Rinn M. Cloud

Functional finishes to improve the comfort and protection of apparel

Abstract: Functional finishes that address comfort and protection have become increasingly important in recent years. This chapter will discuss finishes that address thermal and sensorial comfort both from a physical standpoint and from a social perspective. Thermal regulation, moisture management and odor control finishes are among those discussed. Finishes that improve the protective functions of clothing are important to individuals who work or participate in other activities where hazards may be encountered. Flame resistance, liquid barrier, antimicrobial and UV protective finishes are among those discussed. Phase change materials (PCMs) and nanotechnology are some of the newest approaches to providing ‘smart’ finishes impacting comfort and protection. The chapter also addresses the balance that must occur in achieving each type of comfort or protection and considers the health issues that have been identified with various types of these finishes.

Social Support, Research Interest, Stress, and Research Productivity of Textiles and Apparel Faculty

This study examines the relationship between work stress and research productivity among faculty members in the field of textiles and apparel. Work stress and research productivity were studied in relation to four antecedent variables: collegial or institutional support, chairs support, professional organization support, and research interest. In addition, rank, institution type, position description, expertise, and degrees offered were examined in relation to the variables. Data from 173 members of the International Textile and Apparel Association (ITAA) classified as assistant professors (n = 63), associate professors (n = 63), and professors (n = 47) were analyzed. Results show research interests to be the only significant factor to influence research productivity. No variables in this study significantly influenced work stress. Respondents with higher research productivity were from 4-year, land-grant institutions with graduate programs and had a lower teaching load. Further investigation in examining research productivity of faculty members is recommended.

The effect of pre‐wetting on liquid penetration performance of surgical gown fabrics

This paper presents the results of a study to explore the effects of pre‐wetting of the inner and outer surface of surgical gown materials on their resistance to subsequent penetration. Two gown fabrics currently in common use, one disposable and one reusable, were tested for liquid penetration following standard procedures specified for categorizing surgical gown protection levels. Synthetic blood, simulated human perspiration, and isopropyl alcohols were used as challenge liquids. Significant results from independent‐samples t‐test analysis indicated that the dry–wet condition of surgical gown fabrics is a significant factor in barrier efficacy. Protection of the wearer may be compromised by gown fabric wetness from blood or other liquids in the surgical environment or by the wearer’s perspiration. Protocols for replacement of surgical gowns may need to take these factors into account.

Effects of temperature on liquid penetration performance of surgical gown fabrics

Purpose – Surgical gown fabrics are categorized for liquid penetration resistance by standard tests under specified laboratory conditions, which can be different from the conditions encountered in the surgical environment. The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of temperature and challenge liquid (CL) type on the effectiveness of liquid penetration resistance of surgical gown fabrics.Design/methodology/approach – One disposable and one reusable surgical gown fabric were tested for liquid penetration using standard methods required in American Society for Testing Materials F2407 for classifying the materials used in Levels 1‐3 surgical gowns. Standard test conditions were compared to varied conditions of ambient/fabric temperature (AFT), CL type and challenge liquid temperature (CLT). Analysis of variance was used to determine the effects of variables on liquid penetration.Findings – AFT, CL type and CLT were significant (p<0.05) variables for liquid penetration for at least one of the test ...

Evaluation of the New York Posture Rating Chart for Assessing Changes in Postural Alignment in a Garment Study

The New York Posture Rating (NYPR) was evaluated for assessing postural alignment changes in a garment study as captured in photographs and body scans. The posture of 15 pre-menopausal females aged 40 to 55 were assessed while wearing a control and a posture support garment. The scale was successfully applied with good rater reliability for photographs (0.77) and body scans (0.91). Overall photographic posture assessments were not significant, however, two body segments showed improvement. Overall body scan posture assessments revealed significant improvement for the posture support garment, and improvement in one body segment (neck). Paired t –test comparison of NYPR from photographs and body scans were not significantly different in the posture support garment and significantly different for the control. Possible solutions are discussed. Overall results, support the potential use of the NYPR in studies of garment effects on posture and the body scans as an assessment tool.

Evaluation of a Prototype Soft-Structured Thoracic Posture Support Garment:

A prototype soft-structured thoracic posture support garment was evaluated for postural alignment effectiveness, wearer acceptability, ease of movement and fit as compared to a sports bra (no posture support) and a commercial soft-structured posture support garment. Fifteen female participants conducted a wear protocol in each of the garments, were evaluated for posture, and provided wearer assessments of the other three variables. Results indicated that the prototype was as effective as the commercial support garment in improving posture but was more acceptable to wearers, easier to move in and fit less tightly than the commercial support garment. Wearer assessments of the prototype were not significantly different from the sport bra, indicating success in developing an effective posture support garment with potential for better wear compliance than existing posture support solutions.

Medical textiles and thermal comfort

Abstract: Achieving comfort and functionality in hospital apparel is critical for both healthcare workers and patients. The diverse hospital environmental settings and the activities performed by individual personnel pose challenges to the maintenance of thermal comfort and the necessary protective performance of medical apparel. In this chapter, the fundamentals of thermal comfort are introduced. Hospital environments and typical hazards that healthcare workers may be exposed to are discussed. Factors contributing to comfort and protective performance are reviewed with respect to the properties of textile materials and medical apparel. Methods and current standards for evaluating comfort performance are summarized.

Development of an apparel design graduate programme emphasising creative scholarship

The purpose of this article is to propose methods that could be employed to educate apparel design graduate students as creative scholars. Universities have been increasingly receptive to broadening the definition of scholarship beyond that of traditional research. In the field of textiles and apparel, many schools allow faculty to conduct creative scholarship as all or part of their performance portfolio. However, graduate education in the apparel field remains focused on traditional research requirements. This article describes an apparel design graduate programme to prepare students as creative design scholars. The programme is described in relationship to the four elements identified by Edström (Edström, A.M., 2008, International Journal of Education and the Arts, 9 (3), 1–24) as common to Master of Fine Arts programmes in Sweden: artistic development, analysis and evaluation, theoretical awareness and independent process development.

Assessment: Practices and Implications for Home Economics in Higher Education

Public demandsfor accountability in higher education have led to the development and use of multiple measures to evaluate student outcomes in a variety of disciplines. Home economics programs are among those involved in these initiatives. As the discipline movesforward in the face of declining enrollments and program elimination, assessment will be a valuable and necessary toolfor identifying methods to improve program effectiveness. This article reviews the various assessment initiatives practiced by institutions of higher education, provides examples that may be adopted by home economics programs, and also offers recommendations for establishing a unit-based assessment program.