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1 – 10 of over 3000Lanmin Wang, Hongmin Wang, Huiyan Zhang, Naiseman Akemujiang and Aimin Xiao
Body type classification has a great influence on plate making and garment sizing system, and the accuracy of body type classification method will greatly affect the fit of…
Abstract
Purpose
Body type classification has a great influence on plate making and garment sizing system, and the accuracy of body type classification method will greatly affect the fit of garment production. The purpose of this paper is to use the decision tree algorithm to study body classification rules, develop a decision tree body recognition model and judge the body shape of middle-aged women in Xinjiang.
Design/methodology/approach
First, perform dimensionless processing on the collected data of 256 middle-aged women in Xinjiang, and the dimensionless data were used for K-means body clustering; Then, quantitatively analyze the effectiveness of different classification clusters based on the silhouette coefficients. Second, the decision tree algorithm is used to divide the classified sample data into a training set and a test set at a ratio of 70/30, and select the best node and the best branch based on the Gini coefficient to construct a classification tree. Last, the overall optimal decision tree is generated by means of hyperparameter pruning.
Findings
The body shape of middle-aged women in Xinjiang can be divided into three types: standard body, plump body and obese body. The decision tree model has an excellent effect on body classification of middle-aged women in Xinjiang (precision (macro), 95.46%; precision (micro), 95.95%; recall (macro), 95.46%; recall (micro), 95.95%; F1 (macro), 95.46%; F1 (micro), 95.95%).
Originality/value
For scientific research, this paper is conducive to increasing the regional body type theory and stimulating the establishment of a garment sizing subdivision system in Xinjiang. In terms of production practice, this paper not only establishes a model for judging the shape of middle-aged women in Xinjiang, but also provides reference data for intermediates of various sizes. In addition, to facilitate pattern-making and the establishment of a subdivision system for the size of middle-aged women's garments in Xinjiang, this paper provides the grading values of various body control parts of middle-aged women in Xinjiang.
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At least three demographic trends in the twentieth century are having a tremendous impact on the patterns of women's lives. With increased life expectancy, reduced birth‐rate, and…
Abstract
At least three demographic trends in the twentieth century are having a tremendous impact on the patterns of women's lives. With increased life expectancy, reduced birth‐rate, and expanded occupational mobility, the life cycle of the American female has undergone great change. At midlife, many women today begin roles new to them—widow/divorcee, student, salaried employee, head‐of‐household are usually discussed. They may be confronted with new challenges—entering or reentering the labor force, returning to school, renewing old skills and roles—or may merely be struggling to survive. Rarely mentioned are the never‐married women and the fact that most people work because they must acquire the basics for themselves and/or for others.
Joyce Payne and Aurelia Stephen
If you are 30 or older, you are middle‐aged by someone's criteria. When the college students of the 1970s declared “Don't trust anyone over 30,” did you think they would be…
Abstract
If you are 30 or older, you are middle‐aged by someone's criteria. When the college students of the 1970s declared “Don't trust anyone over 30,” did you think they would be someday talking about you? And what about those who say “Life begins at 40”? Did you ever believe them?
Allen Douglas King, Jim Barry and Elisabeth Berg
The purpose of this paper is to focus on the attitudes of women and men in relation to gender‐appropriate domestic responsibilities and equal opportunities in the changing context…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to focus on the attitudes of women and men in relation to gender‐appropriate domestic responsibilities and equal opportunities in the changing context of neo‐liberalism.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors draw on results from an empirical investigation involving 1,731 questionnaires investigating the attitudes of women and men in a town in the north of Sweden.
Findings
The tentative conclusions suggest that even if they appear to co‐exist in contradictory ways, ideas of gender‐appropriate domestic responsibilities and equality of opportunity are in the respondents' minds, alongside neo‐liberal notions of individualisation. The prevailing attitudes in respect of gender suggest that women and men make apparently free “choices”; the influence of age on attitudes to gender issues is also considered.
Originality/value
This paper considers neo‐liberalisation and its impact on gender equity in Sweden, a country with a strong reputation for gender equity and a tradition of collective, inclusive social democracy, somewhere we would be unlikely to find its embedded presence. Using a quantitative self‐reporting approach to attitudes relevant to the choices made by men and women, the study raises questions about gender‐appropriate domestic responsibilities and equality of opportunity in a country that has been and continues to be regarded as one of the most gender‐friendly in the world and likely to be resistant to the influence of neo‐liberalism. The implications are explored, with the evidence indicating the presence of neo‐liberalism co‐existing, albeit perhaps uneasily, with traditions of equality of opportunity and attitudes to gender.
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Karen Kaigler‐Walker and Zelda L. Gilbert
The purpose of this paper is to determine and assess generational differences in Chinese women's perception of appearance and appearance products that can be explained by the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to determine and assess generational differences in Chinese women's perception of appearance and appearance products that can be explained by the political, economic, and social policies of China over the past 40 years.
Design/methodology/approach
This is an exploratory research using focus groups and a survey. Three age cohorts of Chinese women, those who came of age during the Cultural Revolution, those who came of age during the early and mid years of China's economic reforms, and those born after the implementation of China's one‐child policy and the market economy, are assessed as to their perception of appearance and use of appearance‐related products. Six cohort differences that could be attributable to these socio‐economic‐political events are found.
Findings
Significant differences between the age cohorts are found on four of six appearance‐related factors – sources of fashion information, happiness in purchasing new apparel, confidence in appearance, and preference for purchasing luxury goods.
Research limitations/implications
Although the study identifies cultural and generational constructs of Chinese women's perception of appearance and use of appearance products, due to its exploratory nature the findings are not generalizable to the larger Chinese community. In addition, to provide a more complete understanding of the generational differences, future research needs to take into account additional demographic information such as education and income.
Originality/value
No previous study has attempted to determine the impact of China's economic, social, and political policies on generational cohorts of Chinese women as to their perception of appearance and use of appearance products. Fashion marketers will benefit, as understanding these powerful determinants of purchasing behaviour are paramount to successfully planning, developing and marketing of apparel products.
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There is increasing interest in long-term conditions experienced singly and in combination. This paper aims to address this by considering the impact of long-term conditions on…
Abstract
Purpose
There is increasing interest in long-term conditions experienced singly and in combination. This paper aims to address this by considering the impact of long-term conditions on female labour market participation in later life.
Design/methodology/approach
This literature review considers a variety of evidence and policy related to long-term conditions as experienced by women.
Findings
The review suggests the importance of gender when considering long-term conditions and when considering employment because this is often gendered. There are several long-term conditions affecting women in particular that need to be considered by employers and policy makers.
Research limitations/implications
This review scopes the literature offering some illustrative examples of long-term conditions.
Practical implications
The review encourages practitioners and policy makers to include long-term conditions, as people age in thinking about ways to prevent, alleviate and respond to long-term conditions and to consider them in age-related initiatives in employment.
Originality/value
The review addresses long-term conditions among women in later life, suggesting that multiple policy and practice responses may need to be considered together in the development of any strategies and guidance.
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The importance of nutrition in the aetiology and treatment of disease has long been recognised. However, in general, medical education and practice has not kept abreast of the…
Abstract
The importance of nutrition in the aetiology and treatment of disease has long been recognised. However, in general, medical education and practice has not kept abreast of the tremendous advances in nutritional knowledge. Authorities in many countries have commented on the inadequate recognition, support and attention given to the subject of nutrition in medical schools. The need for nutrition education to students and to practising doctors has been repeatedly emphasised in the USA, where steps have been taken to implement suitable programmes. In the United Kingdom scant attention has been directed toward an evaluation of the current situation and little has been achieved in promoting nutrition education within the medical profession.
Heuristics are fundamental components of the bounded rationality paradigm and influence entrepreneurs' decisions profusely. On the other hand, the affect heuristic is one of the…
Abstract
Purpose
Heuristics are fundamental components of the bounded rationality paradigm and influence entrepreneurs' decisions profusely. On the other hand, the affect heuristic is one of the most important heuristics. The body of knowledge on entrepreneurial heuristics is scattered on the whole and very superficial concerning women entrepreneurs, given that most studies have considered women and men entrepreneurs similar in showing heuristics. The dearth of research is more evident in the context of developing countries. Thus, to fill part of the existing research gaps, this study explores the affect heuristic in Iranian women entrepreneurs.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper's data were gathered by conducting face-to-face interviews with 17 novice Iranian women entrepreneurs active in biotechnology, nanotechnology, advanced medicine, aerospace, textile and food sectors and analyzed through a thematic–narrative analysis.
Findings
According to the results, the main outcomes of the affect heuristic in Iranian women entrepreneurs are delaying the final decision (including an obsession with collecting too much information, overemphasizing the role of negative information and seeking external advice before making a decision), rash decisions (including evaluations based on satisfying decision strategies, too much enthusiasm about one's venture, as well as an optimistic assessment of different scenarios) and serious consideration of quitting (including too much disappointment and anger over discrimination).
Practical implications
Based on this paper's findings, novice women entrepreneurs should be heedful of their fear, which could not only delay their decisions but also paralyze their capability of decision-making. Furthermore, while under circumstances such as information overload and uncertainty, positive feelings like optimism and happiness could be very instrumental by enabling entrepreneurs to shorten the process of their decisions, women entrepreneurs should be very careful about the possible biases resulting from their positive affect.
Originality/value
This study is a pioneer in two respects. First, it explores women entrepreneurs' decision-making heuristics, which is often a neglected area of research. Second, coming to the conclusion that most of the research on women entrepreneurs has been conducted in the Western context, this paper focuses on the context of developing countries by targeting Iranian women entrepreneurs.
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Cyndy Townsend and Eva Tutchell
Contends that an obsession with food, weight and dieting dominatesthe lives of many girls and that assertiveness exercises and betterawareness of the pressures exerted by media…
Abstract
Contends that an obsession with food, weight and dieting dominates the lives of many girls and that assertiveness exercises and better awareness of the pressures exerted by media images of women can encourage pupils to have more realistic expectations of themselves. Suggests ways in which teachers can help young girls, particularly those who might appear to have an eating disorder. Considers the possible causes of eating disorders and the images of womanhood as portrayed by the media. Feels that the slimming and catering industries have enormous financial incentives to perpetuate myths about how women should look. Supports the view that, although pupils may need help to improve their eating patterns and diet, they also need help to like themselves and replace their feelings of guilt with appreciation of self‐worth. They can be helped to find ways to reduce their levels of stress and ensure their expectations are realistic. Concludes by recommending that the first suggestion, for building self‐esteem, be followed by assertiveness training activities, and that, after the second exercise on Images, participants should become aware that building their own self‐confidence is a vital first step in analysing and controlling their own eating patterns.
Birgit Blättel‐Mink, Caroline Kramer and Anina Mischau
Investigates how women reconcile the two concepts of family and career. Considers the relative importance of each and questions whether these can truly be reconciled to the…
Abstract
Investigates how women reconcile the two concepts of family and career. Considers the relative importance of each and questions whether these can truly be reconciled to the individual’s satisfaction. Looks at the attitudes and reasonings held by differing age ranges of women and compares their changing needs.
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