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Article
Publication date: 14 November 2022

April Denny, Bruce Moore, Sean Newcomer and Jeff Nessler

The purpose of this study was to determine whether there are differences in skin temperature under graphene-infused fleece and traditional polyester fleece materials in the…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine whether there are differences in skin temperature under graphene-infused fleece and traditional polyester fleece materials in the interior of a wetsuit.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 48 participants surfed for a minimum of 40 min in a custom wetsuit with a torso lined with graphene-infused fleece on one half and traditional polyester fleece on the other. Eight iButton thermistors were used to record skin temperatures bilaterally at the upper back, chest, abdomen and lower back every minute for the entire surf session. After surfing, participants responded to questions associated with their perception of warmth and comfort and their knowledge of fleece materials.

Findings

Skin temperatures did not differ between the two types of fleece at the upper back, chest and abdomen locations. Skin temperatures in the lower back were significantly warmer under the traditional polyester fleece compared to graphene-infused fleece. Participant responses associated with warmth were consistent with skin temperature measurements.

Practical implications

The results of this study indicate that a graphene-infused nylon fleece interior does not clearly influence skin temperature in surfers when compared to a traditional polyester fleece interior. While skin temperatures were significantly lower under the graphene-infused nylon fleece at the low back, the other three anatomical locations did not exhibit significant differences.

Originality/value

Thermoregulation is an important consideration for the safety and performance of surfers in the ocean. Evidence suggests that the inner lining of a wetsuit may impact thermoregulation while surfing; however, no prior studies have compared interior materials.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 November 2020

Xinzhou Wu and Victor Kuzmichev

The purpose of this paper is to present a method of digital twins of female bodies and the optimization of wetsuit patterns with the help of virtual technologies.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a method of digital twins of female bodies and the optimization of wetsuit patterns with the help of virtual technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the new anthropometrical grouping of female torsos has been developed with 3D body scanning technology. Second, soft tissue deformation under the influence of typical diving postures and hydraulic pressure has been explored. Through real experiments, the relationship between textile material strain and body measurement changing has been applied to establish deformed digital twins of female bodies. Finally, during the evaluation of the virtual wetsuit test on digital twins through material strain and pressure values in CLO 3D, the optimized pattern of the wetsuit has been designed.

Findings

The experimental results show that the digital twins based on real data transformation are feasible and practical, and the process of establishing digital twins with 3D body scanning technology is valid and accurate.

Originality/value

The researches on the wetsuit of structure and body dynamic measurements still have many gaps existing in the real and virtual experiments. Thus the manuscript addresses these issues and provides the deformed digital twin for wetsuit pattern design for the first time. This study can be used for designing and optimizing the wetsuit and further improving the efficiency of manufacture and evaluation.

Details

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, vol. 33 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-6222

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 30 July 2020

Belinda Wheaton

This chapter evaluates research from the past 10 years suggesting that surfing can help develop ecological sensibilities and, in turn, lead to more environmentally sustainable…

Abstract

This chapter evaluates research from the past 10 years suggesting that surfing can help develop ecological sensibilities and, in turn, lead to more environmentally sustainable lifestyles and practices.

The first part of the chapter reviews some of the key themes in the movement toward more sustainable surfing, including surfers' lifestyle practices. The second part of the chapter offers more in-depth case studies of (1) the production and consumption of surfboards and (2) the emergence of wave pools. Through these two case studies the chapter explores more promising practices that are driving more desirable human–surfing–environment relationships.

The chapter highlights the key tensions in debates over the so-called sustainable surfing movement. While surfers continue to see themselves as environmentally connected and having special relationships to the environment and sustainability, there are many contradictions and inconsistencies in this relationship. The negative environmental impact of the surfing industry remains notable, including in tourism, board manufacturing, and surfing events. The chapter highlights the limitations of relying on market-based, technologically dependent approaches to sustainable development.

The chapter shows the potential and promise of technological innovation for more environmentally sustainable practices, while recognizing the ongoing challenges in changing attitudes in the surf industry, and among many participants/consumers. It echoes broader literatures showing that attitudes and behaviors around environmental issues are complex and paradoxical.

Abstract

Details

The Adventure Tourist: Being, Knowing, Becoming
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80071-849-4

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2003

Richard J. Pech

One of the major driving forces behind a firm’s success can be attributed to its meme management. Memes, analogous to the biological gene, are self‐replicating. They represent the…

2420

Abstract

One of the major driving forces behind a firm’s success can be attributed to its meme management. Memes, analogous to the biological gene, are self‐replicating. They represent the knowledge, views, perceptions, and beliefs communicated from person to person. In a business context, memes can be used to manage market perceptions as well as managing the views a firm has of itself. If a firm focuses too persistently on replicating a specific product meme, and by its singularly unyielding focus fails to innovate, a competitor may obliterate it with a disruptive leap in product development. The former firm has failed because of its lack of flexibility and its inability to adapt to a product or market’s ongoing evolutionary process. Discusses the example of Rip Curl, the Australian surf‐wear giant, and how it has developed and managed three memes that are central to Rip Curl’s product success as well as the company’s innovative operations.

Details

European Journal of Innovation Management, vol. 6 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1460-1060

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 September 1997

Geoff Buxey and Robert Kosmider

A cursory glance over retailers’ shelves in Australia reveals a proliferation of imports, with locally‐made goods often a minority. This is especially true of clothing, footwear…

1706

Abstract

A cursory glance over retailers’ shelves in Australia reveals a proliferation of imports, with locally‐made goods often a minority. This is especially true of clothing, footwear and small electrical appliances and is linked to lower tariffs and other barriers to trade. Much of the debate about government policy concerns the pace of tariff reform that will give domestic manufacturers a chance to adapt. Looks at the ways a small sample of companies has coped; many have moved production offshore. Analyses why, how, and through what strategies and environmental factors the rest keep on manufacturing here. Finally, compares the results with expectations.

Details

Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. 97 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-5577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 July 1993

Geoff Buxey

When sales vary significantly according to season, the manufacturermakes special provisions to integrate the acquisition of raw materialsand labour with an effective production…

1763

Abstract

When sales vary significantly according to season, the manufacturer makes special provisions to integrate the acquisition of raw materials and labour with an effective production schedule which satisfies customers′ requirements. The recommended procedure is called aggregate planning, and many algorithms produce a good definitive solution. However, they have been ignored by industry. The empirical research presented here looks at such planning in a sample of 20 Australian factories. It sheds some light on the acknowledged gap between theory and practice, and suggests that business strategy, the extent of the seasonal distortion, and the tactical remedies available, are all linked. Strategic and tactical considerations tend to bypass the aggregate planning step, and the problem is ultimately resolved at the master production schedule level.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 13 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

Keywords

Abstract

Details

Revolutionary Nostalgia: Retromania, Neo-Burlesque and Consumer Culture
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78769-343-2

Article
Publication date: 2 May 2008

Rezia Molfino, Matteo Zoppi and Luca Rimassa

The purpose of this paper is to present a cost‐effective design for a new rescue robot locomotion module using the principle of a continuous sliding membrane to achieve propulsion…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a cost‐effective design for a new rescue robot locomotion module using the principle of a continuous sliding membrane to achieve propulsion ratio (PR) near 1. Such high PR cannot be reached by other locomotion mechanisms that have been proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper first introduces the PR as a reference parameter to assess locomotion effectiveness of snake‐ and worm‐like robots. The state‐of‐the‐art is reviewed. A direction to step beyond getting PR near 1 is indicated. The way is by realizing a continuous sliding membrane. Two solutions in this direction which have been recently proposed are recalled. It is shown that none of them can be practically implemented to realize functioning systems with today's available technology. A new design with membrane actuation has been identified and it is described in detail. A prototype has been realized and earliest results and evidence of functioning described.

Findings

Critical discussion of the concept of locomotion based on a sliding membrane was conducted. A new design for a robot locomotion module applying this concept was presented. Earliest evidence of functioning and effectiveness of the new system proposed was given.

Research limitations/implications

A new locomotion principle is shown. The state‐of‐the‐art background is discussed. A design to realize the new system in a cost‐effective way is described. The research implications lie in the future development of new mobile robots with higher locomotion capability than today's available systems. Several future research and development directions are shown.

Practical implications

A new generation of more locomotion‐effective snake‐ and worm‐robots, especially for rescue application in rubble, is foreseen. The design proposed takes cost‐effectiveness and practical realizability into account.

Originality/value

The continuous sliding membrane concept had been already proposed but no reasonable realization and actuation solutions had been singled out. The design of the new locomotion system is totally new and contains several breakthrough ideas. A prototype is available proving worthy in concept and functioning. It is cost‐effective and this will allow shorter application to real robots.

Details

Industrial Robot: An International Journal, vol. 35 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 March 2019

Yeonghoon Kang and Sungmin Kim

The purpose of this paper is to develop the core module of computer-aided three-dimensional garment pattern design system.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop the core module of computer-aided three-dimensional garment pattern design system.

Design/methodology/approach

A progressive mesh cutting algorithm and mesh reshaping algorithm have been developed to cut a single mesh into multiple patches. A flat projection algorithm has been developed to project 3D patches into 2D patterns.

Findings

The software developed in this study is expected to enable its users to design complex garment patterns without the in-depth knowledge of pattern design process.

Research limitations/implications

The mesh model used in this study was a fixed model. It will be extended to a deformable garment model that can be resized according to the underlying body model

Practical implications

The software developed in this study is expected to reduce the time required for time-consuming and trial-and-error-based pattern design process.

Social implications

Fashion designers will be able to design complex patterns by themselves and the dependence upon expert patterners could be reduced

Originality/value

The progressive mesh cutting algorithm developed in this study can cut a mesh model using arbitrary lines. The mesh reshaping algorithm can improve the mesh quality of divided patches to increase the numerical stability during subsequent pattern flattening process. The flip removal algorithm can effectively remove the partially flipped mesh elements.

Details

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, vol. 31 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-6222

Keywords

1 – 10 of 39