Dilemmas of Development and The Reconstruction of Fashion

Sustainable development by its nature appears elusive. It seems the more we try to capture and pin it down the more it moves away from us leading us into murkier waters and all manner of contradictions. No more is this felt than in the fashion industry where we are presented with a number of oppositions. The fashion cycle renders styles obsolete before they have worn out generating waste and over-consumptive practices. But it can also bring into the fore practices that have resonance to sustainable development in terms of their location, orientation and consideration for the environment. As studies emerge considering the detrimental environmental impacts of the manufacture and consumption of new clothes, second-hand clothes have become a focus for research endeavours considering how they can be reincorporated into the fashion system and have resonance to an ever ‘fashion’ hungry consumer. This chapter discusses methods for the processing of second-hand clothes into fashionable items and, by drawing on the wealth of ‘waste’ materials through reselling, restyling and remanufacturing, argues that ways of re-appropriating them into a more environmentally focused fashion industry is possible and necessary. It sets out as it hypothesis that the global fashion system has value in its transformative powers but that damaging and exploitative forces are still preventing it from being a force for good. This is due to the nature of the items being produced, the way they are manufactured and how they are ultimately consumed and disposed of

Size plasticity of intact motoneurons as reaction to partial denervation of muscle

It is known that partial denervation of muscle leads to the enlargement of the intact motor units by collateral sprouting of the intramuscular axons. After partially denervating the hind limb muscles in the frog, its effect on the intact motoneuron cell size was investigated. It was found that motoneurons increase in size when their motor unit territory expanded. This increase indicates size plasticity and the dynamic nature of motoneuron size. It is proposed that there are two distinct, but interacting states relating to motoneuron size (the stable ⇄ labile states). The implications of size plasticity of motoneuron on synaptogenesis/synaptic reorganization on its membrane surface is discussed

A Framework for the Design of Biomimetic Cellular Materials for Additive Manufacturing

Cellular materials such as honeycombs and lattices are an important area of research in Additive Manufacturing due to their ability to improve functionality and performance. While there are several design choices when selecting a unit cell, it is not always apparent what the optimum cellular design for a particular application is. This becomes particularly challenging when seeking an optimal design for more than one function, or when the design needs to transition spatially between different functions. Nature abounds with examples of cellular materials that are able to achieve multifunctionality, but designers lack the ability to translate the underlying principles in these examples to their design tools. In this work, we propose a framework to bridge the gap between nature and designer. We present a classification of natural cellular materials based on their structure and function, and relate them in a manner amenable for use in guiding design for Additive Manufacturing.Mechanical Engineerin

The experiences of stroke survivors with managing eating 6 months post stroke

Introduction: Stroke affects activities of daily living such as eating. Little is known about how stroke survivors cope with eating difficulties in the long term. This research conducted in the United Kingdom explores the complex phenomenon of eating difficulties 6 months post stroke. Method: This qualitative study used a participatory approach to explore the experiences of seven stroke survivors using a focus group and visual methods of photography, to explore the lived experiences of managing eating with a stroke disability. Findings: Participants (n = 8) identified barriers to managing eating including physical, social, environmental and emotional issues. Participants recognised that sustaining eating activities regardless of their disabilities was important for their wellbeing. Stroke survivors sought opportunities to participate in occupations that revolved around eating, which enabled them to experience mastery over eating activities. Participants viewed eating activities as a way to self-monitor recovery and progression. Conclusion: This study informs occupational therapy practice about how people living with stroke strive to adapt to eating difficulties