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Report Information

Participants

Brief Summary of Minutes

Please see NC_old170 for 2012 annual report. The meeting was authorized for both projects, since NC170 had not yet officially started at the time of the 8/2012 meeting.

Accomplishments

Publications

Impact Statements

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Report Information

Participants

Park, Huiju (hp347@cornell.edu) - Cornell University; Park, Juyeon (Juyeon.Park@colostate.edu) - Colorado State; Fatma Baytar (baytar@iastate.edu)  Iowa State; Lin, Shu-Hwa (shulin@hawaii.edu) - University of Hawaii at Manoa; Peksoz, Semra (semra.peksoz@okstate.edu) - Oklahoma State University; Shaw, Anugrah (ashaw@umes.edu) - University of Maryland, Eastern Shore; Sun, Gang (gysun@ucdavis.edu) - University of California, Davis; Delong, Marilyn (mdelong@umn.edu) - University of Minnesota

Brief Summary of Minutes

NC170: Personal Protective Technologies for Current and Emerging Occupational and Environmental Hazards met on Thursday- Friday, August 1st and 2nd, 2013.

The following officers were elected for 2013-2014; President, Juyeon Park, Colorado; Vice Pres. Huiju Park, Cornell; Secretary. Fatma Baytar, Iowa

A discussion was held of meeting attendance, voting members, and collaborations with non-members.

Current projects and collaborations were discussed, and future work was planned.

It was decided that next year the NC170 meeting will be held in Ithaca, NY on July 31st and August 1st.

Accomplishments

Activities and outputs:<br /> <br /> Objective 1: Examine acceptance and barriers to acceptance of PPE products and protective clothing, including hand, foot, and headwear<br /> <br /> MD and NY collaborated with Carol Black of Washington State University on a survey on gloves used by pesticide applicators while applying, mixing and loading pesticides. The survey was developed and piloted during pesticide applicator training workshops. An audience response system was used to receive responses from individuals attending pesticide applicator training workshops held in Washington, Michigan, Iowa, and New York. Glove preferences and information regarding perceptions of protection, comfort, dexterity, ease of donning and doffing, and availability were collected. Results of the survey show that the majority of applicators use the same type of gloves for all pesticide formulations; nitrile gloves, both reusable and disposable, are commonly used. Data from the survey will be used for selection of gloves to be tested in Objective 3.<br /> <br /> <br /> MD collaborated with Washington State University to conduct a wear study of disposable/limited use coveralls. Twelve applicators at three farms in the Yakima Valley participated in the wear study in July. Each operator wore four different disposable garments with taped seams that meet the Type 4 chemical protection requirements. The data are being analyzed. <br /> <br /> In MN two laboratory evaluations of cognitive impact of garment texture were conducted (one stationary, one mobile). Data are currently being analyzed. <br /> <br /> <br /> HI, Buffalo, and CO in collaboration with NY developed protocols to conduct focus groups to research firefighters experience and knowledge of bunker gear, headwear, footwear and gloves. Buffalo held a focus group in May 2013 at the Grand Island Fire Station with a total of 9 participants. HI held three focus-group meetings in March, May, and June 2013 at the Manoa, Kalihi, and Kaimuki Fire Stations with a total of 11 participants. CO conducted two focus group meetings in December 2012 with 20 professional firefighters. NY conducted a focus group in June 2012 with 8 participants at the Cayuga Heights Fire Station. The recordings are being transcribed and the survey answers are being compiled.<br /> <br /> A multi-state collaborative project with NY, CA, HI, and CO focused on coverall design and performance for disposable coveralls for pesticide applicators, collecting data in a multi-state wear test of disposable coveralls. CA is leading the analysis effort. <br /> <br /> Studies on the concept and principles of universal design were conducted by CO with practice design cases including maternity wear and hospital patient apparel. <br /> <br /> CO utilized a motion capture system to evaluate donning and doffing of apparel; people with physical disabilities were the participant group for this study. The study measured the participants range of motion and task completion time, and identified perceived apparel needs for the study population through a survey. Data have been compiled and analysis is underway.<br /> <br /> <br /> CA continued work on assessing preferences for and problems with disposable versus reusable medical textiles. The current study involves surveying operating room staff regarding opinions about disposable versus reusable warm-up jackets. The data have been collected and coded for subsequent analyses. <br /> <br /> CO conducted an interpretative analysis study to understand a mechanism of consumer reactions and emotional responses to negative experiences with footwear. <br /> <br /> NY collected data on firefighter glove performance and sizing from users, conducting an in depth interview with the Ithaca Fire Department PPE buyer, and a focus group meeting with a group of 11 firefighters. The data from this study, along with a literature search of glove sizing and hand anthropometrics, formed the basis for a set of design and sizing recommendations developed for a major manufacturer.<br /> <br /> OK conducted a focus group with wildland firefighters to explore comfort issues with their gear. The focus group was conducted with 8 Oklahoma firefighters immediately after their monthly training session. Data from the notes taken and the audio recording are being analyzed. Results will inform a subsequent questionnaire which will be distributed to a larger wildland firefighter community.<br /> <br /> Objective 2: Assess and improve protection and human factor performance of PPE and protective clothing (including hand, foot, and headwear) through research and product development<br /> <br /> <br /> CO conducted an anthropometric study of feet, using 3D foot scan technology. Analysis was conducted investigating how BMI as a measure of obesity/overweight affects human foot morphology, and how the foot morphological changes by increased BMI influence footwear selection criteria and satisfaction. Six foot measurement variables (i.e., foot length, ball girth circumference, foot breadth, heel breadth, instep length, and height of top of ball girth), out of twelve variables showed significant correlations with BMI, and the changed foot shapes and size, due to increased BMI, negatively influenced a consumers footwear selection choices and satisfaction with the current footwear market. <br /> <br /> <br /> NY conducted a series of human performance tests with 12 firefighters (8 male and 4 female) to investigate firefighters mobility and body balance in different garment and boot conditions. In the test, the firefighter participants performed job-related tasks (walking, crossing over an obstacle, and stair climbing). 3D motion capture and plantar pressure sensors inside the boots were used to collect data. NY is analyzing range of motion, plantar pressure distribution, and perception of mobility and comfort data. <br /> <br /> <br /> NY developed a methodology for comparing 3D scan data of the hand and a scan of the gloved hand to establish the physical relationship between the hand and the surface of the glove<br /> <br /> <br /> Objective 3: Develop research-based performance guidelines and standards for personal protective equipment and protective clothing<br /> <br /> <br /> A collaborative project has been initiated by MD to develop methodology to measure pesticide permeation through glove materials. An MOU was signed between UMES and a university in Brazil to conduct studies to develop a standard to measure permeation of pesticides and other chemicals with low vapor pressure through glove and garment materials. New work items have been initiated for the development of performance specifications for gloves worn by pesticide applicators.<br /> <br /> <br /> Objective 4: Develop novel functionality in materials for PPE<br /> <br /> NY developed a method to immobilize Cu-BTC metal-organic framework (MOF-199) particles by enmeshing them in nonwoven polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers creating a fibrous membrane with the potential ability to remove chemical warfare agents or pesticides from solution. These membranes were shown to effectively adsorb methyl parathion, an organophosphate pesticide. Based on solubility theory and the experimental results, partitioning was determined to be the main mechanism of removal. After 2 hours, the PAN/MOF-199 membranes removed 88% more methyl parathion than the unmodified PAN membranes and 62% as much as the MOF-199 particles crystal powder. Since the MOF particles are were enmeshed in the PAN fiber mats, the MOF particles are were now in a workable and flexible substrate. <br /> <br /> <br /> MN experimented with stitched bend sensors in preliminary lab and human testing. Sensors show reliability in detecting self-intersecting and non-intersecting folds in fabric, and are currently being evaluated for the measurement of joint angles used to sense body postures and movements. <br /> <br /> In collaboration with the engineering college, MN is designing custom sensors for sleep apnea patients. A device worn on the torso will be developed as an ultimate goal of the project. The issues of integrating circuitry into textile materials, and increasing (not interfering) signal strength have been addressed. The circuitry will be applied directly on/in the textile base using the optimal method. So far multiple stitch types, using various conductive threads and a selection of potential foundation fabrics have been tested for acceptable signal strength. A protocol has been developed to interview sleep apnea patients, their caregivers/companions, technicians and clinic administrators in preparation of testing this device.<br /> <br /> <br /> MN has developed a novel tactile distance-sensing glove for firefighters, and tested it in laboratory studies. The glove can map distance information (from an ultrasonic range-sensor) producing a vibrotactile response in the glove. Laboratory testing shows that the glove is effective in detecting gaps or spaces (such as an egress or a hole/stairwell) and relative changes in distance between obstacles. <br /> <br /> CA has continued the development of chemical and biological protective clothing materials. The research team developed a novel chemical modification process of olefin polymers and a process of manufacturing thermoplastic nanofibers by using twinscrew extruders. The work was supported by a contract from Natick Soldier Center. Nanofiber coated military fabrics were prepared in this laboratory. Evaluations of the biological and chemical detoxifying functions of the nanofibrous materials revealed that these materials were effective in blocking a broad spectrum of particles but still retain air permeability and weight similar to untreated fabrics. In addition, the nanofibrous membranes possess high moisture transport properties and will contribute to thermal comfort. These nanofibrous membranes are suitable materials for uniform outer layers.<br /> <br /> <br /> CA has studied farm worker clothing in order to reduce heat stress illness in California farm workers, in work supported by the Western Center of Agricultural Health and Safety with a grant from NIOSH. So far, total heat losses of selected fabrics were evaluated and selected fabrics are being used in preparation of clothing with increased heat transfer. <br /> <br /> CA studied the effect of clothing layering sequences on the thermal performance of the system. It was discovered that there is no net effect of stacking sequence in double-layer systems. In sandwich systems, different stacking sequences with the same filling layers result in the same excess temperature; however, the stacking sequences with different filling layers show distinctive temperature distributions. The analytical predictions are confirmed by the experimental data.<br /> <br /> Short term outcomes:<br /> <br /> Approximately 100 New York pesticide handlers increased their understanding of PPE materials and the process of standardization through outreach presentations.<br /> <br /> Information on these projects has been presented and discussed in 10 presentations nationally and 8 presentations internationally<br /> <br /> 2012 Milestonesgoals met include:<br /> <br /> User input on design issues for firefighter glove and boot design, pesticide applicator glove selection, and clothing worn by operating room staff have been collected.<br /> <br /> Methods for capturing and analyzing biomechanical and anthropometric data have been developed.<br /> <br /> Data on fabric and fabric systems relating to heat transfer and detoxifying properties have been collected. New detoxifying materials have been developed.<br /> <br /> Methods of introducing advanced functionality in gloves and other products using electronic technologies have been explored, including bend and stretch sensing applications.<br /> <br /> External funding has been sought and acquired.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br />

Publications

Barker, J., Boorady, L. M., Lee, Y-A., Lin, S-H, Cho, E., & Ashdown, S. P. (2013) Exploration of Firefighter Turnout Gear Part 1: Identifying Male Firefighter User Needs. Journal of Textile, Apparel and Technology Management, 8(1), 1-13. <br /> <br /> Barker, J., Boorady, L.M., Lin S-H., Lee, Y-A, Esponnette, B. & Ashdown, S.P. (2012). Assessing user needs and perceptions of firefighter PPE. Book chapter in Performance of Protective Clothing and Equipment: 9th Volume, Emerging Issues and Technologies, Editor A. M. Shepherd, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA.<br /> <br /> Barker, J.F., Boorady, L.M., & Ashdown, S.P., (2013). The Use and Function of Color in Firefighter Clothing. Book chapter in Color and Design, Editors Marilyn DeLong and Barbara Martinson, Bloomsbury Publishing, NYC, NY.<br /> <br /> Boorady, L. M., Barker, J., Lin, S-H., Lee, Y. A., Cho, E. and Ashdown, S. P. (2013). Exploration of firefighter bunker gear Part 2: Assessing the needs of the female firefighter. Journal of Textile and Apparel, Technology and Management, 8 (2), http://ojs.cnr.ncsu.edu/index.php/JTATM/article/view/3763/2273.<br /> <br /> Brasch, J., Rucker, M. & Haise, C. (2013). Medical textiles that suit the user: Predicting health care workers preference for disposable versus reusable surgical gowns. Health Marketing Quarterly, 30, 162-176.<br /> <br /> Gan, Y., Liu, Y., Ding, X., & Pan, N. (2012). Thermal sensation at index finger while applying external pressure at upper arm. Journal of Thermal Biology, 37, 502509.<br /> <br /> Gioberto, G., Coughlin, J., Bibeau, K., & Dunne, L.E. (2013). Detecting Bends and Fabric Folds using Stitched Sensors. Proc. of the International Symposium on Wearable Computers, Zurich, Switzerland. <br /> <br /> Lange, L.E., & Obendorf, S.K., (2012). Effect of Plasma Etching on Destructive Adsorption Properties of Polypropylene Fibers Containing Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles. Archive of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 62:185194.<br /> <br /> Lee, S. & Obendorf, S.K., (2012). Statistical Modeling of Water Vapor Transport through Woven Fabrics. Textile Research Journal, 82(3):211-219.<br /> <br /> Li, M., Xiao, R., & Sun, G., (2012). Preparation of Polyester Nanofibers and Nanofiber Yarns from Polyester/Cellulose Acetate Butyrate Immiscible Polymer Blends. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, V 124, Issue 1, 124: 2836, 2012.<br /> <br /> Lin, S. (2012). Phase Change Materials application in Clothing Design. Transactions of the Materials Research Society of Japan, 37(2), 103-106.<br /> <br /> Liu, X., Song, R., Yu, W., & Pan, N. (2012). Developing UV-Protective Cotton Fabric Based on SiOx Nanoparticles. Fibers and Polymers, 13, 489-494.<br /> <br /> Obendorf, S.K. & Spero, E.F., (2012). Destructive Adsorption for Enhanced Chemical Protection. Book chapter in ASTM Performance of Protective Clothing and Equipment: 9th Volume, Emerging Issues and Technologies, editor Shepherd, A., ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA.<br /> <br /> Park, J. (2013). Discovering the emerging plus-size footwear market: An anthropometric approach. Clothing and Textiles Research Journal, 31(1), 3-16.<br /> <br /> Park, J. & Curwen, L. G. (2013). No-pain, no-gain?: Dissatisfied female consumers anecdotes with footwear products. International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology, and Education, 6 (1), 18-26.<br /> <br /> Petrova, A. & Ashdown, S.P. (2012). Comparison of garment sizing systems. Clothing and Textiles Research Journal 30(4), 315-329.<br /> <br /> Shaw, A. (2013). Selection of flame retardant protective clothing. Book chapter in Handbook of Flame Retardant Textiles, editor Kilinc, F.S., Publishing Series in Textiles No. 140, Woodhead Publishing Limited, Cambridge, UK.<br /> <br /> Shaw A. & Harned, C. P, (2013). Analysis of Personal Protective Equipment Requirements on Labels of Pesticides for Agricultural Use. Journal of Pesticide Safety Education , 15, 17-29. <br /> <br /> Song, H.K. & Ashdown, S.P. (2012). Development of Automated Custom-Made Pants Driven by Body Shape. Clothing and Textiles Research Journal 30(4), 315-329.<br /> <br /> Tian, M., Zhu, S., Qu, L., Han, G., Pan, F. & Pan, N. (2013). Effects of Layering Sequence on Thermal Response of Multilayer Fibrous Materials: Unsteady-state Cases. Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science, 41,143-148.<br /> <br /> Woo, D.J., Hansen, N., Joo, Y.L., & Obendorf, S.K., (2012). Photocatalytic Self-Detoxification by Coaxially Electrospun Nanofiber Containing TiO2 Nanoparticles. Textile Research Journal 82(18):1920-1927.<br /> <br /> Yin, X., Chen, Q., & Pan, N. (2013). A Study and a Design Criterion for Multilayer-Structure in Perspiration Based Infrared Camouflage, Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science, 46, 211220.<br /> <br /> Zhao, T., Zheng, J., & Sun, G., (2012). Synthesis and applications of vegetable oil-based fluorocarbon water repellent agents on cotton fabrics. Carbohydrate Polymers 89, 193 198.<br /> <br /> Zhang, S., Li, Y., & Pan, N. (2013). Graphene based Supercapacitor fabricated by Vacuum Filtration Deposition. Journal of Power Sources, 206, 476 482.<br /> <br /> Zhang, S. & Pan, N. (2013). Supercapacitor performance of crumpled and planar graphene materials produced by hydrogen gas reduction of graphene oxide. J. Mater. Chem. A, 1, 7957-7962.<br /> <br /> Zhu, J. & Sun, G., (2012). Lipase immobilization on glutaraldehyde-activated nanofibrous membranes for improved enzyme stabilities and activities, Reactive & Functional Polymers 72, 839845.<br /> <br /> Zhu, J. & Sun, G (2012). Preparation and photo-oxidative functions of poly(ethylene-co-methacrylic acid) (PE-co-MAA) nanofibrous membrane supported porphyrins. Journal of Materials Chemistry, 22, 10581-10588.<br /> <br /> Zhu, J., Bahramian, Q., Gibson, P., Schreuder-Gibson, H., & Sun, G., (2012). Chemical and biological decontamination functions of nanofibrous membranes. Journal of Materials Chemistry, 22, 8532. <br /> <br /> Presentations<br /> <br /> Carton, A. & Dunne, L.E., Tactile Distance Feedback for Firefighters: Design and Preliminary Evaluation of a Sensory Augmentation Glove, ACM SIGCHI Augmented Human Conference, Stuttgart, Germany, 2013.<br /> <br /> Chen, S. & Sun, G., High Sensitivity Ammonia Sensor Using a Hierarchical Nanofibrous Composite Membrane, Risk-Based Strategies for Managing Air Quality: A New Paradigm with Implications for Agriculture in California, Davis, CA, June, 2013.<br /> <br /> Coffman, C. Whats Happening with PPE, Cornell Greenhouse Update, NYS Agriculture Experiment Station, Geneva, NY. February 28, 2013. <br /> <br /> Coffman, C. Whats Happening with PPE, Greenhouse Update, NYS Agricultural Experiment Station, Geneva, NY, March 6, 2013.<br /> <br /> Ghanbari, S. & Sun, G. A Fast and Highly Sensitive Colorimetric Sensor for Gaseous Methyl Iodide and Methyl Bromide, Risk-Based Strategies for Managing Air Quality: A New Paradigm with Implications for Agriculture in California, Davis, CA, June, 2013.<br /> <br /> Pan, N., Keynote Presentation, Structural Hierarchy vs. Properties in Textile Materials, Annual Conference of China Textile Academy, Shanghai, China Oct. 23 - 24, 2012.<br /> <br /> Pan, N., Keynote Presentation, Textile Materials Science  Materials Science first?, Second International Forum on Graduate Education, Tianjin, China Oct. 15 - 16, 2012.<br /> <br /> Park, J., & Curwen, L. When the shoe doesnt fit: A content analysis of female consumers negative emotions, abstract in Proceedings of the Sixty-ninth Annual Conference of the International Textile and Apparel Association, International Textile and Apparel Association, Honolulu, Hawaii, 2012.<br /> <br /> Park, J., Sarkar, A., & Cozza, M., Development of hospital patient apparel with enhanced functional, expressive, and aesthetic attributes, abstract in Proceedings of the Sixty-ninth Annual Conference of the International Textile and Apparel Association, International Textile and Apparel Association, Honolulu, Hawaii, 2012.<br /> <br /> Shaw, A., Chemical Protective Gloves for Pesticide Handlers, 17th Biennial Research Symposium of the Association of Research Directors, Jacksonville, Florida, April 2013 (poster presentation).<br /> <br /> Shaw, A. & Black, C., PPE Required during Overhead Spraying in Orchards, Suprofruit 2013, Valencia, Spain, June 2013.<br /> <br /> Sun, G., Biocidal Textiles for Preventions of MRSA and Super Bug Transmissions, MedTex-13, Raleigh, NC, May, 2013<br /> <br /> Sun, G., Preventions of MRSA Transmissions and Development of Biocidal Textiles, China Textile Association Annual Meeting, Shanghai, October, 2012.<br /> Sun, G., Self-decontaminating functional fabrics for protective clothing, TechTextil 2013 USA, Los Angeles, CA, March, 2013<br /> <br /> Xiang, B., Zhu, J., & Sun, G., Halamine Chemistry and Its Applications in Chemical and Biological Protective Materials, AATCC International Conference Greenville, SC. April, 2013<br /> <br /> Yin, X., Chen, Q., & Pan, N., A Study and a Design Criterion for Multilayer Structure in Perspiration-Based Infrared Camouflage, Fiber Society Fall Conference, Boston, November, 2012.<br /> <br /> Zhuo, J., Liu, N., & Sun, G., Textile Functional Coloration to Offer Photo-Induced Surface Functions, Fiber Society Fall Conference, Boston, November, 2012.<br /> <br /> Zhuo, J. & Sun, G., Characterization and Antimicrobial Functions of Cotton Fabrics Incorporated with Photo-active Anthraquinone Compounds, MedTex-13, Raleigh, NC, May, 2013.<br /> <br />

Impact Statements

1. Research on protective materials development has resulted in funding for CA from US Army Natick Soldier Center and Western Center of Agricultural Safety and Health.
2. Funding (over 100k) has been secured at CO to establish a research laboratory, specializing in the 3D measurement of internal and external human body dimensions and hire graduate students in 2013-2015. Funding sources are the USDA Hatch Project Grant and Colorado State University Core and Specialized Facilities Grant.
3. User data on the needs of firefighters PPE from focus group interviews, and biomechanic data indicating the impact of firefighters boot design on their body balance and mobility will inform future work on effective designs of firefighter gear.
4. Functionalized fibrous membranes with self-decontaminating properties have the potential to improve protective clothing for agricultural workers or military personnel as well as filtration medias well as providing environmentally safe products.
5. Data from pesticide applicator questionnaires will inform glove selection for use in the development of performance guidelines and standards
6. Stitched sensing methods afford the ability to integrate unobtrusive, comfortable sensors into everyday clothing.
7. The development of a reliable cognitive metric of clothing comfort contributes to the objective evaluation of comfort at a subtle level below the threshold of self-reporting effectiveness, and will also allow overall comfort to be objectively evaluated.
8. The research on protective clothing systems for farm workers is intended to reduce heat stress without sacrificing protection.
9. Development of novel methods of collecting data on hand anthropometrics and the fit of gloves will contribute to better design and sizing of firefighter gloves
10. The biomechanical testing methods developed in this study may be applied to the evaluation of the performance of other protective clothing for first responders.
11. Studies of foot anthropometrics related to BMI, and of wearer responses to footwear design and fit have highlighted the need for footwear developed particularly for the obese or overweight population, as well as the dynamics of the causes of users dissatisfaction with footwear.

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Participants

Brief Summary of Minutes

See attached copy of minutes file for the compiled 2014 NC170 report.


Minutes of NC-170 Research Committee Meeting
Cornell University, July 31 – Aug 1, 2014


9:05 Introductions.

In attendance were Charlotte Coffman (NY-Cornell), Juyeon Park (CO-CSU), Gang Sun (CA-UCD), Susan Ashdown (NY-Cornell), Huiju Park (NY-Cornell), Shu-Hwa Lin (HI-UHM), Lucy Dunne (MN-UMN), Marilyn DeLong (MN-UMN), Lynn Boorady(NY-SUNYBuff), and Anugrah Shaw (MD-UME). Guests: Jane Ledbury from Manchester Metropolitan University), Cornell PhD student Kristen Morris

(9:35)


Acceptance of agenda Susan Ashdown 1st, Huiju seconded and all in favor
9:10 Marilyn Delong PPT – Report from government on Multistate research groups and priorities.


• Science Roadmap for food and agriculture
• We fit most closely with point 6 heightening environmental stewardship
• USDA-REE slide on who is who.
• National priorities – Nutrition and childhood obesity
• Multistate programs should be going deeper into our research but have a variety of people from outreach and research.
• 2014 Farm bill – matching requirement has changed, goes into effect in October 2014 (exempts land grants)
• All federal program in 2013 lost 7.62%; 2014 funding restored to 2012 levels
• Budget battles for 2015 and beyond: Hatch looks like it will stay funded at the same level
o About 350 multistate projects active
o Research Excellence award still active


? Evaluation criteria was shown and discussed


• Impact reporting – all groups required to complete report and include impact reporting
o Professional was hired to write impact statements to make them more attractive and informative
o Shows the importance of the work being done to consumers and government officials
o Need to focus on better research reporting
• See PPT for more specifics.
Discussion: New template for reporting; now includes funding obtained, creative works, inclusion of websites.


Election of Officers:


• Huiju is current Vice-Chair and will be the Chair next year.
• Vice Chair will organize next year’s meeting – Lucy Dunne (discussion on holding the meeting in Minnesota)
• Secretary – Lynn Boorady
• August 6 and 7,2015 were chosen as next years dates.
Website discussion – Anugrah Shaw. Needs information on new members. Who is using the website, how is it being used.
• Website important as it shows part of how we do outreach
• Ashdown uses the website, Coffman and Ashdown appreciate the history of the committee archived in one place.
• New members need to show their interest in being on our committee by sending in their information and updates.
• When annual reports submit what is required by USDA but also all updates to website
• Create a template for updates to website.


CA REPORT – Gang Sun


• Three members at University of CA-Davis. Peg Rucker officially retired but still active.
• Discussion on research and impacts of farm workers (pesticide protection and heat stress), altering of textile properties (colorimetrics), medical and military textiles.
• Discussion on funding and results


CO REPORT – Juyeon Park


• New member at this time but may have a second member in the future.
• Report on medical research; new equipment purchased which is now installed, up and running.
• Research findings on foot landmarks strongly correlated with BMI.
• Provisional patent applied for hospital gown design.


HI REPORT – Shu-Hwa Lin


• Report on research on firefighter turnout gear in collaboration with NY, CO, Buff as well as glove performance and sizing separately. Also working on simulation of fabric drapes and health issues using Kinect.
• Research on textile dyes in collaboration with Chinese Culture University.
• Purchased new equipment on color calibration.


MN REPORT – Lucy Dunne


• Report on stitched stretch and bend sensor projects, hospital gowns, NASA projects.
• Received funding, published articles.


BUFF REPORT – Lynn Boorady


• Report on FF working with NY, HI and CO.
• Reach out to firefighter in the areas surrounding the City of Buffalo. Mostly volunteer stations.
• Was hoping to purchase head scanner but funding has not been secured. At recent ASTM/WEAR symposium it was noted that they have a database with head scans available for members.


NY REPORT – Susan Ashdown


• Jintu, Huiju Park, Huan Hinestrona, Kay Obendorf, Charlotte Coffman and Susan Ashdown’s work was discussed.
• Huiju discussed online firefighter survey and results. Also, worked with firefighter boots and the flexing resistance resulting in impaired gait and body balance. Females have more problems with this issue. Four papers published.
• Susan discussed work with chemical protection overalls and sizing. Also fit tests with firefighter gloves.
• Susan also informed us that Kay is still working on textile performance, Huan is working on rare earth metals research, and Jintu is conducting studies on thermal properties of fabric specifically for chemical protection garments.
• Charlotte contributed data for a four state survey on gloves with MD. Working with the Stat of NY on pesticide applicator training concentrating on gloves and reading instructions. Resurrected website explaining pesticide labels for consumers.


MD REPORT – Anugrah Shaw (via phone)


• Worked on gloves with Cornell; results have been published.
• Research on coveralls for apple picking industry. Also worked on pesticide permeation on pesticide gloves and was the project leader for International Standards Organization on Protective Clothing for Pesticide Operators. Suggested standards have been approved.
Break for lunch
Jane Ledbury introduction: Use of body scanner with Speedo, going to every swim meet and scanning all participants. Have been invited to US and Australia.
• Just finished scanning over 1000 females and the same number of males for Asos Company offer free delivery and free returns and returns are extremely high. Will be working with Alvanon to better sizing for company in order to reduce the return rate. They are the largest online retailer in UK.
• Last year did a “size Nottingham” survey with Speedo.
• Graduate students focus on performance and function. Partnered with VCU for the 2022 world cup Fifa/Qatar is funding to look at migrant workers who are dying in large numbers due to heat stress. MMU also worked on Qatari police uniforms. University ethics committee is concerned due to bad press (Qatar has poor human rights record). Left it to the students to determine whether it was ethical to work with Qatar and they felt it would be unethical NOT to help improve conditions. Set back due to no body scanner in Qatar. However prototypes are being developed based on student research.
• Military clothing systems – MMU is scanning female pilots now.
• Also looking at female body armor for policewoman.
Discussion on whether the group should apply for the Research Excellence award. It was decided not at this time.
Wildland firefighting group is moving slowly but still active.
Discussion on collaborations. Firefighters seem to be the most common denominator among the group.
How about looking at FF pants? Look at the fit over underwear, station trousers. Looked at range of motion during lifting and climbing ladder. (CO)
Issue of getting participant stipend to encourage them to come to campus. $30 seems to be a going rate for 2 hours of time.
Boot study with Globe – using athletic wear technology in FF boots. Huiju has 25 of the new boots and one cut in half. Needs time to work on the study. Glued together (not stitched) so more flexible. Same level of protection as traditional leather boots. Compare new and traditional boots for gait. Perhaps develop protocol and have undergraduates conduct research. Discussion on subject size and whether they actually need to be firefighters. Keep the size/weight range within boundaries, do not need to be firefighters. CO, NY and BUFF may collaborate.
NY, MD and CA working on gloves. Develop survey focusing on thickness of glove and type of nitrile being used. Consumer confusion on type of materials used in gloves. High wearer acceptability for gloves but low knowledge of materials – may go by color (“I wear the blue gloves”). NPPTL – woman name of Fatimah is also working on gloves. NIOSH may have a database of hand (firefighters).


Break


Group discussions to determine best fit for future collaborative research.


Huiju brought in Globe boots – new model in two different heights to discuss possible collaboration. Qualities of the boots were discussed as was research possibilities. Susan mentioned that Cornell has a full set of sizes for three different styles of firefighter gloves – discussion of possible collaboration.


Day 2 Minutes


The day started watching videos of glove construction which Cornell shared with the group. Discussion on improvement of glove layers and fit.
Discussion on possible new members to invite to the groups meeting next year.
Discussion on developing a photo archive for the group. Need to find an online location to hold the images that everyone can access. We have over a thousand images to share from the firefighter research, visit to JC Penney’s headquarters and the Ft. Worth firefighting training center.


Discussion on inviting Jeffrey Stull to come to our next meeting as a guest.


Tour of the Human Ecology building.

Accomplishments

Accomplishment Summaries <br /> <p> <br /> Objective 1: Examine acceptance and barriers to acceptance of PPE products and protective clothing, including hand, foot, and headwear: A. foundation anthropometric and ergonomic research B. user acceptance and barriers to acceptance in domain areas of fire protection, chemical protection and medical environments.<br /> <p><br /> • NY and CA worked on a pesticide protective glove study to gain further information on applicators’ knowledge of glove materials and thickness issues. The study has also been designed to examine the relationship between glove knowledge and factors such as main source of glove information and number and type of licenses an applicator has.<br /> • CO determined the impact of foot morphology on footwear fit and comfort, using 3D foot scanning technology. The BMI was positively related with the six identified landmarks of foot anthropometry and showed a negative relationship with footwear comfort. CO further evaluated subjective perception of footwear fit and comfort to supplement findings of the anthropometric approach.<br /> • Four participating institutions –CO, HI, NY (SUNY-Buffalo, BUFF), and NY (Cornell) conducted focus group interviews about firefighters’ perceptions about their turnout gear, boots, and gloves. <br /> • MD collaborated with WA to conduct a wear study of disposable/limited use coveralls for applicators in the tree-fruit industry. This study examined whether lightweight, disposable coveralls would be a viable option for those applying products with open-cab, airblast sprayers. Three manufacturers donated a total of four garments for the study in July of 2013. Data and images from this study were analyzed and the findings presented at the IUPAC meeting in August 2014. Reports regarding the respective coverall(s) were sent to the three companies that provided the disposable garments for the study. <br /> • NY conducted an online survey with 516 male and female firefighters in the US and Canada in collaboration with International Association of Fire Chiefs, National Volunteer Fire Council, and National Association of Hispanic Firefighters. NY developed and tested an interactive website to help pesticide applicators more easily interpret PPE statements on pesticide labels.<br /> <p><br /> Objective 2: Assess and improve protection and human factor performance of PPE and protective clothing (including hand, foot, and headwear) through research and product development: A. assessment of HF variables in protective clothing. B. design research and development in domain areas of fire protection, chemical protection, and medical environments.<br /> <p><br /> • CO determined the impacts of poor fit of female firefighters’ protective clothing on mobility and firefighting task performance, relative to male counterparts. Joint angles at the waist, knee, and ankle were measured to evaluate the range of motion (ROM), while wearing protective pants. Data demonstrated narrower ROMs in female firefighters than male firefighters, indicating poorer mobility that female firefighters experience. <br /> • MN conducted an experimental evaluation of 4 approaches to transporting and containing body moisture in microgravity environments aboard a simulated microgravity flight. These methods are aimed at reducing the effects of sustained exposure to hand sweat in the EVA space suit. <br /> • A clinical evaluation of a re-designed patient gown was conducted in two clinical settings by patients and clinicians in MN. We found an improvement in psycho-social and physical comfort for patients in the new gown. For clinicians, the design needs improvement in specific areas related to body access. A second design iteration has been completed and a re-evaluation is underway.<br /> • NY conducted a series of human performance test with 12 firefighters to identify the impact of design features of firefighters’ PPE. NY is conducting a fit test of firefighter gloves. Firefighters don the best fitting glove from the size range in each style and assess the fit of the glove. Firefighter hands without gloves, and in the two styles of gloves, (plus the firefighter’s current glove style when available) are scanned, and scans have been merged for analysis. Thirty-three firefighters have participated in the study to date, of whom 15% were women. Further testing, hand measurements from the scans, and analysis is underway. <br /> • NY is also conducting a fit test of three disposable coverall styles for pesticide protection, two commercial styles and one developed by the research team based on data collected from agricultural workers. Study participants don coveralls, gloves and footwear, and assess comfort and ease of movement with a series of 4 range-of-movement body positions. 3D body scans are taken of each coverall and each position. Data have been collected on 43 participants (30 female, 13 male; 18 to 40 years old, mean age 22. Recruitment efforts for continuation of this data collection are focused on males in larger sizes.<br /> <p><br /> Objective 3: Develop research-based performance guidelines and standards for personal protective equipment and protective clothing: A. establish performance guidelines and/or standards for domain areas of fire protective footwear and glove protection for pesticide handlers B. establish sizing and fit guidelines for fire protective equipment.<br /> <p><br /> • A collaborative project was initiated by MD in 2012 to develop methodology to measure pesticide permeation through glove materials. A new cell was designed with input from colleagues in the United Kingdom. This cell was used to measure the permeation of active ingredients in pesticides through garment and glove materials. Tests were conducted at São Paulo State University – Jaboticabal as part of the MOU with UMES. Two proposed standards are an outcome of the collaborative research on the permeation test. Drafts for the following work items were developed by MD in consultation with experts from several countries.<br /> o ISO/PWI 18889 "Protective gloves for pesticide operators - Performance requirements"<br /> is being balloted as a new project.<br /> o ISO/PWI 19918 "Protective clothing — Protection against liquid chemicals — Measurement of cumulative permeation of chemicals with low vapour pressure through protective clothing and glove materials" is being balloted as a new project.<br /> • A study was conducted to compare pressure penetration and permeation through multicomponent materials used for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The permeation and pressure penetration data were used as the basis for proposing replacement of the pressure penetration test with the permeation test in the ISO 27065 draft. <br /> • As Project Leader for International Standards Organization (ISO) Standards on Protective Clothing for Pesticide Operators, the Project Investigator for Maryland worked closely with the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) WG3 members to address comments submitted by CEN members regarding ISO 27065 "Protective clothing -- Performance requirements for protective clothing worn by operators applying liquid pesticides." CEN/TC 162 has approved activation of the Work Item for revision of the standard as an ISO/EN standard with ISO lead. <br /> • NY is working with International Personnel Protection, Inc. in the development of a technology that could be utilized in the development of a new testing standard for firefighter turnout gear. A sensor garment incorporating parallel electrical conductors sewn into the fabric of a form-fitting hooded coverall to be worn on a manikin is under development. The sensor garment and manikin can be used as part of a standardized test to detect liquid that passes through a protective ensemble to test for protection from liquid challenges. Two prototypes have been developed and are being tested for reliability and durability.<br /> <p><br /> Objective 4: Develop novel functionality in materials for PPE: A. Research on novel environmentally friendly materials and technologies that can provide protective functions.<br /> B. Research on novel textile-integrated sensing techniques C. evaluation of the performance of the materials for personal protective applications.<br /> <p><br /> • CA has continued the development of functional materials and textiles, including photo-induced finishing treatment of fabrics, formaldehyde free wrinkle-free treatment of cotton, rechargeable biocidal polyester microfibers, and farmworker garments with reduced heat stress functions. The preparation of biocidal microfiber wipers is currently supported by Rubbermaid with intention to produce self-decontaminating wipers for healthcare and biological protections. The photo-induced surface modification treatment is using certain textile dyes as photo-initiators for radical graft polymerizations on surfaces of fibers. The environmentally friendly wrinkle free treatment of cotton is supported by Cotton Inc.. <br /> • CA has been studying farm worker clothing in order to reduce heat stress illness in California farm workers. This project has been supported by Western Center of Agricultural Health and Safety with a grant from NIOSH. The graduate student (Amy Nowicki) designed and prepared some new garments, and evaluated the wearing acceptance by a group of student farmers. In addition, CA has successfully developed high sensitivity colorimetric sensors for two popular fumigants, methyl bromide and chloropicrin, with financial support from California Department of Pesticide Regulation. <br /> • Rather than resorting to extrinsic aids, like using additional heat insulation/storage or phase change materials or surface coatings as in other current infrared camouflage technologies, a new scheme of perspiration based infrared camouflage and a corresponding multi-layer cloth prototype were proposed recently by us. In this work, several experiments were conducted on a three-layer system based on the proposed prototype, and the original theories were modified to suit the experimental system. <br /> • MN has continued our development and characterization of a novel stitched stretch and bend sensor, fabricated using an industrial coverstitch machine. MN has established a method of insulating the sensor using a fusible polymer film, which was found to reduce noise in the sensor response as well as inhibiting long-term drift during washing and drying. <br /> • MN has also begun development of an alternative technique for sensing in-plane body geometries through clothing, by using magnetic field sensors. <br /> • Work continues on developing industrial production techniques for integrating standard electronic component packages into textiles by blending technologies and techniques standard to electronic manufacture and those standard to apparel manufacture. We have experimented with two CNC-capable embroidery machines, and research into an improved stitching solution is underway. We have successfully completed surface-mount reflow soldering of simple (2-pin) and complex (8-pin SOIC) packages, and durability and washability testing is underway.<br /> • MN has also developed a single-handed typing glove for wearable text input. The glove has been pilot-tested, but thorough evaluation has not yet been completed. <br /> • A method was developed to immobilize Cu-BTC metal-organic framework (MOF-199) particles by enmeshing them in nonwoven polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers creating a fibrous membrane with the potential ability to remove chemical warfare agents or pesticides from solution. These membranes were shown to effectively adsorb methyl parathion, an organophosphate pesticide. <br /> • Based on solubility theory and experimental results, partitioning was determined to be the main mechanism of removal. After 2 hours, the PAN/MOF-199 membranes removed 88 % more methyl parathion than the unmodified PAN membranes and 62 % as much as the MOF-199 crystal powder. Since the MOF particles were enmeshed in the PAN fiber mats, the MOF particles were in a workable and flexible substrate. Potential applications of these functionalized fibrous membranes include protective clothing for agricultural workers or military personnel as well as filtration media.<br /> • Degradation of methyl parathion (MP) adsorbed in metal-organic framework (MOF)-199 cages was studied using solid-state 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Raman spectrometry, and solvent extractions. MP degradation was confirmed to be occurring when adsorbed in CuBTC MOF (MOF-199). <br /> Over 67 days of treatment, results show that constitutional isomerization is an early mechanism of methyl parathion degradation with smaller amounts of oxidation (methyl paraoxon) and direct hydrolysis of MP followed by hydrolysis of these early degradation products. Raman spectrometry after 5 days and water extractions after 5 and 35 days supported this conclusion. 4-nitrophenyl, a common MP degradation product, was observed with the amount increasing with exposure time or higher MP loading. Degradation of organic compounds such as methyl parathion, in addition to the selective physisorption, demonstrates the usefulness of MOF-199 for potential applications in protective materials for occupational and military protective clothing.<br /> • A method to create fluorescent metal-organic frameworks using rare earths was developed and it is being optimized to use these materials as sensors for detection of leaks of methane and other toxic and flammable gases. These new frameworks can be used in protective clothing and flexible sensors inside mines and other buildings where natural gas may be present. <br /> • The antibacterial properties of MOF-199 were studied and found to be highly effective. These discoveries are of great importance as it is possible to tailor MOF-199 to capture gases, work as a sensor as well as antibacterial agent in a true multifunctional capability.<br /> • An improved method using covalent bonding has been developed to graft POM onto cotton and electrospun cellulose acetate nanofibrous membranes. Experiments have also been conducted using an electro-static method to graft POM on these membranes. It has been determined that higher loads of POM particles can be grafted on cellulosic materials (whether covalent or electrostatic methods are used). Polycotton samples enable only small/limited amounts of POM particle grafting (whether covalent or electrostatic methods are used.) Higher surface area substrates enable the highest amount of POM grafting. Higher loads of POM on these substrates correspond to higher amounts of methyl parathion decontamination. Further analysis is being conducted to determine which grafting method gave the optimal decontamination results (highest decon to POM loading ratios).<br />

Publications

Impact Statements

1. The rechargeable biocidal microfiber wipers and mops could potentially improve prevention of transmission of infectious diseases. The work on farmworker clothing supported by Western Center of Agricultural Health and Safety (NIOSH) revealed that by using simple optimization process and improved design, the new farm worker garments could provide reduced heat stresses. The work in the area of fumigant sensors supported by California Department of Pesticide Regulation could significantly improve sensitivity of detection limits on these fumigants at very low prices and could potentially improve health and safety of farmworkers or residents living close to crop fields.
2. The experimental results compared well with the theoretical predictions in verifying the principle of proposed perspiration based infrared camouflage, and in examining the effects of such factors as layer thickness and layer sequence. More importantly, through a heat flux analysis, it was found that the ratio of the latent heat flux to the sensible heat flux (ql/qs) can be used as a general criterion in designing the comfort performance of a cloth system. For the perspiration based infrared camouflage: the higher the ratio, the better the infrared camouflage effect.
3. HI developing low-cost body scanning methods with Kinect to personal avatar and facilitate fabric simulation
4. An evaluation protocol for footwear fit and comfort was developed and its validity was evaluated. The protocol adopted both subjective and objective evaluation methods, and data were collected from 3D scanning and participant surveys
5. Low-cost, comfortable body sensing methods were developed to facilitate pervasive field applications of ergonomic monitoring for manual laborers.
6. Development of permeation cell provides a relatively simple method to measure permeation of active ingredient of pesticide through garment and glove materials.
7. Data and comments have been submitted to EPA docket for consideration in revising the Worker Protection Standard. The performance requirement standard for protective clothing and gloves can be used to quantify and thus define chemical resistance of materials against pesticides.
8. Microdenier, electrospun webs and self-decontaminating materials were developed to increase chemical protection. These finding are useful in improving product development to enhance health and safety of the population.
9. Gender specific fit issues, size issues and compatibility issues of firefighters? equipment designs were addressed. Suggestions for improved design were made based on online survey and focus group interview. Biomechanic data indicating the impact of flexibility of firefighters? boot and weight of PPE on their body balance and mobility will provide practical implications to improve designs.
10. Early analysis of firefighter glove fit suggests that the crotch alignment and length of the thumb of the glove are not well proportioned for the majority of firefighters.
11. Early analysis of coverall fit suggests that the coverall developed by the research team can be sized smaller and closer to the body and still have good range of motion.

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Report Information

Participants

Boorady,Lynn (booradlm@buffalostate.edu)- SUNY – Buffalo State; Lin, Shu-Hwa (shulin@hawaii.edu) - University of Hawaii at Manoa; Ashdown, Susan (spa4@cornell.edu) - Cornell University; Park, Huiju (hp347@cornell.edu - Cornell University; Ruppert-Stroescu, Mary (mary.ruppert-stroescu@okstate.edu) - Oklahoma State University; Shaw, Anugrah (ashaw@umes.edu) - University of Delaware-Eastern Shore; Sun, Gang (gysun@ucdavis.edu) - University of California-Davis; Dunne, Lucy (ldunne@umn.edu) - University of Minnesota; Bye, Elizabeth (ebye@umn.edu) - University of Minnesota; LaBat, Karen (klabat@umn.edu) - University of Minnesota; DeLong, Marilyn (mdelong@umn.edu) - University of Minnesota; Baytar, Fatma (baytar@iastate.edu) - Iowa State University; Xiang, Chunhui (chxiang@iastate.edu) - Iowa State University; Lee, Young-A (ylee@iastate.edu) - Iowa State University; Park, Juyeon (juyeon.park@colostate.edu) Colorado State University; Kim, Jooyoun (jkim256@k-state.edu) Kansas State University; Liu, Hang (hangliu@wsu.edu) Washington State University; Perez, Carla (perezc@uiwtx.edu) University of the Incarnate Word

Brief Summary of Minutes

NC-170 meeting 2015. Held at the University of Minnesota, McNeal Hall

Day 1: August 6, 2015
Meeting started at 8:26 AM

Update from Advisor:
Handout. Suggestion to update impact statement. Announced Eicher Symposium, Goldstein Gallery exhibit and 2016 Symposium Fashion and the Body all being held at University of Minnesota.

We are currently at the midterm of our research and need to start talking about future research to be ready to write new proposal. Review our focus. Submission deadline is January 2017. Be sure to include funding proposals completed.

Marilyn will also be stepping down as our advisor a soon as a replacement is found. Please submit suggested replacements to her. This person should be in a current Administrative position (Department chair, director or dean) in the North Central region.

Suggested that we might think about inviting Sara Delheimer (national impact writer) to come to our next meeting to discuss better reporting techniques.

2012 NC-170 North Central Region winner for best collaboration/proposal

State reports:
HI – Surveyed Taiwan firefighters. Looking to further research for both professional and lay people. Design idea is to create protective gear for lay people on the premise that we have life preservers to save people from drowning but nothing to protect lay people from fire outbreak.
IA – Veridian in Spencer IA has reached out for design solutions specific to the coats and trouser. Looking for innovative design that match the NFPA 1971 standards. They are the 5th largest bunker gear manufacturer in US and produce 100% of their gear in the US.
NY (ITH) – Huiju - Research on lower body movement. SCBA is identical size on everyone – impacts range of movement. Fan based cooling for protective equipment. Ice hockey gear company in Buffalo – neck lacerations issue. Filed for patent on work. Susan - glove fit test for Honeywell. Scanned hands/scanned gloves and compared. Data is being analyzed. Coverall project – Davis, CA has data on wear test, still being analyzed. Going forward, half scale research and donning and doffing protective gear in Ebola environment. Bike project for active positions. http://Styleengineers.org – STEM website. Core age group is 11 – 14 but 5th graders and high school age have also participated. Password is “letmein”
NY (BUFF) – Body scanning firefighters and having them self-disclose bunker gear size. Taking basic measurements of coat and trousers to try to determine ease.
CO – Body scanning of 15 firefighters (9 females, 6 males). Focus group discuss fit issues. 85 body scans for hospital gowns. Identified areas of poor fit. Shoulder came up as an area of not enough movement, while the gown overall is too large (particularly for thin or underweight patients). Also backpack design to mountain rescue workers – they typically use backpacks off the shelf but this is unsatisfactory for their work.
MN – Anthropometry (ears) – creating an ear piece for Honeywell. Everyone’s ear canal bends differently and there is no good way of determining the shape. Ear casting may be in the future, CT scans are a possibility. Implications for sizing and fit of sensor embedded garments. ANSUR and ASTM fit shirts based on chest measure. No one-to-one measure between the two databases. “Pretending” what is accurate through averages. Creation of a sizing system for t-shirts embedded with heart sensors. How does an exact location, such as the heart, effect clothing sizing system. Color changing materials out of CA Irvine – how might these be used in protective apparel? Film based right now but wants to put this technology on textiles. Shows exposure to acid, shows stress. Manufacturing of electronic textiles – stitching electronics in clothing, turning the wires, durability, etc. are issues.
MD – Work on performance standards is ongoing. An International Center for PPE for Pesticide Operators and Re-entry Workers is being established at UMES. One of the major activities next year would be coordination of an international wear study to determine the performance of garments with repellent finish. Laundering affects performance of these garments. The study will allow comparison of use and care on garment performance.
CA – Peg is still contributing to project in objective 1 with pesticides. Gang is also working with pesticide related issues using fumicants to kills pests in soil – important for strawberries. Very toxic and has emissions. Also used to kill termites (Methyl Bromide) – developed paper that can be hung in the air to show if fumes are still in the air. Ning Pan working on liquid transport properties – theoretical right now but people are developing textiles.

Many new members were present at this meeting. Marilyn told the group how to become members: Official members AES stations within NIMMS systems. Go to your universities station to register. Money should be available to travel through a grant to the land grant school – 25% of this funding must go to state research groups. Administrative advisor works with the chair to come up with hotel and logistics, then the Advisor inputs this information to announce to all stations. Discussion on how to get funding for travel – through AES, grants, department.

New members were invited to tell us about their research interest area:
Carla – Lots of volunteer fire departments in the San Antonio area. Discuss firefighter bunker gear, acquisition of gear, what the firefighters wants and how to get items to them.

Chunhui – Nanotechnology. Heat insulating materials for firefighters. Interested in material science. New materials for pesticides.

Jooyoun – Material Science. Polymer forming fibers. Superhydrophonic surfaces and omniphobic surfaces; making them more durable. Worked at 3M on respirators for better particle capturing efficiency (non-wovens). Works with nanotechnology center in KS vet school.

Mary – wearable electronics for health care. EKG and blood oxygen and respiratory functions – information gathering.

Hong – Nanofibers, application in protective garments. Has spun antimicrobial fibers. Wants to explore using nanofibers in PPE. Strong fiber, lightweight and cheaper than Kevlar.

Discussion on New Proposal
PPE for lay people or high risk activities. Fire specifically. Blankets are common. Follow Taipei fire victims and document burning injuries. Equates to life preserver. Immediate protection for the 30 seconds or 1 minute it takes to escape.

OK – developing protective spaces for people caught in tornadoes. Need impact protection. Also weather center in OK – helping people to keep from overheating when people have to work in hot fields. Agricultural issues, oil fields.

NY – viral protection.

Firefighter ISO se14 – International firefighter gear.

Child masks – huge need in Asian countries, no standard for them (lay people). May go in with Ebola work.

Donning and doffing Ebola protective garments

Meeting adjourned at 12:00 for lunch. The afternoon included a tour of the 3M campus.

Day 2: August 7, 2015

Meeting started at 8:30 AM
Election of Officers:
Chair: Lucy Dunne
Vice-Chair: Lynn Boorady
Secretary: Fatma Baytar
2016 meeting date & location: August 4 & 5, 2016 in Buffalo, NY
• Writer for next submission of 5 year research plan: Lynn Boorady (main) and Young-A Lee
• Get the objectives nailed down before next meeting

Future Planning:
Focus on next year – collaborations
• Juan Hinestroza – “Manufacturing innovation institute on revolutionary textiles and fibers” Government grant due September 21, 2015. National network of manufacturing innovation. One of Obama’s six initiatives – focus on textile and fiber manufacturing. Overall funding is 47 million over 5 years. Requirement is one-to-one matching tuition stipends, usage time and facilities can be used to meet the Collection management up to one year, support for faculty can all be included. Advanced Functional Fabrics of America. Each school should contact Juan to get information on the next step for inclusion on this project. Each school is at a different step in the process and Juan can let you know what needs to be done. Links to information were sent to each school via an email from Juan.

Design group started by having everyone discuss their current research:
Huiju – open to collaboration
Susan – half scale; Ebola
Shu-Hwa – body scan with Kinect, burning textiles lay person/professional protection, PCM glove
Lynn – Body scanning FF, lay people/professional fire protection
Juyeon – body scanning FF (Male and female)
Fatma – Virtual prototyping with Optitex, modeling functional garments
Young – New design of coats and trousers issues and challenges for FF with Veridian; grading for FF gear
Carla – Local FF in San Antonio; Helping departments communicate bunker gear needs.
Lucy – Empirical variability study what can we measure from the scans right now; measure in a different way. Looking to identify specific areas on the body surface or inside the body through scan data. Manufacturing of anything.
Mary – Sensing systems, developing ways of textile based electrodes and transferring them into signals. Obese men in the CAESAR data

Product Development/Design group decided to determine how to proceed in the coming year. It was determined that focusing on female firefighters would be our best area and it could include everyone.
• Colorado will send protocol for body scanning female firefighters. Do they have a different physique from the general public? How might this impact fit? Contact the female FF (IFFA) organization to get their support and perhaps help direct us to participants near our locations. Young has a bunker gear pattern from Veridian. OK will check to see if CAESAR data is available for us to use. IA will work on virtual prototyping system to explore the sizing and fit of bunker gear in a virtual world.

Lynn – get pattern of firefighter bunker gear from Karen…?

Textile/Material Science group:
Three new members are working on fiber and protective functions (Washington, Iowa and Kansas State). Objective 4 area. Discussion focused on future planning and developing a research agenda. NC-170 as a group needs to think about environmental issues when researching/designing.

Current objectives.
Current objectives were reviewed and it was determined that we have worked on all we have written. Additional work will be completed this year.

Anugrah mentioned a new workgroup on biological protection and viral protection. Any material science person interested, please contact her. Thermal protection is need for all protective garments.

Anugrah discussion: Dissemination of information should be included in our objectives? Susan – distribution through research papers is the only thing supported by our institutions and we cannot ask for any additional work from the group. Developing an outreach program is difficult and time consuming, requires a different set of skills. Maybe work with NFPA or firefighter groups so that they know about the work we do – discuss with the people who make the standards. Format? Impacts need to have practical application. ASTM sizing is suggested. Anugrah will help us get in touch with groups to see if there is any mutual benefits to open discussions. Perhaps invite industry/standards individuals to our annual meeting. Making these contacts is important at this stage and perhaps they can come to Buffalo.


Follow up on the question of inviting Sara (national impact writer) to our next meeting? Everyone watch the impact video (Prezi presentation) and determine if it would be helpful. http://www.waaesd.org/research-reporting

Current objectives:
Objective 1: Examine acceptance and barriers to acceptance of PPE products and protective clothing, including hand, foot and headwear: A. foundation anthropometric and ergonomic research B. user acceptance and barriers to acceptance in domain areas of fire protection, chemical protection and medical environment.

Objective 2: Assess and improve protection and human factor performance of PPE and protective clothing (including hand, foot and headwear) through research and product development: a. Assessment of HF variables in protective clothing B. design research and development in domain areas of fire protection, chemical protection, and medical environments.

Objective 3: Develop research-based performance guidelines and standards for personal protective equipment and protective clothing: A. establish performance guidelines and/or standards for domain areas of fire protective footwear and glove protection for pesticide handlers B. establish sizing and fit guidelines for fire protective equipment.

Objective 4: Develop novel functionality in materials for PPE: a. research novel environmentally friendly materials and technologies that can provide protective functions; B. research on novel textile-integrated sensing techniques C. evaluation of the performance of the materials for personal protective applications.

Brainstorming new objectives for next five year proposal:
• Explore laypeople
• (typically for first responders, spell out for true inclusivity; refers to a single garment or multiple hazards) = Chemical, biological, radiation, nuclear.
• Continue to explore how outreach can be included in the objectives

Detailed discussion for future projects:
Protection for lay people
Thermal
Impact
Chemical, biological, radiation, nuclear – include child sizing (fit, function, etc.)
Thermal for Agricultural workers
Cleaning/self-cleaning/non-laundering
Wash durability
International comparison of firefighter PPE
Ebola

Updates to the website were discussed. Anugrah will be contacting new members to get updated information. Last year’s annual report is not on the website.

Meeting ended at noon to go to lunch. Afternoon had a tour of the University of MN facilities.

Accomplishments

ACCOMPLISHMENTS<br /> <br /> Objective 1: Examine acceptance and barriers to acceptance of PPE products and protective clothing, including hand, foot, and headwear: A. foundation anthropometric and ergonomic research B. user acceptance and barriers to acceptance in domain areas of fire protection, chemical protection and medical environments.<br /> <br /> • BUFF has been body scanning firefighters to build the database of 3D scans.<br /> <br /> • CO compared fit and comfort issues associated the structural firefighter’s uniform pants across the sexes, based subjective fit assessment and scientific data of 3D body scan and range of motion. 15 firefighters, recruited from local fire stations, participated in the study. <br /> <br /> • CO assessed key landmark body points that possibly cause fit problems with hospital patient gowns. 85 participants of all ages participated in the study, and performed a series of measurement experiments including 3D body scanning and scenarios activities.<br /> <br /> • CO interviewed 10 mountain rescue workers to identify psychological and biomechanical concerns with their backpack design. <br /> <br /> • MN assessed current knowledge about the variability in inner ear anthropometry through surveys of existing literature. Findings point to the need for a survey measuring internal dimensions and curvatures, particularly the angle(s) and curvature of the ear canal in the coronal plane. A user test of an in-ear physiological measurement device shows enough variability in inner ear anthropometry to cause discomfort in around 75% of participants wearing a one-size earpiece.<br /> <br /> • CA conducted a survey of pesticide applicators about protective gloves which included both open-ended and multiple choice items indicated cost was a key factor in identifying a glove as a favorite and durability was noted as the feature most in need of improvement. A multiple choice question calling for identification of glove materials from samples provided by the researchers reinforced previous concerns about applicators’ confusion about protective glove materials; the only material correctly identified by half or more of four different groups was disposable nitrile. A recommendation based on this finding is to have information about glove material added to the gloves themselves. Observation of promotional material already on the gloves suggests this could be a cost-effective solution to the problem.<br /> <br /> <br /> Objective 2: Assess and improve protection and human factor performance of PPE and protective clothing (including hand, foot, and headwear) through research and product development: A. assessment of HF variables in protective clothing. B. design research and development in domain areas of fire protection, chemical protection, and medical environments.<br /> <br /> • BUFF developed a questionnaire on the fit of bunker gear. Firefighters self-disclose their bunker gear sizes and this is compared to their body scan to determine if there is any correlation to ease preference. <br /> • NY: A fit test of three coverall styles (one test prototype and two market styles) was conducted with 50 participants. Participants were scanned while wearing each coverall minimally clothed and in the coveralls, in a standing position and four active positons, and reported favorable and unfavorable features of each. Based on questionnaire responses, and visual analysis of the processed scans the DuPont coverall was the least favored of the three, followed by KleenGuard, and then the Cornell prototype. The 3D scans allowed us to observe fit problems that were not mentioned by participants, and to verify participant comments of each coverall design. Participants experienced better range of movement with a closer fit in the prototype coverall.<br /> <br /> • NY has begun on the development of a disposable hood/visor/facemask unit designed to be used by healthcare workers working with Ebola patients. Many different factors including full protection from fluids or vapor droplets, sizing and fit, movement, moderation of vision restrictions, anti-fogging features, thermal comfort, eye contact and expression in moderating patient-worker interactions, and safe doffing are under consideration.<br /> <br /> • NY beginning a project looking at the possibility of using half scale active body forms for design and testing of protective clothing. We have developed three different methods of making a form from a scan, sliced stacked foam, 3D printing, and creation of heavy tagboard frames in conjunction with a fabric ‘skin’ stuffed with polyfil. A project looking at half scale bike short fit on active forms compared to the full scale garment on the body. We hope to use pressure sensors in this study.<br /> <br /> • Cornell is also assessing human factor variables in firefighters’ boots and airpack. In particular, the height of boot and size of airpack are the same to all firefighters, as NFPA 1971 does not have any specific requirements for these two items. This study investigated impacts of boot height and size of airpack on firefighters’ mobility and comfort. A series of human performance tests and interview were conducted with 16 firefighters. The study included 1) 3D motion analysis to assess the impact of the boots height on firefighters’ lower body movement in firefighters’ typical tasks (e.g., walking, duck-walking, ladder climbing and ladder locking), and 2) 3D body scanning to evaluate the level of upper body mobility restriction by wearing a helmet and airpack. Data is currently being analyzed.<br /> <br /> • In collaboration with the Longmont Fire Department, CO evaluated the physiological human performance of prototype PPE (Honeywell), relative to existing PPE (Quest). 10 firefighters (6 males and 4 females) were recruited from the department, and heart rate, breathing rate, and skin temperature were assessed during treadmill walking. <br /> <br /> • CO developed an exploratory wearable device for fall protection using accelerometers and CO2-triggered airbag sensors.<br /> <br /> • CO conducted a collaborative design project with the Health and Exercise Science department and developed a weight support harness as a wearable assistive device for weight loss.<br /> <br /> • Iowa-based fire protective gear company, Veridian’s design team contacted our team to work on turnout gear design solutions. Iowa State apparel design students supervised by Lee worked on this project by reviewing their current turnout gear designs for structural firefighting apparel and recommending changes to improve the garment’s performance in the areas of comfort and mobility. <br /> <br /> • IA team of researchers from different disciplines has been formed and secured funding for the project to focus on the key issues of chemical protective clothing (CPC) performance and heat strain associated with wearing protective materials. The work includes multi-level evaluation approaches to determine the comfort and strain in CPC, to relate the characterized fabric and garment properties to the physiological responses from human wear trials. <br /> <br /> • MN began the design of a wearable chemical-sensing alert system that converts color change to a tactile alert. A works-like system prototype and a looks-like housing prototype were produced. <br /> <br /> Objective 3: Develop research-based performance guidelines and standards for personal protective equipment and protective clothing: A. establish performance guidelines and/or standards for domain areas of fire protective footwear and glove protection for pesticide handlers B. establish sizing and fit guidelines for fire protective equipment.<br /> <br /> • NY conducted a fit and sizing test was of two styles of firefighter glove. Twenty-eight male and five female firefighters were recruited and asked to choose the size of glove in each model that they felt provided the best fit. Participants completed questionnaires assessing their perception of glove function and fit after performing simple actions to test dexterity. Scans were taken of each firefighter’s dominant hand, and then the same hand in the glove. The firefighter’s current glove was also scanned when available. Anthropometric data of hand dimensions were calculated. Glove and hand scans were merged in order to investigate the fit in three dimensions. Data from both questionnaires and scans identified two areas of the gloves that could be modified to provide a better fit; the length of the thumb in both models and positioning of the finger crotches in one of the models.<br /> <br /> • NY conducted a series of human performance tests with 12 firefighters (8 males and 4 females) to assess the incremental impact of firefighters’ personal protective equipment on lower body mobility and foot function to suggest areas of design improvement for enhanced mobility and safety. The study found that wearing inflexible fireboots caused the greatest restriction of foot pronation, gait instability and slowest response time on the ground, which can increase risk of musculoskeletal injuries on fireground. The negative impacts of wearing inflexible boots were greater for female firefighters, which was supported by greater reduction in range of motion. In addition, women are intrinsically more vulnerable to sudden or forced change in gait on unfavorable ground than men because of a greater Q-angle (alignment angle between the pelvis and knee). Therefore, the negative impacts from wearing inflexible boots can aggravate female firefighters’ risk of lower body injuries.<br /> <br /> • MN conducted a sizing and fit analysis assessing the amount of variability in rib position within each ASTM size for different hypothetical garment sizing schemes. Results show a variability between 50 and 174mm for torso length within a given size, which has significant implications for sensor placement (i.e. for ECG monitoring) in ready-to-wear sensing garments.<br /> <br /> • UMES participated in collaborative studies to determine the variability in spray distribution as a result of the spray nozzle in the spray test. This method is used to measure the performance of Level 2 garments in ISO 27065 and ASTM 2669. The results were shared at the ISO meeting.<br /> <br /> • UMES - The two ISO Committee Drafts have been accepted as EN/ISO work items (ISO/CD 19918 - Protection against liquid chemicals — Measurement of cumulative permeation of chemicals with low vapour pressure and solubility in liquid/gaseous collector medium through protective clothing and glove materials and ISO/CD 18889 Protective gloves for pesticide operators — Performance requirements). Both drafts are being revised and will be submitted to ISO to be balloted at DIS drafts. Comments received for ISO/EN DIS 27065 are being used to revise the draft. <br /> <br /> Objective 4: Develop novel functionality in materials for PPE:<br /> A. Research on novel environmentally friendly materials and technologies that can provide protective functions.<br /> B. Research on novel textile-integrated sensing techniques C. evaluation of the performance of the materials for personal protective applications.<br /> <br /> • NY- Cornell conducted research examining the performance of self-decontaminating technologies in chemically protective apparel specifically the incorporation of polyoxometalates on fibrous substrates and their ability to decontaminate the VX nerve gas simulant methyl parathion. The objective was to examine two types of polyoxometalate attachment techniques, compare their toxin degradation performance, scale some of the samples to a coverall size, and determine if polyoxometalate (POM) attachment affects the breathability of the garment. <br /> <br /> Polyoxometalates were selected for this study as they are catalytic substances, thereby able to degrade a toxin into less harmful bi-products, and then upon exposure to ambient air, self-regenerate and be ready to degrade more toxins for an indefinite number of cycles. Some preliminary results suggest that they may even degrade the degradation products. If incorporated into protective clothing they could reduce hazardous waste by being re-useable due to their catalytic nature and enable PPE to be made with greater breathability.<br /> <br /> First POM particles were synthesized. High surface area and low surface area electrospun cellulose membranes and cellulose acetate blend membranes were fabricated, and their surface areas were quantified using BET analysis. POM’s were attached to textile substrates including the electrospun membranes, 100% cotton, 65/35 polycotton, and 65/35 polycotton treated with N-halamines using two methods. (Substrate dimensions and thickness were controlled.) The first method of POM attachment was covalent grafting, and the second method was electrostatic binding. The percent add-on of POM particles on the substrates was quantified using thermal analysis. The substrates were then exposed to the VX nerve gas toxin simulant methyl parathion for one week, and aliquots were withdrawn periodically in order to measure the degradation of the toxin. It was determined that higher surface area electrospun cellulose and electrospun cellulose acetate blends resulted in some of the highest percent POM add-ons and complete degradation of the toxin simulant within 5 days while lower surface area electrospun cellulose acetate membranes and cotton took almost the full week to degrade the toxin simulant. Polycotton substrates resulted in moderate POM percent add-on and moderate toxin degradation, but did not fully decontaminate the toxin within one week. There was no significant difference in the decontamination performance of the covalently POM-grafted samples and their electrostatically POM-bound counterparts. Decontamination of the toxin was proportional to the amount of POM grafted to the substrates.<br /> <br /> Four coveralls were fabricated, two controls (a 100% cotton plain weave fabric and a 65/35 polycotton plain weave fabric) and two treated fabrics (100% cotton plain weave with electrostatically bound POM and a 65/35 polycotton plain weave treated with N-halamines and electrostatically bound POM) using a scaled procedure for POM attachment to achieve the same percent add-on as was measured for the small scale substrate samples. The thermal insulation, evaporative resistance, and permeability index of the coveralls was determined via measurement with a thermal manikin. Results showed that POM attachment had little to no affect on the thermal insulation or water vapor permeability of the coveralls while it had only a slightly inhibiting effect on the evaporative resistance of the cotton coveralls and no inhibiting effect of the evaporative resistance of the polycotton coveralls. Statistical analysis of these results is in progress. These results indicate that POM attachment on protective clothing could be successful at degrading chemical warfare agents while enabling maximized thermal comfort for the wearer. <br /> <br /> Cornell conducted research on developing new metal-organic frameworks capable of changing colors as they are exposed to gases or radiation. These molecules can be used as sensors once they are coated into textile atches.<br /> <br /> • MN conducted an analysis of the application of a stitched textile-based sensor to the problem of detecting spinal curvature (for seated and working postures, as well as for spinal deformities like kyphosis). Results show that the sensor can effectively be used for this purpose, but that performance improves when the garment is tethered, as in a leotard, vs. when the garment is loose. <br /> <br /> • MN developed a method for surface-mount attachment of electronic components to e-textile circuit boards. <br /> <br /> • CA has developed novel technologies to prepare rechargeable biocidal microfiber wipers and mops for surface disinfecting purposes<br /> <br /> • CA has developed two fumigant colorimetric sensors for protection of farm workers, and have licensed both to industry.<br /> <br /> • CA has investigated the in-plane fluid transport characteristics of needle-punched nonwoven padding bandages. Padding is an essential component in a multilayer compression bandaging system, used inside the compression bandage through which substantial amount of pressure is exerted on the limb of patient for treatment of venous leg ulcers. As a result, the liquid transmission behavior of padding is very critical in managing body fluids or sweat exuded from the affected limb, reducing the excessive moisture build-up around the wound and thereby ensuring comfort to and hence a better compliance from the patients.<br />

Publications

Books<br /> Watkins, S.M. and Dunne, L.E. (2015) Functional Clothing Design: Sportswear to Space Suits. New York: Fairchild Books<br /> <br /> Book Chapters<br /> Dunne, L.E., Simon, C., and Gioberto, G. (2015) E-Textiles in the Apparel Factory: Leveraging Cut-And-Sew Technology Toward the Next Generation of Smart Garments. In Barfield, Thomas, and Martin (Eds.), Fundamentals of Wearable Computers and Augmented Reality, 2nd edition. Boca Raton: CRC Press<br /> <br /> Dunne, L.E. (2015) Technology and Sustainable Futures. In Hethorn and Ulasewicz (Eds.), Sustainable Fashion: What’s Next? A Conversation about Issues, Practices and Possibilities, 2nd Edition. New York: Fairchild Books.<br /> <br /> Dunne, L.E. (2014) Wearable Technology. In Britannica Book of the Year, 2014. Chicago: Encyclopaedia Britannica<br /> <br /> Dunne, L.E., Profita, H., and Zeagler, C. (2014) Social Aspects of Wearability and Interaction. In Sasznov, and Neuman (Eds.), Wearable Sensors: Fundamentals, Implementation, and Application. (pp. 25-44) New York: Elsevier<br /> <br /> Gang Sun, Prevention of Hospital and Community Acquired Infections by Using Antibacterial Textiles and Clothing, RSC Polymer Chemistry Series No. 10 Polymeric Materials with Antimicrobial Activity: From Synthesis to Applications Edited by Alexandra Munoz-Bonilla, Mar?a L. Cerrada and Marta Fernandez-Garc?ar, The Royal Society of Chemistry 2014 Published by the Royal Society of Chemistry.<br /> <br /> Referred Journal Articles<br /> Boorady, L. M. (under review). Bunker gear for fire fighters: Does it fit today’s firefighters? Journal of Textile, Apparel and Technology Management. <br /> <br /> Gioberto, G., and Dunne, L.E. (2014) Garment-Integrated Bend Sensor. Electronics, 3(4), 564-581.<br /> Han Y, Obendorf SK, Reactivity and reusability of immobilized zinc oxide nanoparticles in fibers on methyl parathion decontamination. Textile Research Journal. (2015); DOI: 10.1177/0123456789123456.<br /> <br /> Jankovska, D. (2015). Identifying fit issues for the one-size-fits-all hospital patient gown: an anthropometric approach. Unpublished master’s thesis. Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO. <br /> <br /> Lange LE, Obendorf SK, Degradation Studies of Methyl Parathion when in CuBTC Metal Organic Framework, Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 3:541–547(2015).<br /> <br /> Lange LE, Obendorf SK, Functionalization of Cotton Fiber by Partial Etherification and Self-Assembly of Polyoxometalate Encapsulated in Cu3(BTC)2 Metal?Organic Framework, ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 7:3974–3980 (2015) DOI.org/10.1021/am506510q<br /> <br /> Langseth-Schmidt, K., & Park, J. (under review). Anthropometric fit evaluation of firefighters ’uniform pants: A gender comparison. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. <br /> <br /> Langseth-Schmidt, K. (2014). Anthropometric fit evaluation of structural firefighters’ uniform pants: A gender comparison study. Unpublished master’s thesis. Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO. <br /> <br /> Lee, J-Y, Park, J., Park, H., Coca, A., Kim, J-H., Taylor, N.A.S., Son, S-Y., & Tochihara, Y. <br /> (2015, In press), What Do Firefighters Desire From the Next Generation of Personal Protective Equipment? Outcomes from an International Survey, Industrial Health.<br /> <br /> Ozer, R., Hinestroza, JP., One-step growth of isoreticular luminescent metal-organic frameworks on cotton fibers, RSC Advances (2015), 5 (20), 15198-15204.<br /> <br /> Park, H., Kim, S., Morris, K., Moukperian, M., Moon, Y., & Stull, J. (2015). Effect of Firefighters’ Personal Protective Equipment on Foot Function and Gait, Applied Ergonomics. 48, 42-48.<br /> <br /> Park, H., Trejo, H., Miles, M., Bauer, A., Kim, S., & Stull, J. (2015). Impact of Firefighters’ <br /> Turnout Gear on Lower Body Range of Motion, International Journal of Clothing Science and <br /> Technology. 27(3). 315-334.<br /> <br /> Park, H., Park, J., Lin S-H., & Boorady, L. (2014). Assessment of Firefighters’ Needs for Personal Protective Equipment, Fashion & Textiles, 1(1), 1-13.<br /> <br /> Park, H., Kim, S., Wu Y., & Allen, N. (2014), Beyond Protection: Technology and Design Moving toward Human Factors of Fire Gear, AATCC Review, (Impact factor: 0.254),14(5), 40-45. <br /> <br /> Park, H., & Hahn, K. (2014), Perception of Firefighters’ Turnout Ensemble and Level of Satisfaction by Body Movement, International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology and Education. 7(2), 85-95.<br /> <br /> Reich, J., Wall, C., and Dunne, L.E. (2015) Design and Implementation of a Textile-Based Wearable Balance Belt (Technical Brief). ASME Journal of Medical Devices, 9(2). <br /> <br /> Shaw, A., and P. Schiffelbein. (2015). “Protective Clothing for Pesticide Operators: Part I - Selection of a Reference Test Chemical for Penetration Testing,” International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics. doi: 10.1080/10803548.2015.107192 (Accepted for publication).<br /> <br /> Shaw, A., and P. Schiffelbein. (2015). “Protective Clothing for Pesticide Operators: Part II - Data Analysis of Fabric Characteristics,” International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics. doi: 10.1080/10803548.2015.1071927 (Accepted for publication).<br /> <br /> Shaw A., C. Black, and C. Harned. (2015). “A Call for Clear and Accurate Communication about PPE for Dermal Protection,” Journal of Pesticide Safety Education, Volume 17. Online: http://maxpond.ext.vt.edu/ojs2/index.php/jpse/article/view/74.<br /> Jingyuan Zhuo and Gang Sun, Light-induced surface graft polymerizations initiated by an anthraquinone dye on cotton fibers, Carbohydrate Polymers, 2014 112, 158-164.<br /> <br /> Shaun P. Garland, Royal Y. Wang, Vijay Krishna Raghunathan, Kit S. Lam, Christopher J. Murphy, Paul Russell, Gang Sun, Tingrui Pan, Photopatternable and photoactive hydrogel for on-demand generation of hydrogen peroxide in cell culture, Biomaterials, 2014, Vol, 35, 1762-1770.<br /> <br /> Jing Zhu and Gang Sun, Facile Fabrication of Hydrophilic Nanofibrous Membranes with an Immobilized Metal–Chelate Affinity Complex for Selective Protein Separation, ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 2014, 6 (2), pp 925-932.<br /> <br /> Jing Zhu and Gang Sun, Fabrication and evaluation of nanofibrous membranes with photo-induced chemical and biological decontamination functions, RSC Adv., 2014, 4, 50858-50865, DOI: 10.1039/C4RA06102K<br /> <br /> Li, Jie, Tian, Long, Pan, Ning and Pan, Zhijuan (2014), Mechanical and electrical properties of the PA6/SWNTs nanofiber yarn by electrospinning, Polymer Engineering and Science, 54: 1618-1624.<br /> <br /> Hu, Sixiao, Sanliang Zhang, Ning Pan, You-Lo Hsieh (2014), High energy density supercapacitors from lignin derived submicron activated carbon fibers in aqueous electrolytes, Journal of Power Sources, 270, 106-112.<br /> <br /> Yu, Shengming, Yueming Li and Ning Pan (2014), KOH activated carbon/graphene nanosheets composites as high performance electrode materials in supercapacitor, RSC Advances, 4, 48758.<br /> <br /> Zhang, Diantang ZHANG, Ying SUN, Li Chen, Sanliang Zhang, Ning PAN (2014), Influence of fabric structure and thickness on the ballistic impact behavior of Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene composite laminate, Materials & Design, 54, 315-322.<br /> <br /> Zhang Sanliang and Ning Pan (2014), Supercapacitor Performance Evaluation, Advanced Energy Materials, 1401401.<br /> <br /> Pan Ning, Radko Kovar , Mehdi Kamali Dolatabadi , Ping Wang, Diantang Zhang, Ying Sun and Li Chen (2015), Origin of tensile strength of a woven sample cut in bias directions, Royal Society Open Science, 2: 140499.<br /> <br /> Sun F, Y Zhang, L Chen, M Zhang, N Pan (2015), Shear properties of three?dimensional woven composite reinforcements, Polymer Composites, DOI 10.1002/pc.23581.<br /> <br /> Tian, M., Pan, N., Qu, L., Guo, X., and Han, G. (2015), A theoretical analysis of local thermal equilibrium in fibrous materials, Thermal Science, 19, 69-82.<br /> Xie Chiyu, Jinku Wang, Dong Wang, Ning Pan and Moran Wang (2015), Lattice Boltzmann Modeling of Thermal Conduction in Composites with Thermal Contact Resistance, Communications in Computational Physics, 17, 1037 – 1055<br /> <br /> Kumar Bipin, Apurba Das, Ning Pan, R. Alagirusamy, Rupali Gupta and Jitender Singh, Liquid Transmission Characteristics of Padding Bandages under Pressure, Journal of Biomaterials Applications, in press.<br /> <br /> Abolfazl Aghanouri and Gang Sun, Hansen Solubility Parameters As A Useful Tool in Searching Solvents for Soy Proteins?RSC Adv., 2015, 5, 1890–1892 DOI: 10.1039/c0xx00000x <br /> <br /> Abolfazl Aghanouri and Gang Sun, Characterization of Conformational Structures of Plant Proteins in Solutions, Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research, 2015, 54 (1), pp 188–197 DOI: 10.1021/ie5032502<br /> <br /> Jing Zhu and Gang Sun, Bio-functionalized nanofibrous membranes as a hybrid platform for selective antibody recognition and capturing, RSC Adv., 2015, 5,28115-28123, DOI: 10.1039/C5RA01140J.<br /> <br /> Bolin Ji, Peixin Tang, Kelu Yan, Gang Sun, Catalytic Actions of Alkaline Salts in Reactions between 1,2,3,4-Butanetetracarboxylic Acid and Cellulose: II. Esterification,Carbohydrate Polymers, V132 (2015) 228–236.<br />

Impact Statements

1. ? User data on the needs of firefighter?s PPE from focus group interviews will inform future work on effective designs.
2. ? User data on the needs of lay people?s PPE from incident fire events, high risk burning activates and focus group interviews will inform future work on effective designs.
3. ? Data from pesticide applicator questionnaires will inform PPE selection for use in the development of performance guidelines and standards
4. ? Improved design of firefighters? PPE through quantification of mobility and body balance will benefit firefighters? work efficiency and safety.
5. ? Approximately 13 Taiwanese fire fighters increased their understanding of PPE materials and the process of standardization.
6. ? Development of affordable well-fitting disposable coveralls that allow movement can benefit both agricultural workers and medical workers. The prototype developed in joint research by the NC-170 group has been shown to perform significantly better than current models on the market.
7. ? Female firefighters showed decreased ROM while wearing turnout pants, as much as 12.23%, compared to male firefighters. The highest decrease was found at dorsiflexion in the bending position, followed by dorsiflexion in the 1-step climbing position (6.20%) and knee flexion at the bending position (5.76%). These findings inform the policy makers with scientific evidence to affirm the fit issues that female firefighters do experience, which leads to the higher risks of occupational hazards.
8. ? Significant sex differences in the fit evaluation of the hospital patient gowns were found in the following landmark positions: for females, back opening at reaching up (p=.004), and for males, shoulder at walking (p=.031). The outcomes of this study demonstrate the anthropometric area of focus to consider for the improvement of hospital patient gowns.
9. ? From the results of initial collaboration with Veridian for its design solution project, continuous dialogues have been occurred between the company design/product development team and Iowa State research team to discuss issues related with current turnout gears.
10. ? E-textile circuits and sensors are essential to long-term monitoring garments. MN has developed both soft, stitched sensors capable of effectively measuring spinal curvature and methods for manufacturing e-textile circuits.
11. ? The sizing and fit of wearable technology is important to user acceptance and functionality. MN has identified some key issues related to the fit of wearable products that must be addressed in order for sensing devices to be both comfortable and accurate: the variability in ear canal shape and the variability in rib location within commercial sizing systems.
12. ? CA developed rechargeable biocidal wipers could kill pathogens quickly and be recharged after rinsing with diluted chlorine bleach. It is a green product.
13. ? CA developed colorimetric sensors are super easy to use by farmers and public and can indicate exposure levels of methyl bromide and methyl iodide and chloropicrin at ppb levels.
14. ? CA reviewed the existing studies related to the problems, and discussed their limits and possible improvements in dealing with complex fluid transport issues in textile porous media. The measurement of fluid transport under different pressure levels was then done using a newly designed apparatus capable of simultaneously tracing the liquid in-plane spreading along different directions, and obtaining several transport characteristics of a testing sample, e.g., the liquid flow anisotropy, the rate of movement, the area of wet surface with time, etc. Also the effects of several important factors, such as the levels of pressure applied, the specimen bulk density and needling density of the padding products, have been experimentally investigated.

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Report Information

Participants

Huiji Park, Cornell University
Juan Hinestroza, Cornell University
Susan Ashdown, Cornell University
Vivian Li, Colorado State
Marilyn DeLong, University of Minnesota
Linsey Griffin, University of Minnesota
Shu-Hwa Lin, University of Hawaii
JooYoun Kim, Kansas State University
Lynn Boorady, Buffalo State
Anugrah Shaw, Maryland
Gang Sun, University of California-Davis
Mary Ruppert-Stroescu, Oklahoma State
Semra Peksoz, Oklahoma State

Brief Summary of Minutes

Accomplishments

<p><strong>Objective 1:</strong> <em>Examine acceptance and barriers to acceptance of PPE products and protective clothing, including hand, foot, and headwear: A. foundation anthropometric and ergonomic research B. user acceptance and barriers to acceptance in domain areas of fire protection, chemical protection and medical environments.</em></p><br /> <p>UMES is collaborating with Washington State University and the University of Maribor in Slovenia to conduct a study to measure the thermo-physiological comfort of PPE. A baseline study has been conducted using garments representative of those worn by operators in the US. Testing included a questionnaire completed by the test subject. Future plans include evaluation of single and double layer garments required in the US.</p><br /> <p>CO surveyed 328 firefighters on perceived evaluation of the Class B work uniform within the context of occupational safety and public misidentification.</p><br /> <p>NY-Buffalo in collaboration with CO, NY and HI, conducted research and designed PCM coated gloves for firefighters. Currently in prototype stage.&nbsp;</p><br /> <p>NY-Buffalo with NY and HI, continued their collaboration with Chinese Culture University on the use of Phase Change Materials. The data is being explored and processed in initial research. Samples of PCM coated materials will be used in the next phase of the project, developing hood and gloves for fire fighters.</p><br /> <p>NY-Buffalo in collaboration with HI, created design procedure and questionnaire to explore the needs of personal PPE and collect design needs for flame resistant textiles for lay people.</p><br /> <p>MN assessed the utility of tactile display for communicating dynamic sensor information in a pervasive, low-load manner, useful for medical information (e.g. insulin levels) as well as chemical protection (e.g. ambient contaminant levels). A user study with Type 1 Diabetics and a laboratory study of a tactile display prototype were conducted. &nbsp;</p><br /> <p>&nbsp;</p><br /> <p><strong>Objective 2:</strong> <em>Assess and improve protection and human factor performance of PPE and protective clothing (including hand, foot, and headwear) through research and product development: A. assessment of HF variables in protective clothing. B. design research and development in domain areas of fire protection, chemical protection, and medical environments.</em>&nbsp;</p><br /> <p>NY-Cornell completed analysis of field studies for three coverall styles. In contrast to findings from a fit test of two of the styles a style from the market (now no longer being produced) was preferred over the Cornell prototype. The Cornell prototype was perceived as being difficult to don, and not a protective as the material was lighter and subject to tears through snagging.</p><br /> <p>NY-Cornell designed and tested a disposable hood for protection of Ebola workers that incorporates a visor and a disposable facemask for ease of donning and doffing without self-contamination. Besides ease of don/doff, this design provides full protection from fluids or vapor droplets, good vision, lack of fogging (as the exhalation valve of the facemask is mounted outside the hood), and ease of eye contact and expression in moderating patient-worker interactions.</p><br /> <p>NY-Cornell A three armhole style of gown along with high pants with suspenders and a flange to cover the top of the boot were designed for protection of Ebola workers.&nbsp; This outfit is highly protective against fluids or vapor droplets, easy to doff without contamination, and is simple and inexpensive to manufacture, and provides a familiar garment silhouette modeled on a surgeon&rsquo;s robe.</p><br /> <p>NY-Cornell tested materials and methods for developing half scale active body forms for design and testing of active wear. Forms were developed from scans of cyclists in an active position in three positions and four sizes, using two methods &ndash; stacked foam covered with a knit cover, and 3D printed. These forms show promise as a fit testing tool that could be used to validate the whole range of sizes. Pressure sensors were used to validate the fit tests on the half scale forms.</p><br /> <p>NY-Cornell developed and incorporated two new unique closure systems that enable quick and non-contaminated doffing into Ebola-protective clothing that enables quick and non-contaminated doffing. A unique mini-cooling system was developed and incorporated into Ebola-protective clothing. Thermal manikin tests show ~10% reduction of thermal resistance and moisture condensation, indicating potential cooling effect. Further improvement in cooling power and optimization of cooling unit is needed.</p><br /> <p>IA performed multi-level evaluation approaches to determine the comfort and strain in CPC, to relate the characterized fabric and garment properties to the physiological responses from human wear trials.</p><br /> <p>MN collaborated with the University of Alabama to conduct a human trial evaluating the use of MN&rsquo;s coverstitched sensor to measure and monitor breathing in wearable sensing applications.</p><br /> <p>OSU identified comfort Issues with Police Duty Gear in the Work Environment. The purpose of this project is to design and evaluate clothing and duty belt that officers wear and also to identify potential sources of back problems that officers report. Through shadowing of police officers on duty we collected data about typical activities and comfort issues that arise during long hours in the patrol vehicle. It is hypothesized that a new seat design and orientation of items on the duty belt will result in improved posture and satisfaction with their environment. Evaluation of the car space for easy access to the computer screen, other controls and gear evaluation has been initiated recently by conducting laboratory simulations. Data collection is ongoing.</p><br /> <p>OSU developed a garment integrated with microelectromechanical system (MEMS) wireless sensor technology that continuously and noninvasively acquires hemodynamic signals to track cardiorespiratory dynamics in order to quantitatively assess health status for short- and long-term prognoses.</p><br /> <p>CO conducted an experimental study with 43 structural firefighters to measure the adverse impact of firefighter PPE on job performance and decision making.</p><br /> <p>CO performed anthropometric fit analyses of the conventional hospital patient gown with 93 adult samples. Three-dimensional body scan data offered gender-specific fit differences in various dynamic positions as well as in a static position. &nbsp;</p><br /> <p>&nbsp;</p><br /> <p><strong>Objective 3:</strong> <em>Develop research-based performance guidelines and standards for personal protective equipment and protective clothing: A. establish performance guidelines and/or standards for domain areas of fire protective footwear and glove protection for pesticide handlers B. establish sizing and fit guidelines for fire protective equipment.</em></p><br /> <p>UMES revised ISO/EN DIS 27065 based on comments and submitted to ISO for preparation of the 3rd DIS ballot. Enquiry (DIS) ballot is expected to open for ballot in fall 2016.</p><br /> <p>UMES coordinated with BASF on Challenge Chemical &ndash; An issue with challenge chemical consistency and availability was impacting standards development discussions. Coordination with BASF resulted in providing a short term (2 years) solution for challenge chemical to ensure consistency and availability for testing. Prowl&reg; 3.3 EC was shipped by BASF to all laboratories that require the test chemical. A sufficient quantity has been set aside for lab testing for the next two years. </p><br /> <p>UMES initiated a study to address variability due to test subject height and nozzle type in ISO 17491-4, Protective clothing&nbsp;&mdash; Test methods for clothing providing protection against chemicals&nbsp;&mdash; Part&nbsp;4: Determination of resistance to penetration by a spray of liquid (spray test). ISO 17491-4 is a test that is part of ISO 27065.</p><br /> <p>UMES submitted ISO/CD 19918 - Protection against liquid chemicals &mdash; Measurement of cumulative permeation of chemicals with low vapour pressure and solubility in liquid/gaseous collector medium through protective clothing and glove materials to ISO for preparation of the DIS ballot. Enquiry (DIS) ballot is scheduled to open on August 16, 2016 and close on November 8, 2016.&nbsp;</p><br /> <p>UMES used permeation interlaboratory study data to develop the repeatability and reliability of the proposed standard. This information was included as an annex in the draft that was submitted for DIS ballot. &nbsp;</p><br /> <p>UMES moved the standard ISO/CD 18889 (Protective gloves for pesticide operators &mdash; Performance requirements is being balloted to establish minimum performance, classification, and labeling requirements for gloves worn by operators handling pesticide products) &nbsp;from ISO WG3 for chemical protection to ISO WG8 on gloves. The draft is scheduled to be discussed at the WG8 meeting to be held in fall 2016. The deadline for submission for DIS ballot has been extended to July 2017.</p><br /> <p>HI developed user data on the needs of firefighter&rsquo;s PPE from focus group interviews that will inform future work on effective designs and develop new frame retardant and cooling products.&nbsp; User data on the needs of lay people&rsquo;s PPE from incident fire events, high risk burning activates and focus group interviews will inform future work on effective designs. User data from pesticide applicator questionnaires will inform PPE selection for use in the development of performance guidelines and standards.</p><br /> <p>MN conducted a sizing and fit analysis assessing the amount of variability in rib position within each ASTM size for different hypothetical garment sizing schemes. Results show a variability between 50 and 174mm for torso length within a given size, which has significant implications for sensor placement (i.e. for ECG monitoring) in ready-to-wear sensing garments.</p><br /> <p>NY-Cornell Analysis of data from a fit test of gloves conducted with 33 firefighters validates the use of fit perception responses from the study participants and merged 3D scans of the hand and the gloved hand. This method shows promise for analyzing the fit of protective garments made with legacy patterns that may have never been effectively tested, or that no longer reflect current anthropometrics of the population.</p><br /> <p>NY-Cornell conducted A series of human performance tests were conducted with fourteen healthy firefighters (11 males; 3 females) to identify 1) the impact of wearing the same size air tank and 2) the impact of boot height on firefighters&rsquo; lower body mobility. The participants were each 3D scanned while performing hyperextension of the neck and trunk forward flexion while wearing the given fireboots, helmet, and air tank. To investigate the impact of boot height on firefighters&rsquo; mobility, the participants&rsquo; range of motion (ROM) at the hip, knee, and ankle were analyzed using a 3D motion capture system, while they performed duck-walking (6 steps) and ladder climbing (4 steps ascending and 4 steps descending). The leather test boots were classified based on their height into Low (25.4cm), Medium (30.48cm) and High (35.56cm). The findings show that an increase in boot height limits shorter firefighters&rsquo; knee motion and wearing airpack significantly restricts firefighters&rsquo; bending and hyperextension of the head. The findings of this study imply that shorter firefighters may have greater negative impacts from wearing a fixed-size air tank and taller boots in selected job-related motions.</p><br /> <p>NY-Cornell conducted human performance tests with 15 male participants to investigate impact of modes of load carriage while wearing work boots. No load was set as the baseline. The other two weight levels were determined by the size of the industrial hand tools, which were 6.4kg (about 9% body weight) and12.8kg (about 18% body weight), respectively. Four possible carrying modes were designed to investigate the impact of different carrying methods, including all on the left shoulder, all on the right shoulder, split evenly between the left and right shoulder, and split evenly between the left shoulder and right hand. The findings of this study shows that as the load magnitudes increased, ROM for hip flexion/extension and ankle dorsiflexion/plantarflexion significantly increased. Higher hip abduction/adduction, hip rotation, ankle inversion/eversion, and ankle rotation were also detected when carrying loads. A greater hip and ankle flexion/extension indicated that the participants needed to lift the leg higher to complete the toe clearance off the walking surface when wearing work boots. The lower ROM at the ball of the foot in the sagittal plane showed restricted mobility from inflexible and heavy work boots. Work boots also increased the vertical excursion of the center of body mass, which may disturb body balance and is likely to induce falling. The findings of this study suggest that low-profile shoe outsoles and the use of flexible materials may provide better body balance.</p><br /> <p>&nbsp;</p><br /> <p><strong>Objective 4:</strong> <em>Develop novel functionality in materials for PPE:</em><em> A. Research on novel environmentally friendly materials and technologies that can provide biological protective functions. B. Research on novel personal use and field deployable sensing techniques. C. Evaluation of the performance of the materials for personal protective applications.</em></p><br /> <p>MN developed a technique to measure the contact between a garment and the body during movement, using an electrical contact approach. This method can be used to evaluate garments that require skin contact like body sensors and liquid cooling garments. The technique allows the researcher to evaluate body contact of a garment or garment area while the subject is moving. &nbsp;</p><br /> <p>CA has developed novel technologies to prepare rechargeable biocidal films for food containers and packaging materials that can provide surface self-disinfecting functions.</p><br /> <p>CA has developed ELISA nanofiber membrane sensors for detecting ultra-low levels of chemicals in foods and also colorimetric fumigant sensors for protection of farm workers.</p><br /> <p>CA has investigated ten most significant attributes which are necessary in fulfilling the basic functions of clothing, reveal why our clothing has served us so well for so long and hence the challenges facing the wearable technology.</p><br /> <p>CA has investigated and designed a smart compression stocking using shape-memory polymer that allows externally controlling the pressure level in the wrapped position on the leg.</p><br /> <p>CO examined a polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofiber mat decorated with &alpha;-Fe2O3 as an adsorbent for effective removal of Pb2+ from contaminated water.</p><br /> <p>CO characterized the performance of persimmon dye using color strength and appearance analysis (ColorQuest), American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists colorfastness tests, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).</p><br /> <p>CO characterized Polydiacetylene (PDA) as an attractive conjugated material for use in biosensors.</p><br /> <p>CO conducted an experiment to study the causes of inertness by studying the interactions with calcite of a nanoparticle synthesized from malic acid and ethanolamine (M-dots) dispersed in brine (NaCl, CaCl2, and MgCl2) solutions.</p><br /> <p>KS developed highly repellent, self-cleaning nonwovens, and explored a characterization method to analyze the wetted surface area, which will give an insight on design strategy for repellent surfaces. As the next phase of research, the developed process has been applied to different polymeric materials. In the next couple of years, applications of super-repellent materials will be pursued including air filtration and anti-biofouling surface.</p><br /> <p>KS performed an assessment method to measure environmental impacts made by the reduced laundering of self-cleaning fabrics was tested. This type of experiments will be further developed as educational tools for sustainability topics, so that students can experiment the sustainability concept and learn to interpret the phenomena (and data) in association with health and environmental impacts.</p><br /> <p>NY-Cornell developed a new polymeric system capable of capturing organic pollutants not only from air but also from water. The system is based on cyclodextrins that are grown from cellulosic fibers and can be use as potential for inner layers or underwear for first responders. Cyclodextrin molecules are approved by USDA and FDA.&nbsp; We continue working on attaching these molecules to other synthetic fibers via plasma modifications of aramids such as existing fire-resistant fibers.</p><br /> <p>NY-Cornell assessed the scale-ability and comfort of POM-treated substrates in simulated end-use conditions. The POM-immobilized 55/45 cotton/polyester and 100% cotton substrates were scaled up and prototypes of protective coveralls were constructed using these materials and tested on the sweating fabric manikin-Walter&trade;. The scaled materials were characterized via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, mechanical strength, and water vapor permeability.&nbsp; The thermal insulation and evaporative resistance properties measured by the sweating manikin were compared to scaled non-POM treated analogous coveralls. Results indicate that the POM functionalization of the substrates had no significant impact on the thermal insulation and minimal impact on evaporative resistance.&nbsp; This work contributes to the use of novel fiber morphologies in breathable chemical protective apparel to achieve better CWA and pesticide decontamination, protection, comfort, and durability.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /> </p><br /> <p>WA has developed cellulose nanofiber reinforced nylon fibers via compounding and melt spinning techniques. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, universal material tester, and contact angle tester were used to characterize the morphology, physical and mechanical properties, as well as thermal properties of the nanocomposite fibers.</p>

Publications

Impact Statements

1. NY-Buffalo has built upon NC-170 objectives and previous, as well as ongoing research, to design and develop fire fighter hood and gloves to improve fire fighter function over a broader work spectrum and have a more global impact.

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Report Information

Participants

Susan Ashdown, Cornell University
Lynn M. Boorady, State University of New York-Buffalo
Elisabeth Bye, University of Minnesota
Jintu Fan, Cornell University
Linsey Griffin, University of Minnesota
Liu Hang, Washington State University
Shu-Hwa Lin, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
Ellen McKinney, Iowa State University
Juyeon Park, Colorado State University
Semra Peksoz, Oklahoma State University
Anugrah Shaw, University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Susan Sokolowski, University of Oregon

Brief Summary of Minutes

Accomplishments

<p><strong>Objective 1:</strong> <em>Examine acceptance and barriers to acceptance of PPE products and protective clothing, including hand, foot, and headwear: A. foundation anthropometric and ergonomic research B. user acceptance and barriers to acceptance in domain areas of fire protection, chemical protection and medical environments.</em></p><br /> <ul><br /> <li>OK-State: Statewide survey of Oklahoma police officers was conducted to have better insight into the police officers&rsquo; preferences of the duty belt and its components, their placements on the belt and other parts of the uniform.</li><br /> <li>UMES is collaborating with Washington State University and the University of Maribor in Slovenia to conduct a study to measure the thermo-physiological comfort of PPE. Cotton and cotton/polyester pant/shirt and coveralls purchased from Gemplers were evaluated. Two test subjects wore pant/shirt as well as coverall worn over pant/shirt. Single and double layer requirements were representative of the requirements on pesticide labels in the US. The data has to be analyzed.</li><br /> <li>NY-Buffalo in collaboration with, OK, IA, CO, NY and HI, to develop research protocol for the scanning of female firefighter&rsquo;s hand, feet and bodies. This research will inform future work on the sizing of bunker gear, gloves and boots as well as design work to improve fit and protection of these items.</li><br /> <li>CA addressed frequently reported problems in all three domain areas: poor fit (often associated with the limited number of sizes available), thermal comfort issues (too hot or too cold), and poor interface between the different parts of the protective ensemble.</li><br /> <li>CO performed subjective comfort assessment with human subjects after participating in a 30-min exercise schedule while wearing a complete set of medical PPE.</li><br /> <li>CO evaluated the adverse impacts of 3D body scanning, a tool that is frequently used in anthropometric assessment, on human subjects&rsquo; emotional state.</li><br /> </ul><br /> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><br /> <p><strong>Objective 2:</strong> <em>Assess and improve protection and human factor performance of PPE and protective clothing (including hand, foot, and headwear) through research and product development: A. assessment of HF variables in protective clothing. B. design research and development in domain areas of fire protection, chemical protection, and medical environments.</em></p><br /> <ul><br /> <li>OSU: In collaboration with CO, HI, IA, MN, NY and NY-Buffalo, OSU team is developing research protocol for 3D scanning of firefighters&rsquo; hands in order to collect uniform data across institutions to inform ergonomic design and better sizing of firefighter gloves.</li><br /> <li>OSU: Evaluation of posture of police officers seated in a patrol car during typing tasks revealed RULA score of 5.5, indicating medium risk of developing musculoskeletal injury and necessity for intervention.</li><br /> <li>OSU team conducted evaluation to compare a current/typical duty belt to a light load duty belt through a set of measurement methods and perception studies.</li><br /> <li>Cornell: <strong><em>Study on firegear: </em></strong>Cornell conducted a series of human subject tests with Twenty-one healthy firefighters (16 males; 5 females) recruited from the local fire department (age: 29.9&plusmn;11.7 yrs, firefighting experience with standard protective equipment: 5.4&plusmn;6.5yrs, height: 176.7&plusmn;8.0, weight: 79.1&plusmn;11.8, BMI: 25.4&plusmn;3.6) after obtaining Institutional Review Board approval. Each participant had prior experience wearing the standard firefighter&rsquo;s PPE. To identify the impact of wearing airtanks on firefighters&rsquo; upper body mobility, each participant was 3D scanned (error rate: less than 1mm) (Human Solutions GmbH, Kaiserslautern, Germany) while performing the following movements 1) maximal neck extension, and 2) forward trunk flexion, with and without SCBA and helmets. 3D body scans were done at extremes of ranges of motion (ROM) for each condition. In this study, torso length was calculated as the distance between acromion and greater trochanter, considering that SCBA is mounted on the back and could hang low even near the hip. Neck extension ROM, lumbopelvic ROM and standing trunk positions were calculated from the body scans and compared between with and without air tank and helmet conditions.<br /> <ul><br /> <li>In addition to analysis of 3D body scanning of the twenty one participants, anthropometric measurements of 3647 males were analyzed from SizeUSA (TCsquare Inc.), a national dataset, to understand relationship between ranges of torso lengths and SCBA air cylinder dimensions, and its impact on mobility of firefighters.</li><br /> </ul><br /> </li><br /> <li>Cornell: <strong><em>Study on pesticide applicators&rsquo; protective clothing:</em></strong> Cornell conducted a series of human subject tests and focus group interview with eight greenhouse workers to identify major issues related to wearing pesticide applicators&rsquo; protective clothing in greenhouse. Four males (age: 38.8 &plusmn;5.4 years; work experience 14.5 &plusmn;1.1years, 23.9 BMI) and 4 females (age: 44 &plusmn;5.6 years; work experience 24.3&plusmn;4.0 years, 33 BMI) greenhouse pesticide applicators from upstate New York participated in the study. Information was collected regarding (1) participants&rsquo; demography (e.g. gender, age, height, weight, ethnicity, work experience etc.) (2) work dynamics and work environment, and (3) issues and concerns related to the use of the PPG. Participants wore their respective PPG to demonstrate common working positions and highlight size, fit, mobility, donning, doffing issues and stress areas. Photo and video documentation further supplemented the questionnaire and interview data. Future study will include farm workers&rsquo; protective clothing which can show different needs depending on work environment (confined space vs. open field). Further study will also investigate gender-specific design issues.</li><br /> <li>Cornell: <strong><em>Design of woven garments for active body positions: </em></strong>A set of six prototype woven pants for golfers were developed on half scale body forms in active positions. Optimized fit in the active position and acceptable fit in the standing position was achieved in two iterations. Field tests are underway.</li><br /> <li>Cornell: <strong><em>Anthropometric study of firefighter hands, feet and the female body: </em></strong>A nationwide anthropometric study is under development, using newly developed hand-held 3D scanning devices that can capture reasonably high resolution scans of the hand and foot, as well as full body scans. Methodologies, IRB documents, and questionnaires are developed for the study.</li><br /> <li>CO assessed physiological responses of human subjects when they wore a complete set of medical PPE, with a variation of cooling fabrics as an inner layer.</li><br /> <li>CO developed a weight support harness for exercise promotion and compared biomechanical performance of the prototyped harness with the existing ones.</li><br /> </ul><br /> <p>&nbsp;</p><br /> <p>&nbsp;<strong>Objective 3:</strong> <em>Develop research-based performance guidelines and standards for personal protective equipment and protective clothing: A. establish performance guidelines and/or standards for domain areas of fire protective footwear and glove protection for pesticide</em> <em>handlers B. establish sizing and fit guidelines for fire protective equipment.</em></p><br /> <ul><br /> <li>OSU team members were active in ASTM standard development, particularly in standards related to police/law enforcement gloves; personal protective equipment; body sizing.</li><br /> <li>UMES: WK27291, WK56807, WK53122, WK50483, WK53133, WK51004 Three international standards are currently being balloted. All three standards are based on international collaborative research with UMES as the lead institution. As Project Leader, A. Shaw worked with ISO member countries to revise the drafts to address comments and prepare the drafts for ballots.</li><br /> <li>ISO/EN DIS 27065 was balloted in fall 2016. The Draft Information Standard (DIS) was revised and decision made at the ISO meeting in March to proceed to the next stage &ndash; Final draft Information Standard (FDIS). The standard is currently being balloted concurrently as an ISO and European standard (EN). The final vote is a yes/no vote with only editorial changes permitted prior to publication.</li><br /> <li>ISO/DIS 19918 was also approved in Fall 2016. The comments were discussed at the meeting in March and the draft prepared for next ballot. The FDIS is currently being balloted concurrently as an ISO and EN standard.</li><br /> <li>ISO/CD 18889 balloted to establish minimum performance, classification, and labeling requirements for gloves worn by operators handling pesticide products was approved as a Committee Draft (CD). The comments provided by the member countries were discussed at the ISO meeting in March. The draft for DIS ballot was prepared and is being balloted.&nbsp;</li><br /> <li>UMES: A study was conducted in collaboration with Instituto Agronomico (IAC) in Brazil and IOM testing laboratory in UK to support revision of ISO 17491-4, Protective clothing&nbsp;&mdash; Test methods for clothing providing protection against chemicals&nbsp;&mdash; Part&nbsp;4. ISO 17491-4 is a test that is used to determine the performance of whole garments on of ISO 27065. Information on tests conducted at IAC and IOM and recommendations for revision of the spray standard were presented at the ISO meeting in Leeds. The working group agreed to consider flat fan nozzle based on studies conducted at IAC and IOM.</li><br /> <li>UMES: Studies were conducted to replace the existing commercial formulation used for testing with a surrogate test chemical. The first step was testing with 67 pesticide formulation to determine if a single formulation could be used as representative worst case scenario. Results of the study proved that a single test chemical can be used as reference chemical for penetration. This study also confirmed the work on pesticide selection conducted at UMES in the 1990&rsquo;s. Based on the statistical analysis a test chemical was identified for development of the test surrogate. Additional tests were conducted with several fabrics. Information was provided to the formulation chemists at BASF Germany to develop the surrogate test chemical. In March 2017 in collaboration with BASF Germany and IAC Brazil was initiated for the development of surrogate. The first round of testing was conducted at the BASF headquarters with all collaborators working together on surrogate development. The results were shared with ISO and international consortium members.</li><br /> <li>NY-Buffalo: User data on the needs of firefighter&rsquo;s PPE from focus group interviews will inform future work on effective designs and develop new frame retardant and cooling products.</li><br /> <li>MN conducted a sizing and fit analysis assessing the amount of variability in rib position within each ASTM size for different hypothetical garment sizing schemes. Results show a variability between 50 and 174mm for torso length within a given size, which has significant implications for sensor placement (i.e. for ECG monitoring) in ready-to-wear sensing garments.</li><br /> <li>MN quantified the anthropometric data differences between a hand-held body scanner (the Structure Scanner) and a stationary Human Solutions model.</li><br /> </ul><br /> <p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><br /> <p><strong>Objective 4:</strong> <em>Develop novel functionality in materials for PPE:&nbsp;</em><em>Research on novel environmentally friendly materials and technologies that can provide biological protective functions.B. Research on novel personal use and field deployable sensing techniques C. Evaluation of the performance of the materials for personal protective applications.</em></p><br /> <ul><br /> <li>Cornell:<em> Unidirectional liquid transfer fabric: </em>Developed a novel all hydrophilic fluid diode (AHFD) made of multi-layer hydrophilic porous materials of varying pore sizes, which allows capillary flow only in a preferred direction.</li><br /> <li>Cornell:<em> Fluorine-free oil repellent coating: </em>Developed and demonstrated a scalable and versatile method to fabricate oleophobic fabrics based on nanofluid composites. The nanofluid contains specially engineered nanoparticles and a fluoro-free polymer with pendent crosslinkable groups. It can be applied to the fabric via various processes, e.g. dipping or spraying coating. We can achieve Grade B with Liquid 4(AATCC 118).</li><br /> <li>Cornell<em>: Optimization of fibrous materials for comfort and protection: </em>Continued theoretical study on optimizing the structure of fibrous system for fast wicking, maximum protection and maximum breathability.</li><br /> <li>WA has developed cellulose nanofiber reinforced nylon fibers via compounding and melt spinning techniques. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, universal material tester, and contact angle tester were used to characterize the morphology, physical and mechanical properties, as well as thermal properties of the nanocomposite fibers.</li><br /> <li>WA is developing a sensing textile material for liquid amount sensing and measurement.</li><br /> <li>CA has developed novel technologies to prepare rechargeable halamine and photo-active biocidal films, nanofibrous membranes and hydrogel beads for various applications including food containers and packaging materials that can provide surface self-disinfecting functions;</li><br /> <li>CA has developed colorimetric fumigant sensors of methyl isothiocyanate (MITC) and chloropicrin for protection of farm workers and local residents.</li><br /> <li>CA has conducted a study where the phase structure and dynamic mechanical properties of poly(acrylonitrile-co-methyl acrylate) (P(AN-co-MA)) nanofibers collected in the form of twisted yarn via the two-nozzle conjugated electrospinning method.</li><br /> <li>KS has developed a protective textile that is resistant to bacterial attachment on its surface. When the surface properties were characterized, the properties including wettability, surface charge, and roughness were identified as major factors that influenced bacterial adhesion. KS prepared an NIH R21 proposal with the preliminary results, and was submitted in June.</li><br /> <li>CO produced the PDA-contained nanofibers via electrospinning and they exhibited colorimetric transition properties due to external stimuli, such as changes in temperature and pH, and presence of bacteria. The PDA nanofiber composites offer in-situ diagnosis to changes in environment via colorimetric indication and may be potentially used in PPE with diagnostic function.</li><br /> </ul><br /> <p>&nbsp;</p>

Publications

Impact Statements

1. Collaborative efforts allow for strong, viable research to be conducted with limited resources by partnering with key organizations both nationally and internationally.

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