John Williams

Dynamically responsive intervention for tremor suppression

The DRIFTS (Dynamically Responsive Intervention For Tremor Suppression) project aims to create wearable active orthoses that suppress upper-limb tremor while allowing natural movement. We present an overview this multidisciplinary project. This project is financially supported by the European Commissions Fifth Framework Programme and aims to create proof-of-concept prototypes of wearable active orthoses for the suppression of upper limb tremor while preserving natural movement. Another major goal of the project is the development of a prototyping and evaluation platform for the future elaboration of wearable ambulatory tremor suppression devices. The prototyping platform will be used to assess the efficacy of available sensing, actuating, and control technologies for tremor suppression.

Textiles for cold weather apparel

Part 1 Fundamentals of cold weather clothing comfort: Achieving comfort and thermoregulation in cold weather clothing. Part 2 Materials for cold weather clothing: Coated and laminated fabrics for cold weather apparel Wool for cold weather clothing Biomimetics and its impact on outdoor clothing. Part 3 Design considerations and ergonomics: Designing for ventilation Adaptive systems for cold weather clothing. Part 4 Evaluation of cold weather apparel: Laboratory assessment of cold weather clothing Evaluation of cold weather clothing using manikins Human wear trials. Part 5 Applications: Protective clothing for cold workplace environments Footwear for cold weather.

Comparison of antimicrobial textile treatments

Hospital acquired infection incidence is growing worldwide and textiles with antimicrobial treatments as a preventive measure are becoming common place. Currently tests are performed in wet conditions as encountered in wound dressings but not at 25C and 50%RH where clothing is worn. An interdisciplinary approach has modified test procedures to compare the antibacterial efficacies of textiles at these new conditions. Results demonstrated that certain fabrics with high efficacy claims fail the modified test method. IBRG membership is helping develop a new standard method for this type of fabric for the healthcare sector to enhance quality of life.

The effect of low-temperature laundering and detergents on the survival of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus on textiles used in healthcare uniforms

To determine the survival of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus on cotton and polyester and the effectiveness of low‐temperature laundering and detergents on the removal of micro‐organism from healthcare laundry.

Washing uniforms at home: adherence to hospital policy.

Infection control is a priority for all hospitals to reduce the spread of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs). Textiles especially uniforms, are a possible route of HCAI transmission. There are protocols to ensure hospital laundry services meet accepted standards, however healthcare uniforms are laundered by staff at home and variations in practice occur. A questionnaire was used to conduct a service evaluation at four hospitals in different NHS trusts to determine how closely healthcare staff followed hospital guidelines on laundering and aftercare of uniforms at home. Responses showed that not all staff followed these guidelines; 44% of staff washed their uniforms below the recommended temperature of 60°C, which presents a potential route for cross-contamination and infection.

Assessment of fabrics worn on the upper limbs

This paper investigates the structure/property relationships of novel engineered 3D fabrics that could be worn next to the skin replacing single or plied knitted/woven fabrics. Modified surface characteristics and the effects on comfort along with stretch characteristics impacting on skin pressure are explored. The density and thickness of the spacer yarns affected comfort and compressibility. Fabrics were produced in conjunction with local industry. Used in the DRIFTS concept for tremor suppression, these can significantly enhance the quality of life. Incorporation of an absorbent interlayer would allow this concept to be used for incontinence products and high performance sportswear.