Karen L. LaBat

Bio: Karen L. LaBat is an academic researcher from University of Minnesota. The author has contributed to research in topics: Irish & Product design. The author has an hindex of 18, co-authored 48 publications receiving 1302 citations.

An analysis of apparel industry fit sessions

Abstract: The fit session is the main point of evaluation for a garment during the product development process. This paper presents an analysis of the perceptions and practices of apparel industry professionals regarding best practices and areas for improvement for fit sessions. Participants from a large manufacturer of athletic apparel, including designers, merchandisers, product development managers, and pattern makers responded to a survey. Their responses suggest that fit sessions encompass product development decisions that extend beyond the fit of the garment to evaluation of design. Recommendations address the organization and communication of industry fit sessions with suggestions for using new technology to improve garment fit.

Body Cathexis and Satisfaction with Fit of Apparel

Abstract: Apparel as the product of standard sizing is reflected in female evaluation of self and body, i.e., body cathexis. This study focused upon body cathexis and the perceptions offit of clothing of 107...

A Three-Stage Design Process Applied to an Industry-University Textile Product Design Project:

Abstract: Continual exploration and understanding of the design process is necessary to advance and encourage implementation of this valuable tool in the field of textiles and clothing. This paper examines design processes used in related fields, presents a common structure that links these working methods, and demonstrates how the structure was used by a university design team to work with an industry client. Design processes used in fields that focus on the design of three-dimensional structures and spaces were reviewed. Salient features were examined and organized into three common stages of problem definition and research, creative exploration and development, and implementation. The project also demonstrates the application of the design process to a textile product design problem.

Analysis of Body Measurement Systems for Apparel

Abstract: Many methods have been developed to measure the body in an effort to capture its dimensions for clothing. Measuring the human body has been important in developing garments tofit the body, and syst...

Exploring the Relationships of Grading, Sizing, and Anthropometric Data

Abstract: Grading is the process used to accomplish the sizing of manufactured clothing. The focus of our research was to question the belief that the foundation for grading is size measurements that are bas...

American Society for Testing and Materials

Abstract: The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) is an independent organization devoted to the development of standards.

Overview of bacterial cellulose composites: a multipurpose advanced material.

Abstract: Bacterial cellulose (BC) has received substantial interest owing to its unique structural features and impressive physico-mechanical properties. BC has a variety of applications in biomedical fields, including use as biomaterial for artificial skin, artificial blood vessels, vascular grafts, scaffolds for tissue engineering, and wound dressing. However, pristine BC lacks certain properties, which limits its applications in various fields; therefore, synthesis of BC composites has been conducted to address these limitations. A variety of BC composite synthetic strategies have been developed based on the nature and relevant applications of the combined materials. BC composites are primarily synthesized through in situ addition of reinforcement materials to BC synthetic media or the ex situ penetration of such materials into BC microfibrils. Polymer blending and solution mixing are less frequently used synthetic approaches. BC composites have been synthesized using numerous materials ranging from organic polymers to inorganic nanoparticles. In medical fields, these composites are used for tissue regeneration, healing of deep wounds, enzyme immobilization, and synthesis of medical devices that could replace cardiovascular and other connective tissues. Various electrical products, including biosensors, biocatalysts, E-papers, display devices, electrical instruments, and optoelectronic devices, are prepared from BC composites with conductive materials. In this review, we compiled various synthetic approaches for BC composite synthesis, classes of BC composites, and applications of BC composites. This study will increase interest in BC composites and the development of new ideas in this field.

Brand personality of tourist destinations: An application of self-congruity theory

Abstract: The purpose of this research was to investigate the perceived destination personality of Las Vegas and to examine the relationships among destination personality, self-congruity, and tourist’s behavioral intentions. A convenience sample of 382 visitors to Las Vegas was surveyed, and 368 usable questionnaires were analyzed. The findings of the study indicate that tourists ascribe personality characteristics to destinations and that the perceived destination personality of Las Vegas is five dimensional: vibrancy , sophistication , competence , contemporary , and sincerity . These dimensions have a positive influence on tourists’ intention to return and intention to recommend. The study also supports the self-congruity theory within the context of tourism destinations, indicating that both actual congruity and ideal congruity have a positive impact on behavioral intentions. The study concludes that self-congruity is a partial mediator on the relationship between destination personality and tourist’s behavioral intentions. The practical and theoretical implications are discussed within the contexts of destination branding and the self-congruity theory.

Interventions to prevent skin cancer by reducing exposure to ultraviolet radiation: A systematic review

Abstract: The relationship between skin cancer and ultraviolet radiation is well established. Behaviors such as seeking shade, avoiding sun exposure during peak hours of radiation, wearing protective clothing, or some combination of these behaviors can provide protection. Sunscreen use alone is not considered an adequate protection against ultraviolet radiation. This report presents the results of systematic reviews of effectiveness, applicability, other harms or benefits, economic evaluations, and barriers to use of selected interventions to prevent skin cancer by reducing exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The Task Force on Community Preventive Services found that education and policy approaches to increasing sun-protective behaviors were effective when implemented in primary schools and in recreational or tourism settings, but found insufficient evidence to determine effectiveness when implemented in other settings, such as child care centers, secondary schools and colleges, and occupational settings. They also found insufficient evidence to determine the effectiveness of interventions oriented to healthcare settings and providers, media campaigns alone, interventions oriented to parents or caregivers of children, and community-wide multicomponent interventions. The report also provides suggestions for areas for future research.

Prescribing in Dermatology: Skin cancer

Abstract: The incidence of skin cancer is increasing and nurses are in an ideal position to help patients prevent and identify the disease at an early stage.