Lolita Fashion: A trans-global subculture

While there are some who would argue that the origin of Lolita fashion can be traced back to fiction (namely, the 1955 novel, Lolita, which was adapted to film in 1962 and again in 1997) and has relevance to sexual attractiveness with reference to the young, this popular style developed more recently into a subcultural identity in Japan as a distinctive style in its own right. This article regards Lolita as an independent street fashion and subculture and explores this particular culture that Lolitas (those who wear this distinct fashion style) have created. Although a small-scale subculture, Lolitas demonstrate an obvious way of thinking and behaving which reinforces their identity of which fashion plays a significant role. The fashion style suggests escapism through fantasy as it can be interpreted as a visual resistance against conventional culture and is therefore of interest to a range of disciplines including fashion, culture and behaviour theorists. The article explores this subculture in the UK context to provide a better understanding of British Lolitas and evaluates the marketplace to offer a retail-marketing perspective

Attitudes of New Graduate RNs Regarding Their Readiness for Practice Before and After Hospital Orientation

The acuity level of patients continues to increase making it more vital than ever that new graduate Registered Nurses (RNs) be prepared to give safe, quality care when leaving their hospital’s orientation program (Spector et al., 2015). Today, new graduate RNs need orientation programs that will ensure a smooth transition into nursing practice. This involves the ability to apply higher-level knowledge and skills in everyday practice situations, thereby, maintaining quality care (Henderson, Ossenberg, & Tyler, 2015). The purpose of this study was to identify differences between new graduate RNs’ opinions on readiness for practice, as measured by the Casey-Fink Readiness Practice Survey (Casey et al., 2011). The phases of Benner’s (1984) skills acquisition theory was used to determine at which level each participant felt they belonged. These methods were used at the beginning of hospital employment, at 4 weeks of hospital orientation, and at 8 weeks of hospital orientation. Qualitative feedback regarding the effectiveness of hospital orientation programs was collected using a focus group interview at the end of orientation. A mixed method, descriptive comparative design was used for this research. New graduate RNs from three hospitals in central Alabama were surveyed. A convenience sample of new graduate RNs was used for the survey portion of the research. A sufficient amount of responses to the Casey-Fink Readiness for Practice Surveys was not obtained in order to identify any significant changes from the beginning of orientation programs to the end. The focus group interview included five participants and identified several areas in need of improvement, most significantly the need for a designated clinical educator and consistent preceptors. These findings are significant, specifically regarding ensuring new graduate RNs are ready for practice, which will help decrease turnover

Social Workers\u27 Perspectives on Effective Practice in Criminal Justice Settings

Social workers practicing within the field of criminal justice face significant challenges. Through individual interviews, 17 experienced social workers from diverse criminal justice settings share their perspectives about the attributes needed for effective social work practice. Participants describe how they define success in their work and what it takes to be successful. They highlight specific ways of behaving within criminal justice settings, relationship qualities for working with criminal justice clients, and personal traits believed to be critical to effective practice. The participants also reflect on the value of their education and offer a suggestion for prospective criminal justice social workers

Lived Challenges to Ethical Social Work Practice in Criminal Justice Settings

Ethical social work practice within criminal justice settings is fraught with challenges. Through individual interviews in a qualitative study exploring social work practice in diverse criminal justice settings in the northwestern United States, a subsample of 9 social workers described the difficulties they experience adhering to social work\u27s professional code of ethics. They identify 2 primary areas of divergence, conflicting responsibilities and opposing interests, and identify the ways they respond to these challenges and the rationale behind their decisions. The discussion section explores avenues for strengthening social workers\u27 abilities to be a vital and ethical presence in criminal justice settings

A novel regulator of the p53-mediated mitochondrial apoptotic pathway

The p53 tumor suppressor protein induces apoptosis in response to genotoxic and environmental stress. Recent studies have revealed the existence of a transcription-independent mitochondrial p53 apoptosis pathway, however the mechanism regulating p53 translocation to mitochondria and subsequent initiation of apoptosis was not known. Here, we show that Tid1, also known as mtHsp40 or Dnaja3, interacts with p53 and directs its translocation to mitochondria in cells exposed to hypoxia. Overexpression of Tid1 in tumor cells promoted mitochondrial localization of both wildtype and mutant forms of p53 and was able to restore the pro-apoptotic activity of mutant p53 proteins that were otherwise unable to induce apoptosis. Tid1's mitochondrial signal sequence and DnaJ domain were both required for the movement of the p53-Tid1 complex from the cytosol to the mitochondria. Our findings establish Tid1 as a novel regulator of p53 localization and apoptotic function

Kept in the Dark: Exploring Children\u27s Preparation for Parental Incarceration and Reentry

Background Parental incarceration is a challenging and pivotal experience for families. Efforts to prepare children can hinder or promote children\u27s abilities to adapt. Objective This study addresses the research question: How informed and prepared are children for parental incarceration, family reentry, and re-incarceration? Methods Fourteen young adults shared their experiences related to childhood parental incarceration and family reentry through individual interviews. Findings Regardless of the parent\u27s stage of criminal justice involvement, arrest, incarceration, reentry, or re-incarceration, participants reported receiving very little information about what was taking place, why, or what they could expect. Conclusions Small efforts to prepare and inform children were perceived to be helpful as children. Resources and brief interventions that mitigate this experience of being kept in the dark are described

Historic Costume Simulation and its Application

This study highlights the potential of new technology as a means to provide new possibility for costumes in fragile condition to be utilised. The aim of this study is to create accurate digital duplicates of costumes from historical sources, and to explore the possibility of developing them as an exhibitory and educational method applying 3D apparel CAD and new media. To achieve this, three attributes for qualities of effective digital costumes were suggested: faithful reproduction, virtual fabrication, and interactive and stereographic appreciation. Based on these qualities, digital costumes and a PC application were produced and evaluated

Young Adult Reflections on the Impact of Parental Incarceration and Reentry

Little is known about the continuing effects of childhood parental incarceration into young adulthood. Fourteen young adults who experienced parental incarceration during adolescence shared their experiences through individual interviews focused on the following qualitative research question: In what ways do young adults believe they have been impacted in young adulthood by the earlier experiences of parental incarceration and reentry? Findings indicate that most relationships with previously incarcerated parents remain tenuous. Participants describe ongoing struggles to develop trusting relationships, manage negative emotions, and stay out of trouble. Findings have implications for assisting young adults and families affected by criminal justice involvement