Clothing Classification Systems

The work deals with the systematic determination of clothing classification systems with corresponding definitions. This includes a general classification of clothing from an anthropological and engineering perspective. The anthropological aspect presents a classification based on fashion and anti-fashion, while the engineering aspect presents a classification based on functionality, which covers the logical types of fashion, functional clothing and high-tech clothing. This part contains both classifications and significant terminologies for individual types of clothing

Clothing Classification Systems

The work deals with the systematic determination of clothing classification systems with corresponding definitions. This includes a general classification of clothing from an anthropological and engineering perspective. The anthropological aspect presents a classification based on fashion and anti-fashion, while the engineering aspect presents a classification based on functionality, which covers the logical types of fashion, functional clothing and high-tech clothing. This part contains both classifications and significant terminologies for individual types of clothing

Oral application of L-menthol in the heat: From pleasure to performance

When menthol is applied to the oral cavity it presents with a familiar refreshing sensation and cooling mint flavour. This may be deemed hedonic in some individuals, but may cause irritation in others. This variation in response is likely dependent upon trigeminal sensitivity toward cold stimuli, suggesting a need for a menthol solution that can be easily personalised. Menthol’s characteristics can also be enhanced by matching colour to qualitative outcomes; a factor which can easily be manipulated by practitioners working in athletic or occupational settings to potentially enhance intervention efficacy. This presentation will outline the efficacy of oral menthol application for improving time trial performance to date, either via swilling or via co-ingestion with other cooling strategies, with an emphasis upon how menthol can be applied in ecologically valid scenarios. Situations in which performance is not expected to be enhanced will also be discussed. An updated model by which menthol may prove hedonic, satiate thirst and affect ventilation will also be presented, with the potential performance implications of these findings discussed and modelled. Qualitative reflections from athletes that have implemented menthol mouth swilling in competition, training and maximal exercise will also be included

Warning System for Outdoor Construction Workers Using Haptic Communication

A construction site is a risky workplace with constant movement of heavy vehicles on ground and cranes overhead, and simultaneous construction work at multiple levels along with significantly high noise levels. Over the past few decades, several efforts have been made to utilize technological advances in order to make the worksite a safer place and yielded positive results. However, the fatal and nonfatal count still remains very high for the construction industry. This study attempted to test haptic communication as an additional layer of safety for construction workers by developing a prototype to provide haptic feedback for predetermined Geofence zones. A phenomenological research study was conducted with the help of construction professionals to gather industry opinion on the haptic feedback prototypes and to determine the optimal location for the placement of the haptic feedback device. The study found that haptic communication has significant potential to reduce the fatal and non-fatal injuries on construction sites. In addition, the study determined the factors affecting the placement of wearable haptic warning system for outdoor construction workers

Warning System for Outdoor Construction Workers Using Haptic Communication

A construction site is a risky workplace with constant movement of heavy vehicles on ground and cranes overhead, and simultaneous construction work at multiple levels along with significantly high noise levels. Over the past few decades, several efforts have been made to utilize technological advances in order to make the worksite a safer place and yielded positive results. However, the fatal and nonfatal count still remains very high for the construction industry. This study attempted to test haptic communication as an additional layer of safety for construction workers by developing a prototype to provide haptic feedback for predetermined Geofence zones. A phenomenological research study was conducted with the help of construction professionals to gather industry opinion on the haptic feedback prototypes and to determine the optimal location for the placement of the haptic feedback device. The study found that haptic communication has significant potential to reduce the fatal and non-fatal injuries on construction sites. In addition, the study determined the factors affecting the placement of wearable haptic warning system for outdoor construction workers

Fibers and fabrics for chemical and biological sensing

Wearable sensors can be used to monitor many interesting parameters about the wearer’s physiology and environment, with important applications in personal health and well-being, sports performance and personal safety. Wearable chemical sensors can monitor the status of the wearer by accessing body fluids, such as sweat, in an unobtrusive manner. They can also be used to protect the wearer from hazards in the environment by sampling potentially harmful gas emissions such as carbon monoxide. Integrating chemical sensors into textile structures is a challenging and complex task. Issues which must be considered include sample collection, calibration, waste handling, fouling and reliability. Sensors must also be durable and comfortable to wear. Here we present examples of wearable chemical sensors that monitor the person and also their environment. We also discuss the issues involved in developing wearable chemical sensors and strategies for sensor design and textile integration

Functionalised fabrics and wearer interaction

This talk will present wearable sensor research carried within CLARITY - Centre for Sensor Web Technologies. The aim of CLARITY is to bridge the molecular and digital worlds. This interdisciplinary research encompasses all stages of development - from novel materials and sensor research right through to end user applications. The research theme is to “Bring information to life” - there is much information that can be harvested about our bodies and the environment we move through using sensor technology, the important question is what to do with all the information? It is vital to develop interactive systems that are accessible and straightforward to use. Two case studies will be presented of systems for use in hospital wards and home settings – a sensor glove for stroke rehabilitation and a breathing feedback system for respiratory rehabilitation and stress management. Another area of research involving smart fabrics for healthcare is on-body chemical analysis. This is a new and challenging concept in the field of smart fabrics and interactive textiles. This work commenced as part of the EU BIOTEX project, and in this paper we present lessons learnt and current developments and findings. Sensor glove Carbon-loaded elastomer(CE) sensors have piezo-resitive properties which can be used to detect hand movements. The CE sensors are integrated into an oedema glove which is often worn by stroke patients to reduce swelling in the hand. The glove is used to assess the patient’s performance by scoring the movements based on the Fugel-Meyer Assessment system which assesses various motor functions (0 = cannot perform; 1 = performs partially; 2 = performs fully). This method of garment-based sensed information/personalised user feedback would allow an individual to be assessed from home on a continual basis under remote supervision by a trained physical therapist. Breathing feedback A vest integrating CE stretch sensors has been developed to measure breathing patterns. Patients with respiratory illnesses often tend to take shallow short breaths which exacerbates chest muscle weakness, and associated reduced oxygen circulation, shortness of breath and fatigue. Proper breathing exercises can help to reduce these symptoms as well as strengthen muscles, improve posture and enhance mental attitude. This paper presents a wearable system which monitors breathing technique and provides straightforward feedback to the user through a graphical interface. An avatar displayed on the screen encourages diaphragmatic breathing while a real-time representation of the user’s breathing technique is also displayed. The user’s goal is to perform deep diaphragmatic breathing in synchronization with the avatar. Real-time sweat analysis Real-time analysis of sweat loss is an exciting prospect for the sports industry. Replacing the fluids and electrolytes lost during exercise is vital to ensure adequate hydration which affects health and performance. We have developed a wearable device to provide immediate feedback to the user regarding the pH level of their sweat. An array of pH indicators are used to create a coloured barcode onto thin layers of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). The barcode sensor is flexible and can adapt to the contours of the body easily. It is integrated into a sweat band to be placed on different body regions e.g. forearm, wrist or forehead. We have also developed a wearable microfluidic device to sample and analyse small quantities of sweat