Journal articles on the topic 'MGTOW'

Men Going Their Own Way (MGTOW) are a separatist Manosphere group (digital manifestation of the Men’s Liberation Movement) who focus on individualistic, self-empowering actions as opposed to traditional collective actions typical of Men’s Rights Activists and Incels. This study investigates how the ideology and rhetoric of MGTOW propagates and normalises misogynistic beliefs through online harassment, using a multi-phased content and thematic analysis of 10,280 tweets from three of the most active MGTOW users on Twitter. The findings document a link between the MGTOW ideology and toxic masculinity, showing that the online harassment generated is deeply misogynistic and polices the boundaries of a heterosexual, hegemonic masculinity. The analysis demonstrates that while the misogyny and violence produced by MGTOW is not extreme in nature, their appeals to rational thinking make it seem like common sense. The article develops new knowledge about the heterogeneous nature of the Manosphere and its constructions of masculinity.

Backlash and hostility towards feminism are on the rise, as demonstrated by the growth of the ›manosphere‹: a loose network of men’s social media communities who argue that men are the real victims of sexism and feminists conceal these facts (Ging 2019). One manosphere group, »Men Going Their Own Way« (MGTOW), argue that heterosexual relationships are oppressive to men and consequently should be avoided. In this paper, I take a discourse-historical approach to critical discourse studies (Reisigl/Wodak 2016) to examine how MGTOW construct themselves as marginalised or oppressed. I identify four salient discursive strategies: appropriation of feminist discourse; role reversal; statistics; and self-presentation as unpopular.

Objetivo. Este artigo tem como objetivo analisar as novas categorias da masculinidade que estão surgindo na mídia social “X” – anteriormente nomeada como Twitter -, utilizando os estudos de gênero e folksonomia como ferramentas de análise. Método. A pesquisa se baseia nas publicações marcadas com as hashtags #redpill, #incel, #alpha, #beta, #sigma e #MGTOW, e busca categorizar essas novas identidades de masculinidade que estão emergindo na sociedade contemporânea. Para isso, são utilizados como aporte teórico uma reflexão acerca dos mitos da masculinidade de JJ Bola (2021) e o conceito de colonialidade de gênero de Geni Longhini (2022). O estudo é de natureza exploratória e descritiva, e as publicações foram coletadas por meio de estratégias de busca que incluíram termos e hashtags usados pela comunidade on-line da cultura redpill, como os redpill, bluepill, incel, sigma, beta, entre outros. Resultados. Os resultados revelaram que a convergência de mitos sobre a masculinidade, a colonialidade de gênero e comportamentos disfuncionais descritos no modelo cognitivo de Beck estão intimamente relacionados à violência de gênero e à construção da subjetividade masculina influenciada pela herança colonial. Exemplos dessas novas categorias de masculinidade são as comunidades on-line que exaltam perfis como red pills, MGTOW, incels, alphas, betas e sigmas, revelando formas de opressão e manutenção do poder masculino sobre outras identidades de gênero. Conclusões. Esses discursos são baseados em distorções da verdade e práticas discursivas colonizadoras ligadas ao racismo, sexismo, LGBTQIA+fobia e supremacismo branco.

Os atuais discursos da masculinidade surgidos nos meios virtuais tornaram-se veículos de propagação de ódio às mulheres e de uma conduta nociva aos próprios homens. Este estudo qualitativo, descritivo e exploratório, teve por objetivo analisar as expressões de gênero da masculinidade a partir do grupo virtual masculino MGTOW e do filme Clube da luta. As categorias resultantes da análise foram: (a) Discurso Consumista e (b) Discurso da Masculinidade Supremacista, ou seja, diante da dificuldade de se enquadrarem nos padrões de uma masculinidade hegemônica, os homens tendem a se envolverem em comportamentos de violência e consumismo. Pode-se dizer que as origens para esses discursos masculinos destrutivos, tanto na mídia internet atual, quanto no filme mais antigo, encontram-se na frustração de não conseguirem viver as expectativas que a cultura do patriarcado impõe, diferenciando-se apenas pela interface que se manifesta.

Se exponen cómo se han ido articulando espacios de violencia machista “manosferas” y en particular Forocoches, uno de los foros más conocidos por sus contenidos misóginos y machistas, y como estos fenómenos se vinculan con eficacias y sinergias propias de la neurocomunicación. Se ha analizado el grado de estos, y clasificando los tipos de masculinidades virtuales que interaccionan en el mismo, identificando las identidades incel (célibes involuntarios: que se consideran sexualmente discriminados por su físico), volcel (célibes voluntarios: que “renuncian” al sexo por despecho) y PUA (autodenominados “artistas del ligue”). Se han tomado como referentes trabajos que emanan del conocido movimiento Men going their own way (MGTOW) fomentador de masculinidades y feminidades, normativas y binarias; hostil a la denominada “hegemonía feminista”; buscador de una hegemonía masculina y la puesta en valor de una masculinidad “orgullosa, independiente y autosuficiente”. Principios que enfatizan actitudes misóginas y machistas.

El objetivo de este artículo es identificar las actitudes y las pasiones que emergen en los discursos misóginos de los dos foros más populares de la Manosfera española: Forocoches y Burbuja.info. La hipótesis subyacente al análisis semiótico realizado postula la correlación entre, por un lado, las pasiones de los cuatro microsistemas patémicos que configuran el dispositivo actancial de los celos (Greimas y Fontanille, 1991) y, por otro lado, los discursos de odio contra las mujeres en las subculturas más relevantes de la Manosfera: MRA (Men Rights Activists), MGTOW (Men Going Their Own Way), PUA (Pick up Artists) e Incels (Involuntary Celibates). Los mensajes de ambos foros figurativizan la misoginia a través de la expresión de dos “estados del alma”, la indignación y el desprecio, cuya configuración axiológica nos permite determinar los rasgos distintivos y las interacciones que caracterizan el simulacro pasional de los sujetos misóginos.

The group teaching optimization algorithm (GTOA) is a meta heuristic optimization algorithm simulating the group teaching mechanism. The inspiration of GTOA comes from the group teaching mechanism. Each student will learn the knowledge obtained in the teacher phase, but each student’s autonomy is weak. This paper considers that each student has different learning motivations. Elite students have strong self-learning ability, while ordinary students have general self-learning motivation. To solve this problem, this paper proposes a learning motivation strategy and adds random opposition-based learning and restart strategy to enhance the global performance of the optimization algorithm (MGTOA). In order to verify the optimization effect of MGTOA, 23 standard benchmark functions and 30 test functions of IEEE Evolutionary Computation 2014 (CEC2014) are adopted to verify the performance of the proposed MGTOA. In addition, MGTOA is also applied to six engineering problems for practical testing and achieved good results.

Abstract. Selected crystals of natural K-bearing tourmalines, extracted from a quartzofeldspathic rock from the Kumdy-Kol microdiamond deposit (an ultrahigh-pressure region of Kokchetav Massif, northern Kazakhstan), were characterized using a scanning electron microscope, an electron microprobe and single-crystal X-ray diffraction to investigate the impact of K uptake on the tourmaline structure. All the studied crystals belong to the maruyamaite–oxy-dravite/dravite compositional field, with K contents ranging from 0.03 to 0.47 apfu (atoms per formula unit), and contain a minor fluor-uvite component that increases towards oxy-dravite and dravite. The compositional variability of our samples can be expressed as a sequence of substitutions ranging from maruyamaite to oxy-dravite, dravite and fluor-uvite (or vice versa). Specifically, the substitutions that lead from maruyamaite to oxy-dravite to dravite are (1) XK + AlTOT + O1O ↔ XNa + MgTOT + O1O and (2) XNa + MgTOT + O1O ↔ XNa + MgTOT + O1OH, respectively. Conversely, the substitutions that lead from oxy-dravite to dravite to fluor-uvite are (1) XNa + MgTOT + O1O ↔ XNa + MgTOT + O1OH and (2) XNa + MgTOT + O1OH ↔ XCa + MgTOT + O1F, respectively. By analysing the difference between the bond valence sum and mean formal charge at the X site, we show that an increase in the K content (K > 0.21 apfu) results in the compression of X–O bonds (overbonded cation). Conversely, lower K contents lead to the stretching of the bonds (underbonded cation). Compared to the K-dominant analogues with ZFeO6 povondraite-type framework, K-bearing tourmalines with a smaller ZAlO6 framework such as maruyamaite should only be stable at higher-pressure conditions, as pressure is necessary to squeeze the relatively large K cation into the tighter X cavity. In both cases, the essential condition for the formation of K-dominant tourmalines is the extremely high K activity in the crystallization fluid. The K-tourmaline from the Kokchetav Massif may have crystallized under high-pressure (HP) conditions, with an upper limit between 3.5–7 GPa, during retrograde metamorphism following the ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) metamorphic peak.

Objectives: To substitute the stroke volume index (SVi) with flow rate (FR) in the hemodynamic classification of severe aortic stenosis (AS) with preserved ejection fraction (EF), in order to evaluate its prognostic value. Methods: A total of 529 patients (78.8 ± 9.8 years old, 44.1% males) with isolated severe AS (aortic valve area, AVA < 1 cm2), EF ≥50%, in sinus rhythm, who underwent transthoracic echocardiography, were stratified by FR (≥/< 200 mL/s) and mean pressure gradient (MG) (≥/< 40 mm Hg): FRnormal/MGhigh, FRlow/MGhigh, FRnormal/MGlow, and FRlow/MGlow. Results: Aortic valve replacement was more frequently performed in the FRnormal/MGhigh than in the FRlow/MGlow group (69.3 vs. 47%, respectively, p < 0.0001), yielding a similar survival benefit across all four groups. Over a median follow-up of 51 ± 29 months, there were 249 deaths. In highly adjusted models, the FRlow/MGlow group had a higher all-cause mortality (HR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.1–2.6, p = 0.02) than patients with FRnormal/MGhigh. FR had a stronger association with AVA than SVi (r = 0.51 vs. 0.41, respectively, p = 0.0002), and a similar predictive value for death (AUC = 0.57 and 0.58, respectively, p = 0.88). Conclusions: The FRlow/MGlow subset of AS is associated with the worst prognosis, and FR is not superior to SVi in the hemodynamic classification of severe AS.

Background: The regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) induces changes in total (Catot) and ionized (Ca2+) calcium. As of now, we do not have much information about parallel changes of total (Mgtot) and ionized (Mg2+) magnesium. Methods: The authors compared changes of Mg2+ and Mgtot with changes of Ca2+ and Catot in 32 critically ill patients on 4% trisodium citrate (4% TSC) with calcium-free fluids. Results: The median continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration balance of Mgtot was -0.91 (-1.18 to -0.53) mmol/h compared to the median balance of Catot 0.86 (0.08-1.55) mmol/h. Postfilter Mg2+ decreased by 68.3% (70.8-65.6) in parallel (r = 0.41, p = 0.03) to decrease of postfilter Ca2+ (by 70.2% (73.0-66.1)) and was significantly related to the postfilter Ca2+ (r = 0.50, p < 0.001). The decrease of prefilter to postfilter Ca2+ correlated to a dosage of 4% TSC per blood flow (r = 0.37, p = 0.04). Conclusions: The loss of Mgtot during RCA is not covered by magnesium concentration in ordinary dialysis/substitution fluid and may lead to the depletion of total body magnesium. The postfilter Mg2+ is significantly related to the postfilter Ca2+. Video Journal Club “Cappuccino with Claudio Ronco” at http://www.karger.com/?doi = 440972.

Toxicity of industrial waters at several stages of treatment in model experiment was esteemed in Allium test. It was shown that ability of water to inhibit growth of onions roots decreased together with decreasing of organic matter content in dependence near to logarithmic. Qualitative difference between organic matter in treated and not treated water was observed. In not treated samples diluted to concentrations about 300–550 mgTOC/L toxic effect was 5 times higher than in not diluted waters at final stages of treatment with close content of organic matter (400-460 mgTOC/L). Toxic effect of treated water was close to that of tap water (used as control sample and for wastewater dilution).

The artificial Gorilla Troop Optimization (GTO) algorithm (GTO) is a metaheuristic optimization algorithm that simulates the social life of gorillas. This paper proposes three innovative strategies considering the GTO algorithm’s insufficient convergence accuracy and low convergence speed. First, a shrinkage control factor fusion strategy is proposed to expand the search space and reduce search blindness by strengthening the communication between silverback gorillas and other gorillas to improve global optimization performance. Second, a sine cosine interaction fusion strategy based on closeness is proposed to stabilize the performance of silverback gorillas and other gorilla individuals and improve the convergence ability and speed of the algorithm. Finally, a gorilla individual difference identification strategy is proposed to reduce the difference between gorilla and silverback gorillas to improve the quality of the optimal solution. In order to verify the optimization effect of the modified artificial gorilla troop optimization (MGTO) algorithm, we used 23 classic benchmark functions, 30 CEC2014 benchmark functions, and 10 CEC2020 benchmark functions to test the performance of the proposed MGTO algorithm. In this study, we used a total of 63 functions for algorithm comparison. At the same time, we carried out the exploitation and exploration balance experiment of 30 CEC2014 and 10 CEC2020 functions for the MGTO algorithm. In addition, the MGTO algorithm was also applied to test seven practical engineering problems, and it achieved good results.

Background: The biological role of EGFRvIII (epidermal growth factor receptor variant three) remains unclear. Methods: Three glioblastoma DK-MG sublines were tested with EGF (epidermal growth factor) and TGFβ (transforming growth factor β). Sublines were characterized by an increased percentage of EGFRvIII-positive cells and doubling time (DK-MGlow to DK-MGextra-high), number of amplicons, and EGFRvIII mRNA expression. The influence of the growth factors on primary EGFRvIII positive glioblastomas was assessed. Results: The overexpression of exoEGFRvIII in DK-MGhigh did not convert them into DK-MGextra-high, and this overexpression did not change DK-MGlow to DK-MGhigh; however, the overexpression of RASG12V increased the proliferation of DK-MGlow. Moreover, the highest EGFRvIII phosphorylation in DK-MGextra-high did not cause relevant AKT (known as protein kinase B) and ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) activation. Further analyses indicate that TGFβ is able to induce apoptosis of DK-MGhigh cells. This subline was able to convert to DK-MGextra-high, which appeared resistant to this proapoptotic effect. EGF acted as a pro-survival factor and stimulated proliferation; however, simultaneous senescence induction in DK-MGextra-high cells was ambiguous. Primary EGFRvIII positive (and SOX2 (SRY-Box Transcription Factor 2) positive or SOX2 negative) glioblastoma cells differentially responded to EGF and TGFβ. Conclusions: The roles of TGFβ and EGF in the EGFRvIII context remain unclear. EGFRvIII appears as a weak oncogene and not a marker of GSC (glioma stem cells). Hence, it may not be a proper target for CAR-T (chimeric antigen receptor T cells).

The Gorilla Troops Optimizer (GTO) is a novel Metaheuristic Algorithm that was proposed in 2021. Its design was inspired by the lifestyle characteristics of gorillas, including migration to a known position, migration to an undiscovered position, moving toward the other gorillas, following silverback gorillas and competing with silverback gorillas for females. However, like other Metaheuristic Algorithms, the GTO still suffers from local optimum, low diversity, imbalanced utilization, etc. In order to improve the performance of the GTO, this paper proposes a modified Gorilla Troops Optimizer (MGTO). The improvement strategies include three parts: Beetle-Antennae Search Based on Quadratic Interpolation (QIBAS), Teaching–Learning-Based Optimization (TLBO) and Quasi-Reflection-Based Learning (QRBL). Firstly, QIBAS is utilized to enhance the diversity of the position of the silverback. Secondly, the teacher phase of TLBO is introduced to the update the behavior of following the silverback with 50% probability. Finally, the quasi-reflection position of the silverback is generated by QRBL. The optimal solution can be updated by comparing these fitness values. The performance of the proposed MGTO is comprehensively evaluated by 23 classical benchmark functions, 30 CEC2014 benchmark functions, 10 CEC2020 benchmark functions and 7 engineering problems. The experimental results show that MGTO has competitive performance and promising prospects in real-world optimization tasks.

Landfill leachate taken from a young municipal landfill site (≈3.5 years old) containing high organic contaminants (Total Organic Carbon -TOC of about 5000 mg l−1) was treated in bench-scale Anaerobic Sequencing Batch Reactors (ASBR) and an Anaerobic Hybrid Bed Filter (AHBF) at mesophilic conditions. Twenty months of testing has been conducted at varied influent leachate concentration of 546–5770 mgTOC l−1, Hydraulic Retention Time (HRT) of 10–1.5 days and Solid Retention Time (SRT) of 40–9 days in ASBR's, and influent leachate concentration of 1250–4490 mgTOC l−1 and HRT of 5.1–0.9 days in AHBF. ASBR achieved 73.9% TOC removal at maximum organic loading rate of 2.8 kgTOC m−3 d−1 at 1.5 days of HRT, and 65.3% at 0.561 kgTOC kgVSS−1 d−1 of maximum specific loading rate and 2 days of HRT. The AHBF maintained 81.4% TOC removal at 1.2 kgTOC m−3 d−1 of loading and 2.4 days of HRT. Methane conversion ratio averaged 0.742 m3CH4 kgTOC−1 removed at (STP).

Upgrading an existing post-ozonation plant with two-step granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration for assimilable organic carbon (AOC) removal was studied. The effects of ozone dose on AOC formation and its removal in the subsequent two-step GAC filtration was studied using chemically pretreated 2 to 14° C humic lake water. Two parallel pilot-plant trains with different ozone doses (0 to 1.2 mgO3/mgTOC) and a short-term ozonation study were performed. The optimum ozone dose for maximum AOC formation was 0.4–0.5 mgO3/mgTOC. The AOC-P17 of ozonated water was three-fold higher and AOC-NOX over ten-fold higher than in non-ozonated water, while the following biofiltration (first step) removed 51% and 72% of AOC-P17 and AOC-NOX, respectively. The adsorber (second step) contributed to less than 10% of the overall AOC reduction. It appeared that biofiltration is a feasible method in upgrading water treatment plants for AOC removal even when treating cold humic waters, while the subsequent adsorber seems to have less significance for AOC removal.

Recently, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the common neurodegenerative disorders, which primarily occurs in old age. Structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI) is an effective imaging technique used in clinical practice for determining the period of AD patients. An efficient deep learning framework is proposed in this paper for AD detection, which is inspired from clinical practice. The proposed deep learning framework significantly enhances the performance of AD classification by requiring less processing time. Initially, in the proposed framework, the sMRI images are acquired from a real-time dataset and two online datasets including Australian Imaging, Biomarker and Lifestyle flagship work of ageing (AIBL), and Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI). Next, a fuzzy-based superpixel-clustering algorithm is introduced to segment the region of interest (RoI) in sMRI images. Then, the informative deep features are extracted in segmented RoI images by integrating the probabilistic local ternary pattern (PLTP), ResNet-50, and Visual Geometry Group (VGG)-16. Furthermore, the dimensionality reduction is accomplished by through the modified gorilla troops optimizer (MGTO). This process not only enhances the classification performance but also diminishes the processing time of the capsule network (CapsNet), which is employed to classify the classes of AD. In the MGTO algorithm, a quasi-reflection-based learning (QRBL) process is introduced for generating silverback’s quasi-refraction position for further improving the optimal position’s quality. The proposed fuzzy based superpixel-clustering algorithm and MGTO-CapsNet model obtained a pixel accuracy of 0.96, 0.94, and 0.98 and a classification accuracy of 99.88%, 96.38%, and 99.94% on the ADNI, real-time, and AIBL datasets, respectively.

The proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is a favorable renewable energy source to overcome environmental pollution and save electricity. However, the mathematical model of the PEMFC contains some unknown parameters which have to be accurately estimated to build an accurate PEMFC model; this problem is known as the parameter estimation of PEMFC and belongs to the optimization problem. Although this problem belongs to the optimization problem, not all optimization algorithms are suitable to solve it because it is a nonlinear and complex problem. Therefore, in this paper, a new optimization algorithm known as the artificial gorilla troops optimizer (GTO), which simulates the collective intelligence of gorilla troops in nature, is adapted for estimating this problem. However, the GTO is suffering from local optima and low convergence speed problems, so a modification based on replacing its exploitation operator with a new one, relating the exploration and exploitation according to the population diversity in the current iteration, has been performed to improve the exploitation operator in addition to the exploration one. This modified variant, named the modified GTO (MGTO), has been applied for estimating the unknown parameters of three PEMFC stacks, 250 W stack, BCS-500W stack, and SR-12 stack, used widely in the literature, based on minimizing the error between the measured and estimated data points as the objective function. The outcomes obtained by applying the GTO and MGTO on those PEMFC stacks have been extensively compared with those of eight well-known optimization algorithms using various performance analyses, best, average, worst, standard deviation (SD), CPU time, mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), and mean absolute error (MAE), in addition to the Wilcoxon rank-sum test, to show which one is the best for solving this problem. The experimental findings show that MGTO is the best for all performance metrics, but CPU time is competitive among all algorithms.

The presence of natural organic matter (NOM) in drinking water can increase the levels of copper released from copper pipes to water and inhibit the formation of protective deposits such as malachite. Since adsorption of NOM on copper pipes surfaces is believed to be one of mechanisms that explains this phenomenom, the objective of this study was to determine kinetics and the adsorption equilibrium of main components of NOM, humic acid (HA) and fulvic acid (FA), onto copper surfaces. The kinetics and equilibrium adsorption of HA and FA on copper foils were examined using batch experiments at 22°C. HA and FA followed pseudo second-order kinetics adsorption. Rate constants measured were 2.59 × 10−1 (mgTOC cm−2 h−1) for HA and 3.13 × 10−1 (mgTOC cm−2 h−1) for FA. The adsorption behavior of HA and FA on the copper surface is in accordance with the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Langmuir adsorption constants measured were 5.98 × 10−2 L mg−1 for HA and 4.78 × 10−2 L mg−1 for FA. The copper foils exposed during five months to FA formed malachite deposits, whereas those exposed to HA did not and just cuprite was found. The results of this study showed that both HA as well as FA adsorption on copper surfaces is favored and no significant differences were found in the adsorption parameters calculated for both compounds. However, the inhibition of the malachite precipitation could be attributed to the HA adsorption.

In this study we analyzed and described how students and teacher of one Finnish elementary class participated in and communicated through CSILE (Computer Supported Intentional Learning Environment) during the years 1997–1998. To this end, we examined the density of the interaction within class, students' participation rates, students' position in the CSILE mediated network of interaction, and the quality of their discourse. The data consisted of CSILE log files and students' written productions from the CSILE database. Social network analysis and qualitative content analysis were used to analyze the data. The findings showed that the density of interaction among participants was rather high, and all the students used CSILE to some extent. There were, however, substantial differences in the students' participation rates. The results also indicated that one student occupied a central position, and two students an isolated position in the CSILE mediated interaction. The study further revealed that the CSILE mediated discussion was composed of number of short discussion threads. The culture of CSILE mediated discourse and collaboration can be defined as follows; on topic, neutral, and providing information to others' comments or questions.

In this study, sorption of some estrogens and estrogenic compounds onto several organic colloids was examined using fluorescence quenching techniques. Selected organic colloids included humic substances of several sources, Aldrich humic acid (AHA), Suwannee River humic acid (SRHA), Suwannee River fulvic acid (SRFA), and Nordic fulvic acid (NFA). Polysaccharides, alginic acid (AA) and dextran (Dex), and tannic acid (TA) were also selected. 17β-estradiol (E2), 17α-ethynylestradiol (EES), and estriol (E3) were selected as estrogens. Nonylphenol (NP), octylphenol (OP), and dibutylphthalate (DBP) were selected as estrogenic compounds. For most of the selected compounds, the sorption coefficients were in the order of TA &gt; humic acids (SRHA or AHA) &gt; fulvic acids (NFA or SRFA) &gt; AA. The smallest or no significant sorption onto dextran was found for selected estrogens and estrogenic compounds. Comparing those compounds, neither a significant trend nor linear correlation with Log Kow was found. The resulting sorption coefficients for humic substances and TA suggested approximately 15 to 50% of the estrogens and estrogenic compounds were bound in typical natural water of 5 mgTOC/L and significant effects on the removal of them by water treatment processes, toxicity, or bioavailability were suggested.

The significance of a company’s ownership structure (OST) is reflected in how it impacts the process of making decisions and the allocation of profits within the organization. Based on that, this article aims to inspect the connection between OST and corporation performance (CP). The current study employed an empirical strategy that entailed the development of comprehensive ordinary least squares (OLS) measures, which were then applied to a sample of 199 financial and non-financial firms listed on the Saudi market between the years 2015 and 2021, amounting to a total of 1393 observations. The statistical findings supported the impact of managerial ownership (MGOW), institutional ownership (INOW) and government ownership (GOOW) on CP. On the contrary, foreign ownership (FOOW) and ownership concentration (OWCO) have a negatively significant relationship with CP. This article is one of the few empirical studies that look at how OST affects CP. In addition, it is the first study in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) that examines the impact of the OST components (administrative, institutional, foreign, governmental ownership, and ownership concentration) on the performance of companies in all sectors of financial and non-financial companies.

Treatment of humic water was studied in a pilot-scale ozonation/biofiltration treatment plant. The raw water had TOC and CODMn concentrations of 3.2-5.0 and 4.1-6.6 mgO 1−1, respectively, and colour (410 nm) of 30-50 mgPt 1−1. The effect of biofilter loading rate on removal of organic matter and ozonation by-products was investigated in two upflow biofilters containing expanded clay aggregate (Filtralite) media. The empty bed contact times ranged from 11 to 54 min. The TOC removals varied from 18 to 37% and the CODMn removals from 30 to 48% with ozone dosages from 1.0 to 1.7 mgO3 mgTOC−1. The ozone dosage seemed to have larger effect on removal efficiency than the loading rate. Concentrations of aldehydes (sum of formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, glyoxal and methyl glyoxal) were 41-47 μg 1−1 in ozonated water. Formaldehyde and glyoxal were the only aldehydes detected from the biofilter effluents at concentrations higher than 1 μg 1−1, but their mean concentrations were below 2.1 μg 1−1. The ketoacid concentrations (sum of glyoxylic, pyruvic and ketomalonic acids) ranged from 272 to 441 μg 1−1. Average biofilter effluent concentrations varied from 5.3 (glyoxylic acid) up to 67 μg 1−1 (ketomalonic acid) with steady-state reductions generally over 80%. The aldehydes and ketoacids accounted on average for 16% of the biodegraded TOC. The results show that expanded clay aggregate media is a good alternative as biofilter material.

1. The role of the corpuscles of Stannius (CS) in acute modulation of wholebody calcium influx (JinCa) in American eel, Anguilla rostrata, was investigated by (i) assessing the effects of stanniectomy on JinCa and plasma total calcium concentration ([Catot]), (ii) comparing the abilities of sham-operated and stanniectomized eels to reduce JinCa during artificially induced hypercalcaemia, and (iii) monitoring the effects of homologous hypocalcin (a 54×103Mr glycoprotein injection on JinCa 2. Stanniectomy (STX) caused a pronounced elevation of JinCa and hypercalcaemia measured 7 days after surgery. 3. When hypercalcaemia was induced by intra-arterial infusion of CaCl2, a treatment known to cause degranulation of the CS and the specific release of hypocalcin, JinCa was reduced significantly within 1 h in intact fish. NaCl infusion did not affect plasma [Catot] or JinCa in any group tested. 4. Stanniectomy prevented the reduction of JinCa associated with the hypercalcaemia induced by CaCl2 infusion. 5. Intra-arterial infusion of MgCl2 caused a significant elevation of plasma total magnesium concentration [Mgtot] but did not alter JinCa. 6. Intra-arterial infusion of hypocalcin (l8.5 nmolkg−1 body mass) into intact eels decreased JinCa to an extent similar to that seen following artificially induced hypercalcaemia. 7. We conclude that the rapid reduction of JinCa during experimental hypercalcaemia is mediated by hypocalcin released from the corpuscles of Stannius and suggest that calcitonin, another putative hypocalcaemic hormone, is not involved. The results are discussed with respect to the relative importance of hypocalcin and calcitonin as hypocalcaemic hormones in fish.

AbstractChemically enhanced solid–liquid separation (CES) of digestate can improve its membrane filterability but potentially influence the environmental features of the separated solid fraction, thus hindering its possible agricultural reuse. In this study, the effects were assessed of different dosages of polyaluminum chloride (PAC), epichlorohydrine-dimethylamine with ethylendiamine (DEED) and polyacrilamides (PAM) on CES of digestate from biowaste in terms of Total Suspended Solid (TSS) mitigation in the liquid fractions and resulting environmental quality of the solid fractions. Results from lab-scale trials showed that applied chemicals significantly increased the centrifugation efficiency with achieving minimum TSS concentration of 2347 ± 281 mgTSS/L (up to 90% improved TSS mitigation). Also, performed treatments led to almost complete removal of P and Heavy Metals (HMs) from the liquid fractions after centrifugation. Conditioned solid fractions showed higher Al (reaching 20 g kg−1 TS), organic carbon and nitrogen content (up to 324 mgTOC kg−1 TS and 44.1 mgTKN kg−1 TS, respectively) due to residual PAC, DEED and PAM. However, achieved concentrations of HMs guaranteed full consistency with EU regulation limits established for agricultural reuse of organic soil amendments. Further, leaching tests performed on the treated solid fractions indicate higher chlorides and soluble Al concentrations in the water extracts (up to 4.6 g L−1 and 2.3 g L−1, respectively), but lower HMs leachability from the digestates undergone CES. Nevertheless, water extracts from treated biosolids were characterized by higher phytotoxicity, likely related with direct Al toxicity and increased salinity due to chemicals addition. Accordingly, the effects on soil–plant system should be better investigated when agricultural reuse of CES-treated solid fraction of digestate is foreseen. Graphic abstract

This paper presents an intelligent feedforward controller based on the feedback linearization approach to control nonlinear systems. In particular, the nonlinear autoregressive moving average (NARMA-L2) network is trained to reproduce the forward dynamics of the controlled system. Consequently, the trained NARMA-L2 network can be immediately integrated into the inverse feedforward control (IFC) structure. In order to improve the NARMA-L2 structure's ability to approximate nonlinear systems, the NARMA-L2 controller is comprised of two wavelet neural networks (WNNs). In addition, the RASP1 function was used as the mother wavelet function in the structure of the WNN rather than the more common Mexican Hat, Gaussian, and Morlet functions. To prevent the limitations of gradient descent (GD) methods, an artificial gorilla troops optimization (GTO) algorithm is used to determine the optimal settings for the NARMA-L2 inverse controller parameters. In particular, a modified version of the GTO algorithm, which is called the Modified GTO (MGTO) algorithm, is proposed in this work for training the NARMA-L2 inverse controller. This algorithm has demonstrated superior optimization outcomes in comparison to other methods. The effectiveness of the proposed control strategy is demonstrated using two nonlinear dynamical systems. Specifically, several evaluation tests are used to assess the effectiveness of the WNN-based NARMA-L2 in terms of control accuracy and robustness against external disturbances in each of the systems under consideration. These tests clearly demonstrated the effectiveness of the control system. Finally, a comparison study showed that the proposed WNN-based NARMA-L2 controller achieved better control results compared to the multilayer perceptron (MLP) and the radial basis function (RBF)-based NARMA-L2 controllers.

Objectives:As the organic pollutant indicator is changed from COD_Mn to TOC and the demand for TOC treatment of industrial wastewater increasing, the current situation of TOC treatment of wastewater discharge facilities of each industrial category is analyzed, and it is intended to consider the possibility of residual TOC treatment by ozone and advanced oxidation process.Methods:To review the TOC treatment situations of wastewater discharge facilities of each industrial category, the field survey data (46 sites) by Environment Ministry and Korea Environment Corporation were analyzed according to inflow TOC concentrations, direct/indirect discharge type, and main treatment process of wastewater treatment facilities. To review the characteristics of TOC treatment by ozone and advanced oxidation processes, previous studies and the results of field pilot tests conducted by ozone companies were comprehensively analyzed.Results and Discussion:The TOC treatment level varies depending on the inflow TOC concentrations to each industrial wastewater treatment facility, direct/indirect discharge type depending on the location of the wastewater treatment facilities, and the main treatment process of the wastewater treatment facility. In particular, the TOC removal rate differed by more than 20% depending on the presence or absence of biological treatment. The wastewater treatment facilities that require additional treatment of residual TOC were divided as follows (1) when the facility has biological treatment as main process, increasing unexpected inflow TOC load in treatment facilities or the condition of the biological treatment become worsen. (2) when the facility has phy-chemical treatment as main process, increasing unexpected inflow TOC load. (3) extending the replacement cycle of activated carbon to save maintenance cost. The advance oxidation process decomposes easily by OH radicals through the radical substitution of unsaturated hydrocarbons and aromatic compounds, so the removal rate of TOC by the O₃+H₂O₂ advanced oxidation pilot test was 14.7~93.5%, higher than that of ozone oxidation. The specific ozone consumption per TOC removal amount (O₃/ΔTOC) by O₃+H₂O₂ advanced oxidation is 8.5~22.5mgO₃/mgTOC, which is 1/5 of that of ozone oxidation only. In addition, comparing ozone demand by COD_Mn and TOC removal, ozone demand of O₃+H₂O₂ advanced oxidation to remove TOC is 2.7 to 4.3 times compared to that by O₃ oxidation to remove COD_Mn.Conclusion:In order to reduce residual TOC from industrial wastewater effluent, it is necessary to secure stability of the existing main treatment process in preparation for load fluctuations, and the technologies research on complex advanced oxidation processes, hybrid advanced oxidation processes, and pretreatment technology to reduce ozone demand is needed for economical field application.

Indian Men’s Rights Activists (MRAs) claim that men are oppressed by laws of marriage and domestic violence, and that there is no recognition of men’s vulnerabilities. The State and organized feminist groups are identified as primary culprits. While MRA groups are commonly associated with calls to reinstate “traditional” family structures, here I focus on MGTOWs (Men Going Their Own Way), a subset of MRAs who oppose familialism and ideologies of compulsory marriage, preferring to live among like-minded men. This paper examines their oppositional negotiations with marriage, romance and masculinity through three films they recommended: a Bildungsroman with a naïve female protagonist, a male buddy film about adventure and healed trauma, and a revenge fantasy orchestrated by a scorned woman. MGTOW viewers were drawn to the ways that marriage and romance were critiqued, and families of choice highlighted. They emphasized spaces of men’s community and the portrayal of men’s silent struggles, while disavowing hegemonic masculinity associated with success. Female protagonists were treated as one of their own when their actions aligned with challenges to utopian heteronormative futures. In highlighting men’s community and vulnerability, MGTOWs elided privileges of gender, class and caste the men in these films embody, and drew attention away from their anti-feminist crusade.

Social media platforms have been struggling to moderate at scale. In an effort to better cope with content moderation discussion has turned to the role that automated machine-learning (ML) tools might play. The development of automated systems by social media platforms is a notoriously opaque process and public values that pertain to the common good are at stake within these often-obscured processes. One site in which social values are being negotiated is in the framing of what is considered ‘toxic’ by platforms in the development of automated moderation processes. This study takes into consideration differing notions of toxicity – community, platform and societal by examining three measures of toxicity and community health (the ML tool Perspective API; Reddit’s 2020 Content Policy; and the Sense of Community Index-2) and how they are operationalised in the context of r/MGTOW – an antifeminist group known for its misogyny. Several stages of content analysis were conducted on the top posts and comments in r/MGTOW to examine how these different measures of toxicity operate. This paper provides insight into the logics and technicalities of automated moderation tools, platform governance structures, and frameworks for understanding community metrics to interrogate existing uses of ‘toxicity’ as applied to cultural or social subcommunities online. We make a distinction between two used terms: civility and toxicity. Our analysis points to a tension between current social framings and operationalised notions of ‘toxicity’. We argue that there is a clear distinction between civility and toxicity – incivility is a measure of internal perceptions of harm within a community, whereas toxicity is a measure of the capacity for social harms outside of the bounds of the community. This nuanced understanding will enable more targeted interventions to be developed to destabilise the internal conditions that make groups like r/MGTOW internally ‘healthy’ yet externally toxic.

Este estudo analisou representações sociais junto aos movimentos masculinos Red Pill e MGTOW no YouTube, através de uma pesquisa descritiva e exploratória, com base em 94 descrições de canais brasileiros sobre o tema. Identificou-se cinco categorias: estereótipo da mulher como indigna de confiança; uma suposta realidade que precisa ser desvelada pelos homens; autoridade permeada por autonomia masculina; culto ao desempenho; e conceitualização geral do movimento. Essas representações refletem não apenas as visões e ideologias de seus membros, mas também revelam uma heterogeneidade no movimento e em relação às suas percepções sobre o papel da mulher.

Over the past two years social media platforms have been struggling to moderate at scale. At the same time, they have come under fire for failing to mitigate the risks of perceived ‘toxic’ content or behaviour on their platforms. In effort to better cope with content moderation, to combat hate speech, ‘dangerous organisations’ and other bad actors present on platforms, discussion has turned to the role that automated machine-learning (ML) tools might play. This paper contributes to thinking about the role and suitability of ML for content moderation on community platforms such as Reddit and Facebook. In particular, it looks at how ML tools operate (or fail to operate) effectively at the intersection between online sentiment within communities and social and platform expectations of acceptable discourse. Through an examination of the r/MGTOW subreddit we problematise current understandings of the notion of ‘tox¬icity’ as applied to cultural or social sub-communities online and explain how this interacts with Google’s Perspective tool.

Abstract This paper examines language used in five of the largest manosphere communities on Reddit (r/TheRedPill, r/braincels, r/MensRights, r/seduction, and r/MGTOW) to identify idiosyncratic language use within these communities. To do so, a novel methodology which combines key-key-word analysis with notions from set theory was used to identify and compare keywords between corpora and to find keywords that are used uniquely within – and thus are distinctive to – these five separate communities. The paper achieves the following: it (i) presents a novel method for identifying what we term ‘complement keywords’ (keywords that are not shared between multiple different corpora when compared against the same reference corpus), and (ii) explores idiosyncratic language use in five separate manosphere communities. The analysis first examines interdiscursive relationships between communities emerging from the complement keywords identified before discussing community-specific preoccupations emergent in the idiosyncratic language use found in these five communities.

Social media is the preferred communication platform for today’s youth, yet little is known of how online intergender communication is shaped by social identity norms. Drawing from the Social Identity and Deindividuation Effects (SIDE) approach, we argue that through depersonalization, online interactions are marked by the salience of social identities and identity performance conforming to perceived norms of behavior (traditional as well as developing). We specifically look at discursive terms and their meaning-making as a strategic performance of gender in uncontrolled social media interactions. We examined a corpus of 442 comments from selected public Indian Facebook pages in two phases over a span of 1 year (2020–2021). Thematic discourse analysis revealed established (#mansplaining, pseudofeminism) and emerging (choice feminism, MGTOW, #fuckboi etc.) discursive strategies within the major themes on feminism and antifeminism, men’s rights, intersectional feminism, and sexual behavior. These meaningful terms are used to modulate identity performance in a heavily contested space, reflecting both consolidation as well as mobilization functions, as proposed by SIDE. The findings highlight that intergender communication on social media is both dependent on existing offline norms, while challenging the same to create new discourses of gender.

The anonymity of the Manosphere has provided a fertile breeding ground for the spread of misogyny through increased hate speech on the Internet. In recent years, this virtual space composed mostly of men, has been the subject of numerous studies aimed at identifying the discursive mechanisms of identity constructions that underlie the denigration of women. This paper takes the findings from international research on the subject to address a phenomenon still little explored in Spain through the analysis of misogynistic comments on Burbuja.info. Economic forum. The analysis sample comprises 4,281 messages that include the lexeme “woman” posted over 2.5 years, 761 of which contain expressions that ridicule, disparage, or insult women. Thematic analysis demonstrates the repetition of misogynistic topics and tropes common in the most radical Reddit and 4chan subforums, such as hypergamy, objectification, and the constant disparagement of the world of women, not to mention criticism of feminism, left-wing political parties, and legislation on gender violence. The results obtained show that the “male identity crisis” is narratively constructed in the messages on Burbuja.info using the motif of sacrifice –the cornerstone of a monotypic story in which the purpose of the hero-man-victim’s journey is to punish the villain-woman. Furthermore, we also found that there are different configurations of identity related to attitudes toward women; these match up with the four most prominent masculinist subcultures identified in the leading literature on the subject: Men Rights activists (MRA), Men Going Their Own Way (MGTOW), Pickup Artists (PUA), and Involuntary Celibates (Incels).

To stabilize frequency in a power system, this research study suggests a novel modified Gorilla Troops Optimizer (mGTO) technique, which builds on the original technique, and offers notable gains in effectiveness and efficiency when solving real-world optimization problems. A thorough comparative analysis reveals that the mGTO algorithm is the best option, outperforming its counterparts in terms of stability and overall performance. Interestingly, mGTO performs better than any of its competitors in terms of stability, making it the best option. The mGTO algorithm significantly reduces implementation time and enhances solution quality compared to the conventional GTO algorithm. A new linearized Phillips–Heffron model with an IPFC was developed to investigate power systems’ stability. To effectively dampen low-frequency oscillations, an auxiliary controller for modeling the IPFC is proposed. It provides four options for damping controllers, and the recommended mGTO algorithm is used to adjust the controller parameters. This method is superior to traditional controllers in stability control and has undergone extensive validation. It is a crucial instrument for controlling the frequency of an SMIB power system based on IPFC. Based on the simulation results, the updated strategy that has been suggested is the most effective way to define the mentioned damping controller by considering the percentage improvement in the goal function value.

In order to improve the accuracy and reliability of fault diagnosis of oil-immersed power transformers, a fault diagnosis method based on the Modified Artificial Gorilla Troops Optimizer (MGTO) and the Stochastic Configuration Networks with Block Increments (BSCN) is proposed. First, the original artificial gorilla troop optimization algorithm is improved, which effectively improves the convergence speed and optimization accuracy of the algorithm. Secondly, the conventional Stochastic Configuration Networks (SCN) learning methodology is modified when the fault diagnosis model is constructed. The original SCN adopts point incremental approach to gradually add hidden nodes, while BSCN adopts block increment approach to learn features. It significantly accelerates training. MGTO algorithm is used to jointly optimize regularization parameter and scale factor in BSCN model, and the fault diagnosis model with the highest accuracy is constructed. The experimental results show that the accuracy of MGTO-BSCN for transformer fault diagnosis reaches 95.9%, which is 3.5%, 9.9% and 11.7% higher than BSCN fault diagnosis models optimized by GTO, Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) respectively, reflecting the superiority of MGTO algorithm. Meanwhile, the comparison with the traditional model shows that the proposed method has obvious advantages in diagnostic effect.

AbstractThis paper proposes an approach to enhance the differentiation task between benign and malignant Breast Tumors (BT) using histopathology images from the BreakHis dataset. The main stages involve preprocessing, which encompasses image resizing, data partitioning (training and testing sets), followed by data augmentation techniques. Both feature extraction and classification tasks are employed by a Custom CNN. The experimental results show that the proposed approach using the Custom CNN model exhibits better performance with an accuracy of 84% than applying the same approach using other pretrained models, including MobileNetV3, EfficientNetB0, Vgg16, and ResNet50V2, that present relatively lower accuracies, ranging from 74 to 82%; these four models are used as both feature extractors and classifiers. To increase the accuracy and other performance metrics, Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO), and Modified Gorilla Troops Optimization (MGTO) metaheuristic optimizers are applied to each model separately for hyperparameter tuning. In this case, the experimental results show that the Custom CNN model, refined with MGTO optimization, reaches an exceptional accuracy of 93.13% in just 10 iterations, outperforming the other state-of-the-art methods, and the other four used pretrained models based on the BreakHis dataset.

This paper contributes to debates around cultural event management in the Chinese century by investigating the case of the International Film Festival & Awards Macao (IFFAM). It first problematises the Chinese century concept by contrasting studies on film-related soft power in China as cultural diplomacy with the Macao Special Administrative Government’s use of festivals and events as place marketing strategies. It argues Macao does not fit comfortably into the soft power paradigm normally associated with China and uses the festival to illuminate areas of difference. Within this problematised context, the case study of IFFAM is built on existing studies of eventalisation as urban cultural policies. The analysis section demonstrates IFFAM differs from state-led film activities in mainland China. Findings presented and evaluated include official announcements about IFFAM by the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), where the festival’s objective to ‘improve Macao’s international reputation’ are contrasted with the paradigms underpinning mainland China’s going-out international trade policy. Further findings relate to the festival’s programming strategies, and domestic and international reception of IFFAM in the past years, answering the question of whether Macao and IFFAM act as intermediaries, influencing cultural policy and film festival production practices in other regions of China and recentring film festivals’ focus from Europe to Asia. It emphasises the importance of IFFAM’s development in Macao because of its unique status and potential as an alternative, intermediary lens for observing the Chinese century.

The aim of the study. To carry out a comparative assessment of the magnesium status in soils, situated on the various hypsometric levels of sloped agrolandscape and with different soil organic matter content by measuring total, mobile (exchangeable) and water-soluble magnesium in soils and to compare different analytical methods for determining magnesium in soils and plants. Location and time of the study. The study site was located in the Cis-Salair drained plain in the south-east of West Siberia (55˚02΄20˝N; 83˚50΄00˝E), administratively being within the boundaries of the Toguchin district of the Novosibirsk region, Russia. Altitude increments were marked on the slope positions of the investigated plot of 225 hectares in area and 4 km in length: the upper part of the slope BCI (280-310 m a.s.l. ), the midslope BCII (260-280 m) and BCIII (220-260 m), and the lower slope BCIV (190-220 m) (see figure 1). Soil and plant samples were collected in July 2013. Materials and methods. Prevailing soils were podzolized and leached chernozems, dark-gray and gray-forest soils according to the classification of soils of the USSR (1977), which correspond to clayey-illuvial eluvialed and dark-tongue agrochernozems, agro-dark gray soils and agro-gray soils to according of the Russian soil classification (2004, 2008), or Luvic Greyzemic Chernozems, Haplic Chernozems, Luvic Greyzemic Phaeozems, Luvic Retic Greyzemic Phaeozems by WRB Soil Classification (2014) (see table 1, figure 1). Individual soil samples (n=55) were taken with a drill from 0-30 cm layer (ploughed horizon) according to an irregular grid. The aboveground phytomass stock of oat-pea mixture (n=38) was collected using the hay cutting method on the ​​0.25 m2 area. The geographical coordinates of the soil and plant sampling sites were determined using the geopositioning system (GPS, Garmin eTrex Vista). The soil samples were analyzed for organic carbon content by dichromate digestion. Overall the studied soils were grouped according to soil organic matter (SOM) content into high-SOM (5-8%) and medium-SOM soils (3-5%). Total magnesium (Mgtot) was measured in dry powdered samples by atomic emission spectrometry; mobile (exchangeable) magnesium was measured by atomic absorption spectrometry using 1 M KCl, 1 M CH3COONH4, 0.1 M C4H4O5(NH4)2 and 0.5 M CH3COOH as extracting solutions. The same extracts were used to measure water-soluble magnesium atomic absorption spectrometry and capillary electrophoresis. The content of total magnesium in plants was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry using two methods of sample digestion, namely wet ashing in a mixture of sulfuric and perchloric acids and dry ashing followed by quantitative transfer of the digest with 1 M HCl. Magnesium content in soils and plants was presented per element and calculated on the air-dry mass basis. Statistical analyses (descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, calculation of student criterion and Mann-Whitney U-test) were performed using Microsoft Office Excel 2007 and Statistica v.6.1. Results. The average content of total magnesium in the slope soils varied from 0.79 to 0.88%. The proportion of mobile magnesium in its total content in soils averaged 3.3-6.0%, whereas that of water-soluble magnesium was 0.06-0.13%. In medium-SOM soils down along the slope the total magnesium content gradually decreased: agrochernozems → agro-dark gray soils → agro-gray soils (see table 2, figure 2). The similar pattern was revealed an earlier for the content of total phosphorus and total potassium in the slope soils. The average content of mobile magnesium in the high-SOM soils on the upper part of the slope (BCI) varied from 3.2 to 4.0 cmol(+)∙kg-1, depending on the extractant used. The medium-SOM soils (BCII-IV) contained 2.2 to 3.2 cmol(+)∙kg-1 of mobile magnesium. Atomic absorption spectrometry and capillary electrophoresis produced very close values water-soluble magnesium content in soils: on average, 0.06-0.08 and 0.04-0.09 cmol(+)∙kg-1, respectively. However, capillary electrophoresis proved to be more sensitive to the decreased content of water-soluble magnesium in the midslope medium-SOM soils. Magnesium content in aboveground phytomass of an oat-pea mixture, collected in the tillering phase of its cereal component, determined by dry ashing, averaged 0.21-0.26%, which corresponded to the optimal level of the element; estimated by wet ashing it was 1.3-1.6 times lower (see table 2). Conclusions. Under the conditions of the sloping agrolandscape of the Cis-Salair in the south-eastern part of West Siberia, high-SOM soils in the upper part of the slope are characterized by higher content of mobile magnesium as compared with the medium-SOM soils mid- and downslope. We believe that for assessing magnesium status of soils it is more expedient to use 1 M KCl or 1 M CH3COONH4 to determine mobile (exchangeable) magnesium. Moreover, these extractants can be used for simultaneous determination of other soil properties, i.e. exchangeable calcium and potassium content, pHsalt, etc.

The aim of the study. To carry out a comparative assessment of the magnesium status in soils, situated on the various hypsometric levels of sloped agrolandscape and with different soil organic matter content by measuring total, mobile (exchangeable) and water-soluble magnesium in soils and to compare different analytical methods for determining magnesium in soils and plants. Location and time of the study. The study site was located in the Cis-Salair drained plain in the south-east of West Siberia (55°02΄20˝N; 83°50΄00˝E), administratively being within the boundaries of the Toguchin district of the Novosibirsk region, Russia. Altitude increments were marked on the slope positions of the investigated plot of 225 hectares in area and 4 km in length: the upper part of the slope BCI (280-310 m a.s.l. ), the midslope BCII (260-280 m) and BCIII (220-260 m), and the lower slope BCIV (190-220 m) (see figure 1). Soil and plant samples were collected in July 2013. Materials and methods. Prevailing soils were podzolized and leached chernozems, dark-gray and gray-forest soils according to the classification of soils of the USSR (1977), which correspond to clayey-illuvial eluvialed and dark-tongue agrochernozems, agro-dark gray soils and agro-gray soils to according of the Russian soil classification (2004, 2008), or Luvic Greyzemic Chernozems, Haplic Chernozems, Luvic Greyzemic Phaeozems, Luvic Retic Greyzemic Phaeozems by WRB Soil Classification (2014) (see table 1, figure 1). Individual soil samples (n=55) were taken with a drill from 0-30 cm layer (ploughed horizon) according to an irregular grid. The aboveground phytomass stock of oat-pea mixture (n=38) was collected using the hay cutting method on the 0.25 m2 area. The geographical coordinates of the soil and plant sampling sites were determined using the geopositioning system (GPS, Garmin eTrex Vista). The soil samples were analyzed for organic carbon content by dichromate digestion. Overall the studied soils were grouped according to soil organic matter (SOM) content into high-SOM (5-8%) and medium-SOM soils (3-5%). Total magnesium (Mgtot) was measured in dry powdered samples by atomic emission spectrometry; mobile (exchangeable) magnesium was measured by atomic absorption spectrometry using 1 M KCl, 1 M CH3COONH4, 0.1 M C4H4O5(NH4)2 and 0.5 M CH3COOH as extracting solutions. The same extracts were used to measure water-soluble magnesium atomic absorption spectrometry and capillary electrophoresis. The content of total magnesium in plants was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry using two methods of sample digestion, namely wet ashing in a mixture of sulfuric and perchloric acids and dry ashing followed by quantitative transfer of the digest with 1 M HCl. Magnesium content in soils and plants was presented per element and calculated on the air-dry mass basis. Statistical analyses (descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, calculation of student criterion and Mann-Whitney U-test) were performed using Microsoft Office Excel 2007 and Statistica v.6.1. Results. The average content of total magnesium in the slope soils varied from 0.79 to 0.88%. The proportion of mobile magnesium in its total content in soils averaged 3.3-6.0%, whereas that of water-soluble magnesium was 0.06-0.13%. In medium-SOM soils down along the slope the total magnesium content gradually decreased: agrochernozems → agro-dark gray soils → agro-gray soils (see table 2, figure 2). The similar pattern was revealed an earlier for the content of total phosphorus and total potassium in the slope soils. The average content of mobile magnesium in the high-SOM soils on the upper part of the slope (BCI) varied from 3.2 to 4.0 cmol(+)ꞏkg-1, depending on the extractant used. The medium-SOM soils (BCII-IV) contained 2.2 to 3.2 cmol(+)ꞏkg-1 of mobile magnesium. Atomic absorption spectrometry and capillary electrophoresis produced very close values water-soluble magnesium content in soils: on average, 0.06-0.08 and 0.04-0.09 cmol(+)ꞏkg-1, respectively. However, capillary electrophoresis proved to be more sensitive to the decreased content of water-soluble magnesium in the midslope medium-SOM soils. Magnesium content in aboveground phytomass of an oat-pea mixture, collected in the tillering phase of its cereal component, determined by dry ashing, averaged 0.21-0.26%, which corresponded to the optimal level of the element; estimated by wet ashing it was 1.3-1.6 times lower (see table 2). Conclusions. Under the conditions of the sloping agrolandscape of the Cis-Salair in the south-eastern part of West Siberia, high-SOM soils in the upper part of the slope are characterized by higher content of mobile magnesium as compared with the medium-SOM soils mid- and downslope. We believe that for assessing magnesium status of soils it is more expedient to use 1 M KCl or 1 M CH3COONH4 to determine mobile (exchangeable) magnesium. Moreover, these extractants can be used for simultaneous determination of other soil properties, i.e. exchangeable calcium and potassium content, pHsalt, etc.

Introduction "Barbie has a great day every day, but Ken only has a great day if Barbie looks at him", states the narrator in Barbie (2023). Directed by Greta Gerwig, the film not only claimed the title of the highest-grossing film of the year but also prompted its audience to reconsider a character they had previously mostly overlooked; another one of Barbie’s many accessories: Ken. Ken's identity as Barbie's companion is fundamentally dependent upon the presence and recognition of his more prominent female counterpart. This highlights Ken's secondary role, where he serves as a supporting figure to Barbie's idealised existence. Akin to a Manic Pixie Dream Boy (MPDB) overshadowed by Barbie, we realise Ken’s lack of identity. Throughout the film, Ken, initially depicted as identity-less, embarks on a journey of self-discovery, challenging the confines imposed by white patriarchy, although it doesn’t seem that way at first. This article will first establish Ken's MPDB status, highlighting traits such as (a) seeking to elevate and challenge the main character’s beliefs, (b) harbouring both gentleness and deviousness, while also engaging in playful yet mildly destructive mischief, (c) acting as a catalyst for change, (d) exhibiting a desire to escape, disappear, or transform, leaving valuable lessons behind, and (e) existing solely within the perception of or for the benefit of the main character. Subsequently, it will follow his journey, ultimately examining how a humanoid doll undergoes healing particularly concerning gender issues. Through the deconstruction of his narrative, this article aims to uncover the underlying power dynamics at play and to explore how Ken's transformation contributes to broader conversations surrounding gender fluidity and representation. By doing so, the article will provide an understanding of Ken's role and contribution to the feminist cause, while also offering insights into the broader cultural significance of the film. Manic Pixie Dream Girl In contemporary discourse, the term MPDGirl has gained recognition following its coinage by Nathan Rabin: “that bubbly, shallow, cinematic creature that exists solely in the fevered imaginations of sensitive writer-directors to teach broodingly soulful young men to embrace life and its infinite mysteries and adventures” (Rabin, "The Bataan"). It rapidly gained eminence within popular culture, precipitating a widespread societal fixation on the quest for mining more MPDGs, up to the point where Rabin himself voiced his regret about coining the term ("I’m Sorry"). However, the MPDG was already a presence among us. As Laurie Penny states in the article "I Was a Manic Pixie Dream Girl", “Like scabies and syphilis, Manic Pixie Dream Girls were with us long before they were accurately named”. Additionally, Gouck contends that “the Pixie is a descendant of the Classical Muse and also has roots in the Pygmalion myth” (527). Thus, tracing from these foundational mythical and ancient iterations to contemporary relatives such as the Earnest Elfin Dream Gay (EEDG) and the “Magical Negro”, popularised by Spike Lee, reveals a diverse family tree. Although various writers for online platforms have declared the demise of the MPDG (Eby; Harris; Stoeffel), the trope constantly found ways to revive itself. Harris, in her 2012 article "Is the Manic Pixie Dream Girl Dead?", claimed that the trope has been turned on its head with later iterations like Ruby Sparks, “depicting a writer (Paul Dano) whose idealistic, winsome female character comes to life and challenges patriarchal notions of what women actually want”. Tannenbaum, on the other hand, suggested that the MPDG isn’t dead but just evolved through a loophole: the tragic backstory. This article contends that as long as a concept remains in circulation, it cannot die. Thus, even this article itself contributes to the preservation of the phenomenon in question. Manic Pixie Dream Boy In 2012, Molly Lambert introduced a notable extension of the MPDG archetype: the MPDB. Lambert described the MPDB as a character who uplifts the heroine's self-confidence through comfort, inspiration, and nurturing support, without expecting anything in return. He … tamps down her … temper while appreciating her quirks … . He’s a nerd, but not an angry … one. He’s handsome, but he has no idea … . His … hobbies might be immature … but it doesn’t extend to his emotions … . He’s a selfless, responsible Peter Pan. (Lambert) The likening of the MPDB to a selfless and responsible Peter Pan is flawed. One of the main reasons that make Peter Pan Peter Pan is that he doesn’t want to become an adult and be burdened with responsibilities. Additionally, the notion of the MPDB wanting nothing in return is flawed, as the MPDB's actions are usually driven by a fixation obsession rather than genuine altruism. Consequently, rather than epitomising selflessness, the MPDB defined by Lambert aligns more closely with an idealised EveryWoman’sDreamBoy archetype. In 2015, Anna Breslaw introduced another definition, labelling the MPDB as a “self-mythologizing ‘free-spirited’ dude”; however, it still remains unclear and unsatisfactory. Since its inception, there has been a fundamental misunderstanding of the concept of the MPDB. Originally rooted in a female-centric trope, it requires careful interpretation. When the definitions of the MPDB are applied as previously stated, it effectively transforms into an archetype that conventionally represents many women's ideal. However, unlike the MPDG, who is characterised by her eccentricity, the previous definitions of the MPDB reject this norm. Drawing inspiration from figures such as Peter Pan, Puck, King Kong, the Amphibian Man, the Beast, and Edward Scissorhands, the MPDB embodies a blend of comfort and chaos. This dichotomy is exemplified in Ken, who fulfills the role of comfort and chaos for Barbie, yet finds himself unwanted and unneeded. The real MPDB is defined by five core features that distinguish it from the misinterpreted notion often associated with the trope. a) The MPDB seeks to elevate and challenge the main character’s beliefs: Ken consistently tries to alter Barbie’s perceptions, as evidenced by his persistent attempts to reshape her opinion of him beyond superficial interests. This is exemplified by his pursuits beyond conventional activities, such as his daring act of running into the plastic waves, a seemingly unprecedented action that surprises, shocks, or scares those around him. b) The MPDB harbours both gentleness and deviousness, while engaging in playful yet mildly destructive mischief: Ken exhibits a dual nature, demonstrating kindness and charm towards Barbie while simultaneously harbouring ulterior motives, including a deep-seated desire to become Barbie's romantic partner. This complexity in character can be likened to the “nice guy syndrome”, where benevolent actions may mask underlying intentions. Furthermore, upon his return to build patriarchy, this desire is accentuated, showcasing his multilayered personality. c) The MPDB acts as a catalyst for change: Ken serves as an important force in instigating transformation, as demonstrated by the significant shifts that occur in both Barbieland and Barbie's life due to Ken's presence. His actions challenge Barbie's beliefs, whether intentionally or inadvertently, leading her to perceive new perspectives and undergo personal growth. d) The MPDB exhibits a desire to escape, disappear, or transform, leaving valuable lessons behind: Throughout Ken's MPDB journey, his inclination towards escapism, disappearance, or transformation becomes evident. While his initial desire to accompany Barbie may stem from romantic aspirations, it is also fuelled by the rivalry among the Kens. Once Ken realises there is more than Barbieland and he can want different things, he expresses his desire for change. As Ken evolves and heals, he undergoes a transformation, ultimately becoming a changed entity, yet leaving behind significant lessons that pave the way for the transformation of Barbieland and Barbie. e) The MPDB exists solely within the perception of or for the benefit of the main character: Ken’s presence is exclusively crafted within the perspective of, or to serve the needs of, the main character. According to a 2017 GQ article, Michael Shore, the head of Mattel's global consumer insights at the time, states that, “Ken was really viewed as more of an accessory in Barbie’s world, to support the narrative of whatever was happening with the girls” (qtd. in Weaver). This perspective reinforces Ken's role as arm candy within Barbie's world, serving as a complement to her endeavors at a ratio of about 1:7 (Weaver). This aspect highlights the trope's function as a narrative construct intended to support and shape the protagonist's storyline and growth. The MPDB Ken Ken (Ryan Gosling) makes his debut appearance in the Barbie movie at the eight-minute mark. While the narrative primarily revolves around Barbie, Ken's introduction is a subtle but significant moment. As Barbieland unfolds before us, Ken's delayed entrance, as another inhabitant of Barbieland, draws attention. Barbie is everywhere, but where is Ken? Amidst the cheerful exchanges of “Hi Barbie, Hi Ken”, Ken's behavior stands out—he doesn't reciprocate the greeting with other Kens, he only greets Barbie. Ken's omission from acknowledging his fellow Kens seems like a deliberate choice—a denial of their existence, perhaps suggesting that he perceives himself as the sole Ken of significance in Barbieland. His exclusive greeting to Barbie highlights this notion; in his world, Barbie is paramount, and other Kens are unimportant in comparison. We understand that there is a rivalry going on between the Kens; there is no Kenship, mainly between Ken (Gosling) and Ken (Simu Liu). The same evening at the party, while all the Barbies wear complementary yet distinct clothes, the Kens are dressed uniformly in identical outfits. This lack of individuality strips them of identity, claims Roche, “it is a training, an element in the education of controlled individual power ... designed to shape the physique … of [an] individual” (228-9). Uniforms shape individuality into collectivity and thus cause a lack of identity. The white and gold motifs on Kens’ jumpsuits may symbolise collectivity. They are a team; they are minds that have never been shaped before, they are accessories. The 'K' emblem on their jackets further emphasises their lack of identity. Costume designer Jacqueline Durran “imagined Gosling’s character as ‘almost like an accessory’ where his main function is to just be there and match her look. The Kens could all be dressed the same because there wasn’t meant to be anything distinct about them” (Zemler, "Dressing Barbie"). This point is even more highlighted in a scene where Barbie and Ken are in the car going to the real world, where Ken has another jumpsuit that is covered with the letter “B”. In the absence of the other Kens he is even more of an accessory, and even wearing something with his initials is denied, he is Barbie’s property. Contact with Patriarchy Barbie and Ken enter the real world, and interestingly, while throughout the travel sequence, Barbie is in front of Ken, leading Ken, in the shot where they enter the real world, Ken is in front of Barbie. Ken, for the first time alone, somehow ends up at Century City: “it is the antithesis of Barbieland”, says Greenwood, “there is an homage to the male construction industry and the male gaze” (Zemler, "On Location"). Men who are passing him say “excuse me, sir, thanks man, what’s up bud”. This new world that he encounters in Century City is giving him an identity. For the first time, he is something more than an unwanted MPDB. He is sir, he is man, he is bud. Since the Kens exist as a second-class species whose sole purpose is to cheer the Barbies on, he cannot comprehend his actual yearning, he thinks common decency (someone saying excuse me) is what patriarchy is. A fish out of water, the manic pixie Ken creates a pastiche of everything he encounters to assume this new identity: male presidents, mini-fridges, golf, a fur coat, and even horses. His first interaction with horses is through two police officers riding horses. Believing that horses are an important part of patriarchy, Ken wearing a cowboy outfit too, internalises the bond between horse and man. Pickel-Chavelier, in a study about horse stories, states that “the horse has been a fundamental element in the evolution of Western civilization” (120). Robinson argues that historically “the human-horse relationship was male-dominated, reflecting the horses’ role as a work tool and the traditional placing of power and power sources under the control of men” (44). Thus, the rider has been considered to have “increased power and an increased sense of power” while evoking “a sense of inferiority and envy” in pedestrians (Robinson 43). Studying the human-horse relationship through the American mounted police, Lawrence claimed that the mounted police have close relationships with their horses. Robinson states that “the officers spend much time with their animals each day and develop a sense of trust” (43). Ken's admiration of horses likely symbolises his evolving understanding of masculinity and power dynamics within patriarchy. Being introduced to horses as symbols of authority and control, he understands them as companions embodying strength, loyalty, and trust. This explains how he understands masculinity as a realm where power is defined by mutual respect and partnership, rather than dominance, which is also probably the reason why he loses interest in patriarchy when he realises it’s not about horses. Nicholas, in their article "Ken’s Rights?", claims that “radicalization … is often motivated by feelings among … men of being left behind by a feminist world or system that doesn’t value them. This then leads them to long for an imagined natural order of patriarchy where women are back in their place and men regain their entitlements”. Ken’s frustration leads him to introduce patriarchy to his fellow Kens, envisioning a transformation of Barbieland into a new Century City. This shift reflects Ken’s Manic Pixie healing journey: rather than being solely an MPDB, Ken slowly constructs an identity under patriarchy for himself. Drawing from Connell's perspective on hegemonic masculinity, which posits that masculinity is always constructed in response to subordinated masculinities, we see how Ken's desire for change extends to altering the very fabric of Barbieland, from its constitution to its name, renaming it Kendom. This name change holds significance, echoing the concept of “Inceldom” within the larger misogynist ecosystem of the Manosphere, where men perceive themselves as deprived of love and intimacy due to feminist ideals. In addition to incels, the ‘Manosphere’ is comprised of Men’s Right Activists, Men Going Their Own Way (MGTOW), AND Pick-Up Artists (PUAs). Each of these groups subscribe to the same underlying philosophy, referred to as the ‘red pill’… When an individual has ‘taken the red pill’, they have enlightened themselves to a reality in which women wield feminism as a weapon against men, depriving them of sex and love. (Gothard et al. 1) Ken’s new outfit is another important change. As patriarchy leaks into Barbieland, Ken's outfit begins to reflect iconic images of masculinity, such as Sylvester Stallone in a mink coat. Previously, Ken's clothing complemented Barbie's, but now, his fanny pack displays his full name instead of just the letter K, positioned over his non-existent genitalia. This deliberate placement implies a newfound connection between his new identity and his imagined sex. When discontent Barbies strategise to disrupt the new order, they manipulate Kens' fragile egos, inciting conflict just before the crucial constitution vote. The fighting sequence starts with Ryan Gosling’s "I'm just Ken" song and imagery reminiscent of Rodin's iconic statue “The Thinker”. The Rodin Museum describes the figure as “a being with a tortured body, almost a damned soul, and a free-thinking man, determined to transcend his suffering through poetry”, mirroring Ken's current state of turmoil. In Rodin’s lifetime, there were “many marble and bronze editions in several sizes” that have been executed (Zelazko). Similarly, there are countless iterations of Ken, undermining his belief in his uniqueness. The general anticipation of the statue being impressive but then feeling let down when seeing its real size serves as a poignant metaphor for Ken's inflated self-importance, contrasted with his inherent fragility and insignificance. As the chorus “I’m just Ken” starts, Ken (Gosling) rides into the battle “on paddle boats reminiscent of cannon-loaded ships, while [Ken (Liu)]’s crew carries him over their shoulders, spinning umbrellas like wheels and holding stick horses as if they were human chariots” (Lee), having frisbees, tennis rackets, and other sports equipment in their hands. This imagery not only captivates the audience but also serves as a reflection of the sports and war imagery in media representations of men. The notion of hegemonic masculinity is intricately woven into such depictions. Jansen and Sabo point out “that the sport/war metaphor is embedded within a “deep structure” of patriarchal values, beliefs, and power relations that, in turn, reflect and advance the agendas of hegemonic masculinity” (2). This metaphor not only reflects but also advances the agendas of hegemonic masculinity. By glorifying competition and valorising traits associated with aggression and dominance, media representations perpetuate narrow and rigid norms of masculinity, reinforcing the hierarchical gender dynamics prevalent in society. However, through playful exploration of these notions, Barbie introduces a significant step in the healing journey of MPDBs, all while cleverly critiquing the inherent associations society makes between masculinity, competitive sports, and even aspects of warfare. Kenough As Ken continues his performance, seamlessly transitioning from a part-power ballad, part-battle sequence into a dream ballet, the narrative takes a profound turn. Connell's concept of “gender order”, referring to “a historically constructed pattern of power relations between men and women and definitions of femininity and masculinity” that emerge and are transformed within varying institutional contexts (98-99), becomes particularly relevant when applied to dancing, seen as an institutional context. Silvester, discussing how gender dynamics within dancing evolved, notes that in the 60s, with the twist and later with disco dancing, dancers did not have to have partners any more, which made the “presumptions about the effeminacy of professional male dancers” widespread (qtd. in Owen 18). Because in performance culture female dancers were the objects of desire for usually male spectators, dancing found itself a place inside the borders of femininity, “and homophobic prejudices against male dancers grew” (Owen 18). Initially, at the party, dancing symbolises their confinement to their identities as Barbie’s accessory, and later it serves as a catalyst for shedding the performative shackles of masculinity and patriarchy. Through dance, MPDB Ken embraces authenticity, breaking down the barriers of the embarrassment of showing admiration to his fellow Kens and fostering genuine connection and affection. The Kens help each other up, they giggle, and they kiss each other on the cheek; they are no longer threatened by each other or by showing affection. As the battle sequence comes to an end, one Ken acknowledges that they were only fighting because they didn’t know who they were. What initially began as a melodramatic expression of the insecurities of an incel, angry at his object of affection, transforms into a collective affirmation of self-worth, fostering unity and acceptance among the Kens. Lee aptly describes this transformation as an elevation from internal conflict to self-affirming validation, marking a pivotal shift away from self-destructive behaviours towards mutual respect and understanding. Ken finally has an identity that is not defined through Barbie’s gaze or patriarchal vision of masculinity. He is not an MPDB that only exists for the protagonist anymore. He finds an identity; however, one he does not know how to express. Connell and Messerschmidt state that “men can adopt hegemonic masculinity when it is desirable; but the same men can distance themselves strategically from hegemonic masculinity at other moments. Consequently, ‘masculinity’ represents not a certain type of man but, rather, a way that men position themselves through discursive practices” (841). Ken still does not abandon what he has found in the real world. Knowing he has been defeated he tries to “strategically” reposition himself. Like a toddler having a temper tantrum, he runs to his mojo dojo casa house, throws himself on his bed, and starts crying, while Barbie tries to comfort him. Myisha et al. suggest that Barbie, as a woman, again is cast in the role of nurturer and comforter, and thus the movie finds itself repeating gender stereotypes. However, missing the point that Ken is crying in this scene, these criticisms are themselves reinforcing gender stereotypes by mistaking common decency for an intrinsic association with women. Ken later denounces patriarchy and learns from Barbie not to define himself by his possessions, his relationship, or his job. Embracing his individuality, he declares, “I'm Ken, and I'm Kenough”, going down the slide, symbolizing a rebirth. In his final shot, Ken is seen with a sweatshirt proclaiming “I’m Kenough”. In embracing his past identities through the bandana and the color pink, he constructs a new identity, one that welcomes all colors. bell hooks defines feminism as “the struggle to end sexist oppression” for all women without “[privileging] women over men” (26). Greta Gerwig, in an interview with Time, acknowledges the struggles faced by both men and women throughout history, highlighting the universal pressure to meet unrealistic standards (Carlin). This suggests that while women face specific forms of oppression, men too are ensnared by other rigid societal norms, if not the same. By recognising these challenges, feminism advocates for the involvement of men in the movement. Whether it is standing in solidarity with women or confronting their own biases, men play a pivotal role in advancing gender equality. For feminism to thrive, it necessitates men's active participation, urging them to support women's rights and challenge patriarchal structures while remaining open to introspection and growth. Feminism has consistently aimed to dismantle the rigid gender binaries epitomised by the Barbie/Ken dichotomy, advocating for the separation of attributes from their gendered associations. From Barbie, we can glean the lesson that hierarchical and inflexible gender norms benefit no one and that power and social roles should not be determined by one's biological sex. Nicholas, in their article "Ken’s Rights?", claims that online antifeminist discourses reveal parallels between Ken's journey in the movie and themes found in Men’s Rights Activist spaces. Ken's transition from aggrievement to a more enlightened perspective on masculinity mirrors the narratives prevalent in such spaces. This underscores the importance of understanding and addressing men within the context of feminism, as their experiences are intertwined with broader societal structures and expectations. True progress cannot be achieved if we continue to view those who perpetuate patriarchy or toxic masculinity as “others”. We should see them as humanoid Ken dolls, and in doing so help them to help us trigger answers and solutions. Understanding and addressing these issues is crucial for healing and reducing harm inflicted by patriarchal norms. While Barbie may have its flaws, focussing solely on its shortcomings detracts from the opportunity to address deeper issues regarding society. MPDB Ken's portrayal as a subservient accessory to Barbie raises important questions about gender dynamics and the impact of societal expectations on individuals. Rather than vilifying Ken because he brought patriarchy to Barbieland, and reducing him only to a man, I advocate for understanding his journey and recognising him also as a brainwashed character, alongside the brainwashed Barbies, who needed the help of his friends to heal. By acknowledging and addressing the influence of patriarchal norms on all individuals, including men like Ken, we can work towards healing and progress for all. References Barbie. Dir. G. Gerwig. Warner Bros. Pictures, 2023. Breslaw, Anna. “Beware the Manic Pixie Dream Boyfriend.” The Cut, 13 Sep. 2015. <https://www.thecut.com/2015/09/beware-the-manic-pixie-dream-boyfriend.html>. Carlin, Shannon. “The History Behind Barbie’s Ken.” Time, 20 Jul. 2023. <https://time.com/6296386/barbie-ken-history/>. Connell, Raewyn. "The Social Organization of Masculinity." Feminist Theory Reader. Routledge, 2020. 192-200. ———. Gender and Power Cambridge. Polity, 1987. Connell, Raewyn, and James W. Messerschmidt. 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