Mika Morishima

Identification of Principal Factors of Fabric Aesthetics by the Evaluation from Experts on Textiles and from Untrained Consumers

One of the important end-use performance measures of fabrics and other textile products is the handle, which measures the quality of fabrics as evaluated by reactions obtained not only tactilely but also visually. The well-known Kawabata Evaluation System includes both an objective evaluation and a prediction method of the handle. However, objective evaluations of the handle based on a visual perception of fabric aesthetics have not been investigated systematically. Thus, as the first step of a systematic study, we attempted to carry out a sensory evaluation of fabric aesthetics by experts on textile and untrained consumers using worsted and spun silk woven fabrics, which have different material effect and structural effect. Thereafter, the mean preference scores were examined by factor analysis to identify the principal factors of fabric aesthetics. From the result, it was found that two common factors—‘luster and depth sensation’ and ‘surface roughness sensation’—were identified tentatively as the principal factors of fabric aesthetics.

Analysis of the fitting of patterns of hygiene masks for the closed mouth

A hygiene mask covers the wearer’s nose and mouth to prevent exposure to viruses, pollen, dust, and so on. To produce the anticipated effect of wearing a mask, it is important to develop a mask with high fitting performance while closing and opening the mouth. Moreover, masks are to be used by individuals as well as many users. Therefore, flat patterns for a mask that fits a wider variety of face shapes are needed to effectively accommodate more people. As a first step, in this paper the mean flat pattern for a mask that is appropriate for a greater variety of face shapes with a closed mouth was developed. A three-dimensional (3D) motion analyzer was used with consideration of further research of facial motion. Four kinds of flat patterns of masks of different sizes for the closed mouth were analyzed and proposed. First, confirmation tests of 3D motion analysis were conducted using a basic model. Second, using the data of the basic model and a head mannequin, a geometrical analysis method for two-dimensional (2D) patterns from 3D coordinates using triangular combination was proposed. For evaluation of the analyzed pattern, draping patterns for the basic model were acquired by draping the head mannequin with nonwoven sheets, and the match between the analyzed pattern and the draping patterns was assessed. Moreover, 2D mean patterns derived from the 3D coordinates of 62 subjects were proposed. It was confirmed that the distance difference over the circumference was 0.99 mm with a standard deviation of 5.0 mm.

Microscopic photometry and its parameterization for objective evaluation of aesthetics of woven fabrics

One of the most important end-use performance parameters for fabrics and other textile products are the fabric hands and fabric aesthetics. Our previous research attempted to elucidate the factors that affect the fabric aesthetics using factor analysis and identified two principal factors tentatively labelled as ‘lustre and depth sensation’ and ‘surface roughness sensation’. The focus of the second step in the study of fabric aesthetics is on the investigation of the objective trends in the performance evaluation of textiles. In this study, we developed our own experimental equipment based on microscopic goniophotometric principles and its parameterization method. Subsequently, we attempted to define an index based on the distribution of the reflection intensity of woven fabrics and its characterization in order to evaluate the principal factors governing fabric aesthetics. On the basis of the results, we infer that microscopic goniophotometry and its parameterization is a more viable approach than conventional macroscopic goniophotometry for the quantitative evaluation of the principal factors governing fabric aesthetics.

Experiences and problems with hygiene masks reported by Japanese hay fever sufferers

Purpose – In Japan, one of the countermeasures used to avoid the symptoms of hay fever (HF) is a hygiene mask; however, a mask can cause discomfort. The authors believe that co-occurrence analysis, which has been widely in the sciences, will be valuable to this issue. The purpose of this paper is to identify problems associated with the use of hygiene masks and recommend improvements in their function and comfort. The goal of this study was to obtain information for the development of effective hygiene masks for HF sufferers and therefore, improve their quality of life. Design/methodology/approach – The authors conducted a survey of university students with HF (n=1,519) to identify problems with hygiene masks. Students completed self-report questionnaires and co-occurrence analyses were used to examine the data from a holistic perspective. Moreover, technical data, relative to the problems of wearing a mask were acquired experimentally using thermal, hygroscopic, and airflow properties. Findings – Among J...

Problems related to mask use in hay fever sufferers by repeated surveys

Purpose Many Japanese hay fever (HF) sufferers wear a hygienic face mask to prevent pollen inhalation, but most find it very uncomfortable. The purpose of this paper is to identify the problems associated with mask wearing through repeated surveys. This information can be used in the improved design of a hygienic face mask that can be worn without discomfort by HF sufferers. Design/methodology/approach In 2009 (n=1,519), 2012 (n=2,994), and 2015 (n=3,213), repeated surveys of university students were conducted. HF sufferers were queried regarding symptoms, countermeasures, and problems associated with wearing a hygienic face mask. Holistic perspectives for each year were obtained by a co-occurrence analysis of the aggregated data. The triplet co-occurrence of specific problems was compared among the surveys using the χ2 test. Temporary and contemporary co-occurrence relationships were also determined. Findings Most Japanese university students with HF wore a hygienic face mask. In each survey, the most common problems associated with mask use were related to its thermal, hygroscopic, and air-flow properties. Contemporary problems with co-occurrence relationships were “humidity,” “breathing difficulty,” and “mist over eyeglasses” for males and, “humidity,” “breathing difficulty,” and “make-up coming off” for females. Originality/value The results of this study will contribute to improving hygienic face mask design. The co-occurrence of contemporary problems related to mask use was identified by comparing the results obtained in each year. The thermal, hygroscopic, and air flow properties of the mask cause these problems, and the air gap between the mask and the wearer’s face influences the inherent physical properties of the mask. To measure the air gap, a suitable hydrostatic pressure-balanced experimental method was applied, and the data were demonstrated experimentally.

Usability Problems in users of specialized and generic masks for protection against pollen

The long-term goal of this study was to identify improvements to both the functionality and comfort of a hygiene masks that protect the wearer from pollen. We conducted a survey on young adults who suffer from hay fever and who use specialized or generic masks to protect from pollen. The results indicate that many females who use a specialized mask are highly aware of problems. We focused on the users, so that the problems with the masks were studied from the viewpoint of associated symptoms and other treatments. Our findings will be of use in the design and development of more comfortable and practical masks for both sexes but particularly for women.