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Purpose: The main objective of this paper is to examine the motivators and barriers parents face when acquiring secondhand products for their children while specifically investigating the potential influence of prior experience on the relationship between these motivators, barriers and parents' purchase intention toward secondhand clothing for their children. Design/methodology/approach: To address these objectives, a survey was conducted, yielding 265 valid responses. The sample comprised parents, with 96 having previous experience buying secondhand products and 169 without such experience. Multiple and binomial linear regression analyses were employed to examine the collected data. Findings: Two motivators (economic motivation and environmental sustainability) and three barriers (social embarrassment, hygiene and risk) were tested, and our findings indicate that environmental sustainability and the perception of risk significantly influenced the intention to buy secondhand products for childrenswear. The results showed that for consumers with previous experience, the perception of risk is nonsignificant, suggesting that experience influences consumers' barriers to buying secondhand products. Originality/value: This article is focused on the consumer behavior of parents who buy clothes for their children, and it is one of the few articles that proposes and tests a theoretical framework aiming to find empirical evidence about the motivators and barriers to consuming secondhand products in this market. Research limitations/implications: This study was specific to the childrenswear market, with characteristics that incentivize secondhand consumption, which might limit the findings. Practical implications: The results suggest that marketers should focus their efforts on highlighting sustainability claims when advertising their secondhand products to consumers and investing in incentivizing consumers to buy secondhand products for the first time, as it might reduce barriers to their consumption in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Determine physiological and behavioral stress in preterm infants during bodysuit application in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Design: Randomized crossover design using two clothing interventions: 1) hospital blanket swaddling and 2) a short-sleeve bodysuit. Sample: Preterm infants (N = 8) at 320 /7 to 346 /7 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA) at testing. Main Outcome Variables: Heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation (O2 ), and Neonatal Pain, Agitation, and Sedation Scale (N-PASS) measured in three phases: baseline before a diaper change, intervention after the diaper change, and recovery. Results: An increase in HR above normal limits and a clinically significant increase in N-PASS scores were observed when the infants were dressed in a bodysuit compared to swaddled only. Donning a bodysuit did not affect O2 levels. Dressing a preterm infant in a bodysuit while in the NICU added temporary but consistent stress and should be avoided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children's dress is a constituent element of individual and group identity as well as an indicator of social change. Exploring childhood in three Greek rural communities in Laconia, Kythera, and Crete as well as in their respective diaspora in the United States, this study aims at shedding light on the (re)presentation of children in photographic records through clothing, perceived as the material projection on the self and the group (familial, ethnic, transnational). Drawing from theoretical and methodological approaches of distinct fields, such as history, fashion, photography, material and visual studies, and social anthropology, the study explores dynamic changes and shifting meanings in the way children were perceived and projected or asserted themselves through tangible sources, namely photographs, and clothing. The time period examined spans from the 1900s to the late 1930s without rigidly defining, as shifts witnessed in this time period were occurring in the last years of the 19th century, while the aftermath of the 1930s recession years could be felt beyond the period under study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of China Textile Leader is the property of China Textile Information Center and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

While cultural products such as clothes are usually not designed with an educational goal in mind, they may still raise biodiversity awareness. This study explored the portrayal of animal biodiversity on children's clothing marketed by three major clothing retailers in the Netherlands. Findings showed that although nonhuman animals were a common theme, diversity was quite low. The portrayal was centered on mammals, in particular exotic and domestic species, and a gender binary was uncovered, restricting animals such as dinosaurs to boys' clothes and butterflies to girls' clothes. Moreover, portrayals were often highly simplified and anthropomorphic, which reduced recognizability. The results show that children's clothes currently do not offer the balanced and iconic depiction of animal biodiversity needed for broadening people's perceptions. To achieve a more extensive representation that can help connect people with biodiversity, a shift in ideas will be required of what animals are suitable to portray. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Cuadernos del Centro de Estudios de Diseño y Comunicación is the property of Cuadernos del Centro de Estudios de Diseno y Comunicacion and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Functional textiles and clothing designed for children should provide a safe and supportive environment, encompassing comfort, safety, health, wellbeing, and cognitive development, as well as fostering interaction and exploration. This study explores the multifaceted nature of functional textiles and clothing for children. It emphasises the importance of comprehensive knowledge about the user and an interdisciplinary approach in the design process. The integration of expertise from diverse fields contributes to a holistic understanding of the challenges and opportunities inherent in creating clothing that satisfies aesthetic demands and promotes the wellbeing of children. Through a study of existing research in functional textiles and a market analysis of children's clothing, this research underscores the importance of practical application of studied materials and technologies in children's fashion, creating innovative and purposeful solutions. This collaborative effort involves working with multidisciplinary teams and applying designers' updated knowledge of functional materials throughout all stages of the design process. The study emphasises the designer's responsibility in articulating the essential knowledge needed to integrate functionality from the beginning of the design process, ensuring that practical considerations are integral to the core attributes of the clothing. The study also proposes a framework that represents the design process for functional children's clothing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Up2beat is an online fashion center that provides high-quality clothing according to the latest trends, with a variety of styles for all walks of life and collections of men's, women's and children's clothing. In addition, they offer fashion accessories to complete the look, while prioritizing environmentally friendly practices and good work ethics standards. This study tests and proves whether payment gateways and ease of shopping influence customer satisfaction in the Up2beat marketplace. The method used in the research is quantitative with an explanatory research approach. The data collection techniques used are questionnaires and documentation. The data analysis technique uses multiple regression with the help of SPSS software. The results showed that the payment gateway factor and ease of shopping explained 94% of customer satisfaction. While the t test simultaneously shows partially and simultaneously that payment gateways and ease of shopping affect consumer satisfaction. Even though there is a significant influence between all these variables, of course, it is also necessary to look for other factors outside of payment gateways, ease of shopping and customer satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of the current social environment on people's consumption structure has made children's clothing an increasingly prominent strategic position in the competition in the clothing industry. To study the design dimensions of current children's clothing products, taking children's clothing products as the research object, a sample database and a vocabulary database related to design elements were constructed through market research methods. Initial data was obtained by observing, clustering, and sorting the collected 400 children's clothing samples in combination with the vocabulary database. The initial data was analysed using the factor analysis method in SPSS software, and three independent factors regarding the design dimensions of children's clothing products were extracted: aesthetic factors, care factors, and educational factors. Based on the research process and factor analysis results, we try to optimize the design of children's clothing products. The research results show that the design of children's clothing products is carried out from three dimensions: aesthetics, care and education. Also, the current children's clothing products have deficiencies in multiple design dimensions. Optimized design can be used as a guide for children's clothing design practitioners, and provide optimization directions for children's clothing practitioners to design in line with market development and children's growth needs.

The design and development process of clothing products for premature babies includes a set of requirements for these types of functional products for this group of wearers. The clothing products intended for premature children must ensure the functionality of the product and the safety of the child who wears it, by respecting the dynamic effects transposed in the constructive additions, provided in the proposed design method. The addition system adopted in the developed design method meets the dynamic needs of premature babies. Designed clothing contributes to improving the condition of the premature baby in the incubator through functions adapted to the requirements and conditions imposed. These products can provide comfort and utility to everyone involved: parents, doctors and children. Therefore, the development of functional clothing for premature infants in intensive care ensures the maintenance of body temperature within normal limits and the comfort of children, and facilitates the necessary medical procedures. Research has shown that the design of new textile products for premature babies has an important role in development and growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of REGEPE Entrepreneurship & Small Business Journal is the property of Revista de Empreendedorismo e Gestao de Pequenas Empresas (REGEPE) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of REGEPE Entrepreneurship & Small Business Journal is the property of Revista de Empreendedorismo e Gestao de Pequenas Empresas (REGEPE) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Children's clothing is a prime example of fast fashion, as their continuous growth requires frequent purchases. This not only impacts the environment but also puts financial strain on parents. Concurrently, many highland children lack essential material and educational resources, contributing to poverty in the region. To address these challenges, local authorities urgently require a sustainable solution that supports children, communities, and localities, fostering comprehensive development. The project development criteria are evaluated based on the United Nations' 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs). Data was collected through an online survey of 50 married individuals, 162 non-married individuals, and interviews with those who have organized events for children in the highlands. Additionally, insights were obtained from three children from disadvantaged areas. The results indicate that all target groups show a keen interest in social activities for children. Parents facing difficulties accessing charities, and the lack of effective collaboration between charities and local authorities, hinders sustainable development efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Humanities & Social Sciences (2522-3380) is the property of Arab Journal of Sciences & Research Publishing (AJSRP) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Trachoma, the leading infectious cause of blindness, is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct). Despite enormous disease control efforts and encouraging progress, trachoma remains a significant public health problem in 44 countries. Ethiopia has the greatest burden of trachoma worldwide, however, robust data exploring transmission risk factors and the association between socio-economic status is lacking from some regions. This is the first study to investigate these factors in this South-Eastern region of Oromia, Ethiopia. Methodology/Principal findings: A total of 1211 individuals were enrolled from 247 households in Shashemene Rural district in Oromia Region between 11th April and 25th June 2018, of whom 628 (51.9%) were female and 526 (43.4%) were children aged 1–9 years. Three standardised ophthalmic nurses examined each participant for the presence of active trachoma using the WHO simplified trachoma grading system. Conjunctival swab samples were collected from the upper tarsal conjunctiva of the left eye of each participant. Ct was detected using quantitative PCR. Risk factor data were collected through structured interviews and direct observations. Clinical signs of trachomatous inflammation-follicular among children aged 1–9 (TF1-9) were observed in at least one eye of 106/526 (20.2%) and trachomatous inflammation-intense among children aged 1–9 (TI1-9) were observed in at least one eye of 10/526 (1.9%). We detected Ct by PCR in 23 individuals, of whom 18 (78.3%) were in children aged 1–9 years. Among the 106 children aged 1–9 years with TF, 12 (11.3%) were Ct PCR positive and among 20 children aged 1–9 years with TI, 4 (20.0%) were Ct PCR positive. In a multivariable model, adjusting for household clustering, active trachoma was associated with younger age, the poorest households (aOR = 2.56, 95% CI 1.21–5.51), presence of flies on the face (aOR = 2.87, 95% CI 1.69–6.46), and ocular discharge (aOR = 1.89, 95% CI 1.03–3.24). Pre-school children face washing more than once a day had lower odds of having active trachoma (aOR = 0.59, 95% CI 0.19–0.84). The same was true for washing children's clothing at least once per week (aOR = 0.27, 95% CI 0.33–1.02). Conclusion/Significance: Younger age, personal hygiene in this age group (presence of ocular and nasal discharges, infrequent washing of faces and clothing) and fly-eye contacts are potential risk factors for trachoma in this setting, suggesting that hygiene interventions and environmental improvements are required to suppress transmission to ensure sustained reduction in disease burden Further studies are needed to evaluate these interventions for trachoma control and elimination. Trachoma remains a disease associated with lower socio-economic status, emphasising the need for continued implementation of control measures in addition to poverty reduction interventions in this region. Author summary: Trachoma, caused by ocular Ct, is targeted by the World Health Organization (WHO) for elimination by 2030. The WHO recommends the SAFE strategy to be implemented in all endemic countries. Ethiopia bears the highest trachoma disease burden globally. In Oromia, the biggest region of Ethiopia, the prevalence of trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF) among children age 1–9 (TF1-9) was >30% in 46% of the 2016 GTMP surveyed districts. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 247 households in Shashemene Rural district in southeastern region of Oromia to explore risk factors for trachoma in this setting. Prevalence of trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF) was 9.3% overall and 20.2% among children aged 1–9 years. Ct infection among individuals with active trachoma (TF and/or TI) was 12.7% overall. Seventy-eight percent (18/23) of those with Ct detected were children aged 1–9 years. In this setting, active trachoma was associated with younger age, the poorest households, presence of flies on the face, and ocular discharge, emphasizing the importance of the continued implementation of SAFE strategy in addition to poverty reduction interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article analyzes how the tracking of children's clothing by fashion brands implicates the enforcement of the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). Topics discussed include right of parents to control their child's privacy and safety as well as the family's personal information with the rise of smart technology, COPPA enforcement in modern cases, COPPA issues pertinent to the smart apparel industry, and proposed solution to reform COPPA's geolocation data tracking regulations.

Focusing on clothing and adornment (dress), this worldwide cross-cultural comparison asks why people in some societies appear to dress in uniform or standardized ways, whereas in other societies individuals display considerable variability in dress. The broader research question is why some societies have more within-group variation than others. Hypotheses are tested on 80 societies drawn from the Standard Cross-Cultural Sample (SCCS). The central hypotheses consider the impact of general societal tightness or looseness, degree of egalitarianism as well as other aspects of societal complexity, and the role of resource stress on dress standardization. Exploratory methods identify four latent constructs of dress from newly coded variables, one latent construct for tightness/looseness, and one latent construct for resource stress. As expected, (1) increased societal tightness was positively related to increased standardization and rules regarding dress and (2) increased resource stress is generally related to more standardization of dress and rules regarding adornment. However, contrary to theoretical expectations, the predictors of tightness–looseness differ from the predictors of dress. Most importantly, resource stress negatively predicts tightness but positively predicts three of the latent dress constructs. The relationship between dress standardization and societal complexity may be curvilinear, with mid-range societies having more standardization. Although some of the theorized relationships are supported (including that standardization of dress is predicted by societal tightness and more resource stress), at the end of paper we discuss some puzzling findings, speculate about possible explanations, and suggest further lines of research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"I think if my girl knew it was gender-neutral, she wouldn't want it, because she would say 'well that's for boys Mum' and she wants girls' stuff, just girls' stuff like all the other little girls". Brand gender identity has been widely explored within academia and is integral to the way brands engage with their respective gendered target audiences. A brand can be seen to adopt a masculine or feminine personality through a myriad of symbolic and functional representations which play a crucial role in conveying a brand gender identity. Prior research suggests that brands with a strong gender identity (either masculine or feminine) will encourage formidable consumer-based brand equity (CBBE). But what if those gender identities are transforming and those typical personality traits are no longer clear? We are in the midst of a gender revolution, a shifting landscape of gender identity which is equally challenging existing brand gender theory and brand management practice. Since the societal shifts in definitions of gender identities, there has been a rapid rise in the adoption of gender-neutral brands in the apparel industry. Despite this rise in popularity, this field has been relatively un-explored in academia and even-less so within the category of children's clothing. The existing literature has expressed concerns over the impinging factors that impact gender-neutral brands, specifically marketing complexity and confusing consumer proposition. Furthermore, it is not clear within the existing literature how gender-neutral brands combine the masculine and feminine functional attributes in the formation of brand gender identity, or how gender identity and gender stereotypes impact parents' perceptions of gender-neutral childrenswear in the retail environment. Therefore, this explorative research is exceptionally beneficial to practitioners and brand academics based on the growing rise of gender-neutral brands being adopted by the industry. In this paper, we explore brand gender identity in children's clothing, specifically parent consumer perceptions of gender-neutral brands with the adoption of a specific single study on British retailer John Lewis. This paper is significant because it is valuable to clothing brand strategists planning to adopt gender-neutral approaches, equally this is essential reading for brand management academics as the paper proposes to develop academic thinking on brand gender identity. Qualitative research methods were deployed and the findings support the impact of the cognitive antecedents in the top-down processing of the participants' formation of perceptions. Moreover, the findings revealed the existing themes of social acceptance, including perceived homosexuality and social in/out-group culture and the role of parents on gender-neutrality for their children which found to have a direct impact on the formation of the negative perceptions. The study proposes a conceptual framework based on the findings which incorporate the negative perceptions of gender-neutral brands, specifically correlating with the existing research on brand gender conformity and non-conformity in symbolic consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The disposal of undesired clothing, a crucial phase in consumers' post-purchase decision-making process, significantly impacts the environment. However, behavior regarding the disposal of children's clothing, a hitherto unexplored research area, differs from that of adults' clothing due to the unique physical features of children. Investigating consumers' behavior regarding the disposal of children's clothing is thus essential. Accordingly, this study aimed to identify factors influencing consumers' choice of disposal channels regarding children's clothing in China. Specifically, the study seeks to answer two sub-questions: (1) What are the factors that influence consumers' choice of conventional disposal channels for children's clothing? and (2) what is the usage status of online clothing recycling platforms among consumers, and what are the barriers and facilitators for their adoption? Data were collected through a combination of quantitative closed-ended questions and a qualitative open-ended question from an online survey involving 259 mothers of children aged 4 to 12 years. The quantitative data were analyzed using binary logistic regression, whereas the qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis and Chi-square by employing the capability, opportunity, and motivation–behavior model (COM-B). The findings show that Chinese consumers' choice of conventional disposal channels for children's clothing is influenced by reasons related to poor fit and clothing damage, mother's age, and family's annual family income level. Moreover, the study reveals that online clothing-recycling platforms as an emerging disposal channel are not widely accepted due to various barriers, including psychological capability, physical opportunity, social opportunity, and reflective motivation. Therefore, the insights gained from this study provide guidance to consumers, recyclers, public policymakers, and practitioners in the children's clothing industry towards children's clothing disposal, aiming to promote sustainable disposal behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]