Shu-Hwa Lin

Assessment of Firefighters’ needs for personal protective equipment

This study performed focus group interviews with 54 firefighters in four states in the United States to assess the needs for design of firefighters’ personal protective equipment. Firefighters’ responses indicate three major issues to be considered for improved mobility, comfort and safety: 1) consideration of human factors, 2) sizing and fit, and 3) integrity of protection in the interface between protective equipment and turnout ensemble. Ergonomic design issues were identified through firefighters’ responses about their limited mobility of the head and arms while wearing helmet and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), restricted access to coat pockets, back pain and soreness while wearing SCBA. Sizing and fit issues such as the excessive length and bulkiness of glove fingers were identified as a major concern regarding fire gloves resulting in limited mobility and dexterity, negatively effecting firefighters’ work efficiency and safety. The integrity of protection in the interface between turnout ensemble, gloves and boots was reported as an important consideration for firefighter comfort, mobility and protection against heat hazards. Possible design solutions were also discussed.

Dye for Two Tones: The Story of Sustainable Mud-coated Silk

Abstract Since the early beginnings of Chinese silk production many forms of silk textiles have been created. Jiāo-chou and Xiang-yun-shā are two types of Chinese silks that use eco-friendly vegetable dyeing and iron-rich mud-coated techniques to create a unique texture and two-tone color—shiny black on one side and reddish brown on the other. Mud-coated silks, which have been around since the fifth century, are making a comeback in the fashion world as high-end, luxury textiles. This trend has been initiated by boutique stores and high-end fashion designers with Asian cultural roots who know of the fabrics. These silks are specialty products of Guangdong and enjoy good reputation due to their purely natural dyeing and processing techniques, as well as their cultural significance. The production process for mud-coated silks is very labor intensive and season specific making these fabrics rare and valuable. Mud-coated silks are culturally significant, rare, and valuable but there has been very little research involving them. This article discusses characteristics of mud-coated silk, the dyeing and mud-coating process, sustainability, adoption by current designers and boutiques, and the battle of patent for this silk-producing technique.

Smart diaper: how it works

There are many adult diaper users who are unable to recognize when they have soiled themselves. This diaper approaches the problem by integrating smart technology into the textile. This smart diaper contains sensors attached to the diaper, connected to a module that can sense when the diaper has been soiled, as well as alert for excrement. Combined with a smart phone app, info about the patient is readily available to the caregiver. This will not only help serve patient, but help the caregiver to provide a quicker and more tuned in service. This would also reduce the likelihood of diaper rash as well as the other consequences of having on a soiled diaper over time. This is a less invasive approach to delivering services to people who have urinary incontinence, as many prefer diapers over a catheter. This innovation explores a way to better serve adult diaper users through a four-part system of the diaper, the sensors, a module and the use of an app.

Computer Technology: An Essential Component for Teaching a Fashion Production Management Course

This paper describes an innovative course wherein students and faculty collaborate to design, manufacture, manage, and sell organic cotton tote bags. Students remained responsible for the project from start to finish. Responsibilities included all aspects of product development from market research and design conceptualization to producing, promoting and selling the finished tote bag embellished with a heat transfer printed department logo. Moreover, the project required students to develop proficiency in multiple specific computer software programs to facilitate the product development process and ongoing management of promoting, distributing and selling the goods. With the development of fashion design and management skills and applications of computer technology, student projects were successfully executed. Based on positive student evaluations and profitable sales, the course was highly rated.