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Young Muslim Women's Self-Styling: A Decolonial Research Architecture
No full textWhat is valued as “fashion” has been historically structured through racial–colonial power, including within fashion studies. This article challenges the epistemological Eurocentrism of fashion scholarship through a decolonial research design. First, the project is co-led by a Muslim woman with expertise in counter-epistemologies, securing non-Eurocentric epistemic and interpretive authority within Muslim womanhood from project inception. Second, we undertake a theoretical reparation of Erving Goffman’s Eurocentric “body idiom,” reworking it through Black feminist intersectionality to develop the “intersectional body idiom”—a framework that renders Muslim women’s self-styling analytically legible beyond Eurocentric interpretive limits. Third, we deploy fashion as method, a participant-centred approach that fortifies participants’ interpretive authority. Drawing on visual and narrative material generated by nine young Muslim women in the UK, we identify three themes visible only through a decolonial research architecture: navigating intersectional embodiment, custodianship of precious and precarious dress heritages, and the joy of the dual wardrobe. We demonstrate what becomes knowable when epistemic sovereignty is designed into research, offering academia a decolonial architecture that restores authority to racialised publics usually studied by those insulated from racial–colonial harm
Increased C-reactive protein is associated with corneal nerve loss and painful neuropathic symptoms in Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Full text linkAims/Introduction
To investigate the association between C-reactive protein (CRP) with sensory symptoms and deficits and measures of small fiber damage.
Materials and Methods
Adults with and without T2D underwent corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) and assessment of vibration perception threshold (VPT), DN4 symptom questionnaire, and fasting blood tests for CRP and metabolic markers.
Results
Of the 122 participants, 77 had T2D of whom 23 (29.9%) had DPN, and 45 were controls. CRP levels were significantly higher in those with T2D without and with DPN compared to controls (5.6 ± 2.9 and 5.4 ± 4.0 vs 3.8 ± 2.9 mg/L, P = 0.008 and P = 0.046, respectively), with no difference between those with and without DPN (P = 0.894). Higher CRP was independently associated with lower corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD) (β = −5.5 fibers/mm2 per 10 mg/L increase, P = 0.036), after adjusting for diabetes duration, BMI, HbA1c, and triglycerides. In the DPN group, those with positive symptoms (burning, painful cold, and electric shocks) had higher CRP levels compared to those with negative symptoms (6.5 ± 4.7 vs 3.8 ± 1.9 mg/L, P = 0.039).
Conclusions
Elevated CRP is associated with small nerve fiber loss and positive neuropathic symptoms in T2D. These findings suggest that CRP may help identify individuals with inflammation-driven DPN who could benefit from targeted interventions
Sport fandom and physical health orientation: the roles of group norms and team identification
Full text linkThe purpose of this study is to examine the interrelationships between group norms related to sport fandom, team identification, and fans’ physical health orientations. We conceptualize physical health orientations as an aggregate construct comprising health consciousness, health behavior, and self-rated physical health. Drawing on the social identity approach to health and well-being, this study highlights how two types of group norms related to fandom – shared drinking norms and health norms within fanbases – are associated with such orientations and how team identification moderates these associations. To this end, we surveyed frequent sport consumers (n = 1,471) from the United States and United Kingdom, and analyzed data via structural equation modeling. The results showed fanbase drinking norms were negatively related to fanbase health norms, which were in turn positively associated with fans’ health consciousness and health behavior. Although fanbase health norms were not directly related to fans’ self-rated physical health, team identification strengthened their positive association with self-rated physical health, as well as with health consciousness. The present study’s findings advance theoretical understanding of the mechanisms through which group norms and team identification are linked with fans’ physical health orientations. Additionally, we outline actionable strategies for sport managers – such as health-oriented branding and fan experiences that encourage healthier consumption and movement – to foster health-positive outcomes among fans
Multinationals, sustainability, and the move to a circular economy in global value chains
No full textThe transition to a circular economy (CE) is reshaping economic and social
relations across global value chains, particularly those linking brands in the
Global North to suppliers in the Global South. Much of the existing international
business (IB) literature focusses on multinational enterprises (MNEs)
and privileges the economic and cost-saving aspects of a CE. In addition, studies
typically depict MNEs as the primary drivers of CE transformations. This
tends to downplay the importance and dynamism within and among MNEs and
a broad range of national and transnational actors. We draw on the notions
of transnational social spaces (TSSs) and transnational communities (TCs)
to study efforts to move to a CE in MNEs’ supply chains. Using two TSSs
in Bangladesh’s apparel industry, we reveal three important properties that
emerge from structured interactions among actors: (i) shared purpose,
(ii) shared cognition and logics, and (iii) symbolic change and transformation.
These properties simultaneously reflect and shape efforts to move to a CE.
The TSS and TC concepts facilitate a dynamic, embedded, and contextualized
view of MNEs. Rather than position MNEs as isolated agents of change we highlight how they collaborate – and at times, conflict – with other actors
in pursuit of circular goals. We supplement IB studies that offer a relatively
linear, MNE-centric view of CE transitions
Adapting Aviation to Climate Change: Global and Regional Perspectives
Full text linkThe global aviation sector faces escalating operational, infrastructure, and financial risks from climate change effects such as higher average and extreme temperatures, sea level rise, and stronger storms. Given the sector’s critical role in both the global economy and social connectivity it is imperative to understand these risks and take effective and timely action to adapt and build resilience. Yet, despite increasing recognition of potential impacts, adaptation action is lagging, a clear exposure-adaptation gap. This thesis investigates the reasons for this gap, the barriers preventing engagement and how adaptation can be promoted and accelerated.
A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining empirical analysis, a systematic literature review, stakeholder elicitation and policy evaluation. The research first synthesised industry then academic knowledge to establish a comprehensive understanding of climate impacts and adaptation measures, identifying significant thematic and geographical research gaps. Two case studies then provided contrasting regional perspectives, with one focused on Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), a high-risk, low-information region, and the other on the United Kingdom, where a regulatory mandate for adaptation reporting is established. The LAC study highlighted a clear exposure–adaptation gap, identifying barriers such as limited data, resources, and regulatory support. Conversely, the UK study demonstrated the ability of mandates to drive adaptation action, although increasing consistency of reporting and broader airport engagement remain areas for enhancement.
The findings demonstrate the need to deepen understanding of impacts, expand research in high-risk regions, and increase capacity-building initiatives. A clear outline is presented for supporting and accelerating adaptation in the sector through a consolidated set of recommendations to (1) expand research and investigation of climate impacts; (2) accelerate work on climate risk assessment and adaptation action (3) enhance provision of data, guidance and support; (4) Strengthen collaboration and communication across the sector
Using think aloud with female adolescents to validate psychological well- and ill-being self-report measures
Full text linkMany existing measures of psychological well- and ill-being are used with young people without testing contemporary adolescent understanding of them. The purpose of this study was to use think aloud interviews to test adolescent understanding of three existing, and one newly created psychological well- or ill-being measures. An initial sample of 40 female participants aged 13–14 years took part in the study. Problematic items were identified based on thematic analysis of adolescent feedback. One item of the Lethargy Scale and one item of the Subjective Vitality Scale were adapted following integration of think aloud findings. The results also indicated that the Brief Serenity Scale was unsuitable for the participants. Subsequently, a second sample of 57 female participants aged 13–14 years completed the think aloud protocol with an alternative measure of serenity, the Child Serenity Scale, and thematic analysis revealed no items were problematic. A 24-item psychological well- and ill-being self-report measure was consequently proposed for use in future research
Corporate Decarbonization via Technology and Management
Full text linkThis study provides a comprehensive overview of key findings on decarbonization, advanced technologies, and management strategies, highlighting emerging themes shaping the field. Advanced technologies enhance carbon reduction through efficiency, real‐time monitoring, and optimizing resource optimization. However, their integration remains challenging due to technological and organizational complexity, necessitating a shift in management strategies. Growing climate regulations and environmental responsibility make decarbonization a strategic business priority. This study synthesizes research to identify key factors influencing decarbonization management and presents a conceptual framework with research propositions for future study. We argue that successful corporate decarbonization requires a holistic approach integrating technology, revised management strategies, and systemic transformation to accelerate the transition towards a net‐zero economy
Advancing Inclusive Knowledge on Green Infrastructure Planning and Management for Policy Integration and Transferability within Local Spatial Planning in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Case of Accra, Ghana
No full textThe Green Infrastructure (GI) concept refers to the strategic interconnection of natural and semi-natural areas in urban areas through networks of natural spaces, including parks, urban forests, coastal areas, wetlands, grasslands, green corridors, and waterbodies. It has emerged as a cornerstone of integrated urban planning. Western nations have increasingly adopted GI into their policy frameworks as a mutually beneficial approach to urban sustainability. In low-income countries such as sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), there remains a conspicuous lack of information on GI planning. This knowledge gap not only limits planning capacity and coordination in SSA but also perpetuates an imbalance in global scientific discourse on GI, hindering the development of contextually responsive, tailored innovation.
The study aims to address this imbalance by critically assessing the transferability potential of the Western GI concept to the SSA context, as well as examining the dynamics of local GI planning and management. Employing a qualitative case study methodology using document review and semi-structured interviews with photo prompts, the study focused on Accra, Ghana. The research uncovers novel insights pertinent to both policy and practice. The analysis reveals that planning policy objectives in Accra are strategically aligned with the Western GI concept principles. It also identifies significant planning gaps, limitations, and local decision determinants. Its findings emphasise and expand the debate on concept transfer into local policies, highlighting the importance of recognising indigenous knowledge and locally attuned adaptations over wholesale transfer of the Western GI concept.
The findings of this study have profound implications for theory and practice, offering valuable insights into the complexities of urban GI planning in SSA. It addresses the existing paucity of research on SSA GI planning and stimulates dialogue on broader GI discourses. It highlights the transferability and adaptability potential of GI in planning policies and advances debates on policy transfer and diffusion. In practice, the decision-making determinants identified can help shape institutional choices, priorities, and funding to promote accountability and compliance in GI planning and implementation. It highlights the lack of an official comprehensive GI strategy in spatial planning and identifies clear policy levers for effective policy integration. Finally, the study contributes to knowledge through a grounded theory and a case study conceptual framework, informed by its empirical findings
An Autoethnography of My Experiences of Undergoing Fertility Treatment While Working as an Academic
Full text linkIn this paper, I provide an autoethnographic account of my experiences of undergoing fertility treatment while working in a higher education institution in the United Kingdom. My autoethnographic reflections are situated in the context of neoliberal academia, characterized by high pressures to perform. Despite the prevalence of infertility and the significant impact that undergoing fertility treatment can have on an individual while trying to fulfill employment responsibilities, infertility has been described as an invisible workplace issue. Through autoethnographic vignettes, I seek to make visible the hitherto stigmatized infertile body in the neoliberal academy by bringing to the fore how I performed my role as an academic while undergoing fertility treatment; highlighting my emotional and embodied experiences of undergoing fertility treatment while working in higher education; and proposing recommendations as to what more can be done to support colleagues undergoing fertility treatment
The ‘HELLO Campania’ project and corpus: documenting language practices of linguistic minorities in Campania, Italy
No full textHELLO Campania (Heritage Languages and the Languages of the Others in Campania) is
a project focused on immigrant minority languages and their speakers in the Campania
region of Italy. In this paper, we present the scientific background of the project and
highlight its innovative aspects. We also describe the methodology used for data collection,
and we provide an overview of the dataset and the structure of the HELLO Campania
Collection, which has been archived and is available for consultation in the Eurac Research
CLARIN Centre repository. The dataset consists of sociolinguistic interviews, language
portraits, and linguistic tasks collected from speakers belonging to six communities:
Bangladesh, Ghana, the Philippines, Senegal, Sri Lanka, and Ukraine. The aim of this
paper is twofold. First, it serves as a reference point for users interested in the HELLO
Campania Collection, offering insights into the project’s objectives and methodological
framework. Second, it contributes to a broader reflection on methodological approaches in
research on multilingualism and heritage languages, with particular attention to the
advantages and limitations of sociolinguistic techniques, such as questionnaires, and
elicited data, such as linguistic tasks