\u27I just want a shirt that will fit me!\u27: An inductive approach to understanding transgender consumers\u27 shopping experiences

Transgender consumers are often unable to express their identity or construct their appearance in the way they desire. Social realities inhibit realness, and it can be difficult or even impossible for them to externally realize their full identity (Gray 2009). The purpose of this research is to understand how transgender consumers’ gender identity influences their shopping experiences. Utilizing a lens of gender performativity theory, the research questions guiding the study include the following: (1) In what ways do transgender and gender non-conforming individuals experience the current retail apparel landscape? (2) How do transgender individuals navigate experience shopping for clothing and grooming products? (3) How does the shopping experience exacerbate or alleviate gender dysphoria? Ethnographic and survey methods were used to gain understanding into the shopping behaviours of these consumers. Additionally, the researchers identified × themes through thematic analysis and several rounds of coding (1) gendered and clothing, (2) positive experiences, (3) the body, fit and sizing and (4) accessibility to clothing and fashion

Short term non-invasive ventilation post-surgery improves arterial blood-gases in obese subjects compared to supplemental oxygen delivery - a randomized controlled trial

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In the immediate postoperative period, obese patients are more likely to exhibit hypoxaemia due to atelectasis and impaired respiratory mechanics, changes which can be attenuated by non-invasive ventilation (NIV). The aim of the study was to evaluate the duration of any effects of early initiation of short term pressure support NIV vs. traditional oxygen delivery via venturi mask in obese patients during their stay in the PACU.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>After ethics committee approval and informed consent, we prospectively studied 60 obese patients (BMI 30-45) undergoing minor peripheral surgery. Half were randomly assigned to receive short term NIV during their PACU stay, while the others received routine treatment (supplemental oxygen via venturi mask). Premedication, general anaesthesia and respiratory settings were standardized. We measured arterial oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry and blood gas analysis on air breathing. Inspiratory and expiratory lung function was measured preoperatively (baseline) and at 10 min, 1 h, 2 h, 6 h and 24 h after extubation, with the patient supine, in a 30 degrees head-up position. The two groups were compared using repeated-measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) and t-test analysis. Statistical significance was considered to be P < 0.05.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>There were no differences at the first assessment. During the PACU stay, pulmonary function in the NIV group was significantly better than in the controls (p < 0.0001). Blood gases and the alveolar to arterial oxygen partial pressure difference were also better (p < 0.03), but with the addition that overall improvements are of questionable clinical relevance. These effects persisted for at least 24 hours after surgery (p < 0.05).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Early initiation of short term NIV during in the PACU promotes more rapid recovery of postoperative lung function and oxygenation in the obese. The effect lasted 24 hours after discontinuation of NIV. Patient selection is necessary in order to establish clinically relevant improvements.</p> <p>Trial Registration#</p> <p>DRKS00000751; <url>http://www.germanctr.de</url></p

PLAYING THE GAME: UNPACKING GENDER, RACE, AND APPEARANCE INEQUITIES IN CORPORATE FASHION

This study utilizes a feminist perspective to share the stories of women in fashion as they navigate their careers in conjunction with intersecting forms of identity and appearance. I seek to understand the lived experiences of the women throughout their obstacles, privileges and perceptions of social structures that uphold a unique horizontally female segregated, vertically male segregated industry. Specifically, this study critiques the systems that inhibit career growth through gender and racial inequity, power imbalance and appearance expectations. A method of in-depth interviews analyzed through a hybrid reflexive thematic analysis approach was triangulated with photo data analysis to unpack gender and based appearance experiences in fashion. The three themes revealed in this study include: (1) The Impact of Gender Inequality in Leadership on Organizational Culture, (2) Brand Standards and Industry Norms Influence Appearance and Dress, and (3) Gender Inequality is Not Equal for All Women