Sources for Fashion History

Review of: Peter McNeil, Fashion: Critical and Primary Sources, Berg, Oxford, 2009. This review discusses the intended function of the publication of this massive four volume fashion history/fashion studies primary source material. This travels from the late medieval period to today in terms of its analysis of dress in its cultural and historical place. Whilst praising the breadth and alert choice of selected texts and authors, the review regrets that more attention was not paid to material culture approaches to the study of dress, past and present

Correlations among Multi-Wavelength Luminosities of Star-Forming Galaxies

It has been known for two decades that a tight correlation exists between far-infrared (FIR) and radio (1.4 and 4.8 GHz) global fluxes/luminosities from galaxies, which may be explained in terms of massive star formation activities in these galaxies. For this very reason, a correlation might also exist between X-ray and FIR/radio global luminosities of galaxies. We analyze data from {\it ROSAT} All-Sky Survey and {\it IRAS} to show that such correlation does indeed exist between FIR (42.5$-122.5\mu$m) and soft X-ray (0.1$-$2.4keV) luminosities in active star-forming galaxies (ASFGs).In order to establish a physical connection between the L_{\rmX}-L_{\rm FIR} correlation and global star formation rate (SFR) in galaxies, we empirically derive both $L_{\rm X}-L_{\rm B}$ and $L_{\rm FIR}-L_{\rm B}$ relations. Futhermore, we propose a relation between soft X-ray luminosity and SFR in star-forming galaxies. To further understand the $L_{\rm X}-L_{\rm FIR}$ relation, we construct an empirical model in which both FIR and X-ray emissions consist of two components with one being closely associated with star formation and the other not.Comment: 9 pages, 6 figures, accepted by MNRA

Development and psychometric testing of a multi-dimensional instrument of perceived discrimination among African Americans in the Jackson Heart Study

Objective Assessing the discrimination-health disparities hypothesis requires psychometrically sound, multidimensional measures of discrimination. Among the available discrimination measures, few are multidimensional and none have adequate psychometric testing in a large, African American sample. We report the development and psychometric testing of the multidimensional Jackson Heart Study Discrimination (JHSDIS) Instrument. Methods A multidimensional measure assessing the occurrence, frequency, attribution, and coping responses to perceived everyday and lifetime discrimination; lifetime burden of discrimination; and effect of skin color was developed and tested in the 5302-member cohort of the Jackson Heart Study. Internal consistency was calculated by using Cronbach α. coefficient. Confirmatory factor analysis established the dimensions, and intercorrelation coefficients assessed the discriminant validity of the instrument. Setting Tri-county area of the Jackson, MS metropolitan statistical area. Results The JHSDIS was psychometrically sound (overall α=.78, .84 and .77, respectively, for the everyday and lifetime subscales). Confirmatory factor analysis yielded 11 factors, which confirmed the a priori dimensions represented. Conclusions The JHSDIS combined three scales into a single multidimensional instrument with good psychometric properties in a large sample of African Americans. This analysis lays the foundation for using this instrument in research that will examine the association between perceived discrimination and CVD among African Americans. Keywords: Discrimination, Racism, Jackson Heart Study, African American, Cardiovascular Diseas

Development and psychometric testing of a multi-dimensional instrument of perceived discrimination among African Americans in the Jackson Heart Study

Objective Assessing the discrimination-health disparities hypothesis requires psychometrically sound, multidimensional measures of discrimination. Among the available discrimination measures, few are multidimensional and none have adequate psychometric testing in a large, African American sample. We report the development and psychometric testing of the multidimensional Jackson Heart Study Discrimination (JHSDIS) Instrument. Methods A multidimensional measure assessing the occurrence, frequency, attribution, and coping responses to perceived everyday and lifetime discrimination; lifetime burden of discrimination; and effect of skin color was developed and tested in the 5302-member cohort of the Jackson Heart Study. Internal consistency was calculated by using Cronbach α. coefficient. Confirmatory factor analysis established the dimensions, and intercorrelation coefficients assessed the discriminant validity of the instrument. Setting Tri-county area of the Jackson, MS metropolitan statistical area. Results The JHSDIS was psychometrically sound (overall α=.78, .84 and .77, respectively, for the everyday and lifetime subscales). Confirmatory factor analysis yielded 11 factors, which confirmed the a priori dimensions represented. Conclusions The JHSDIS combined three scales into a single multidimensional instrument with good psychometric properties in a large sample of African Americans. This analysis lays the foundation for using this instrument in research that will examine the association between perceived discrimination and CVD among African Americans. Keywords: Discrimination, Racism, Jackson Heart Study, African American, Cardiovascular Diseas

The Recovery of Human Remains in Weapon-Contaminated Settings: Towards Guidance for the Mine Action Community

Mine action and forensic services are critical elements in the response to humanitarian needs during and after armed conflict. Mine action operators will work to identify, mark, and eventually clear areas contaminated with landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW). Forensic specialists and other related experts will be operational in the search for missing persons and the management of the dead by locating, recovering, and helping to identify human remains, while ensuring maximum protection, dignity of the deceased, and attention to their families.[1] These professions can often intersect in situations where human remains and explosive hazards are both present

The value of embedded secondary-care-based psychology services in rheumatology: an exemplar for long-term conditions

Rheumatoid arthritis is an exemplar long term condition, complicated by pain, disability, co-morbidities and long term medication use. It has significant effects on mobility, work performance, social role, sexual function and relationships. It is commonly associated with fatigue and mood disturbance as a result of complex interactions of physical (disease related) and psychosocial factors. NICE guidance recommends the availability of psychological support for these patients. We have implemented a psychology service for our patients with chronic rheumatological conditions. This study was set up to capture the value of this service

The Design, Production and Consumption of Scottish Turkey Red Textiles

Mary Schoeser jointly curated this exhibition celebrating the exotic Turkey red textiles that were produced in the West of Scotland from the 1780’s until the mid 20th Century, which dominated this sector of the world market. Schoeser's contribution focussed on the technical innovation by the Glasgow manufacturers in the complex dyeing process, determining how designs originally produced for South East Asia were adapted for the home and American markets and developing a practice-based analysis of the colourways, pattern repeat, weight and weave of the historical designs which were digitally reproduced for the exhibition. This study draws upon an overlooked but internationally significant archive in the National Museum of Scotland. This resource relates to other significant holdings in the Glasgow University Business Records Centre, Glasgow Museums, Glasgow School of Art Institutional Archive and the V&A. The project builds on the initiative, by Liz Arthur and Nasreen Askari, of the project ‘Uncut Cloth’ with Paisley Museum and Art Gallery supported by the Scottish Arts Council Lottery Fund and extends the work begun by the Turkey Red Trust with the local community in the Vale of Leven. The whole Scottish textile industry is under-researched and what little has been done fails to address in any depth the range of variables in the design process and manufacture and how these relate to the wider patterns of marketing and use. The effect of cultural transfer through Scots emigrants in the Eastern United States, particularly the Quaker connections between the west of Scotland, Philadelphia and Delaware, is significant

Physical health impairment, disability and suicidal intent among self-harm survivors in South India

This article was published in International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health.Background: Suicide is major public health concern in India. There are limited data examining the relationship between health impairment, disability and severity of suicidal intent. The aim of the study was to examine the associations of health impairment and disability with severity of suicidal intent among survivors following an act of self-harm. Methods: A pilot exploratory study of 453 self-harm survivors from a specialist hospital in South India. Sociodemographics, physical health impairment, disability (WHO Disability Schedule-II), suicidal intent, (Pierce suicide intent scale) and mental disorders were studied. Results: Arthritis was the most common physical impairment among self-harm survivors followed by gastrointestinal, sensory impairment and difficulty with mobilization. Nearly 10% of participants had some degree of functional impairment, with 38% experiencing severe physical pain in the week prior to self-harm. Past history of depression treatment, age, education and occupation influenced positively PSIS scores. There were significant associations between suicidal intent and disability. Conclusions: Indian self-harm survivors indicated complex relationships between physical health, disability and suicidal intent. Understanding these associations may help to develop suicide prevention strategies. Our findings suggest a need for integrating a comprehensive of physical health assessment in self harm survivors