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– The purpose of this paper is to obtain thermal sensations arise during skin-antibacterial modified foot sweat pad contact by subjective forearm test carried out on 14 males.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to obtain thermal sensations arise during skin-antibacterial modified foot sweat pad contact by subjective forearm test carried out on 14 males.
Design/methodology/approach
Sweat pads were designed for the foot and topsheet layers, constituting of polypropylene (PP) or polylactic acid (PLA) nonwoven fabrics, were modified by herbal antibacterial agents (cinnamaldehyde, geraniol, phenylethyl alcohol). Antibacterial agents were applied directly or within polymers which prepared by three different polymerization methods. Dry and wet pads (including water 50 percent of absorption capacity) were placed on the forearms of the subjects for a constant period under controlled environmental conditions. Liquid absorption and transfer characteristics of the topsheet layers were measured by standard methods (drop, absorption capacity, wetback tests) and moisture management tester parameters. Subjective coolness and dampness sensations arise during first touch of the pads were gathered and results were discussed according to liquid absorption and transfer characteristics of the sweat pads which differ according to topsheet fabrics and different antibacterial treatments.
Findings
The paper showed that, direct or polymerization-based antibacterial applications created significantly different coolness and dampness sensations when compared with raw PP and PLA fabrics. Significant relationships were obtained between coolness sensation and both dampness sensation and absorption capacity results.
Originality/value
Forearm test is normally applied on standard fabrics but in this study, it was applied on a disposable product which is used within foot clothing system.
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Sleep quality, a crucial parameter for health and life performance, is affected by mattress components; particularly mechanical and thermal comfort management ability of the upper…
Abstract
Purpose
Sleep quality, a crucial parameter for health and life performance, is affected by mattress components; particularly mechanical and thermal comfort management ability of the upper layers. The aim of this study is to investigate effects of quilted mattress ticking fabric material (polyester, polypropylene, viscose, lyocell and their blends) on thermal comfort of the bedding system by objective and subjective measurements.
Design/methodology/approach
The permeability (air and water vapour), heat transfer, water absorption, transfer and drying behaviours of knitted quilted fabrics which influence the thermal comfort of the bedding system were investigated. Subjective coolness and dampness evaluations were gathered by forearm and hand-palm tests to provide more realistic discussion in light of fabric characteristics.
Findings
According to the results, polypropylene can be suggested for winter use with its higher air and water vapour permeabilities, lower thermal absorption and conductivities and warmer evaluation results. Lyocell can be suggested for summer use with also high permeabilities, higher thermal absorption and conductivities and cooler evaluation results. Polyester and viscose may also be considered for winter and summer in turn as a result of thermal feelings they create.
Originality/value
In addition to fabric thermal, permeability, liquid absorption and transfer properties, this study also includes subjective coolness and dampness evaluations which can provide realistic results regarding the coolness-to-touch and liquid transfer performances of mattress ticking fabrics. The relationships among objective and subjective data were investigated and the proposed subjective evaluation techniques can be used for different products.
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Casual inexcused absenteeism is considered to be one of the major contributing factors for increased operating costs for companies which have work flowing through a group of…
Abstract
Casual inexcused absenteeism is considered to be one of the major contributing factors for increased operating costs for companies which have work flowing through a group of workers, each worker performing an operation on it and then passing it on to the next. Many researchers have indicated that in most of the cases, workers are not assigned to perform the tasks for which they have the requisite capabilities. The resulting stress on the worker is considered to be a major factor causing the worker to absent from work. Psychologists have developed many measures of human skills. Industrial Engineers and others concerned with the prediction of human performance have developed predetermined motion time systems. Well tested skill tests, i.e., eye‐hand coordination, finger dexterity, decision making, etc. (a battery of twelve such tests), and breaking down manual tasks into different categories such as amount of control needed over motions, precision required, manipulation of material involved, etc. (a total of thirty‐two job requirements), have resulted in a general scheme of “scoring.” A computer program has been developed to match the worker capabilities to the task requirements. It is hoped that such a scheme, in addition to minimizing absenteeism, may result in improved product quality.
Examines the fourteenth published year of the ITCRR. Runs the whole gamut of textile innovation, research and testing, some of which investigates hitherto untouched aspects…
Abstract
Examines the fourteenth published year of the ITCRR. Runs the whole gamut of textile innovation, research and testing, some of which investigates hitherto untouched aspects. Subjects discussed include cotton fabric processing, asbestos substitutes, textile adjuncts to cardiovascular surgery, wet textile processes, hand evaluation, nanotechnology, thermoplastic composites, robotic ironing, protective clothing (agricultural and industrial), ecological aspects of fibre properties – to name but a few! There would appear to be no limit to the future potential for textile applications.
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Małgorzata Zimniewska, Marina Michalak, Izabella Krucińska and Bogusław Więcek
In this paper, the clothes made of synthetic and natural fibres were tested. The characteristics of selected physical parameters such as temperature, electrical resistance…
Abstract
In this paper, the clothes made of synthetic and natural fibres were tested. The characteristics of selected physical parameters such as temperature, electrical resistance, thermal resistance of fabrics used for tested clothes have been presented. The electrostatical charge and temperature distribution of clothes were investigated on human body. The temperature distribution and the coefficient of heat transmission were measured by a new thermovision method.
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Examines the fifthteenth published year of the ITCRR. Runs the whole gamut of textile innovation, research and testing, some of which investigates hitherto untouched aspects…
Abstract
Examines the fifthteenth published year of the ITCRR. Runs the whole gamut of textile innovation, research and testing, some of which investigates hitherto untouched aspects. Subjects discussed include cotton fabric processing, asbestos substitutes, textile adjuncts to cardiovascular surgery, wet textile processes, hand evaluation, nanotechnology, thermoplastic composites, robotic ironing, protective clothing (agricultural and industrial), ecological aspects of fibre properties – to name but a few! There would appear to be no limit to the future potential for textile applications.
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Marie Schacher, Youssef Haïkel, Stéphane Berger, Laurence Schacher and Dominique C. Adolphe
For years, the main reason for using textiles in the health care sector was to protect the patient from the medical staff. Nowadays, the garment has to play another role and…
Abstract
Purpose
For years, the main reason for using textiles in the health care sector was to protect the patient from the medical staff. Nowadays, the garment has to play another role and protect the wearer. For dentists, risks can come from saliva which is considered potentially infectious because it frequently contains blood. This paper aims to define dentist gown specifications according to the new situation, and to propose new garments providing safety protective function as well as comfort.
Design/methodology/approach
Enquiries, direct interviews as well as internet forums have been used to extract dentists' requirements taking into account their need of barrier and their comfort concerns. Studies of the spraying area on the gowns have been performed to define the location of the required protection. A study of the warmer zone of the garment via IR camera has been done. Two prototypes have then been constructed and tested.
Findings
Images of impacts of drops that could cause cross‐infection allow defining the zones which are to be specifically protected. Thermographic images provide maps of hot zones of the garment when worn in working conditions, and information is obtained of desired open space zones which have been designed to create preferential ventilation required for comfort improvement. A second prototype was designed to improve results of the first one.
Practical implications
Replacement of current dentists garment in routine situation.
Originality/value
Dentists' gowns used in dental care have not been studied and not been redesigned yet, whereas new dentists are facing new risks and eagerly looking for personal protective equipment providing safety protective function as well as comfort.
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Emma Sofia Kaappa, Atte Joutsen, Alper Cömert and Jukka Vanhala
The purpose of this paper was to offer more reliable dry electrode materials for long-term measuring and determine how repeated machine washing affects the measured impedance and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper was to offer more reliable dry electrode materials for long-term measuring and determine how repeated machine washing affects the measured impedance and surface resistance of the sample electrodes. The aim was to manufacture electrodes that could be used for the measurement of ECG. Skin friendly, metal sheet type, electrodes could be a solution.
Design/methodology/approach
In addition to two conventional electrodes already used in heart rate belts, the authors prepared and tested three different sheet metal electrodes. Three 20-mm-diameter electrodes were manufactured from the following materials: silvered knit, conductive polymer, stainless steel, silver and platinum. Electrode impedance was measured at seven frequencies from 1 Hz to 1 MHz, by placing two electrodes face-to-face. Measurements were taken on unused electrodes and after multiple machine washes at 40°C.
Findings
Analysis of the measurements indicates that with every material tested, the impedances are elevated after repeated washes. All metallic materials have impedances in the range of 0.01 to 4.5 Ω. Metal sheet electrodes can be integrated comfortably into the textile, and they endure textile maintenance without loss of electrical properties.
Practical implications
Metal sheet electrodes function well in long-term vital signs monitoring, provide a reliable signal and are resistant to maintenance. For the reasons described in this research, they can be used as a long-term wearable sensor.
Originality/value
Novel electrode material for long-term measuring research is important in many disciplines such as health care and apparel manufacturing. These findings suggest that pure metal electrodes are better than conductive textiles in long-term measuring.
Francesco Cepolina and Rinaldo C. Michelini
The paper describes co‐robotic devices, aiming at accomplishing surgical operations by remote overseeing and manipulation. The concept design of a modular layout is presented…
Abstract
The paper describes co‐robotic devices, aiming at accomplishing surgical operations by remote overseeing and manipulation. The concept design of a modular layout is presented, assuring body penetration by curved and twisted paths, with minimal impact. The fixture develops as an articulated snake‐like forearm, carrying a wrist and the pertinent effectors; scalpels, scissors, sewing rigs, cameras, etc. The fixture is a good example of a micro electro mechanical system, with force‐actuation and shape‐control being intrinsic properties. Different options are studied and the related basic operational characteristics are summarised and compared. The jointed forearm might include one to six blocks. Specifically, task‐oriented end‐effectors are considered, e.g. a self‐operating sewing rig, able to operate with a single thread. The robot co‐operation will drastically modify surgery practice, giving freedom from anthropocentric bounds; the paper introduces such opportunities, with comments on typical control strategies and hints on actual performance, inferred by testing on virtual reality and digital mock‐ups.
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Edric John Cruz Nacpil, Rencheng Zheng, Tsutomu Kaizuka and Kimihiko Nakano
Two-handed automobile steering at low vehicle speeds may lead to reduced steering ability at large steering wheel angles and shoulder injury at high steering wheel rates (SWRs)…
Abstract
Purpose
Two-handed automobile steering at low vehicle speeds may lead to reduced steering ability at large steering wheel angles and shoulder injury at high steering wheel rates (SWRs). As a first step toward solving these problems, this study aims, firstly, to design a surface electromyography (sEMG) controlled steering assistance interface that enables hands-free steering wheel rotation and, secondly, to validate the effect of this rotation on path-following accuracy.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 24 drivers used biceps brachii sEMG signals to control the steering assistance interface at a maximized SWR in three driving simulator scenarios: U-turn, 90º turn and 45º turn. For comparison, the scenarios were repeated with a slower SWR and a game steering wheel in place of the steering assistance interface. The path-following accuracy of the steering assistance interface would be validated if it was at least comparable to that of the game steering wheel.
Findings
Overall, the steering assistance interface with a maximized SWR was comparable to a game steering wheel. For the U-turn, 90º turn and 45º turn, the sEMG-based human–machine interface (HMI) had median lateral errors of 0.55, 0.3 and 0.2 m, respectively, whereas the game steering wheel, respectively, had median lateral errors of 0.7, 0.4 and 0.3 m. The higher accuracy of the sEMG-based HMI was statistically significant in the case of the U-turn.
Originality/value
Although production automobiles do not use sEMG-based HMIs, and few studies have proposed sEMG controlled steering, the results of the current study warrant further development of a sEMG-based HMI for an actual automobile.
Details