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Wolverine hairs with superior heat transfer properties have been used as fur ruffs for extreme cold-weather clothing. In order to understand the exclusive mechanism of wolverine surviving in the cold areas of circumpolar, the purpose of this paper is to establish a one-dimensional fractional heat transfer equation to reveal the hidden mechanism for the hairs, and also calculate the fractal dimension of the wolverine hair using the box counting method to verify the proposed theory. The observed results (from the proposed model) found to be in good agreement with the box counting method. This model can explain the phenomenon which offers the theoretical foundation for the design of extreme cold weather clothing.

The authors calculated the fractal dimension of the wolverine hair using the box counting method to verify the proposed theory. The observed results (from the proposed model) found to be in good agreement with the box counting method.

The box counting method proves that the theoretical model is applicable.

The authors propose the first heat transfer model for the wolverine hair.

Three types of polypropylene knitted fabrics in terry pile (uncut) structures with a similar knit design are developed by using fine denier filaments to make the inner layer for extreme cold weather clothing. The denier per filament is varied to assess its influence on thermo-physiological comfort properties, viz. thermal conductivity, thermal resistance and absorptivity, air permeability, water vapour permeability and wicking. The thermal properties are measured with an Alambeta instrument, and in-plane liquid flow through the fabrics is measured by using a gravimetric in-plane wicking tester. A statistical analysis is carried out at the 95% significance level for different experiments to establish the specific trend exhibited by the fabrics. It is observed that the water uptake increases, but water vapour permeability decreases with a decrease in filament denier. The thermal properties and air permeability values do not show any specific trends with filament denier. The porosity value is observed to be similar for all three developed fabrics.

Perspiration and heat are produced by the body and must be eliminated to maintain a stable body temperature. Sweat, heat and air must pass through the fabric to be comfortable. The cloth absorbs sweat and then releases it, allowing the body to chill down. By capillary action, moisture is driven away from fabric pores or sucked out of yarns. Convectional air movement improves sweat drainage, which may aid in body temperature reduction. Clothing reduces the skin's ability to transport heat and moisture to the outside. Excessive moisture makes clothing stick to the skin, whereas excessive heat induces heat stress, making the user uncomfortable. Wet heat loss is significantly more difficult to understand than dry heat loss. The purpose of this study is to provided a good compilation of complete information on wet thermal comfort of textile and technological elements to be consider while constructing protective apparel.

This paper aims to critically review studies on the thermal comfort of textiles in wet conditions and assess the results to guide future research.

Several recent studies focused on wet textiles' impact on comfort. Moisture reduces the fabric's thermal insulation value while also altering its moisture characteristics. Moisture and heat conductivity were linked. Sweat and other factors impact fabric comfort. So, while evaluating a fabric's comfort, consider both external and inside moisture.

The systematic literature review in this research focuses on wet thermal comfort and technological elements to consider while constructing protective apparel.

According to the investigative research of the forecasters at the British Weather Services, the climate in England has changed over the last decade. Hot, dry summers and wearm, wet winters have smudged the distinction between seasons. As a result of the unpredictable climatic extremes of recent years, combined with such other factors as the recession, Sunday trading and lifestyle changes, a re‐evaluation of consumer buying patterns is required. Owing to the factors outlined above, there is a need for a new approach towards women's wear in England on the part of retailers and manufacturers. Their vision is required to realise the need for versatility in adopting core colours and transseasonal fabrics into collections, allowing for a continuum offering and thus, a breaking down of divisions between the four seasons. This report offers an insight into the fluctuating climate in England throughout recent years, outlining the weather sensitivity of the clothing industry. It analyses the influence of the unseasonal developments on consumer buying behaviour through the use of a regional questionnaire. It is appreciated, however, that the relationship does not exist in isolation and therefore other factors in the equation are acknowledged. The extent to which retailers are adapting their buying strategies in response to changing market demands is investigated, while methods of incorporating retail demand for transitional collections into manufacturing strategies are examined. In conclusion, research findings are reviewed and recommendations are provided for those in the clothing industry concerned with satisfying the changing demands of the women's wear market on the high streets of England.

The purpose of this paper is to present the quantification of the thermal conductivities and thermal resistances of 12 insulating fabrics extracted from commercial clothing products under static, simulated sweating, and simulated wind chill conditions.

Triplicate coded (blind test) samples of each fabric were tested in a modified ASTM 1518‐85 test apparatus enclosed in a cold box capable of temperatures as low as −85°C to determine thermal conductivity and thermal resistance. Sweat and wind chill were also simulated and evaluated.

One fabric, Vaetrex0, was clearly found to be superior under all conditions to the other 11 fabrics tested. The performance of many of the other fabrics varied when exposed to simulated sweat.

An objective evaluation of fabrics that can assist manufacturers in fabric selection for cold weather clothing manufacture.

The paper provides an extension of the ASTM 1518‐85 method to cold conditions and a unique blind comparison test of commercial clothing fabrics under these extreme conditions.

The present study provides a comprehensive review of the advancements in five active heating modes for cold-proof clothing as of 2021. It aims to evaluate the current state of research for each heating mode and identify their limitations. Further, the study provides insights into the optimization of intelligent temperature control algorithms and design considerations for intelligent cold-proof clothing.

This article presents a classification of active heating systems based on five different heating principles: electric heating system, solar heating system, phase-change material (PCM) heating system, chemical heating system and fluid/air heating system. The systems are analyzed and evaluated in terms of heating principle, research advancement, scientific challenges and application potential in the field of cold-proof clothing.

The rational utilization of active heating modes enhances the thermal efficiency of cold-proof clothing, resulting in enhanced cold-resistance and reduced volume and weight. Despite progress in the development of the five prevalent heating modes, particularly with regard to the improvement and advancement of heating materials, the current integration of heating systems with cold-proof clothing is limited to the torso and limbs, lacking consideration of the thermal physiological requirements of the human body. Additionally, the heating modes of each system tend to be uniform and lack differentiation to meet the varying cold protection needs of various body parts.

The effective application of multiple heating modes helps the human body to maintain a constant body temperature and thermal equilibrium in a cold environment. The research of heating mode is the basis for realizing the temperature control of cold-proof clothing and provides an effective guarantee for the future development of the intelligent algorithms for temperature control of non-uniform heating of body segments.

The integration of multiple heating modes ensures the maintenance of a constant body temperature and thermal balance for the wearer in cold environments. The research of heating modes forms the foundation for the temperature regulation of cold-proof clothing and lays the groundwork for the development of intelligent algorithms for non-uniform heating control of different body segments.

The present article systematically reviews five active heating modes suitable for use in cold-proof clothing and offers guidance for the selection of heating systems in future smart cold-proof clothing. Furthermore, the findings of this research provide a basis for future research on non-uniform heating modes that are aligned with the thermal physiological needs of the human body, thus contributing to the development of cold-proof clothing that is better suited to meet the thermal needs of the human body.

The influence of weather on business activities and human behaviour has been explored in several fields (e.g. finance and psychology), but little research about weather and retail sales is found in the retail or fashion literature. The purpose of the study is to analyse the relationship between temperature, one aspect of weather, and retail sales of seasonal garments.

The researchers collected sales data from a retailer of branded women's business wear in the Seoul‐Kyunggi area in South Korea. Along with the sales data for seasonal basic styles, corresponding daily and weekly average temperature data were collected and evaluated. The analysis for the study was drawn using descriptive statistics including graphical evaluations, correlation analysis and paired samples t‐test. Interviews with the retailer's merchandisers were used to supplement interpretation of the statistical data.

Results of this study provide strong evidence that fluctuations in temperature can impact sales of seasonal garments. During sales periods when drastic temperature changes occurred, more seasonal garments were sold. However, the temperature changes from day to day or week to week did not affect the number of garments sold for the whole season. Of the seasonal garments expected to sell within the same season, the selling periods of each product category differed depending on type of fabric and design. For some seasonal garments, the actual sales dates were one week to two weeks in variance from the merchandisers' forecasts.

Limitations in the sample (i.e. product category) and location of stores (i.e. geographic region) prevent the generalization of results to all seasonal garments or retailers. In spite of these limitations, this study can be a pilot study that supports the significant relationship between temperature and sales of seasonal basic products by quantifying the temperature effects on sales of particular products. Therefore, future studies are needed to establish generalized conclusions with a larger sample.

As little academic research is available about weather's effect on sales of garments, the present study contributes to the field of clothing and retail distribution by providing evidence of significant relationships between temperature and sales of seasonal clothing.

Older people are vulnerable to fuel poverty on the island of Ireland. This paper seeks to explore the lived experiences of older people in cold weather with a view to informing fuel poverty policy and service responses.

A postal and online survey utilising an opportunistic sample of older people living in Ireland and linked with a range of services/community and voluntary groups was undertaken in January‐April 2011. Data on the experiences of 722 older people in the cold weather of winter 2010/2011 were analysed in the context of socio‐economic, health, and housing circumstances.

During the period of extreme cold weather half of the sample reported that they went without other household necessities due to the cost of home‐heating. In general, 62 per cent of those surveyed worried about the cost of home‐heating. Homes considered “too cold” were more likely to lack central heating and experience damp/draughts. Staying indoors, keeping the heating on, and eating hot food/drinks were common responses to cold weather but a diverse range of behaviours was observed. Associations were observed between living in a cold home and higher levels of chronic illness, falls and loneliness, and fewer social activities.

The sample cannot be considered nationally representative; single occupancy and social housing units were overrepresented.

This research found significant associations between living in a cold home/difficulty paying for heating, and aspects of ill‐health and social exclusion. While no causal association can be assumed, this phenomenon has implications for policies supporting healthy ageing.

The purpose of this paper is to examine the Summer performance, comfort, and heat stress in structural timber buildings. The research utilises building simulation as a tool to investigate the performance of the case study buildings under non-extreme weather conditions.

The research explores three UK sites using the test reference year (TRY) weather files for the current and future weather conditions. The study focuses on the Summer performance and heat stress in non-extreme weather conditions; therefore, the Design Summer Year (DSY) weather files are not used for the simulations. The simulation data are calibrated and validated using the measured data from the field study.

The results revealed the mean predicted temperatures varied from 20.2–20.8°C for the 2000s. The mean temperatures for the 2030s ranged from 23.1 to 24.2°C. Higher temperatures are predicted at the buildings in the Southeast site than the Midlands and the Northwest sites. The results revealed that there is no significant improvement in the thermal environment when the floor area and the floor-to-ceiling height are increased. However, the study showed that the integration of different design interventions can improve the future performance and resilience of the buildings in various weather conditions.

By applying the wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) and the Universal Thermal Comfort Index (UTCI) mathematical models to calculate the heat stress at the buildings, the study proposes the WBGT of 20.0°C and the UTCI of 24.1°C as possible heat stress indicators for occupants of the buildings in the 2030s.

On the one hand, the results revealed the maximum temperatures in some of the case study buildings exceed the comfort threshold (28°C). On the other hand, the study showed that occupants of the buildings are not prone to extreme Summertime overheating and heat stress under moderate weather conditions. However, different outcomes may be predicted if DSY weather files for the selected sites are considered.

This study is the first reported work to explore building simulation and mathematical equations to investigate Summer performance, comfort and heat stress indexes in timber buildings under moderate weather conditions in different regional sites in the UK.