Fashionable connections: Alicia LeFanu and writing from the edge

This article focuses upon Alicia LeFanu (fl. 1809–36), author of several poems, six multi-volume novels, a critical biography of her grandmother, Frances Sheridan, and articles for the Court Magazine. Descended from an eminent literary family, and since misremembered as a mere ‘petticoat novelist’, LeFanu complicates ideas of the centre and the periphery in her writing. I explore how this interest is figured in LeFanu's use of the chapter epigraph, developing work I have undertaken as editor of LeFanu's early novel, Strathallan (1816). LeFanu's epigraphs persist across her fiction as a dimension in which she not only reflects upon literary legacies, but also contests the boundaries of her own print culture. Through its consideration of LeFanu, as author and reader, the article further reflects upon the significance of her example for a broader understanding of other women writers at the edges and borders of Romanticism, and of their literary networks

Machine for use in monitoring fatigue life for a plurality of elastomeric specimens

An improved machine is described for use in determining the fatigue life for elastomeric specimens. The machine is characterized by a plurality of juxtaposed test stations, specimen support means located at each of the test stations for supporting a plurality of specimens of elastomeric material, and means for subjecting the specimens at each of said stations to sinusoidal strain at a strain rate unique with respect to the strain rate at which the specimens at each of the other stations is subjected to sinusoidal strain

A process for the production of a scale-proof and corrosion-resistant coating on graphite and carbon bodies

A process for the production of a corrosion resistant coating on graphite and carbon bodies is described. The carbon or graphite body is coated or impregnated with titanium silicide under the addition of a metal containing wetting agent in a nitrogen free atmosphere, so that a tight coating is formed

The world's shellfish are under threat as our oceans become more acidic

First paragraph: For the past few million years the world’s oceans have existed in a slightly alkaline state, with an average pH of 8.2. Now, with carbon emissions escalating, there is more CO₂ in the world’s atmosphere. This dissolves in the oceans, altering the chemistry of the seawater by lowering the pH and making it more acidic – up to 30% more in the past 200 years. This growing acidification of the oceans is becoming a serious problem for the production of shellfish around the world.https://theconversation.com/the-worlds-shellfish-are-under-threat-as-our-oceans-become-more-acidic-10386

Washington\u27s Underinsured Motorist Statute: Balancing the Interests of Insurers and Insureds

This comment will distinguish the uninsured/underinsured motorist problem and coverages, and will outline the 1980 amendment to Washington\u27s uninsured motorist statute. The comment will then discuss some areas of the law likely to cause controversy and suggest resolutions to these issues. The proposed resolutions follow the approach taken by the legislature, balancing the conflicting interests of insureds and insurers

Psychosocial Factors and E-Cigarette Use: An Application of Problem Behavior Theory

Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use has increased among the U.S. population in recent years with estimates showing that nearly 15% of American adults have tried an e-cigarette (Villarroel et al., 2020). Problem Behavior Theory (PBT) has successfully outlined a variety of factors that affect an individual’s engagement in an identified problem behavior. In an attempt to better understand e-cigarette use among an emerging adult population (i.e., college student population), the purpose of the current study was to explore how a large subset of PBT factors may differentiate between e-cigarette user categories (nonuser, non-daily user, daily user). A sample of 487 college students over the age of 18 were collected from a Mid-Atlantic university. Positive-negative functions discrepancy (i.e., the difference between the endorsed reasons for using e-cigarettes and the endorsed reasons for not using e-cigarettes), sexual identity, other substance use (i.e., marijuana and alcohol), and control from parents and friends were identified as high-ranking splitting factors across user categories. Policy makers and prevention and intervention methods should tailor their approaches to target these factors. Such changes may result in the reduction of e-cigarette use among college students

Audre Lorde\u27s Expansive Influence on Black Lesbians: Jewelle Gomez, Cheryl Clarke, and Kate Rushin

Audre Lorde, who named herself black, feminist, lesbian, mother, poet, and activist, was a pioneer for black lesbians everywhere. In her poetry and prose, Lorde challenged the myths and taboos associated with black women, lesbians, and feminists. Although her work focused on a broad range of topics that illuminated her many identities, she concentrated most heavily on issues of multiple oppression and its resulting fear and silence. In naming herself, Lorde urged others to do the same — to fight the self-imposed and socially-imposed silence surrounding triple oppression. Countless women from the black community of writers have paid tribute to Lorde, both before and after her death, for aiding them in breaking the internal and external silences that stem from multiple oppression. Lorde has spoken to and incited many women from various backgrounds; however, her influence has extended most readily to the black lesbian community. Lorde\u27s far-reaching impact is illustrated in the works of black lesbians Jewelle Gomez, Cheryl Clarke, and Kate Rushin. Inspired by Lorde\u27s life and work, these women challenge through their poetry and prose the conflicts associated with triple oppression. Although the style of writing that Gomez, Clarke, and Rushin employ is quite different from both that of Lorde\u27s and each other\u27s, the images and issues that they present are very similar. In her work, Jewelle Gomez tackles issues of multiple identities and both the threat and liberation of self-exposure. Cheryl Clarke, who echoes Lorde\u27s message that speech is a powerful tool for liberation, follows Lorde in speaking about and reclaiming the lesbian erotic as a positive, life-giving force. And finally, Kate Rushin, while focusing on the conflicts of triple oppression, writes of the importance of community as a necessary means of support and validation. In Clearing a space for us, Rushin acknowledges the black lesbian community that Lorde has established for all black lesbians: Audre made a space, cleared a space for us that has never existed before ... especially, she made a space for Black lesbians, a space that has never existed in the history of the world ... We\u27ve been blessed to have her imprint on our lives (88). As evidenced by both their personal and political writing, Gomez, Clarke, and Rushin pay homage to Lorde for breaking ground for them, and thereby allowing them to embrace visibility and resist silence. In Gomez\u27s, Clarke\u27s, and Rushin\u27s poetry and essays, the effects of Lorde\u27s words and teaching can be seen and heard through their personal, emotional, and political exhalations. Even though Lorde has died, her words continue to live in these women\u27s voices