Learning videos - do they work?

Abstract: The videos which were subject of this investigation could be classified broadly as instructional videos, presenting processes or specialist machine introductions. As such, they can be referred to as a type of multimedia learning resources. This study compared staff’s views with the students’ perceptions of relevance and usability of a range of instructional videos. The use of videos and mobile digital technology was seen as an enabler of rapid access and self-guided learning, but overwhelmingly, tutors and students valued the face-to-face interaction as a prime enabler of learning. Further development of video resources should be based on the following key considerations: constructing the shortest visual and audio messages, identifying key meta-data to enhance reusability, adaptation of teaching and learning styles

An ex vivo comparison of the tensile strengthening properties of protein derivatives on damaged hair

Conventional conditioning agents, cationic surfactants and polymers, are often limited in their ability to repair and strengthen the hair fibre, while protein-derived actives have been found to enhance the tensile strength of damaged hair. This study investigates the effects of keratin, wheat and collagen hydrolysates on the tensile strength of three types of damaged hair: bleached, permed and thermally treated

Effects of co-surfactant and conditioning agent on colour

The colour-fading of hair treated with oxidative dyes is attributed to the effects of ultraviolet light and other environmental factors, but mostly it occurs during shampooing. This effect is caused by the diffusion of chromaphores from within the cortex towards the cuticle surface. The colour fading of dyed hair during shampoo washing is determined by a range of factors, most significantly by the chemistry of the chromaphores, the porosity of the hair fibres, and the properties of the used surfactants. Optimising the cleansing efficacy of shampoos in relation to colour protection claims is of interest to formulators. This study investigates the effects of two co-surfactants and a range of conditioning additives, polycationic and silicone-based, on the colour fading of hair tresses treated with red oxidative hair dye and put through repeated wash-and-dry cycles. The results indicate that the choice of co-surfactant alone, and in combination with the conditioning additives, can significantly influence the colour fading of red oxidative dye treated hair during shampooing. The amphoteric co-surfactant offered statistically significant improved colour retention, compared to the nonionic. Furthermore, the silicone based conditioning additive delivered enhanced colour retention in comparison with the selected cationic polymers

An ex vivo study of the effects of co-surfactants and conditioning additives on hair colour protection

This poster was exhibited as part of the Beauty and Life Science section of the Scientific Program

The Effects of Low-Intensity Therapeutic Ultrasound on Measurable Outcomes: A Critically Appraised Topic

Therapeutic ultrasound (US) is a popular modality among health care professionals and is used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. A new technology has been established to allow for the miniaturization of the US unit. Patients receive treatment with the device secured to them, eliminating the portability constraint of traditional US units. Early studies suggest that this portable unit can deliver low-intensity acoustic energy achieving the same temperature increase and pain relief that come from traditional US units, in a more versatile and patient-friendly manner. Clinical Question: What effects does low-intensity therapeutic ultrasound (LITUS) have on measurable outcomes? Summary of Key Findings: The literature was searched for level 4 evidence or higher that investigated the effectiveness of LITUS. The literature search produced 3 possible studies related to the clinical question: 2 randomized controlled trials and 1 case series met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Of the included studies, 1 study investigated the effects of LITUS on tissue temperature, 2 studies investigated the effects of LITUS on pain, and 1 study investigated LITUS effects on function. Clinical Bottom Line: The evidence supports the use of the LITUS unit to increase tissue temperature, decrease pain, and increase function. Therefore, practitioners may consider the use of the LITUS unit in patient populations over the use of the traditional high-intensity US treatment. Strength of Recommendation: In accordance with the 2009 Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine levels of evidence, there is grade I (insufficient) evidence to support the positive effects of the LITUS device for improving the following clinical outcomes: tissue temperature, decreasing pain, and increasing function. The inconsistency in the measured outcomes across the 3 studies only allows for minimal support of the LITUS device, warranting further research. Although clinical outcomes were different in each study, consistent evidence ranging from 4 to 1B levels were found in the 3 included studies

Comparing Protective Pre-treatments for African Hair

African and very frizzy hair is characterised by low manageability and often described by consumers as dry. As a result, hair is washed less frequently, and hairstyling involves techniques and materials aimed at improving fiber alignment. Thermal styling with appliances reaching T>200ºC improves hair alignments and manageability but has been shown to cause changes to the chemical composition of proteins in the cortex, as well as cuticle cracking due to trapped water. Such damage is compounded by mechanical forces during grooming, surfactants and regular exposure to solar radiation. Mitigating or compensating for these effects is achieved by using polymers which cause more efficient heat distribution along the fiber and smooth down the cuticle. However, plant-derived oils are commonly preferred by consumers due to anecdotal and emotive associations. Hence, the capacity of some oils to be absorbed by the cuticle and their effect on reducing hair swelling and maintaining cuticle integrity have been tested too. In this study, the response of African hair [curl type VI, according to Loussouarn et al. (2007)] to protective pre-treatments, in combination with moderate grooming cycles, was tested

A comparative investigation of the protective effects of natural oils vs. silicones on African and Caucasian hair types

Hair is constantly exposed to physical stress due to washing and combing, as well as heat styling, to achieve desired appearance set by trends and personal preferences. As a consequence of these activities, hair develops undesirable sensory attributes. On the cellular level, the cuticle becomes lifted, fractured and gradually completely degrades, leaving cortex cells exposed and weakened mechanically. As a result, protecting the hair with cosmetic treatments is quite important for maintaining a healthy appearance. The aim of this study was to determine the protective effects of two natural oils compared to two silicones on virgin Caucasian and African hair. For this, consumer behaviours in regarding to grooming habits had to be explored and materials with protective effects had to be determined. Protocols for testing were developed and performed and results were statistically analysed

Towards a taxonomy for assessing and classifying the needs of curly hair: A mixed method, ethnographic and quantitative data study

Hair defined as curly has an elliptical cross sectional area and unique 3D form. While the chemical, morphological and mechanical characteristics of such hair are being explored using a range of analytical techniques, hair assembly (head of hair) characteristics and individual behaviour are difficult to determine via tress-based instrumental and sensory testing. Since the demand for more efficacious and personalized products is expected to gain pace, this project sets the groundwork for developing a taxonomy for exploring and classifying curly hair needs from an individual's perspective. A mixed-method exploratory sequential design was used to gather information from people with curly hair starting with a novel in the field of cosmetics qualitative research method, Subjective Evidence-Based Ethnography (SEBE) (n = 14) and followed by an online survey (n = 212). The SEBE data analysis identified four common hair goals (aesthetic, haptic, practical and emotive) and a group of perceptions related to hair management routines. The survey explored the relationship of these hair goals with hair perceptions, hair esteem, hair characteristics and demographic variables. The findings suggest that hair goals and perceptions are stronger predictors of hair esteem than other characteristics such as hair length or curl type. Hence, a taxonomy for classifying curly hair should facilitate the development of more appropriate products, and product testing methods should incorporate such personal information in addition to objective fibre and hair assembly data. The focus of this study is on curly hair due to the lack of established methods for its objective evaluation and the personal challenges faced by people with curly and textured hair; however, the approach could be adopted to include straighter hair types

Inclusive beauty: how buying and using cosmetics can be made more accessible for the visually impaired (VI) and blind consumer

Historically, assistive technologies for visually impaired and blind consumers evolved around aiding users in navigation, online content accessibility, learning, object and text recognition, and social interactions. There is no specific work done on technologies assisting these consumers with the use of cosmetics and engaging in self-grooming activities, whist such tasks are common and expected in the context of social and professional environments. This paper consists of two parts. The first one is a review of the assistive technologies relevant to shopping for cosmetics, as well as of the applications and systems which enable the choice of products, including some specifically developed for cosmetic purposes in line with the drive for personalised cosmetics. The second part reports the outcomes of a survey exploring the shopping and product usage of cosmetics by VI and blind individuals, including some qualitative data. The literature review identified a growing field of research and development of assistive technologies supporting shopping tasks and accessing product information. For example, conversion of text and visuals into auditory cues (verbal or other sounds) has been commonly used by VI and blind consumers. A small number of organisations/apps were found which provide advice, tutorials or direct assistance with cosmetics use and makeup application in particular. However, there were no reports of products and services within the remits of the cosmetic industry designed to assist the VI and blind users other than one brand adding Braille to product packaging. A range of technologies aimed at providing personalised cosmetic product choice were identified, however only one app was focused on helping such consumers with lipstick application. The survey showed that the VI and blind consumers used a variety of makeup products for reasons such as feeling good, looking professional, and simply because this is what sighted people do. Their choice of products was mostly driven by ease of use and brand familiarity, but sensory characteristics were also referred to. As lipstick was the most commonly used product, the colour was also an important choice factor. Shopping and finding the right product in store were considered easier than shopping online. The combination of primary and secondary data suggests that the use of cosmetics amongst VI and blind consumers could be encouraged in many ways: by improving the accessibility of product information – in store and online; by the design of accessible systems and applications which facilitate reliable product choice (colour and other desirable performance attributes); by offering access to affordable personalised products

Damage limitation: comparing the impact of polymers on bleached hair, when applied within or as post-bleach treatments

Hair bleaching causes undesirable chemical and structural changes to the cortex, the most prominent process being the oxidation of the disulphide bonds of the amino acid cystine and the creation of cysteic acid. It is known that this process affects mostly the Keratin Associated Proteins (KAP) which are amorphous and sulphur-rich. A major secondary effect is the overall destabilisation of the cortex structure within which the crystalline Intermediate Filaments’ (IF) proteins are supported by KAP. An overall decrease in the proportion of ordered protein structure, reduction of mechanical strength and the denaturation temperature of hair have been used to quantify the degree of damage. The cuticle also undergoes oxidative damage during bleaching which causes reduced thickness and increased surface roughness. Mitigating and counteracting these changes in the hair surface and internal structure have been a prime objective of the haircare industry. Such action would be expected to deliver immediate sensory benefits perceivable by the consumer. This project was to compared the impact of three actives said to deliver structural benefits to bleached hair. Their impact was evaluated in two conditions: when applied with the bleaching cream (WB) and after bleaching (AT)