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Article
Publication date: 10 October 2022

Manoj Kumar Imrith, Satyadev Rosunee and Roshan Unmar

Lightweight, open construction cotton knitted fabrics generally do not impart good protection from solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR). As lightweight 100% cotton single jersey is…

Abstract

Purpose

Lightweight, open construction cotton knitted fabrics generally do not impart good protection from solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR). As lightweight 100% cotton single jersey is highly cherished for summerwear, it is sine qua non to understand the structural parameters that effectively strike a good balance between UV protection and thermophysiological comfort of the wearer. Relatively heavy fabrics protect from UVR, but comfort is compromised because of waning porosity, increase in thickness and thermal insulation. The purpose of this paper is to engineer knits that will bestow maximum UV protection while preserving the thermophysiological comfort of the wearer.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 27 cotton single jersey fabrics with different areal densities and yarn counts were selected. Ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) was calculated based on the work of Imrith (2022). To précis, the authors constructed a UV box to measure the UPF of fabrics, denoted as UPFB. UPFB data were correlated with AATCC 183-2004 and yielded high correlation, R2 0.977. It was concluded that UPF 50 corresponds to UPFB 94.3. Thermal comfort properties were measured on the Alambeta and water-vapour resistance on the Permetest. Linear programming (LP) was used to optimize UPFB and comfort. Linear optimization focused on maximizing UPFB while keeping the thermophysiological comfort and areal density as constraints.

Findings

The resulting linear geometrical and sensitivity analyses generated multiple technically feasible solutions of fabrics thickness and porosity that gave valid UPFB, thermal absorptivity and water-vapour and thermal resistance. Subsequently, an interactive optimization software was developed to predict the stitch length, tightness factor and yarn count for optimum UPFB from a given areal density. The predicted values were then used to knit seven 100% cotton single jersey fabrics and were tested for UV protection. All seven fabrics gave UPFB above the threshold, that is, higher than 94.3. The mathematical model demonstrated good correlations with the optimized parameters and experimental values.

Originality/value

The optimization software predicted the optimum UPFB reasonably well, starting from the fabric structural and constructional parameters. In addition, the models were developed as interactive user interfaces, which can be used by knitted fabric developers to engineer cotton knits for maximizing UV protection without compromising thermophysiological comfort. It has been demonstrated that LP is an efficient tool for the optimization and prediction of targeted knitted fabrics parameters.

Details

Research Journal of Textile and Apparel, vol. 27 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1560-6074

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 November 2022

Manoj Kumar Imrith, Satyadev Rosunee and Roshan Unmar

The thermophysiological comfort of fabrics is prerequisite as customers covet adequate moisture, heat management-supported and UV protective clothing that measure up to their…

Abstract

Purpose

The thermophysiological comfort of fabrics is prerequisite as customers covet adequate moisture, heat management-supported and UV protective clothing that measure up to their levels of activities and environmental conditions. Hitherto, scant tasks have been reported with the purpose of engineering both comfort and UV protection simultaneously. From that vantage point, the objective of this work is to develop a model for optimum UPF, air permeability, water-vapour resistance, thermal resistance, thermal absorptivity and areal density of knitted fabrics.

Design/methodology/approach

Weft knitted fabrics of various compositions were investigated. UPF was tested using the Labsphere UV transmittance analyser. The FX 3300 (Textest instruments) air permeability tester was used to test air permeability. Thermal comfort and water-vapour resistance were evaluated using the Alambeta and Permetest instruments, respectively. Based on image processing, the porosity was measured. Fabrics thickness and areal density were measured according to standard methods. Furthermore, parametric and non-parametric statistical test methods were applied to the data for analysis.

Findings

Linear regression was substantiated by Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Then multiple linear regression of porosity and thickness together on UPF and comfort parameters were visually depicted by virtue of 3D linear plots. Residual analysis with quantile-quantile and probability plots, advocated the tests using the Shapiro-Wilk test. The result was validated by comparison with experimental data tested. The samples gave satisfactory relative errors and were supported by the z-test method. All tests indicated failure to reject the null hypothesis.

Originality/value

The predictive models were embedded into an interactive computer program. Fabric thickness and porosity are the inputs needed to run the program. It will predict the optimum UPF, areal density and thermophysiological comfort parameters. In a nutshell, knitters may use the program to determine optimum structural parameters for diverse permutations of UPF and thermophysiological comfort parameters; scilicet high UV protection together with low thermal insulation combined with low water-vapour resistance and high air permeability.

Details

Research Journal of Textile and Apparel, vol. 27 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1560-6074

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 May 2020

Asfandyar Khan, Ahsan Nazir, Abdur Rehman, Maryam Naveed, Munir Ashraf, Kashif Iqbal, Abdul Basit and Hafiz Shahzad Maqsood

This review deals with the pros and cons of ultraviolet (UV) radiation on human beings and the role of textile clothing and the chemicals used for textiles to protect from their…

Abstract

Purpose

This review deals with the pros and cons of ultraviolet (UV) radiation on human beings and the role of textile clothing and the chemicals used for textiles to protect from their harmful effects.

Design/methodology/approach

UV radiation (UVR) which has further divided into UVA, UVB, and UVC. Almost 100% of UVC and major portion of UVB are bounced back to stratosphere by ozone layer while UVA enters the earth atmosphere. Excessive exposure of solar or artificial UVR exhibit potential risks to human health. UVR is a major carcinogen and excessive exposure of solar radiation in sunlight can cause cancer in the lip, skin squamous cell, basal cell and cutaneous melanoma, particularly in people with the fair skin.

Findings

This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the harmful effects of UVR on human skin, factors affecting UV irradiance and factors affecting UV protection offered by textile clothing.

Originality/value

Effect of fiber properties, yarn properties, fabric construction, fabric treatments and laundering has been reviewed along with the identification of gaps in the reported research. A comparison of inorganic and organic UV absorbers has also been given along with different testing and evaluation methods for UV protective clothing.

Details

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, vol. 32 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-6222

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 July 2018

Adeela Nasreen, Muhammad Umair, Khubab Shaker, Syed Talha Ali Hamdani and Yasir Nawab

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of materials, three dimensional (3D) structure and number of fabric layers on ultraviolet protection factor (UPF), air…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of materials, three dimensional (3D) structure and number of fabric layers on ultraviolet protection factor (UPF), air permeability and thickness of fabrics.

Design/methodology/approach

Total 24 fabrics samples were developed using two 3D structures and two weft materials. In warp direction cotton (CT) yarn and in weft direction polypropylene (PP) and polyester (PET) were used. Air permeability, thickness and UPF testings were performed and relationship among fabric layers, air permeability, thickness and UPF was developed.

Findings

UPF and thickness of fabrics increases with number of fabric layers, whereas air permeability decreases with the increase in number of fabric layers. Furthermore, change of multilayer structure from angle interlock to orthogonal interlock having same base weave does not give significant effect on UPF. However, change of material from polyester (PET) to polypropylene (PP) has a dominant effect on UPF. Minimum of three layers of cotton/polyester fabric, without any aid of ultraviolet radiation (UV) resistant coating, are required to achieve good. Cotton/polyester fabrics are more appropriate for outdoor application due to their long-term resistance with sunlight exposure.

Originality/value

Long-term exposure to UV is detrimental. So, there is need of proper selection of material and fabric to achieve ultraviolet protection. 3D fabrics have yarns in X, Y as well as in Z directions which provide better ultraviolet protection as compared to two dimensional (2D) fabrics. In literature, mostly work was done on ultraviolet protection of 2D fabrics and surface coating of fabrics. There is limited work found on UPF of 3D woven fabrics.

Details

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, vol. 30 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-6222

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 May 2019

Ana Paula Scheffer, Viviane Pagnussat Cechetti, Lisandra Paola Lauermann, Eliara Riasyk Porto and Francisco Dalla Rosa

The United Nations (2030 Agenda) recognize the need to work with sustainable urban mobility problems such as traffic jams, pollution, inadequate infrastructure are becoming…

Abstract

Purpose

The United Nations (2030 Agenda) recognize the need to work with sustainable urban mobility problems such as traffic jams, pollution, inadequate infrastructure are becoming recurring issues in urban centers, directly affecting the quality of life. Such an unsustainable system is frequently observed at universities, as these houses a large concentration of people and vehicles, without proper planning. To promote sustainable strategies at universities, this research aims to focus on the sustainable mobility plan (SMP) applied at the University of Passo Fundo (UPF).

Design/methodology/approach

Bibliographic research about the current mobility of the campus has been carried out. A questionnaire was distributed to understand opinions about the subject of key people.

Findings

The priority treatment given to vehicles, mostly, is an alert factor, which must be solved immediately, considering the need of planning and restructuring it. The suggestions of possible solutions were also relevant, and are being considered for the plan’s implementation.

Originality/value

This study stands out for using the 2030 Agenda, specifically Goal 11 (Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable), using the university campus as a study object. The mobility plan elaboration was constituted by several actions to fill all parts of the mentioned goal. This study stands out because its methodology can be used in other universities besides UPF and also, to a larger scale, in cities, with similar technical features.

Details

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, vol. 20 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-6370

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 July 2021

Talitha Silva Meneguelli, Leidjaira Lopes Juvanhol, Adriana da Silva Leite, Josefina Bressan and Helen Hermana Miranda Hermsdorff

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the association between food consumption classified by the degree of processing and cardiometabolic risk factors in a population at risk…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the association between food consumption classified by the degree of processing and cardiometabolic risk factors in a population at risk of cardiovascular disease.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional study conducted with 325 adults and elderlies who present a cardiovascular risk factor. The food consumption was evaluated by a 24 h dietary recall, and it was classified according to the NOVA classification.

Findings

Individuals who presented a higher consumption of processed and ultra-processed food had a higher prevalence of abdominal obesity, waist/hip ratio (PR = 1.005; p-value = 0.049), waist circumference (PR = 1.003; p-value = 0.02) and high total cholesterol (PR = 1.008; p-value = 0.047), while ultra-processed had a higher prevalence of excess weight (PR = 1.004; p-value = 0.04), and abdominal obesity, waist/hip ratio (PR = 1.005; p-value = 0.04), waist circumference (PR = 1.004; p-value = 0.004) and waist/height ratio (PR = 1.003; p-value = 0.03).

Practical implications

An association was found between the degree of food processing and cardiometabolic risk factors, even in a population that already has a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, reinforcing the importance of personalized nutrition orientation that considers the profile of the target population as well as types of meals.

Originality/value

Food processing in itself can influence cardiometabolic risk and, as far as is known, no study has evaluated food processing in individuals who already have some type of cardiovascular risk. Also, consumption was assessed by the degree of processing between meals.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 124 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 January 2020

Silvia Ayuso, Pablo Sánchez, José Luis Retolaza and Mònica Figueras-Maz

This paper aims to explore how to quantify the social value generated by higher education from a social accounting perspective. The proposed approach is integrated social value…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how to quantify the social value generated by higher education from a social accounting perspective. The proposed approach is integrated social value (ISV) analysis, a social accounting model that considers both the economic value and the social value created by an organisation for its stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

The ISV analysis has been applied to Pompeu Fabra University, following a participatory action research process with representatives of the university and its stakeholders.

Findings

The final ISV includes not only the social value created through the university’s economic activity – captured by economic and financial accounting indicators – but also the specific social value created for the different stakeholders by means of non-market relationships, which were monetised through the use of indicators and financial proxies.

Research limitations/implications

Like other social accounting methodologies, ISV analysis suffers from some limitations regarding data availability and economic pricing, that partly will be resolved with maturation of the methodology and increasing standardisation.

Practical implications

By using appropriate proxies, the non-market value of the university can be monetised and integrated with university’s market value. The social value results become a valuable tool for developing useful indicators for internal management and external communication.

Social implications

The process of measuring the social value created by universities provides a way to meet the rising demands for greater accountability and transparency and facilitates engagement with stakeholders on how these institutions are contributing to a sustainable society.

Originality/value

ISV is a recently proposed social accounting model that combines an organisation’s economic and social results into a single concept of value creation and thus contributes to advance the field of social accounting.

Details

Sustainability Accounting, Management and Policy Journal, vol. 11 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-8021

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 May 2019

Marcos Antonio Frandoloso and Bianca Gasparetto Rebelatto

Universities have an important role in articulation of the transformation of society, in the formation of individuals capable of acting in the processes that enable sustainable…

Abstract

Purpose

Universities have an important role in articulation of the transformation of society, in the formation of individuals capable of acting in the processes that enable sustainable development goals (SDGs), in theoretical areas and in practical and concrete actions. Within the University of Passo Fundo (UPF), Brazil, some practices are being adopted from this perspective. This paper aims to present the efforts of UPF to achieve SDGs in its activities.

Design/methodology/approach

For the development of these research were consulted all administrative instruments of the Foundation University of Passo Fundo, from the proposals and guidelines of its creation in the decade of the 1960s to the most recent of the Institutional Development Plan PDI 2017-2021 and other bibliographic references. From the documentation, the effective results achieved by University Social Responsibility Policy (PRSU) and Institutional Environmental Policy were evaluated.

Findings

A process of consolidating the thematic of the SDGs within the university structure is perceived, with a participatory vision of the academic community.

Research limitations/implications

Although PRSU the policy has been developed since 2005, the effective results are recent and under construction.

Practical implications

The study identified a direction for a change of paradigms, moving from isolated and non-continuity actions to the establishment of normative guidelines.

Social implications

In this sense, this paper seeks to contribute to the process of discussion and generation of practices for the implementation of an agenda with its own goals in the areas of university’s action at local and regional levels, as well as contributing to a wide level.

Originality/value

The paper reports the process of development of the social and environmental policies at UPF to include SDGs in its academic and administrative procedures, which should encourage another similar university to follow suit.

Details

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, vol. 20 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-6370

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 November 2023

Nada Wafa and Susan Lynn Douglass

The purpose of this paper is to engage readers with Unity Productions Foundation (UPF) films, which provide a powerful, inspirational digital tool for teachers. The organization's…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to engage readers with Unity Productions Foundation (UPF) films, which provide a powerful, inspirational digital tool for teachers. The organization's mission is to create documentaries, films and educational materials that contribute to bringing to light compelling stories of Muslim engagement through history and culture. UPF films and educational projects aim to promote peace and understanding to increase cultural pluralism and counter bigotry in our world.

Design/methodology/approach

Teachers will be able to utilize the resources provided in this paper to harness the power of media in their classrooms. Outlining the process by which teachers can follow the C3 inquiry using the film Prince Among Slaves will prepare teachers to see the alignment of the C3 Framework with their teaching. The “best practice” classroom strategies in structuring deliberations are ones that encourage students to fully participate and emphasize their voice.

Findings

This paper will unpack the practice methods that address the film Prince Among Slaves to be of benefit when sharing narratives through digital film and engage students in critical thinking through the C3 Framework. UPF films are the product of scholarly research and innovative production teams as the films provide the opportunity to visualize and explore multiple perspectives to understand historical content by providing a context for inquiry teaching and learning that is inclusive through deliberative discussions in the classroom.

Originality/value

The author certifies that this manuscript submission is original work and that all authors were involved in the intellectual elaboration of the manuscript and all parties have been acknowledged.

Details

Social Studies Research and Practice, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1933-5415

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 May 2019

Bianca Gasparetto Rebelatto, Amanda Lange Salvia, Giovana Reginatto, Rangel Casanova Daneli and Luciana Londero Brandli

The purpose of this paper is to analyse recent actions of energy efficiency implemented by University of Passo Fundo, a higher education institution located in the south of…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse recent actions of energy efficiency implemented by University of Passo Fundo, a higher education institution located in the south of Brazil, and their contributions to Goal 7.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is based on collected energy data and information of energy efficiency actions applied at the university.

Findings

The paper shows the progress related to the energy practices and discusses opportunities, threats, strengths and weaknesses of applying energy efficiency at universities and its contributions towards sustainable development goal (SDG) 7.

Practical implications

The findings of this study can inform readers about University of Passo Fundo’s initiatives towards energy efficiency focussed in lightening, photovoltaic solar power generation and free energy market. Readers are able to improve their knowledge with the discussion of internal and external factors related to the initiatives.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper is connected to the idea of sharing the experiences from University of Passo Fundo, connecting energy efficiency practices at universities to SDG 7 and also exploring opportunities, threats, strengths and weaknesses of applying these practices in the context of a higher education institution.

Details

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, vol. 20 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-6370

Keywords

1 – 10 of 252