Holistic Approach Research Articles

The Butterfly effect in the consumption of electric and hybrid cars: between utilitarianism and environmental awareness

In this study, we conducted an investigation aimed at understanding the consumption of hybrid or electric vehicles from utilitarian or substantive aspects. Employing a qualitative and exploratory approach grounded in culture and consumption studies, we adopted netnography as the method for data collection and analysis (Kozinets, 2006; 2019). Our focus was directed towards participation in an online community of electric car consumers, as well as the analysis of interactive chats and comments on online videos about hybrid cars. Surprisingly, our findings revealed that many consumers embark on their journey motivated by the financial benefits of electric cars, drawn by the promise of savings. However, over time, we identified an intriguing phenomenon that we termed the "butterfly effect": as consumers engage more deeply in the consumption experience and interact within the online community, there is a significant increase in environmental awareness. This finding suggests that sustainable automobile consumption transcends purely utilitarian considerations, incorporating values and environmental concerns. Interaction within the online community emerges as a crucial factor in this process, serving as a catalyst for a shift in perspective towards vehicle consumption. The exchange of information, experiences, and perspectives within this virtual environment appears to stimulate deeper reflection on the environmental ramifications of their consumption choices. Thus, this study offers significant insights into the dynamics of consumer behavior regarding sustainable vehicles, highlighting the importance of online interactions in promoting environmental awareness and the adoption of more sustainable consumption practices. Furthermore, it underscores the need for a more holistic approach to understanding consumer motivations and decision-making processes in this evolving landscape.

Unraveling the Relationship between Oral Habits and Anxiety: A Narrative Review

ABSTRACT This narrative review aims to elucidate the bidirectional relationship between oral habits and anxiety, examining potential underlying mechanisms, psychological factors, and clinical implications. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar, to identify relevant articles published in peer-reviewed journals. Studies investigating the relationship between oral habits (e.g., bruxism, nail biting) and anxiety disorders, as well as associated psychological factors, were included. Oral habits and anxiety exhibit a bidirectional relationship, with individuals engaging in oral habits as coping mechanisms to alleviate anxiety and stress, while anxiety can act as a precipitating factor for the development or exacerbation of oral habits. Common underlying mechanisms include dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, alterations in neurotransmitter systems, and psychosocial factors. Psychological factors, such as cognitive-behavioral factors, emotional regulation, and attentional biases, further influence the manifestation and maintenance of both oral habits and anxiety. Understanding the complex interplay between oral habits and anxiety is crucial for holistic approaches to healthcare. Integrated assessment and management strategies are needed to address both conditions effectively, with emphasis on behavioral interventions, pharmacological approaches, and multidisciplinary collaboration between dental and mental health professionals. By recognizing and addressing the bidirectional nature of this relationship, healthcare providers can optimize patient care and improve overall well-being.

Developing an Ideal Change Management Framework for Enhancing Service Delivery in Government Parastatals: A Case Study of Kampala Capital City Authority in Uganda.

Purpose: This study aims to develop an ideal change management framework specifically tailored to government parastatals in Uganda, focusing on the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), to enhance service delivery. Methodology: The research adopted a cross-sectional and exploratory approach, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methods. The study population comprised 298 participants from various departments within KCCA. Data collection involved self-administered questionnaires, interviews with key informants, and documentary review. Validation of study instruments was conducted using the Content Validity Index, and reliability was assessed through Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and bivariate regression, while qualitative data underwent content analysis. Findings: The study concluded that the change management process for service delivery in government parastatals in Uganda is well-defined. However, the ideal change management framework necessary for improving service delivery among these parastatals remains unidentified. Recommendations: Based on the findings, it is recommended that KCCA administrators adopt a more holistic approach to change management, addressing various enabling factors and components necessary to enhance service delivery effectively.

Energy trapping to substitutional and charge compensation defects in persistent luminescent BaAl2O4:Tb3+

The holistic approach of the photoluminescence (PL), thermoluminescence (TL), and persistent luminescence properties at room temperature of BaAl2O4:Tb3+ were investigated in detail using a wide range of techniques. Materials were obtained using a solution combustion synthesis. The x-ray powder diffraction patterns of nondoped and Tb3+ doped BaAl2O4 indicated the hexagonal phase, and a Tb4O7 solid solution was observed at 4 and 5 mol% Tb doped aluminate. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that Ba occupied one site and that Tb ions occupied this site as Tb3+ as well as TbIV. PL emission in blue, green, and red was observed under an excitation at 228 nm, that originated from the interconfigurational 4f8–4f75d1 transitions of Tb3+. Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy, UV–vis diffuse reflectance, and PL revealed the presence of a Cr3+ impurity. The 0.5 mol% Tb3+ doped BaAl2O4 exhibited a strong TL band at 354, 437 and 598 K, which were attributed to the traps formed by Tb3+ doping and subsequent O2− charge compensation. A persistent luminescence mechanism was constructed for the Tb3+ doped BaAl2O4. After the energy was stored in thermally liberated Tb3+ in the Ba2+ substitution sites and charge compensation defects, the Tb3+ was the source of the continuous luminescence.

Well-Being and Tourism: A Systematic Literature Review

In recent decades, the concept of well-being has often been the subject of psychological studies. The current study examines how tourism relates to well-being from the perspective of tourists/visitors, through the study of the older and more recent literature. Especially when it comes to the complex and multifaceted issue of well-being, in relation to the also complex and sensitive sectors of tourism, the specificity of this relationship is reflected in the evidence and the growing number of articles published in mainstream and reliable journals. By using the PRISMA framework, this article compares and evaluates published papers on the study of well-being and tourist behavior to guide and direct future research. It has been found that the relationship between well-being and tourism, especially after the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, has been significantly strengthened. This study highlights the need to adopt a holistic approach that considers all the connections between well-being and tourism.

Analysis Of Political Communication Ahead Of The 2024 Presidential Election Case Studies On Political Campaigns, Political Propaganda, Public Opinion, Marketing, Political Advertising, And Political Negotiation

The 2024 presidential election is an important moment in the political life of a country. This study aims to analyze the role of various aspects of political communsication in the presidential election, including political campaigns, political propaganda, public opinion, political marketing and advertising, and political negotiations. The research methodology uses a holistic approach with quantitative and qualitative data collection through online surveys, interviews, and media content analysis. Key findings highlight the significance of social media in shaping public opinion and the political communication strategies used by candidates. Practical implications of these findings include recommendations for more effective political campaign strategies and the development of more transparent communication policies.

Performance of different wheat varieties and their associated microbiome under contrasting tillage and fertilization intensities: Insights from a Swiss long-term field experiment

Winter wheat is an important global cereal crop. However, conventional farming practices, characterised by intensive tillage and high fertilizer inputs, pose significant threats to the environment. In response, more conservative management practices are being applied aiming to maintain wheat production while promoting a beneficial microbiome. Here, we evaluated the suitability of three different wheat varieties for less intensive agricultural systems, focusing on reduced tillage and fertilizer intensity. The study was conducted over two consecutive years in a Swiss long-term field experiment comparing conventional versus reduced tillage and full fertilization versus half fertilization. In addition, we investigated the composition of plant-associated microbial communities using amplicon sequencing of phylogenetic marker genes, specifically targeting bacteria and fungi in rhizosphere samples and fungi in root samples. Our results revealed that in our study wheat variety most strongly predicted grain yield and quality, independent of tillage and fertilization intensity. Specifically, wheat varieties demonstrated higher yields and N uptake in plots subjected to conventional ploughing and full fertilization compared to those under reduced tillage and half fertilization. We found no significant effect of wheat variety on the composition of microbial communities. However, tillage emerged as the primary factor influencing microbial community composition in the rhizosphere, while fertilization intensity significantly impacted fungal communities in the root system. These findings underscore the complex interplay between agronomic practices, plant genetics, and microbial dynamics in agroecosystems, emphasizing the need for holistic and adaptive approaches and their further development to ensure sustainable crop production.

Governmental implementation of information and communication technology at the local level: Digital co‐production during a crisis

AbstractThe rapid expansion of volunteerism, especially during COVID‐19, requires efficient organisation of citizen volunteers, thus leading professionals to utilise information and communication technology (ICT) as an enabling tool for interaction and coordination. This study focuses on professionals’ perspectives at the local level regarding governmental steps towards digitalisation and its application in volunteer co‐production. The policy implementation approach was used through in‐depth interviews with 19 local coordinators in Israel during the COVID‐19 crisis. This study found that, while central government invested efforts in training, guidance, and ICT support for professionals, the implementation of digital technologies was not successful at the local level. This highlights the need for digital platforms for volunteer coordination to be be tailored to specific cultural characteristics and local contexts. Neglected but important factors in ICT implementation were identified, including intra‐organisational dynamics, the local community, and authority. By addressing these contextual factors and adopting a more inclusive and context‐sensitive approach, digital platforms can better support local volunteer coordination efforts.Points for practitioners Adopt a holistic approach to digitalisation: Senior‐level administrators in central government should adopt a holistic approach to digitalisation, one that accounts for local contexts—cultural characteristics and collaborative governance structures. This approach should involve coordinators in the development process, together with other stakeholders involved in co‐production. Focus on user‐centric platform design and implementation: To ensure usability and acceptance among coordinators, practitioners should prioritise a user‐centric approach to platform design and implementation. This entails constructing intuitive, user‐friendly platforms, meeting the needs of the coordinators involved in the digitalisation process. Address organisational characteristics and overcome barriers: Practitioners should recognise municipal organisational characteristics, thus obviating potential barriers to digital technology implementation. This includes such factors as status and professional position within the municipality, securing bureaucratic commitment, and overcoming governmental bureaucracy or a lack of leadership.

Parenting in the Face of Trauma: Music Therapy to Support Parent-Child Dyads Affected by War and Displacement.

The literature highlights the profound psychological impact of war on children, families, and communities, emphasizing the prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and other symptoms among affected individuals. Interventions, such as Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) and music therapy, show promise in mitigating trauma effects, underscoring the need for holistic approaches that address familial and community dynamics alongside individual well-being. Aiming to explore the influences of dyadic music therapy sessions on parents' capacity to support their children, this study involved four families displaced from their home-kibbutz as result of a terrorist attack. All dyads participated in music therapy sessions with a focus on parent-child interactions and trauma processing (CPP informed). Embedded in a qualitative, phenomenological approach, the research utilized interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) and micro-analytic methods to explore meaningful moments in the music therapy sessions. Findings identified four central categories: (1) Discovering the child's grounding song: identifying resources; (2) Musical improvisation sets the grounds for parent-child mutual recognition of the child's traumatic experience; (3) Musical performance empowers child and parent; (4) A sense of agency is gained through controlling the musical environment. The significance of restoring the children's freedom of play, the parents' sense of competency, and of enhancing families' capacity to connect to their traumatic experiences through the musical environment is discussed.

Factors affecting the spiritual rehabilitation of people affected by natural disasters: a systematic review.

Every year, natural disasters in many countries lead to the destruction of infrastructure, loss of assets, and harm to the physical, mental, social, and spiritual health of people. The attention of policymakers and the media is mostly focused on the reconstruction of damaged buildings and the physical rehabilitation and recovery of the injured, while the spiritual rehabilitation of the people affected is often neglected. This study aims to identify the factors influencing the spiritual rehabilitation of people affected by natural disasters. This study was conducted using a systematic literature review following the PRISMA guidelines. Relevant studies were extracted from data sources, including MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science, Google Scholar, Embase, ProQuest, PsycInfo, Scopus, IranMedex, SID, and ISC. Systematic review studies, key journals, and conference proceedings related to the factors affecting the spiritual rehabilitation of individuals after natural disasters from January 1, 2020 to March 31, 2022 were included. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the obtained data. Initially, 1,753 studies were identified based on the initial search, and eventually, 22 final studies were included in the study. Based on the thematic analysis results, the factors influencing the spiritual rehabilitation of people affected by natural disasters were classified into four main themes and eleven sub-themes. The main themes included communication with God, strengthening religious beliefs, social participation, and meaning-making. The sub-themes included praying, using supplication, reading the holy book, praising God, believing in the afterlife, understanding the position and characteristics of the world, understanding the divine, participating in religious ceremonies, membership in supportive groups, the meaning of suffering and adversity, and the meaning of death. The results of this study demonstrate that the connection with the divine (God), strengthening religious beliefs, social participation, and meaning-making are influential factors in the spiritual rehabilitation of affected people after natural disasters. Incorporating these factors in the spiritual counseling and care of the affected people can improve their spiritual health after encountering the destructive effects of natural disasters. These findings can provide valuable insights for managing natural disasters through a holistic approach to the health of affected people, and can guide caregivers in implementing spiritual rehabilitation interventions.

Hormone replacement therapy for menopausal mood swings and sleep quality: The current evidence.

Marked alterations in the normal female hormonal milieu in the perimenopausal period significantly affect women's health, leading to decreased well-being, psychological distress, and impaired quality of life. Common menopausal symptoms include hot flashes, sleep and mood changes, fatigue, weight gain, and urogenital disturbances. Clinicians often neglect mood swings and disrupted sleep, although those can significantly limit the productivity of women and impair their cognitive function and mental health. Evidence-based management should include a personalized, holistic approach to alleviate symptoms and careful consideration of the risks vs benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), with due consideration of personal preferences. A research paper in the recent issue of the World Journal of Psychiatry by Liu et al investigated the role of HRT in altering mood changes and impaired sleep quality in menopausal women, which helps us to understand the benefits of this treatment approach.

Risk factors for hospitalisation in community-dwelling pre-frail and frail older people: results of a longitudinal study.

Older adults account for a large proportion of hospital admissions. In this study we aim to bridge a gap between medical and psychosocial factors in predicting hospitalisation. Demographic and social characteristics of community-dwelling pre-frail and frail older people were collected by questionnaires every six months during a two year follow-up. Hospital admission within this period was dichotomised as yes/no. To define pre-frailty and frailty the Fried frailty criteria were used. Analysis of risk factors for hospitalisation was performed using multivariable logistic regression. Hospitalised participants (n = 1803) were more often male and frail in comparison to not-hospitalised participants. They also experienced more chronic diseases (54.5% ≥ 4 chronic diseases), poorer self-perceived health (SPH) (76.4% fair to very poor) and lack of informal care (20.1%). In multivariable logistic regression male gender (Odds ratio (OR) 1.65, p < 0.001), frailty (vs. pre-frailty) (OR 1.66, p = 0.002), reporting lower SPH (OR 3.12, p < 0.001) and lacking informal care (OR 1.69, p < 0.001) showed significant associations with hospital admission. Subgroup analysis of pre-frail and frail participants, showed consistent associations between male gender (respectively OR 1.61, p < 0.001 ; OR 1.72, p = 0.085), lower SPH (OR 2.23, p = 0.001; OR 31.16, p < 0.001), lack of informal care (OR 1.64, p = 0.005; OR 2.63, p = 0.012) and hospitalisation. Frailty, male gender, lower SPH and lack of informal care are risk factors for hospitalisation within community-dwelling older people, showing the need of a holistic approach to possibly prevent hospitalisation. Further research should focus on evaluating individual factors for hospitalisation, particularly targeting pre-frail individuals.

Novel Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis Based on Performance Indicators for Urban Energy System Planning

Urban energy systems planning presents significant challenges, requiring the integration of multiple objectives such as economic feasibility, technical reliability, and environmental sustainability. Although previous studies have focused on optimizing renewable energy systems, many lack comprehensive decision frameworks that address the complex trade-offs between these objectives in urban settings. Addressing these challenges, this study introduces a novel Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) framework tailored for the evaluation and prioritization of energy scenarios in urban contexts, with a specific application to the city of Bozen-Bolzano. The proposed framework integrates various performance indicators to provide a comprehensive assessment tool, enabling urban planners to make informed decisions that balance different strategic priorities. At the core of this framework is the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), which is employed to systematically rank energy scenarios based on their proximity to an ideal solution. This method allows for a clear, quantifiable comparison of diverse energy strategies, facilitating the identification of scenarios that best align with the city’s overall objectives. The flexibility of the MCDA framework, particularly through the adjustable criteria weights in TOPSIS, allows it to accommodate the shifting priorities of urban planners, whether they emphasize economic, environmental, or technical outcomes. The study’s findings underscore the importance of a holistic approach to energy planning, where trade-offs are inevitable but can be managed effectively through a structured decision-making process. Finally, the study addresses key gaps in the literature by providing a flexible and adaptable tool that can be replicated in different urban contexts to support the transition toward 100% renewable energy systems.

Analysing Spatio-temporal Dynamics of Urban Sprawl, Evolving Pattern of Urban Landscape and Driving Forces of Urban Growth: A Case of Varanasi Planning Region, India

Urban sprawl is at the centre of contemporary urban debates and is very often criticised for its negative social and environmental externalities. Building on geo-spatial methodology and field observations, this study sets out to develop a holistic approach to understanding urban sprawl through a particular focus on a rapidly growing metropolitan urban agglomeration of northern India, that is, Varanasi. Following an analysis of principal urban growth modes through landscape expansion index and changing patterns of urban landscape through landscape metrics, this research refers to a geo-spatially grounded logistic regression model in order to shed light on the dynamic impact of multiple growth factors on the trajectory of urban sprawl in the study area. Moreover, in order to address the evolving nature of urban sprawl in Varanasi and its immediate surroundings this study focuses on a temporal span of 20 years, encompassing two consecutive decades of the 21st century (2001–2011 and 2011–2021). The research concludes by paving a platform for an amalgamation of the findings from different geo-spatial metrics as well as by corroborating the principal findings with the propositions of a number of contemporary hypotheses concerning the spatial growth of urbanised territories.

Sudden death of a two-month-old infant: A case report emphasizing safe sleep practices

A rare case of sudden cardiopulmonary arrest in a two-month-old infant during overnight breastfeeding is presented in this case report. The infant's respiratory distress prompted an emergency response, highlighting the complexities of managing critical situations in neonates. The report provides a comprehensive overview of the clinical presentation, resuscitation efforts, and laboratory findings. It emphasizes the importance of continuous education on safe sleep practices, breastfeeding techniques, and cultural factors that influence sleep safety. The aim is to raise awareness, foster understanding, and emphasize the necessity of a holistic approach to preventing adverse events in the vulnerable neonatal population. The case emphasizes the importance of establishing a safe sleeping environment by avoiding risk factors such as prone sleeping positions and soft bedding. It also highlights the need for culturally sensitive education. Additionally, the case addresses the challenges related to maternal alertness during night feeds and the controversial practice of bed-sharing. The report highlights the importance of healthcare providers in sharing information, conducting research, and involving communities to encourage a culture of sleep safety that protects the well-being of infants. Continuous education and awareness are crucial in this joint effort to safeguard the most vulnerable members of society.

Aligning Cognitive Development Theory with Whole Language Teaching in Elementary Education: Strategies and Activities for Enhancing Language Learning

This paper explores the role of whole language teaching in addressing the developmental needs of young learners by emphasizing natural, holistic approaches to language acquisition. Drawing on Piaget’s cognitive development theory, the study examines how educators can adapt instructional strategies to align with students' cognitive abilities, fostering both linguistic proficiency and cognitive growth. The integration of technology in language instruction is highlighted as a key trend, providing interactive platforms and digital tools that enhance learning. Additionally, the importance of developing critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills is discussed in the context of preparing students for the demands of the 21st century. Recommendations for teacher training programs are proposed, focusing on incorporating whole language principles, Piagetian approaches, and effective technology use. Curriculum development that aligns with developmental psychology is presented as a strategy for creating integrated language learning experiences that promote academic success and personal growth.

Effectiveness of a 12-week combining tai chi and yoga program on pulmonary function and functional fitness in COPD patients

BackgroundChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) poses significant challenges to both patients and healthcare providers due to its progressive nature and adverse impact on respiratory function and quality of life (QoL). While pulmonary rehabilitation remains a cornerstone of non-pharmacological COPD management, additional interventions are needed to address patients' diverse needs and preferences. AimThis study investigated the feasibility and potential benefits of a 12-week combining Tai Chi and Yoga (TY combining) program on cardiorespiratory and lung functions, functional fitness, and QoL in older males diagnosed with COPD. MethodsTwenty-four male COPD patients (age: 70 ± 6 years) with moderate to severe disease were recruited and randomized into the TY combining group (n = 12) or control group (n = 12). Assessments were conducted at baseline and at week 12, including pulmonary function tests, quality of life measures, dyspnea, and fatigue. Functional fitness tests were assessed at baseline, week 4, week 8, and week 12. ResultsThe TY combining program significantly improved pulmonary functions, functional fitness, quality of life, and fatigue over the 12-week intervention period. Notably, improvements in functional fitness parameters were observed after just four weeks of training, emphasizing the rapid benefits of the intervention. Moreover, the program exhibited high safety and feasibility, with no reported complications. ConclusionThe 12-week TY combining program represents a safe, feasible, and effective adjunctive therapy for COPD management in older male patients. By addressing multiple dimensions of health and functioning, including pulmonary and cardiovascular health, functional fitness, and quality of life, this holistic approach holds promise for optimizing outcomes in COPD patients. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and explore optimal implementation strategies in clinical practice.

Tū Kaha: he mōhio ki ngā Māori o te kōmaoa waewae (Stand Strong: A qualitative study of Māori with venous leg ulcers in Aotearoa New Zealand).

Venous leg ulcers have impact on people's lives far beyond that of a skin lesion but these impacts have not been explored from an Indigenous perspective. We used a Māori-centered narrative approach to interview 13 Māori in Aotearoa New Zealand with venous leg ulcers. Data analysis was informed by a reflexive thematic approach and four themes were identified: Ko waewae ahau (I wear the leg); Ngā mea hōhā (annoying things); Ka tangi te ngākau (heartfelt grief); and Mamae (pain, sore, hurt). Recognizing patients' expertise in their condition, the inclusion of whānau (family) in care planning and provision, while providing consistent advice and resource access, would all enhance the experience of venous ulcer management. Training in venous leg ulcer care needs to move beyond a focus on the leg and toward a more holistic approach that encompasses a broader understanding of patient experiences and cultural contexts when managing venous ulcers.

BEHAVIOURAL PATTERNS OF CHILDREN IN KADUNA STATE ORPHANAGES: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

Background The plight of orphans, exacerbated by conflict, disease, and socioeconomic factors, remains a pressing global issue, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Nigeria, notably impacted by the HIV/AIDS epidemic, terrorism, and natural disasters, has witnessed a substantial increase in orphan populations. These children face severe challenges, including child abuse, malnutrition, limited access to education, stigmatization, and a range of psychological and behavioural disorders. Despite some interventions, orphanages primarily address material needs, often neglecting comprehensive medical, social, and psychosocial support. This study explores the behavioural patterns of orphans in Kaduna, Nigeria, and examines how their medical and social challenges compare across various orphanages. Methodology A cross-sectional, comparative analysis was conducted among 100 orphans from selected orphanages in Kaduna. Data were collected through interviewer-administered questionnaires assessing socio-demographics, medical conditions, behavioural patterns, stigma, psychosocial status, and coping strategies. Results The mean age of respondents was 10 years, with 68% being male. Nutritional issues were prevalent, with 53.7% classified as underweight despite 54.9% reportedly consuming balanced diets. Medical concerns were significant, with 33.7% showing clinical signs of illness and 46.7% not fully immunized. Behavioural issues were prominent, including hyperactivity symptoms (27.0%), enuresis (22.3%), and depressive symptoms (1.8%). Socially, most respondents (83.3%) reported positive peer relationships, though bullying (11.4%) and stigmatization (9%) were also observed. Educational access was generally high, with only 2.2% not attending school. However, social support systems varied, with 35.2% reporting strong support and 46.8% adapting their goals as a coping mechanism. Conclusion The findings highlight the complex medical and behavioural challenges faced by orphans in Kaduna's orphanages, underscoring the need for integrated interventions that provide medical, psychosocial, and educational support. A holistic approach is crucial to improving their overall well-being and future prospects.

Adopting Zero-waste Pattern-making Techniques for Apparel Product Development

Every year, the fashion industry churns out millions of clothing items with fresh styles, resulting in significant fabric waste during production. This fabric waste contributes to environmental pollution. Embracing zero-waste pattern-making techniques for clothing production offers a viable solution to curbing this issue. By utilising the entire fabric yardage, these techniques aim to minimise or eliminate fabric waste after garment production. Zero-waste design is a holistic approach that integrates designing, production and sourcing processes. This article aims to propose solutions for controlling fabric waste through innovative zero-waste pattern-design techniques, thereby fostering a sustainable future. Traditionally, the apparel production process utilises 85% of fabrics, leaving behind 15% as wastage. The challenge lies in reducing this 15% wastage to zero (Abernathy et al., 1999). However, it is acknowledged that not everyone can readily adopt zero-waste pattern techniques. It requires creativity to develop optimal design solutions for apparel production. Collaboration among designers, pattern makers, academics and production professionals is essential for researching and identifying the best creative practices and solutions for integrating zero-waste pattern-making techniques into the apparel production process. Developing approaches for zero-waste pattern-making involves researching basic pattern design principles, understanding associated challenges and analysing outcomes. This research and development process in zero-waste pattern-making can pave the way for better sustainable practices, ultimately contributing to the reduction of fabric waste pollution and fostering a more sustainable future.