mole fraction of the Ge xSi 1-x gate,and the silic on body thickness,are comprehensively analyzed and optimized.The optimal region of feasible Ge mole fraction and the silicon body thickness for low operating po wer device are given.As the simulation results show that through changing Ge mole fraction coupl ed with the silicon body thickness tuning,UTB device with good performance can b e obtained.

Rotation of the Earth as a Triaxial Rigid Body

The Earth is taken as a triaxial rigid body, which rotates freely in the Euclidian space. The starting equations are the Euler dynamic equations, with A smaller than B and B smaller than C. The Euler equations are solved, and the numerical results are provided. In the calculations, the following parameters are used: (C-B)/A=0.003 273 53; (B-A)/C=0.000 021 96; (C-A)/B=0.003 295 49, and the mean angular velocity of the Earth's rotation, ω =0.000 072 921 15 rad/s. Calculations show that, besides the self-rotation of the Earth and the free Euler procession of its rotation, there exists the free nutation: the nutation angle, or the angle between the Earth's momentary rotation axis and the mean axis that periodically change with time. The free nutation is investigated.

Patterns of medication use for the treatment of menopausal symptoms before and after the women’s health initiative;implications for decision-making practices of women and women’s health professionals

Background: The Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) published findings in 2002 that changed the perception of the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for the reduction of cardiovascular risks. Menopausal women using HRT for the relief of vasomotor symptoms were advised to use the lowest possible dose of HRT over the shortest possible duration. Objective: This study sought to examine patterns of HRT use for the treatment of menopausal symptoms before and after the WHI among women at least 40 years of age. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on a total of 1367 women in the pre-WHI group and 6467 women in the post-WHI group using the U.S. General Electric (GE) Centricity electronic medical record database. Menopause diagnosis was assessed using ICD-9 codes. Clinical characteristics and medication use were assessed for women with at least 3 years of enrollment (1 year baseline, 2 years follow-up). Results: The proportion of women in the post-WHI group that initiated HRT was significantly less than that of women in the pre-WHI group (31.3% vs. 56.9%, respectively;p < 0.001). Combination HRT use declined significantly (21.9% pre-WHI cohort vs. 7.2% post- WHI cohort, p < 0.001) among increases in non-HRT use, namely SSRIs (15.2% pre-WHI cohort v. 22.3% post-WHI cohort, p < 0.001) and tranquilizers (9.5% pre-WHI cohort v. 15.8% post-WHI cohort, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The results of the WHI 2002 publication made an impression on the perception of HRT’s role in the relief of menopausal symptoms. Decision-making on the part of women seeking treatment for vasomotor symptoms and women’s health professionals demonstrates that despite HRT precautions, women continue to exhibit a need for HRT use. This study’s findings suggest that women seeking treatment for menopausal symptom relief and women’s health professionals continue to work together to find the appropriate balance between therapy use and adherence to therapy use guidelines.

A novel binary effective medium model to describe the prepeak stressstrain relationship of combined bodies of rock-like material and rock

Combined bodies of rock-like material and rock are widely encountered in geotechnical engineering,such as tunnels and mines.The existing theoretical models describing the stress-strain relationship of a combined body lack a binary feature.Based on effective medium theory,this paper presents the governing equation of the“elastic modulus”for combined and single bodies under triaxial compressive tests.A binary effective medium model is then established.Based on the compressive experiment of concretegranite combined bodies,the feasibility of determining the stress threshold based on crack axial strain is discussed,and the model is verified.The model is further extended to coal-rock combined bodies of more diverse types,and the variation laws of the compressive mechanical parameters are then discussed.The results show that the fitting accuracy of the model with the experimental curves of the concretegranite combined bodies and various types of coal-rock combined bodies are over 95%.The crack axial strain method can replace the crack volumetric strain method,which clarifies the physical meanings of the model parameters.The variation laws of matrix parameters and crack parameters are discussed in depth and are expected to be more widely used in geotechnical engineering.