https://aurora.auburn.edu/handle/11200/3982 Fri, 12 Jun 2026 10:07:25 GMT 2026-06-12T10:07:25Z https://aurora.auburn.edu/handle/11200/50780 Fantasia: Co-designing apparel with an intellectually disabled individual This project explored the co-design of an inclusive garment for a woman with intellectual disabilities (ID) and multiple comorbidities, addressing a gap in adaptive apparel research. Over six weeks, two designers collaborated closely with the participant using user-centered design methods tailored to her cognitive and physical needs. Through weekly meetings, the team identified her clothing preferences, functional challenges, and aesthetic goals, ultimately selecting a dress as the final garment. The process required flexible communication strategies, simplified decision-making, and iterative fittings to accommodate modesty concerns, conceptual difficulties, and unexpected mobility limitations. Design modifications included relocating a zipper for easier dressing, adjusting sleeve and neckline features, and incorporating faux buttons to improve usability. Fabric selection was simplified through hands-on visualization techniques, helping the participant confidently choose materials. The final dress successfully met her functional and aesthetic requirements while enabling independent dressing. The project demonstrates the value of adaptability, collaboration, and inclusive design practices in empowering individuals with ID and improving apparel accessibility. https://aurora.auburn.edu/handle/11200/50780 https://aurora.auburn.edu/handle/11200/50778 Waist-up: Inclusively designed women’s jacket People living with disabilities (PLWD) often require specialized work attire that enhances comfort, mobility, and inclusivity while reducing workplace stigma. In response to these needs, the “Waist Up” jacket was developed using the seven principles of inclusive design and recent workwear research. The jacket targets both PLWD and non-disabled women who spend extended periods seated. Key design features include knit suede shoulder and side-back inserts, an action pleat, adaptive sleeves, and a shortened jacket length to improve comfort and functionality. These modifications increased back mobility by 24.6%, eliminated back strain, and improved arm coverage when reaching. Additional features, such as front waist flaps and back waist slits, provide coverage while minimizing discomfort during prolonged sitting. Constructed with couture tweed, stretch suede, and tricot lining, the jacket combines style with practicality. The design contributes to limited scholarship on adaptive workwear and demonstrates that inclusive apparel can be both fashionable and functional for diverse users. https://aurora.auburn.edu/handle/11200/50778 https://aurora.auburn.edu/handle/11200/50007 Neo-Pagan Religious Symbolism in the Home This dataset was collected in association with an IRB-approved study of neo-pagan religious symbolism in the home. Specifically, this study examined shrines and altars within the home as an expression of religious symbolism. An online survey instrument solicited quantitative and qualitative responses from those who self-identify as “pagan” or “neo-pagan”. Snowball sampling was used; prospective participants from the population were contacted via known online fora and asked to propagate the study among their peers. Due to the private nature of many neo-pagans regarding spiritual beliefs and practices, a snowball sample was deemed necessary to reach as many individuals as possible. Data collection concluded on November 18, 2009 with 263 respondents. https://aurora.auburn.edu/handle/11200/50007 https://aurora.auburn.edu/handle/11200/49677 Nerve Growth Factor Receptor TrkA, a New Receptor in Insulin Signaling Pathway in PC12 cells TrkA is a cell surface transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase for nerve growth factor (NGF). TrkA has an NPXY motif and kinase regulatory loop similar to insulin receptor (INSR) suggesting that NGF→TrkA signaling might overlap with insulin→INSR signaling. During insulin or NGF stimulation TrkA, insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1), INSR (and presumably other proteins) forms a complex in PC12 cells. In PC12 cells, tyrosine phosphorylation of INSR and IRS-1 is dependent upon the functional TrkA kinase domain. Moreover, expression of TrkA kinase−inactive mutant blocked the activation of Akt and Erk5 in response to insulin or NGF. Based on these data, we propose that TrkA participates in insulin signaling pathway in PC12 cells. https://aurora.auburn.edu/handle/11200/49677