Search

This scientific essay investigates, using a phenomenological approach, how I myself and four other Black preschool teachers have experienced the significance of our skin color in our professional roles. Initially, the reader is invited into a professional dilemma that illustrates and problematizes the complex issues underlying this essay. The research questions about how it feels to be Black and a preschool teacher in Sweden, how our Black skin colors have shaped our professional practices in preschool, and how we could develop preschool education about skin color are answered through an empirical investigation consisting of eight Zoom sessions of approximately 1-1.5 hours each between October 2022 and January 2023. The questions are also processed through theories in whiteness studies by Sara Ahmed. The inspiring method used for these discussions was the Dialogue Seminar (a method often used in research of practical knowledge that integrates science and art). Although the main focusof this essay is not discrimination, it cannot be turned a blind eye to the facts. Sweden has rapidly transitioned from a homogeneous to a heterogeneous society compared to other European countries. The Discrimination Ombudsman (DO) reports that discrimination is largely associated with ethnic background, and a study from the Swedish Public Health Agency shows that only 58% of non-European-born students are eligible for high school.The essay is founded on Swedish, British, and American research from the 1940s to today, clarifying concepts around skin color and race, and culminates in themes of: intersectionality, identity, “the involuntary diversity worker”, minority stress, hair, and teaching. Key concepts summarized in the essay, in addition to Sara Ahmed's orientation, include cultural analytical tools, self-reflection, white privilege, the myth of color blindness, and white fragility.The co-researchers in the empirical material find that preschoolers have many questions about skin co, Denna vetenskapliga essä undersöker med fenomenologisk ansats hur jag och ytterligarefyra svarta förskollärare har upplevt att våra hudfärger haft betydelse för våra yrkesroller.Inledningsvis bjuds läsaren in till ett yrkesdilemma som gestaltar och problematiserar dekomplexa frågeställningar som ligger till grund för denna uppsats. Forskningsfrågorna om hur det kan kännas att vara svart och förskollärare i Sverige, på vilket sätt våra svarta hudfärger har format våra yrkespraktiker inom förskolan och hur vi skulle kunna utveckla förskolans undervisning om hudfärg besvaras genom en empirisk undersökning om åtta Zoom-tillfällen på ca 1-1,5 timme genomförda mellan oktober 2022 och januari 2023.Forskningsfrågorna processas genom teorier och vithetsstudier av Sara Ahmed. Metodensom använts under samtalen är inspirerad av Dialogseminariet (en metod som ofta använts för studier inom praktisk kunskap och till sin form binder ihop yrkeskunnande och konst med vetenskap). Även om diskriminering inte är uppsatsens huvudfokus blundar den inte för fakta: Sverige har jämfört med andra europeiska länder snabbt gått från ett homogent till ett heterogent samhälle och Diskrimineringsombudsmannen (DO) visar i en Rapport att diskriminering i stor utsträckning har samband med etnisk tillhörighet och en studie från Folkhälsomyndigheten visar att det bland utomeuropeiskt födda elever endast är 58% som har behörighet till gymnasiet.Uppsatsen stödjer sig på svensk, brittisk och amerikansk forskning från 1940-talet till idag, reder ut begreppen kring hudfärg och ras och utmynnar i teman kring: intersektionalitet, identitet, ”den ofrivilliga mångfaldsarbetaren”, minoritetsstress, håret och ämnesdidaktiken. Centrala begrepp som uppsatsen sammanfattar är förutom Sara Ahmeds orientering även: kulturanalytiska verktyg, självreflektion, vitas privilegier, myten om färgblindheten samt den vita skörheten. Medforskarna i det empiriska materialet konstaterar att förskolebarnens frågor kring hudfärg är

This research article is the result of the doctoral thesis on the construction of racial identity in black children in Colombia; to experiment with the self-application of body tones, it used child drawing as a narrative of the first order that allowed identifying patterns through the representation of the body. Here the school emerges with force, since it is the place where the skin, flesh or natural color is used as a prototype when painting the human body, so that it is a device deeply rooted in school culture. Methodologically, the researcher constructed a spontaneous qualitative-based experiment to demonstrate that through the use of skin color black children create a strong contradiction in their identity process. As a fragment of the thesis, this article recounts the findings of a case study, given that most of the faces of black childhoods were painted skin-colored, then urgent action must be taken to establish the consequences for a healthy racial consciousness.

The ownership and demand for fitness trackers, smartwatches, and wrist-worn deviceshave been increasing globally. These devices offer various features such as measuringphysical activity, sleep monitoring, and health-related measurements like heart rate andheart rate variability using PhotoPlethysmoGraphy (PPG). However, research indicatesthat PPG measurements are less accurate on darker skin compared to lighter skin due to thehigher presence of melanin, a light-absorbing substance in dark skin.This thesis addresses the impact of melanin on the accuracy of heart rate measurements ondifferent skin colors using four commercial smartwatches, Apple Watch Series 5, FitbitCharge 2, Xiaomi Miband 3, and Sony mSafety. The study involves analyzing the accuracyof these smartwatches on individuals with varying skin colors while controlling forexternal factors. The collected data from the smartwatches are compared to a referencesensor that uses electrocardiography (ECG) measurements with electrodes placed aroundthe chest. Three different tests are conducted wearing the devices, with no movement,while walking, and with circular hand motions.The tests were conducted on twelve participants representing the 6 different skin typescategorized using the Fitzpatrick scale. With the presented results in this thesis, it wasconcluded that the 4 smartwatches' measurement accuracy does not seem to be dependenton specific skin types. Ranked in terms of Mean Absolute Error (MAE), the Apple Watchshowed the lowest value, followed by Xiaomi, Fitbit and the mSafety and that the accuracydid not depend on skin color., Ägandet och efterfrågan av smartklockor har ökat globalt. Dessa enheter erbjuder olikafunktioner som mäter fysisk aktivitet, övervakning av sömn och hälsorelaterade mätningarsom puls och hjärtfrekvensvariabilitet med hjälp av PhotoPlethysmoGraphy (PPG).Forskning har dock visat att PPG-mätningar är mindre noggranna på mörkare hud jämförtmed ljusare hud på grund av den högre närvaron av substansen melanin, ettljusabsorberande ämne.Syftet med detta arbete är att undersöka påverkan av melanin på noggrannheten i pulsmätningar på olika hudfärger med hjälp av fyra kommersiella smartklockor: Apple WatchSeries 5, Fitbit Charge 2, Xiaomi Miband 3 och mSafety av Sony. Arbetet inkluderar enanalys av dessa smartklockors noggrannhet på personer med de olika hudfärger samtidigtsom externa faktorer som kan påverka noggrannheten kontrolleras. De insamlade data frånsmartklockorna jämförs med en referenssensor, Polar band, som använderelektrokardiografimätningar (ECG) med elektroder. Tre olika tester utförs med enheterna,utan rörelse, medan man går och med cirkulära handrörelser.Testerna utfördes på tolv deltagare som representerar olika hudtyper kategoriserade enligtFitzpatrick-skalan. Utifrån de presenterade resultaten i denna avhandling drogs slutsatsenatt de fyra smartklockornas mätnoggrannhet inte verkar vara beroende av specifikahudtyper. Rankade i termer av Mean Absolute Error (MAE) visade Apple Watch det lägstavärdet, följt av Xiaomi, Fitbit och mSafety.

The ownership and demand for fitness trackers, smartwatches, and wrist-worn deviceshave been increasing globally. These devices offer various features such as measuringphysical activity, sleep monitoring, and health-related measurements like heart rate andheart rate variability using PhotoPlethysmoGraphy (PPG). However, research indicatesthat PPG measurements are less accurate on darker skin compared to lighter skin due to thehigher presence of melanin, a light-absorbing substance in dark skin.This thesis addresses the impact of melanin on the accuracy of heart rate measurements ondifferent skin colors using four commercial smartwatches, Apple Watch Series 5, FitbitCharge 2, Xiaomi Miband 3, and Sony mSafety. The study involves analyzing the accuracyof these smartwatches on individuals with varying skin colors while controlling forexternal factors. The collected data from the smartwatches are compared to a referencesensor that uses electrocardiography (ECG) measurements with electrodes placed aroundthe chest. Three different tests are conducted wearing the devices, with no movement,while walking, and with circular hand motions.The tests were conducted on twelve participants representing the 6 different skin typescategorized using the Fitzpatrick scale. With the presented results in this thesis, it wasconcluded that the 4 smartwatches' measurement accuracy does not seem to be dependenton specific skin types. Ranked in terms of Mean Absolute Error (MAE), the Apple Watchshowed the lowest value, followed by Xiaomi, Fitbit and the mSafety and that the accuracydid not depend on skin color., Ägandet och efterfrågan av smartklockor har ökat globalt. Dessa enheter erbjuder olikafunktioner som mäter fysisk aktivitet, övervakning av sömn och hälsorelaterade mätningarsom puls och hjärtfrekvensvariabilitet med hjälp av PhotoPlethysmoGraphy (PPG).Forskning har dock visat att PPG-mätningar är mindre noggranna på mörkare hud jämförtmed ljusare hud på grund av den högre närvaron av substansen melanin, ettljusabsorberande ämne.Syftet med detta arbete är att undersöka påverkan av melanin på noggrannheten i pulsmätningar på olika hudfärger med hjälp av fyra kommersiella smartklockor: Apple WatchSeries 5, Fitbit Charge 2, Xiaomi Miband 3 och mSafety av Sony. Arbetet inkluderar enanalys av dessa smartklockors noggrannhet på personer med de olika hudfärger samtidigtsom externa faktorer som kan påverka noggrannheten kontrolleras. De insamlade data frånsmartklockorna jämförs med en referenssensor, Polar band, som använderelektrokardiografimätningar (ECG) med elektroder. Tre olika tester utförs med enheterna,utan rörelse, medan man går och med cirkulära handrörelser.Testerna utfördes på tolv deltagare som representerar olika hudtyper kategoriserade enligtFitzpatrick-skalan. Utifrån de presenterade resultaten i denna avhandling drogs slutsatsenatt de fyra smartklockornas mätnoggrannhet inte verkar vara beroende av specifikahudtyper. Rankade i termer av Mean Absolute Error (MAE) visade Apple Watch det lägstavärdet, följt av Xiaomi, Fitbit och mSafety.

[Abstract] This doctoral thesis examines young minority children’s perception of race in relation to other socially constructed concepts, ethnicity, culture, and nationality. All these historically and socially crucial concepts and children’s perspective are explored from an ethnographic perspective in an NGO, which includes participant observation, a doll study, and childcentered activities as well as a focus group discussion with the staff of the NGO. By using triangulation methodology, the study tries to cover the subject, race, from different aspects and in different contexts in the daily lives of children of minority origin. Accordingly, based on the collected data through various complementary methods in various contexts, the study suggests that children of minority origin have a very complex way of constructing race, ethnicity, culture, and nationality in terms of both physical and cultural traits., [Resumen] Esta tesis doctoral analiza la percepción acerca de la raza que tienen los/as niños/as pequeños/as pertenecientes a minorías raciales en relación con otros conceptos construidos socialmente, como la etnicidad, la cultura o la nacionalidad. Se exploran la construcción social e histórica de estos conceptos, así como la perspectiva de los/as niños/as, a partir de una perspectiva etnográfica en una ONG, que incorpora la observación participante, el “doll study”, actividades centradas en los/as niños/as, así como un grupo de discusión con el personal de la ONG. Por medio de la triangulación metodológica, el estudio aborda el tema de la raza bajo diversos aspectos y en diferentes contextos de la vida diaria de los/as niños/as pertenecientes a minorías raciales. En consecuencia, el estudio sugiere que estos/as niños/as tienen una forma muy compleja de construir la raza, la etnicidad, la cultura y la nacionalidad en términos tanto de rasgos físicos como culturales., [Resumo] Esta tese de doutoramento analiza a percepción da raza que teñen os/as nenos/as pequenos/as pertencentes a minorías raciais en relación con outros conceptos construídos socialmente, como a etnicidade, a cultura ou a nacionalidade. A construción social e histórica destes conceptos, así como a perspectiva da infancia, son exploradas dende unha perspectiva etnográfica nunha ONG, que incorpora a observación participante, o “doll study”, actividades centradas nos/as nenos/as, así como un grupo de discusión con persoal da ONG. A través da triangulación metodolóxica, o estudo aborda o tema da raza baixo diversos aspectos e en diferentes contextos da vida cotiá dos/as nenos/as pertencentes a minorías raciais. En consecuencia, o estudo suxire que teñen unha forma moi complexa de construír a raza, a etnicidade, a cultura e a nacionalidade en termos de trazos físicos e culturais.

[Abstract] This doctoral thesis examines young minority children’s perception of race in relation to other socially constructed concepts, ethnicity, culture, and nationality. All these historically and socially crucial concepts and children’s perspective are explored from an ethnographic perspective in an NGO, which includes participant observation, a doll study, and childcentered activities as well as a focus group discussion with the staff of the NGO. By using triangulation methodology, the study tries to cover the subject, race, from different aspects and in different contexts in the daily lives of children of minority origin. Accordingly, based on the collected data through various complementary methods in various contexts, the study suggests that children of minority origin have a very complex way of constructing race, ethnicity, culture, and nationality in terms of both physical and cultural traits., [Resumen] Esta tesis doctoral analiza la percepción acerca de la raza que tienen los/as niños/as pequeños/as pertenecientes a minorías raciales en relación con otros conceptos construidos socialmente, como la etnicidad, la cultura o la nacionalidad. Se exploran la construcción social e histórica de estos conceptos, así como la perspectiva de los/as niños/as, a partir de una perspectiva etnográfica en una ONG, que incorpora la observación participante, el “doll study”, actividades centradas en los/as niños/as, así como un grupo de discusión con el personal de la ONG. Por medio de la triangulación metodológica, el estudio aborda el tema de la raza bajo diversos aspectos y en diferentes contextos de la vida diaria de los/as niños/as pertenecientes a minorías raciales. En consecuencia, el estudio sugiere que estos/as niños/as tienen una forma muy compleja de construir la raza, la etnicidad, la cultura y la nacionalidad en términos tanto de rasgos físicos como culturales., [Resumo] Esta tese de doutoramento analiza a percepción da raza que teñen os/as nenos/as pequenos/as pertencentes a minorías raciais en relación con outros conceptos construídos socialmente, como a etnicidade, a cultura ou a nacionalidade. A construción social e histórica destes conceptos, así como a perspectiva da infancia, son exploradas dende unha perspectiva etnográfica nunha ONG, que incorpora a observación participante, o “doll study”, actividades centradas nos/as nenos/as, así como un grupo de discusión con persoal da ONG. A través da triangulación metodolóxica, o estudo aborda o tema da raza baixo diversos aspectos e en diferentes contextos da vida cotiá dos/as nenos/as pertencentes a minorías raciais. En consecuencia, o estudo suxire que teñen unha forma moi complexa de construír a raza, a etnicidade, a cultura e a nacionalidade en termos de trazos físicos e culturais.

The beauty ideals of a Eurocentric nature have been promulgated among African communities for decades dating back to the colonial era. The beauty ideal posits lighter or brown skin tone as prettier and straight hair as attractive. The study aimed to identify ways in which families and peers have perpetuated this common beauty ideal within the home and school settings and how these have influenced how young women view themselves. There were 20 young women of different skin tones ranging from light, medium (brown) to dark participated in two focus group discussions. Thematic analysis was used whereby three main themes (familial influence, peer socialization and self-perceptions) and four sub-themes were identified (general opinion, teasing, family disassociation and preferential vs. unfair treatment). Findings revealed that family member and peers knowingly and unknowingly augmented ‘colorist’ and ‘texturist’ beliefs by ridiculing both dark-skinned and light-skinned women. Most of them treated dark skinned people unfairly. The research findings suggested that future research should investigate how body features represent attractiveness within the African communities.

The beauty ideals of a Eurocentric nature have been promulgated among African communities for decades dating back to the colonial era. The beauty ideal posits lighter or brown skin tone as prettier and straight hair as attractive. The study aimed to identify ways in which families and peers have perpetuated this common beauty ideal within the home and school settings and how these have influenced how young women view themselves. There were 20 young women of different skin tones ranging from light, medium (brown) to dark participated in two focus group discussions. Thematic analysis was used whereby three main themes (familial influence, peer socialization and self-perceptions) and four sub-themes were identified (general opinion, teasing, family disassociation and preferential vs. unfair treatment). Findings revealed that family member and peers knowingly and unknowingly augmented ‘colorist’ and ‘texturist’ beliefs by ridiculing both dark-skinned and light-skinned women. Most of them treated dark skinned people unfairly. The research findings suggested that future research should investigate how body features represent attractiveness within the African communities.

ObjectivesU.S. Latino populations are diverse. Research on racial identity, skin tone, and Latino health is imperative for understanding and combating racism and colorism. We examined differences in memory performance: among non-Latinos and Latinos who identified as Black, other, and White in the United States and then among Puerto Ricans in Boston whose skin tones ranged from dark, medium, light to "white."MethodsWe used 2010 Health and Retirement Study and 2004 Boston Puerto Rican Health Survey data, respectively, to examine racial and color differences in memory performance among 50 and older adults in the United States and Puerto Rican older adults in Boston. We applied ordinary least squares regression to immediate and delayed word recall test scores and adjusted for education, health conditions, and health behaviors.ResultsIn adjusted models, White non-Latinos had better memory performance than White Latinos. Black Latinos, other Latinos, and Black non-Latinos had lower delayed word recall scores than White Latinos. Black Latinos and Black non-Latinos had similar scores. Intra-Latino racial disparities endured despite the inclusion of education and other covariates. Among Puerto Ricans in Boston, medium-toned individuals had higher scores than "white"-toned individuals.DiscussionFindings support the importance of examining self-identified race and skin tone in Latino aging research. Further investigation is needed to understand the stubborn intra-Latino racial disparities in memory performance and surprising adverse cognitive performance among "white"-toned relative to darker-toned Puerto Ricans in Boston.

This thesis explores the effects that skin color, discrimination, and religious coping have on Black Americans’ mental health. Using colorism as a theoretical framework I ask two research questions, How does everyday discrimination and skin color influence the mental health of young Black Americans? How do gender and religion mediate the impact of discrimination and skin color on mental health? This thesis utilizes data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health), 1994-2008. The dependent variables used in this thesis are the mental health measures depression diagnosis and feeling disliked. The primary independent variable in this thesis is interviewer reported skin color. My findings indicate that there is skin color variation among mental health outcomes. I find that the two mental health outcomes depression diagnosis and feeling disliked showed different outcomes. Lighter skin respondents reported more experiences of depression diagnosis and darker skin respondents reported more experiences of feeling disliked. The findings in this thesis show how colorism can influence skin color differences in mental health. I also show how skin color variation can be influenced by the way that mental health is being measured for Black Americans.

To analyze the development and nature of essentialist beliefs about race in earlychildhood, we replicated Mandalaywala and colleagues’ original study on the topic, in which a “switched-at-birth” task was used to test participants’ beliefs about the heritability of skin color and behavioral/psychological traits. We accessed their data through OSF and implemented quasibinomial and linear regression models using RStudio. As an extension to the original study, models were modified to incorporate participant sex as a variable. Overall, children judged skin color to be more heritable when the race of the birth mother was white but neither participant race nor sex was a strong predictor of general beliefs about the heritability of skin color. As expected, greater outgroup exposure was associated with a decrease in racial essentialism. Additionally, we found that Black participants exhibited higher levels of racial essentialism, and both Black participants and female participants displayed greater warmth toward Blacks. Despite children viewing skin color as a highly heritable factor, they do not hold strong causal essentialist beliefs of race, and these beliefs are further affected by the level of outgroup exposure that participants experience. Upon extending this model to compare across participant sexes, the results suggest that emotion-based judgments such as warmth toward Blacks differ more greatly between sexes, while general essentialist beliefs were not as differentiable. Essentialist beliefs may form more on the basis of intellectual development, in which there is a minimal distinction between males and females, rather than emotional experiences. The reason for certain variations across participant sex is hard to pinpoint but all in all, sex was not a significant determining factor in developing essentialist beliefs about race in children.

To analyze the development and nature of essentialist beliefs about race in earlychildhood, we replicated Mandalaywala and colleagues’ original study on the topic, in which a “switched-at-birth” task was used to test participants’ beliefs about the heritability of skin color and behavioral/psychological traits. We accessed their data through OSF and implemented quasibinomial and linear regression models using RStudio. As an extension to the original study, models were modified to incorporate participant sex as a variable. Overall, children judged skin color to be more heritable when the race of the birth mother was white but neither participant race nor sex was a strong predictor of general beliefs about the heritability of skin color. As expected, greater outgroup exposure was associated with a decrease in racial essentialism. Additionally, we found that Black participants exhibited higher levels of racial essentialism, and both Black participants and female participants displayed greater warmth toward Blacks. Despite children viewing skin color as a highly heritable factor, they do not hold strong causal essentialist beliefs of race, and these beliefs are further affected by the level of outgroup exposure that participants experience. Upon extending this model to compare across participant sexes, the results suggest that emotion-based judgments such as warmth toward Blacks differ more greatly between sexes, while general essentialist beliefs were not as differentiable. Essentialist beliefs may form more on the basis of intellectual development, in which there is a minimal distinction between males and females, rather than emotional experiences. The reason for certain variations across participant sex is hard to pinpoint but all in all, sex was not a significant determining factor in developing essentialist beliefs about race in children.

This thesis explores the effects that skin color, discrimination, and religious coping have on Black Americans’ mental health. Using colorism as a theoretical framework I ask two research questions, How does everyday discrimination and skin color influence the mental health of young Black Americans? How do gender and religion mediate the impact of discrimination and skin color on mental health? This thesis utilizes data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health), 1994-2008. The dependent variables used in this thesis are the mental health measures depression diagnosis and feeling disliked. The primary independent variable in this thesis is interviewer reported skin color. My findings indicate that there is skin color variation among mental health outcomes. I find that the two mental health outcomes depression diagnosis and feeling disliked showed different outcomes. Lighter skin respondents reported more experiences of depression diagnosis and darker skin respondents reported more experiences of feeling disliked. The findings in this thesis show how colorism can influence skin color differences in mental health. I also show how skin color variation can be influenced by the way that mental health is being measured for Black Americans.

The objective of this dissertation is to uncover how a failure to account for racial appearance, measured as skin color, in studies examining racial stratification within school contexts has the potential to mask inequality among students. The dissertation not only addresses how skin color stratification shapes unequal educational outcomes but also problematizes the issue of how best to capture skin tone data, a measure lacking standardization within the social sciences. Using network data from the Teen Identity Development and Education Study, coupled with data collected using an innovative skin color coding design, the findings of this dissertation underscore how the multidimensionality of race results in overlapping ethnoracial hierarchies that operate differently for certain ethnoracial groups.

Colorism defines the phenomenon of social hierarchy based on gradations of skin tones within and between groups. This has resulted in a preferential treatment towards light-hued individuals while dark-hued individuals are experiencing discrimination and disadvantage which is referred to as Light-skin privilege. The above continues to be a significant issue in today's society specifically in the Asian context and communities that are understudied in comparison to the African American communities. Therefore, this study aims to investigate colorism in Thailand, a southeast Asian country whose fascination with skin whitening is one of the strongest in the world. This paper examines how colorism represents itself in society by a qualitative interview study with Thais on their experiences regarding the whiteness standard and light-skin privilege. The analysis also investigates the potential limits on employment opportunities of darker-hued individuals compared to lighter-hued individuals to fill the research gap regarding colorism in respect to employment and work opportunities. The results show that light skin still is perceived as most desirable which can affect and lead to a derogatory treatment of darker hued Thai people especially in beauty related carriers. With the analysis of the Preference for Whiteness theory the treatment of dark hued people is a cause of classification structures and a history of discrimination on skin color perceptions.

This study utilized logistic and hierarchical regression to examine the impact of skin color, acculturative stress, mental health literacy, and experiences of racial discrimination on the lifetime use of mental health services through an intersectional lens. More specifically, the current study examined the Latinx ethnic identity, US-born status, across the skin color spectrum to better understand mental health service use disparities. Participants' (n = 173) mental health service use was measured at two levels, first, the overall number of hours of sessions attended and second overall hours of sessions of specific types of mental health services attended. Results indicated skin color was the only predictor associated with lifetime mental health service use among a sample of US-born Latinx individuals while acculturative stress, mental health literacy, and experiences of racial discrimination were associated with the use of specific types of mental health services. The findings suggest that for US-born Latinxs service use patterns differ based on skin color. Implications are discussed for US-born Latinx adults, mental health counselors, counselor educators, researchers, and policymakers. Recommendations for future research are provided.

Colorism defines the phenomenon of social hierarchy based on gradations of skin tones within and between groups. This has resulted in a preferential treatment towards light-hued individuals while dark-hued individuals are experiencing discrimination and disadvantage which is referred to as Light-skin privilege. The above continues to be a significant issue in today's society specifically in the Asian context and communities that are understudied in comparison to the African American communities. Therefore, this study aims to investigate colorism in Thailand, a southeast Asian country whose fascination with skin whitening is one of the strongest in the world. This paper examines how colorism represents itself in society by a qualitative interview study with Thais on their experiences regarding the whiteness standard and light-skin privilege. The analysis also investigates the potential limits on employment opportunities of darker-hued individuals compared to lighter-hued individuals to fill the research gap regarding colorism in respect to employment and work opportunities. The results show that light skin still is perceived as most desirable which can affect and lead to a derogatory treatment of darker hued Thai people especially in beauty related carriers. With the analysis of the Preference for Whiteness theory the treatment of dark hued people is a cause of classification structures and a history of discrimination on skin color perceptions.

Flat peach and flat nectarine (Prunus persica L. Batsch.) production in Spain started from local cultivars at marginal sites, mainly in the Ebro Valley and Murcia regions. At the end of the 1990s, the introduction of improved cultivars from France and Italy, with more red skin color coverage and better regular shape, fruit size, and stylar cavity closure, together with superior handling and transport conditions led the Spanish peach sector to develop this fruit type on a commercial scale. Currently, Spain is the largest European producer and exporter of flat peach and nectarine, offering a wide range of cultivars covering the producing period from May to September. In 2020, a total of 10.200 ha for flat peach and 481 ha for flat nectarine together produced 263.651 t (20% of the total peach production) (MAPAMA, 2022). To guarantee adaptation to local growing conditions (Font i Forcada et al., 2021a), several national breeding programs started to develop new flat peach and flat nectarine cultivars. One of these breeding programs is the ASF-IRTA breeding program, which is located at Gimenells (Lleida) in the Ebro Valley (northeastern Spain), which is a major region of peach production in Spain (Batlle et al., 2012; Cantín et al., 2017). It was started in 2004, with the objective of developing new cultivars adapted to chilling between 1000 and 1500 chill units or between 42 and 75 chill portions and warm conditions similar to the Mediterranean area (32 °C mean daily summer temperature and 300–400 mm of annual rainfall). It aimed to produce high-quality fruits, both at harvest and after cold storage, with the ultimate goal of satisfying consumers (Font i Forcada et al., 2021a, 2021b). As a result of this collaborative effort, the ASF-IRTA scion peach breeding program has already released the SUBLOR (one flat yellow-fleshed peach), SUBLIM (six flat white-fleshed peach), and PERLA (two flat white-fleshed nectarine) series. These nine new flat peach and nectarine cultivars

This article examines discrimination against black and Muslim minority groups in 20 Western labor markets. We analyze the outcomes of 94 field experiments, conducted between 1973 and 2016 and representing ∼240,000 fictitious job applications. Using meta-analysis, we find that black minority groups are more strongly discriminated against than non-black minority groups. The degree of discrimination of black minority groups varies cross-nationally, whereas Muslim minority groups are equally discriminated across national contexts. Unexpectedly, discrimination against black minority groups in the United States is mostly lower than in European countries. These findings suggest that racial–ethnic discrimination in hiring can be better understood by taking a multigroup and cross-country perspective.

Camouflage is often considered by dermatologists to be a "fall back" option when medical therapy for vitiligo has been unsuccessful. However as a solution to the primary problem presented by vitiligo - that is a visible discrepancy in skin colour - camouflage should instead be considered as a treatment itself and discussed early on in the medical consultation. The application of skin camouflage requires an understanding of how normal skin is perceived and of the challenges presented by colour matching, surface reflectance and the phenomenon of metamerism. There is an increasing range of camouflage products available, some developed specifically for medical conditions and others closer to standard cosmetics. It is important for dermatologists to be aware of these products, how they are used and their limitations.

Background: Lichen planus (LP) can affect all Fitzpatrick skin phototypes but its morphology can differ.1 The diagnosis of lichen planus in the skin of colour is challenging for clinicians because of this potential clinical variations and the overall lack of confidence in diagnosing and managing those with skin of colour.2,3,4,5 Objective: To add to the limited dermoscopic literature on LP in skin of colour and highlights the importance of comprehensive dermoscopic examination and precise history taking in the skin of colour population. Method(s): We present a case that demonstrates the importance of using dermoscopy to assess the extent of lichen planus in Fitzpatrick skin types 4-6. Result(s): The histological study has confirmed the diagnosis of lichen planus and lichen planopilaris. The patient was recalled 8-weeks post the initial visit to observe for the progress. There was ongoing pruritus present to surround the pigmented plaque despite prescribed topical Betamethasone dipropionate 0.1% cream. Dermoscopy was re-performed to study the plaque but this time also extended inferiorly to observe the enduring area of pruritus. The examined skin appeared normal macroscopically, but showed a subclinical extension of lichen planus. In the skin of colour, lichen planus does not necessarily demonstrate the classical features of lichen planus, such as erythema, in which clinicians can miss subclinical diagnosis or extension of the disease. Therefore, careful dermoscopy and comprehensive history taking including a specific questioning about pruritus are imperative to avoid overlooking subclinical lichen planus in individuals with a high suspicion of the condition despite normal-appearing skin.

Camouflage is often considered by dermatologists to be a "fall back" option when medical therapy for vitiligo has been unsuccessful. However as a solution to the primary problem presented by vitiligo - that is a visible discrepancy in skin colour - camouflage should instead be considered as a treatment itself and discussed early on in the medical consultation. The application of skin camouflage requires an understanding of how normal skin is perceived and of the challenges presented by colour matching, surface reflectance and the phenomenon of metamerism. There is an increasing range of camouflage products available, some developed specifically for medical conditions and others closer to standard cosmetics. It is important for dermatologists to be aware of these products, how they are used and their limitations.

Background: Lichen planus (LP) can affect all Fitzpatrick skin phototypes but its morphology can differ.1 The diagnosis of lichen planus in the skin of colour is challenging for clinicians because of this potential clinical variations and the overall lack of confidence in diagnosing and managing those with skin of colour.2,3,4,5 Objective: To add to the limited dermoscopic literature on LP in skin of colour and highlights the importance of comprehensive dermoscopic examination and precise history taking in the skin of colour population. Method(s): We present a case that demonstrates the importance of using dermoscopy to assess the extent of lichen planus in Fitzpatrick skin types 4-6. Result(s): The histological study has confirmed the diagnosis of lichen planus and lichen planopilaris. The patient was recalled 8-weeks post the initial visit to observe for the progress. There was ongoing pruritus present to surround the pigmented plaque despite prescribed topical Betamethasone dipropionate 0.1% cream. Dermoscopy was re-performed to study the plaque but this time also extended inferiorly to observe the enduring area of pruritus. The examined skin appeared normal macroscopically, but showed a subclinical extension of lichen planus. In the skin of colour, lichen planus does not necessarily demonstrate the classical features of lichen planus, such as erythema, in which clinicians can miss subclinical diagnosis or extension of the disease. Therefore, careful dermoscopy and comprehensive history taking including a specific questioning about pruritus are imperative to avoid overlooking subclinical lichen planus in individuals with a high suspicion of the condition despite normal-appearing skin.

Skin pigmentation is one of the most prominent and variable phenotypes in humans. We compared the alleles of 163 SNPs and indels from the Human Pigmentation (HuPi) AmpliSeq™ Custom panel, and biogeographic ancestry with the quantitative skin pigmentation levels on the upper arm, lower arm, and forehead of 299 Pakistani individuals from three subpopulations: Baloch, Pashtun, and Punjabi. The biogeographic ancestry of each individual was estimated using the Precision ID Ancestry Panel. All individuals were mainly of mixed South-Central Asian and European ancestry. However, the Baloch individuals also had an average proportion of Sub-Saharan African ancestry of approximately 10%, whereas it was <1% in the Punjabi and Pashtun individuals. The pairwise genetic distances between the Pashtun, Punjabi, and Baloch subpopulations based on the ancestry markers were statistically significantly different. Individuals from the Pashtun subpopula-tion had statistically significantly lower skin pigmentation than individuals from the Punjabi and Baloch subpopulations (p < 0.05). The proportions of European and Sub-Saharan African ancestry and five SNPs (rs1042602, rs10831496, rs1426654, rs16891982, and rs12913832) were statistically significantly associated with skin pigmentation at either the upper arm, lower arm or forehead in the Pakistani population after correction for multiple testing (p < 10−3). A model based on four of these SNPs (rs1426654, rs1042602, rs16891982, and rs12913832) explained 33% of the upper arm skin pigmentation. The four SNPs and the proportions of European and Sub-Saharan African ancestry explained 37% of the upper arm skin pigmentation. Our results indicate that the four likely causative SNPs, rs1426654, rs1042602, rs16891982, and rs12913832 located in SLC24A5, TYR, SLC45A2, and HERC2, respectively, are essential for skin color variation in the admixed Pakistani subpopulations.

Skin pigmentation is one of the most prominent and variable phenotypes in humans. We compared the alleles of 163 SNPs and indels from the Human Pigmentation (HuPi) AmpliSeq™ Custom panel, and biogeographic ancestry with the quantitative skin pigmentation levels on the upper arm, lower arm, and forehead of 299 Pakistani individuals from three subpopulations: Baloch, Pashtun, and Punjabi. The biogeographic ancestry of each individual was estimated using the Precision ID Ancestry Panel. All individuals were mainly of mixed South-Central Asian and European ancestry. However, the Baloch individuals also had an average proportion of Sub-Saharan African ancestry of approximately 10%, whereas it was <1% in the Punjabi and Pashtun individuals. The pairwise genetic distances between the Pashtun, Punjabi, and Baloch subpopulations based on the ancestry markers were statistically significantly different. Individuals from the Pashtun subpopula-tion had statistically significantly lower skin pigmentation than individuals from the Punjabi and Baloch subpopulations (p < 0.05). The proportions of European and Sub-Saharan African ancestry and five SNPs (rs1042602, rs10831496, rs1426654, rs16891982, and rs12913832) were statistically significantly associated with skin pigmentation at either the upper arm, lower arm or forehead in the Pakistani population after correction for multiple testing (p < 10−3). A model based on four of these SNPs (rs1426654, rs1042602, rs16891982, and rs12913832) explained 33% of the upper arm skin pigmentation. The four SNPs and the proportions of European and Sub-Saharan African ancestry explained 37% of the upper arm skin pigmentation. Our results indicate that the four likely causative SNPs, rs1426654, rs1042602, rs16891982, and rs12913832 located in SLC24A5, TYR, SLC45A2, and HERC2, respectively, are essential for skin color variation in the admixed Pakistani subpopulations.

Background: Observational studies have linked low vitamin D status to unfavorable cardiometabolic risk markers, but double-blinded vitamin D intervention studies in children are scarce. Objectives: The aim was to evaluate the effect of different doses of a vitamin D supplement on cardiometabolic risk markers in young healthy Swedish children with fair and dark skin. Methods: Cardiometabolic risk markers were analyzed as secondary outcomes of a double-blind, randomized, milk-based vitamin D intervention trial conducted during late fall and winter in 2 areas of Sweden (latitude 63°N and 55°N, respectively) in both fair- and dark-skinned 5- to 7-y-old children. During the 3-mo intervention, 206 children were randomly assigned to a daily milk-based vitamin D3 supplement of either 10 or 25 µg or placebo (2 µg; only at 55°N). Anthropometric measures, blood pressure, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, apoA-I, apoB, and C-reactive protein (CRP) were analyzed and non–HDL cholesterol calculated at baseline and after the intervention. Results: At baseline, serum 25(OH)D was negatively associated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure (β = −0.194; 95% CI: −0.153, −0.013; and β = −0.187; 95% CI: −0.150, −0.011, respectively). At follow-up, there was no statistically significant difference in any of the cardiometabolic markers between groups. Conclusions: We could not confirm any effect of vitamin D supplementation on serum lipids, blood pressure, or CRP in healthy 5- to 7-y-old children. The study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01741324).

Background: Observational studies have linked low vitamin D status to unfavorable cardiometabolic risk markers, but double-blinded vitamin D intervention studies in children are scarce. Objectives: The aim was to evaluate the effect of different doses of a vitamin D supplement on cardiometabolic risk markers in young healthy Swedish children with fair and dark skin. Methods: Cardiometabolic risk markers were analyzed as secondary outcomes of a double-blind, randomized, milk-based vitamin D intervention trial conducted during late fall and winter in 2 areas of Sweden (latitude 63°N and 55°N, respectively) in both fair- and dark-skinned 5- to 7-y-old children. During the 3-mo intervention, 206 children were randomly assigned to a daily milk-based vitamin D3 supplement of either 10 or 25 µg or placebo (2 µg; only at 55°N). Anthropometric measures, blood pressure, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, apoA-I, apoB, and C-reactive protein (CRP) were analyzed and non–HDL cholesterol calculated at baseline and after the intervention. Results: At baseline, serum 25(OH)D was negatively associated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure (β = −0.194; 95% CI: −0.153, −0.013; and β = −0.187; 95% CI: −0.150, −0.011, respectively). At follow-up, there was no statistically significant difference in any of the cardiometabolic markers between groups. Conclusions: We could not confirm any effect of vitamin D supplementation on serum lipids, blood pressure, or CRP in healthy 5- to 7-y-old children. The study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01741324).

Background: Observational studies have linked low vitamin D status to unfavorable cardiometabolic risk markers, but double-blinded vitamin D intervention studies in children are scarce. Objectives: The aim was to evaluate the effect of different doses of a vitamin D supplement on cardiometabolic risk markers in young healthy Swedish children with fair and dark skin. Methods: Cardiometabolic risk markers were analyzed as secondary outcomes of a double-blind, randomized, milk-based vitamin D intervention trial conducted during late fall and winter in 2 areas of Sweden (latitude 63°N and 55°N, respectively) in both fair- and dark-skinned 5- to 7-y-old children. During the 3-mo intervention, 206 children were randomly assigned to a daily milk-based vitamin D3 supplement of either 10 or 25 µg or placebo (2 µg; only at 55°N). Anthropometric measures, blood pressure, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, apoA-I, apoB, and C-reactive protein (CRP) were analyzed and non–HDL cholesterol calculated at baseline and after the intervention. Results: At baseline, serum 25(OH)D was negatively associated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure (β = −0.194; 95% CI: −0.153, −0.013; and β = −0.187; 95% CI: −0.150, −0.011, respectively). At follow-up, there was no statistically significant difference in any of the cardiometabolic markers between groups. Conclusions: We could not confirm any effect of vitamin D supplementation on serum lipids, blood pressure, or CRP in healthy 5- to 7-y-old children. The study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01741324).

Background: Observational studies have linked low vitamin D status to unfavorable cardiometabolic risk markers, but double-blinded vitamin D intervention studies in children are scarce. Objectives: The aim was to evaluate the effect of different doses of a vitamin D supplement on cardiometabolic risk markers in young healthy Swedish children with fair and dark skin. Methods: Cardiometabolic risk markers were analyzed as secondary outcomes of a double-blind, randomized, milk-based vitamin D intervention trial conducted during late fall and winter in 2 areas of Sweden (latitude 63°N and 55°N, respectively) in both fair- and dark-skinned 5- to 7-y-old children. During the 3-mo intervention, 206 children were randomly assigned to a daily milk-based vitamin D3 supplement of either 10 or 25 µg or placebo (2 µg; only at 55°N). Anthropometric measures, blood pressure, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, apoA-I, apoB, and C-reactive protein (CRP) were analyzed and non–HDL cholesterol calculated at baseline and after the intervention. Results: At baseline, serum 25(OH)D was negatively associated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure (β = −0.194; 95% CI: −0.153, −0.013; and β = −0.187; 95% CI: −0.150, −0.011, respectively). At follow-up, there was no statistically significant difference in any of the cardiometabolic markers between groups. Conclusions: We could not confirm any effect of vitamin D supplementation on serum lipids, blood pressure, or CRP in healthy 5- to 7-y-old children. The study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01741324).

Latin America had held an extensive reputation as a racial democracy due to the region’s history of interracial relations between Europeans, Africans, and Indigenous populations. However, this reputation has been criticized for ignoring the region’s ethno-racial hierarchies and the presence of distinct ethno-racial groups such as Afro-descendants and indigenous groups. Using data from the AmericasBarometer and the Project on Race and Ethnicity and Latin America (PERLA), this research project examines how national pride varies by ethno-racial group and skin color in Latin America. Brazil, Colombia, Panama, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, Bolivia, and the United States serve as my case studies. Ordinary least squares and logistic regressions are utilized for my analysis. My findings show few racial or skin-color effects on national pride in Latin America, with the exception of Brazil and Bolivia. However, perceived ethnic respect is related to national pride. Notably, those who disagreed that their country respected their ethnic identity showed lower levels of national pride compared to those who agreed. Thus, rather than simply identifying as an ethno-racial minority, actually experiencing a lack of ethnic respect may influence national pride attitudes. These findings challenge the assumption of social dominance theory in which being an ethno-racial minority should automatically result in less national pride. This research highlights the necessity to analyze perceived respect by ethnic groups when predicting senses of pride in the nation rather than rely on ethno-racial and skin color categorization.

Latin America had held an extensive reputation as a racial democracy due to the region’s history of interracial relations between Europeans, Africans, and Indigenous populations. However, this reputation has been criticized for ignoring the region’s ethno-racial hierarchies and the presence of distinct ethno-racial groups such as Afro-descendants and indigenous groups. Using data from the AmericasBarometer and the Project on Race and Ethnicity and Latin America (PERLA), this research project examines how national pride varies by ethno-racial group and skin color in Latin America. Brazil, Colombia, Panama, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, Bolivia, and the United States serve as my case studies. Ordinary least squares and logistic regressions are utilized for my analysis. My findings show few racial or skin-color effects on national pride in Latin America, with the exception of Brazil and Bolivia. However, perceived ethnic respect is related to national pride. Notably, those who disagreed that their country respected their ethnic identity showed lower levels of national pride compared to those who agreed. Thus, rather than simply identifying as an ethno-racial minority, actually experiencing a lack of ethnic respect may influence national pride attitudes. These findings challenge the assumption of social dominance theory in which being an ethno-racial minority should automatically result in less national pride. This research highlights the necessity to analyze perceived respect by ethnic groups when predicting senses of pride in the nation rather than rely on ethno-racial and skin color categorization.

In different scenarios, the idea has been constant that Colombia is not only a multi-ethnic, multilingual country, but also a multi-racial one. The first two qualifiers are more present in national life, while the image of various races represents, in the best of cases, a social panic that is difficult to name, easy to argue by denying or admitting their existence. In particular, where the revelation of skin colors causes greater sensitivity is in school, therefore this advance adds to the current of studies that deal with the consequences of race in the lives of school children. To delimit the scope of this article, it is specified that it corresponds to the preliminary results of an ongoing doctoral thesis whose central theme is the racial identity of black boys and girls, to situate this debate, it is asked what colors does childhood paint with? of blackness, your skin color and phenotype? In methodological terms, the qualitative method was chosen that, through workshops on the drawing of the body, would enable the protagonist participation of infants, in order from these sources to provoke new questions to the black child subject, whose knowledge in childhood studies, continue to be conspicuous by their absence. The initial responses indicate that these cartoonists do not paint themselves mostly with colors other than skin or pink, so common in children's color boxes, a situation that corroborates findings from decades ago regarding a racial consciousness, which shows confusion on the part of the reborn of blackness., Em diferentes cenários, tem sido constante a ideia de que a Colômbia não é apenas um país multiétnico e multilíngue, mas também multirracial. As duas primeiras eliminatórias estão mais presentes na vida nacional, enquanto a imagem das várias raças representa, no melhor dos casos, um pânico social difícil de nomear, fácil de argumentar negando ou admitindo sua existência. Em particular, onde a revelação das cores da pele causa maior sensibilidade é na escola, pois esse avanço se soma à corrente de estudos que tratam das consequências da raça na vida de escolares. Para delimitar o escopo deste artigo, especifica-se que ele corresponde aos resultados preliminares de uma tese de doutorado em andamento cujo tema central é a identidade racial de meninos e meninas negros, para situar esse debate, questiona-se com que cores a infância pinta? da negritude, sua cor de pele e fenótipo? Em termos metodológicos, optou-se pelo método qualitativo que, por meio de oficinas de desenho do corpo, possibilitasse a participação protagonista das crianças, a fim de que, a partir dessas fontes, suscitasse novos questionamentos da criança negra, cujo conhecimento nos estudos da infância, continuam a se destacar por sua ausência. As respostas iniciais indicam que essas crianças não se pintam principalmente com outras cores além da pele ou rosa, tão comuns nas caixas de cores infantis, situação que corrobora achados de décadas atrás a respeito da consciência racial, o que mostra confusão por parte dos renascentes da negritude., En diferentes escenarios ha sido constante la idea que Colombia, no es solo es un país multiétnico, plurilinguístico sino también poliracial. Los dos primeros calificativos están más presentes en la vida nacional, mientras que la imagen de varias razas, representa en el mejor de los casos un pánico social difícil de nombrar, fácil de polemizar al negar o admitir su existencia. Particularmente, donde la revelación de los colores de la piel, provoca mayor sensibilidad es en la escuela, por ello este avance, se suma a la corriente de estudios que se ocupan de las consecuencias de la raza en la vida de los infantes escolarizados. Para delimitar el alcance de este artículo se precisa que éste, corresponde a los resultados preliminares de una tesis doctoral en curso cuyo tema central es la identidad racial de niños y niñas negros, para situar este debate, se pregunta ¿Con que colores pinta la niñez de la negritud, su color de piel y fenotipo? En términos metodológicos, se escogió el método cualitativo que a través de talleres sobre el dibujo del cuerpo posibilitara la participación protagónica de los infantes, para a partir de esas fuentes, provocar nuevas interrogaciones al sujeto niño negro, cuyos conocimientos en los estudios de la infancia, siguen brillando por su ausencia. Las respuestas iniciales señalan que estos dibujantes, no se pintan mayoritariamente con colores distintos al color piel o rosado, tan común en las cajas de colores infantiles, situación que corrobora hallazgos de hace décadas en torno a una conciencia racial, que muestra confusiones por parte de los renacientes de la negritud.

My dissertation analyzes racial and skin color stratification in Jamaica, the impact of an ideology of racial mixing on Jamaican’s explanation for that inequality, and racial and nation-based identification. Using the Americas Barometer social survey on Jamaica (a comprehensive and nationally representative dataset), the census, and original, qualitative, semi-structured interviews, I examine: (1) the parameters of Jamaican national identity, (2) Jamaican nationalism and its influences on perceptions of racial and color prejudice and discrimination, and (3) the structuring of socioeconomic well-being along racial and color lines. I find that the ideology of racial mixing/fusion or creolization strongly influences understandings of Jamaican national identity and of race. While issues pertaining to both race and colorism are not blatantly denied, race is generally viewed as a “U.S. problem,” while colorism is considered centrally an issue of the nation’s past. Instead, Jamaicans overwhelmingly focus on class for explaining social inequality rather than skin color or race, despite my research revealing dramatic racial hierarchies in both wealth and educational attainment.

Background: Following the development of digitalization and the emergence of social media a lot of attention has been drawn upon how these platforms are influencing the fashion industry and fashion marketing. As society is becoming more ethics and health conscious, fashion companies’ visual representations in social media are drawing more attention - who is represented and how are these representations portrayed. Previous research has shown that white and thin models are a recurrent over-representation in media, consumers through these see the ‘ideal’ or stereotypical body types or norms, and not an actual or full representation of society. The issue is, however, not that white or thin people are represented in media. The problem is how companies portray these representations and how the portrayals lead to the exclusion and misrepresentation of other groups in society. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the CSR practice of fashion companies regarding the body image representations in social media marketing communications, with specific focus on the marketer’s perspective. Methodology: For this study an exploratory cross-sectional case-study research design approach was applied. Four corporate cases of fashion companies were analyzed using data triangulation methods on the basis of content analysis and semi-structured interviews. First, case analysis of social media contents and interviews were conducted, followed by cross- sectional analysis to find out if fashion companies’ practiced social responsibility is aligned with the verbally expressed social responsibility. Findings: The findings of this study demonstrate that fashion companies consider external social responsibility as an important issue, however, a gap between the companies practiced social responsibility and verbally expressed social responsibility remains. The study shows that two of the companies’ practiced social responsibility on their Instagram channel is in alignment with their v

In this essay, I discuss Kant’s views on the “American race.” Robert Bernasconi has pointed out that more research on the sources of Kant’s ideas on non-white races is needed in order to have a better understanding of his racism. This essay responds to that call in order to show how Kant contributed to on-going discussions on the causes and meaning of human differences. However, I will also focus on his influence on his contemporaries. The reason for doing so is two-fold. Firstly, I will question Irene Tucker’s recent attempt to show that skin color was considered a racial sign because of its supposed self-evidence and immediate legibility. By way of a presentation of Kant’s views on the “American race,” I will show that race mixing formed the core of Kant’s racial theory and not the alleged immediacy of racial sight. Secondly, I will focus on his influence in order to question the popular idea that Kant had in his late work developed second thoughts on his racial hierarchy. His appraisal of the work of one of his contemporaries (Christoph Girtanner) clearly shows that the matter is far more complicated than suggested in these interpretations of Kant’s racial work., En este ensayo, discuto los puntos de vista de Kant sobre la “raza Americana”. Robert Bernasconi ha señalado que se necesita más investigación sobre las fuentes de las ideas de Kant sobre las razas no blancas para tener una mejor comprensión de su racismo. Este ensayo responde a ese llamado para mostrar cómo Kant contribuyó a las discusiones en curso sobre las causas y el significado de las diferencias humanas. Sin embargo, también me centraré en su influencia en sus contemporáneos. La razón para hacerlo es doble. En primer lugar, cuestionaré el reciente intento de Irene Tucker de mostrar que el color de la piel se consideraba un signo racial debido a su supuesta evidencia y legibilidad inmediata. A modo de presentación de los puntos de vista de Kant sobre la “raza americana”, mostraré que la mezcla racial formaba el núcleo de la teoría racial de Kant y no la supuesta inmediatez de la visión racial. En segundo lugar, me centraré en su influencia para cuestionar la idea popular que Kant tuvo en su último trabajo de desarrollar segundos pensamientos sobre su jerarquía racial. Su valoración de la obra de uno de sus contemporáneos (Christoph Girtanner) muestra claramente que el asunto es mucho más complicado de lo que se sugiere en estas interpretaciones de la obra racial de Kant.

My dissertation analyzes racial and skin color stratification in Jamaica, the impact of an ideology of racial mixing on Jamaican’s explanation for that inequality, and racial and nation-based identification. Using the Americas Barometer social survey on Jamaica (a comprehensive and nationally representative dataset), the census, and original, qualitative, semi-structured interviews, I examine: (1) the parameters of Jamaican national identity, (2) Jamaican nationalism and its influences on perceptions of racial and color prejudice and discrimination, and (3) the structuring of socioeconomic well-being along racial and color lines. I find that the ideology of racial mixing/fusion or creolization strongly influences understandings of Jamaican national identity and of race. While issues pertaining to both race and colorism are not blatantly denied, race is generally viewed as a “U.S. problem,” while colorism is considered centrally an issue of the nation’s past. Instead, Jamaicans overwhelmingly focus on class for explaining social inequality rather than skin color or race, despite my research revealing dramatic racial hierarchies in both wealth and educational attainment.

In this essay, I discuss Kant’s views on the “American race.” Robert Bernasconi has pointed out that more research on the sources of Kant’s ideas on non-white races is needed in order to have a better understanding of his racism. This essay responds to that call in order to show how Kant contributed to on-going discussions on the causes and meaning of human differences. However, I will also focus on his influence on his contemporaries. The reason for doing so is two-fold. Firstly, I will question Irene Tucker’s recent attempt to show that skin color was considered a racial sign because of its supposed self-evidence and immediate legibility. By way of a presentation of Kant’s views on the “American race,” I will show that race mixing formed the core of Kant’s racial theory and not the alleged immediacy of racial sight. Secondly, I will focus on his influence in order to question the popular idea that Kant had in his late work developed second thoughts on his racial hierarchy. His appraisal of the work of one of his contemporaries (Christoph Girtanner) clearly shows that the matter is far more complicated than suggested in these interpretations of Kant’s racial work., En este ensayo, discuto los puntos de vista de Kant sobre la “raza Americana”. Robert Bernasconi ha señalado que se necesita más investigación sobre las fuentes de las ideas de Kant sobre las razas no blancas para tener una mejor comprensión de su racismo. Este ensayo responde a ese llamado para mostrar cómo Kant contribuyó a las discusiones en curso sobre las causas y el significado de las diferencias humanas. Sin embargo, también me centraré en su influencia en sus contemporáneos. La razón para hacerlo es doble. En primer lugar, cuestionaré el reciente intento de Irene Tucker de mostrar que el color de la piel se consideraba un signo racial debido a su supuesta evidencia y legibilidad inmediata. A modo de presentación de los puntos de vista de Kant sobre la “raza americana”, mostraré que la mezcla racial formaba el núcleo de la teoría racial de Kant y no la supuesta inmediatez de la visión racial. En segundo lugar, me centraré en su influencia para cuestionar la idea popular que Kant tuvo en su último trabajo de desarrollar segundos pensamientos sobre su jerarquía racial. Su valoración de la obra de uno de sus contemporáneos (Christoph Girtanner) muestra claramente que el asunto es mucho más complicado de lo que se sugiere en estas interpretaciones de la obra racial de Kant.

Background: Following the development of digitalization and the emergence of social media a lot of attention has been drawn upon how these platforms are influencing the fashion industry and fashion marketing. As society is becoming more ethics and health conscious, fashion companies’ visual representations in social media are drawing more attention - who is represented and how are these representations portrayed. Previous research has shown that white and thin models are a recurrent over-representation in media, consumers through these see the ‘ideal’ or stereotypical body types or norms, and not an actual or full representation of society. The issue is, however, not that white or thin people are represented in media. The problem is how companies portray these representations and how the portrayals lead to the exclusion and misrepresentation of other groups in society. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the CSR practice of fashion companies regarding the body image representations in social media marketing communications, with specific focus on the marketer’s perspective. Methodology: For this study an exploratory cross-sectional case-study research design approach was applied. Four corporate cases of fashion companies were analyzed using data triangulation methods on the basis of content analysis and semi-structured interviews. First, case analysis of social media contents and interviews were conducted, followed by cross- sectional analysis to find out if fashion companies’ practiced social responsibility is aligned with the verbally expressed social responsibility. Findings: The findings of this study demonstrate that fashion companies consider external social responsibility as an important issue, however, a gap between the companies practiced social responsibility and verbally expressed social responsibility remains. The study shows that two of the companies’ practiced social responsibility on their Instagram channel is in alignment with their v

Maternal 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) deficiency during pregnancy may increase the risk of preterm and small-for-gestational age (SGA) birth, but studies report conflicting results. We used a multicenter prospective cohort of 2813 pregnant women assessed for 25-OHD levels in the first trimester of pregnancy to investigate the association between maternal 25-OHD concentrations and risks of preterm birth (<37 weeks) and SGA (birthweight <10th percentile). Odds ratios were adjusted (aOR) for potential cofounders overall and among women with light and dark skin separately, based on the Fitzpatrick scale. 25-OHD concentrations were <20 ng/mL for 45.1% of the cohort. A total of 6.7% of women had a preterm birth. The aOR for preterm birth associated with the 1st quartile of 25-OHD concentrations compared to the 4th quartile was 1.53 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.97-2.43). In stratified analyses, an association was observed for women with darker skin (aOR = 2.89 (95% CI: 1.02-8.18)), and no association with lighter skin. A total of 11.9% of births were SGA and there was no association overall or by skin color. Our results do not provide support for an association between maternal first trimester 25-OHD deficiency and risk of preterm or SGA birth overall; the association with preterm birth risk among women with darker skin requires further investigation., SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

The factors influencing human female facial attractiveness—symmetry, averageness, and sexual dimorphism—have been extensively studied. However, recent studies, using improved methodologies, have called into question their evolutionary utility and links with life history. The current studies use a range of approaches to quantify how important these factors actually are in perceiving attractiveness, through the use of novel statistical analyses and by addressing methodological weaknesses in the literature. Study One examines how manipulations of symmetry, averageness, femininity, and masculinity affect attractiveness using a two-alternative forced choice task, finding that increased masculinity and also femininity decrease attractiveness, compared to unmanipulated faces. Symmetry and averageness yielded a small and large effect, respectively. Study Two utilises a naturalistic ratings paradigm, finding similar effects of averageness and masculinity as Study One but no effects of symmetry and femininity on attractiveness. Study Three applies geometric face measurements of the factors and a random forest machine learning algorithm to predict perceived attractiveness, finding that shape averageness, dimorphism, and skin texture symmetry are useful features capable of relatively accurate predictions, while shape symmetry is uninformative. However, the factors do not explain as much variance in attractiveness as the literature suggests. The implications for future research on attractiveness are discussed.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate vitamin D status and effects of vitamin D intervention on bone mineral density (BMD) and content (BMC) in children with fair and dark skin in Sweden during winter. Methods: In a 2-center prospective double-blinded randomized intervention study 5- to 7-year-old children (n = 206) with fair and dark skin in Sweden (55 degrees N-63 degrees N) received daily vitamin D supplements of 25 mu g, 10 mu g, or placebo (2 mu g) during 3 winter months. We measured BMD and BMC for total body (TB), total body less head (TBLH), femoral neck (FN), and spine at baseline and 4 months later. Intake of vitamin D and calcium, serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (S-25 [OH]D), and related parameters were analyzed. Results: Despite lower S-25(OH)D in dark than fair-skinned children, BMD of TB (P = 0.012) and TBLH (P = 0.002) and BMC of TBLH (P = 0.04) were higher at baseline and follow-up in those with dark skin. Delta (Delta) BMD and BMC of TB and TBLH did not differ between intervention and placebo groups, but FN-BMC increased more among dark-skinned children in the 25 mu g (P = 0.038) and 10 mu g (P = 0.027) groups compared to placebo. We found no associations between Delta S-25(OH)D, P-parathyroid hormone, P-alkaline phosphatase, and Delta BMD and BMC, respectively. Conclusions: BMD and BMC remained higher in dark- than fair-skinned children despite lower vitamin D status. Even though no difference in general was found in BMD or BMC after vitamin D intervention, the increase in FN-BMC in dark-skinned children may suggest an influence on bone in those with initially insufficient vitamin D status.

Understanding grape berry development and the metabolism of different classes of compounds responsible for traits like berry's color is imperative to control and improve quality aspects of grapes. A colorimetric, biochemical and molecular characterization allowed the comprehensive description of the pigment-related characteristics of nine berry skin color somatic variants, belonging to four different varieties. Although the observed berry skin color variability was not fully explained by MybA locus, the phenolic profiles allowed inferring about specific interferences among the biosynthetic pathways. Data were consistent concerning that grapes showing cyanidin-3-O-glucoside as the major anthocyanin and flavonols with two substituent groups in the lateral B-ring are generally originated by a white ancestor. After retro-mutation, these grapes seem to keep the dysfunction on flavonoid hydroxylases enzymes, which negatively affect the synthesis of both flavonols and anthocyanins with three substituent groups in the lateral B-ring. Overall, the obtained results indicate that the color differences observed between somatic variants are not solely the result of the total amount of compounds synthesized, but rather reflect a different dynamics of the phenolic pathway among the different color variants of the same variety. Chemical compounds Gallic acid (PubChem CID 370); Caftaric acid (PubChem CID 6,440,397); Catechin (PubChem CID 73,160); Epigallocatechin gallate (PubChem CID 65,064); Quercetin-3-O-galactoside (PubChem CID 5,281,643); Quercetin-3-O-glucoside (PubChem CID 25,203,368); Malvidin-3-O-glucoside (PubChem CID 443,652); Peonidin-3-O-p-coumaroylglucoside (PubChem CID: 44,256,849); Malvidin-3-O-p-coumaroylglucoside (PubChem CID: 44,256,988); Resveratrol-3-O-glucoside (PubChem CID: 25,579,167). © 2017 Elsevier Ltd

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate if dietary vitamin D intake is adequate for sufficient vitamin D status during early winter in children living in Sweden, irrespective of latitude or skin color. METHODS: As part of a prospective, comparative, two-center intervention study in northern (63°N) and southern (55°N) Sweden, dietary intake, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (S-25(OH) D), associated laboratory variables, and socio-demographic data were studied in 5 to 7-year-old children with fair and dark skin in November and December. RESULTS: 206 children with fair/dark skin were included, 44/41 and 64/57 children in northern and southern Sweden, respectively. Dietary vitamin D intake was higher in northern than southern Sweden (p=0.001), irrespective of skin color, partly due to higher consumption of fortified foods, but only met 50-70% of national recommendations (10 μg/day). S-25(OH) D was higher in northern than southern Sweden, in children with fair (67 vs. 59 nmol/L; p < 0.05) and dark skin (56 vs. 42 nmol/L; p < 0.001). S-25(OH) D was lower in dark than fair skinned children at both sites (p < 0.01), and below 50 nmol/L in 40 and 75% of dark-skinned children in northern and southern Sweden, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Insufficient vitamin D status was common during early winter in children living in Sweden, particularly in those with dark skin. Although, higher dietary vitamin D intake in northern than southern Sweden attenuated the effects of latitude, a northern country of living combined with darker skin and vitamin D intake below recommendations are important risk factors for vitamin D insufficiency.

Research progressing during the last decade focuses more on non-contact based systems to monitor Heart Rate (HR) which are simple, low-cost and comfortable to use. Most of the non-contact based systems are using RGB videos which is suitable for lab environment. However, it needs to progress considerably before they can be applied in real life applications. As luminance (light) has significance contribution on RGB videos HR monitoring using RGB videos are not efficient enough in real life applications in outdoor environment. This paper presents a HR monitoring method using Lab color facial video captured by a webcam of a laptop computer. Lab color space is device independent and HR can be extracted through facial skin color variation caused by blood circulation considering variable environmental light. Here, three different signal processing methods i.e., Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), Independent Component Analysis (ICA) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) have been applied on the color channels in video recordings and blood volume pulse (BVP) has been extracted from the facial regions. In this study, HR is subsequently quantified and compare with a reference measurement. The result shows that high degrees of accuracy have been achieved compared to the reference measurements. Thus, this technology has significant potential for advancing personal health care, telemedicine and many real life applications such as driver monitoring.

Agronomic and physicochemical fruit properties of ‘Big Top’ nectarine were evaluated in the Ebro Valley (Zaragoza, Spain), under replant and heavy-calcareous soil conditions typical of the Mediterranean area. Fruits were harvested at commercial maturity from trees budded on four peach-almond hybrids (Prunus amygdalus × Prunus persica): Adarcias, Felinem, GF 677 and Mayor; two P. persica × Prunus davidiana hybrids: Barrier and Cadaman; two hexaploid plums: Adesoto (Prunus insititia) and Tetra (Prunus domestica); and one almond-plum hybrid (Prunus cerasifera × P. amygdalus): Replantpac. Significant differences among the different rootstocks were found for most of the fruit quality traits analyzed at harvest maturity. The average of the four years of study showed that the brightest (high L* value) and most red colored skin fruits (high a* and b* values) were found on GF 677, while the lowest b* and h were recorded on Tetra and Felinem, respectively. Adesoto, GF 677 and Replantpac induced good fruit quality traits based on anthocyanins, Vitamin C, relative antioxidant capacity and/or total phenolic content (TPC). GF 677 also showed higher values on cumulative yield (CY) and yield efficiency (YE), with no significant differences with Replantpac for CY and Adesoto for YE. Barrier and Cadaman seem to delay maturity of ‘Big Top’ fruits based on flesh firmness (FF), titratable acidity (TA) and CIELAB parameters, and showed lower TPC and anthocyanins, which could be partly explained due to their worst adaptation to calcareous soil conditions. Results from this study underlined the important relationships between plant adaptability and fruit quality traits.

Chapter 1 gives a general introduction to this thesis. In Chapter 2 we validated perceived skin color as skin color measurement. In Chapter 3 we investigated whether digitally quantified skin color was a suitable measure to discover new skin color genes. In Chapter 4 we investigated the genetic basis of skin color by a genome-wide association study followed by a replication analysis in 17,262 individuals of European ancestry from the Netherlands, UK and Australia. In Chapter 5 we validated a new digital image analysis technique to measure severity of different skin aging features including wrinkling, pigmented spots and telangiectasia. In Chapter 6 we have used the digitally quantified pigmented spots measures to search for associated genetic variants. In Chapter 7 we studied intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors for the skin aging feature sagging eyelids. In Chapter 8 we investigated genetic susceptibility to the pre-malignant actinic keratosis. In Chapter 9 we have summarized the pattern of genetic association between 13 genes and pigmentation traits, pigmented spots, and cutaneous malignancies. In Chapter 10 we discuss the results of all studies in this thesis.

Skin pigmentation lightened progressively to a variable extent, as modern humans emigrated out of Africa, but extreme lightening occurred only in northern Europeans. Yet, loss of pigmentation alone cannot suffice to sustain cutaneous vitamin D3 (VD3) formation at the high latitudes of northern Europe. We hypothesized that loss-of-function mutations in the epidermal structural protein, filaggrin (FLG), could have evolved to sustain adequate VD3 status. Loss of FLG results in reduced generation of trans-urocanic acid, the principal endogenous ultraviolet-B (UV-B) filter in lightly-pigmented individuals. Accordingly, we identified a higher prevalence of FLG mutations in northern European populations when compared to more southern European, Asian and African populations that correlates significantly with differences in circulating 25-OH-VD3 levels in these same populations. By allowing additional UV-B penetration and intracutaneous VD3 formation, the latitude-dependent gradient in FLG mutations, likely together with other concurrent mutations in VD3 metabolic pathways, provide a non-pigment-based mechanism that sustains higher levels of circulating VD3 in northern Europeans. At the time that FLG mutations evolved, xerosis due to FLG deficiency was a lesser price to pay for enhanced VD3 production. Yet, the increase in FLG mutations has inadvertently contributed to an epidemic of atopic diseases that has emerged in recent decades.

Skin pigmentation lightened progressively to a variable extent, as modern humans emigrated out of Africa, but extreme lightening occurred only in northern Europeans. Yet, loss of pigmentation alone cannot suffice to sustain cutaneous vitamin D3 (VD3) formation at the high latitudes of northern Europe. We hypothesized that loss-of-function mutations in the epidermal structural protein, filaggrin (FLG), could have evolved to sustain adequate VD3 status. Loss of FLG results in reduced generation of trans-urocanic acid, the principal endogenous ultraviolet-B (UV-B) filter in lightly-pigmented individuals. Accordingly, we identified a higher prevalence of FLG mutations in northern European populations when compared to more southern European, Asian and African populations that correlates significantly with differences in circulating 25-OH-VD3 levels in these same populations. By allowing additional UV-B penetration and intracutaneous VD3 formation, the latitude-dependent gradient in FLG mutations, likely together with other concurrent mutations in VD3 metabolic pathways, provide a non-pigment-based mechanism that sustains higher levels of circulating VD3 in northern Europeans. At the time that FLG mutations evolved, xerosis due to FLG deficiency was a lesser price to pay for enhanced VD3 production. Yet, the increase in FLG mutations has inadvertently contributed to an epidemic of atopic diseases that has emerged in recent decades.