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Article
Publication date: 20 April 2015

Huiju Park, Helen Trejo, Madeline Miles, Allison Bauer, Seonyoung Kim and Jeffrey Stull

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the incremental impact of firefighter’s personal protective equipment (PPE) on lower body range of motion (ROM) while walking to…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the incremental impact of firefighter’s personal protective equipment (PPE) on lower body range of motion (ROM) while walking to suggest areas of design improvement for enhanced mobility and safety.

Design/methodology/approach

Eight male and four female firefighters participated in the study. Lower body ROM was assessed while they walked in four different configurations of PPE, including turnout ensemble, a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and boots. The impact of each added PPE item, and gender differences were statistically analyzed.

Findings

Wearing firefighter turnout ensemble and SCBA reduced ROM in the lower body in the sagittal and transverse planes. A significant reduction in ROM for anterior-posterior movement at the ankle and the ball of the foot was found while wearing rubber boots with turnout ensemble and SCBA. This puts firefighters at higher risk of experiencing foot injuries and physical strains. A significant increase in medial-lateral movement of the foot while wearing rubber boots may increase risk of ankle sprains. A greater reduction in ROM at the ankle and the ball of the foot for female firefighters may imply greater risk for women compared to men, while wearing boots.

Practical implications

Reducing the inflexibility and bulkiness of boots is critical to improve firefighter’s lower body mobility and safety.

Originality/value

This study implemented 3-D motion capture technology to analyze how wearing firefighting gear impacted lower body motion. It provides quantitative evidence to recommend ergonomic boot re-design.

Details

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, vol. 27 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-6222

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Article
Publication date: 10 February 2012

Bulent Akbudak, Nuray Akbudak, Vedat Seniz and Atilla Eris

The aim of this research is to determine the effects of pre‐harvest harpin (H) and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on the storage and fruit quality of cherry tomato…

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Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this research is to determine the effects of pre‐harvest harpin (H) and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on the storage and fruit quality of cherry tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. cvs. “Alona” and “Cluster”).

Design/methodology/approach

H was used at 50 g 100 l‐1 concentration. First application was done on the seedlings in 3‐4 leaf stages and the other four applications were repeated at 20‐day intervals. Then, treated and untreated fruits were stored in plastic film materials with various O2 and CO2 permeabilities.

Findings

Weight loss was significantly higher in tomatoes stored under normal atmosphere (NA) compared to MAP. Initial total soluble solids of 3‐4 percent increased to 7‐9 percent in without H (WH)+NA. Firmness was measured as 0.44 (“Alona”) and 1.20 kg (“Cluster”) in H+NA and 0.17 (“Alona”) and 0.30 kg (“Cluster”) in WH+NA at the end of storage. The acidity and ascorbic acid contents of tomatoes decreased during storage. Between H and WH treatments the levels of lycopene and β‐carotene were different significantly. At the end of the study, H gave successful results in both cultivars. This success was even higher especially when the H was combined with MAP. This combination slowed down the changes in TSS, firmness values. Therefore, H+50μ PE (polyethylene) treatment was effective with regard to delaying the maturity along the storage and fruit quality in cherry tomatoes.

Originality/value

He is a plant activator. It is the first bacterial hypersensitive response (HR)‐elicitor characterized. Effectiveness of H is evaluated on quality changes in treated cherry tomato fruits.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 114 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

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Article
Publication date: 5 June 2017

Sara Bragança, Miguel Carvalho, Pedro Arezes and Susan P. Ashdown

This paper presents an analysis of several issues that are preponderant for the work-wear design. The purpose of this paper is to create a prototype of a women’s base upper body…

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper presents an analysis of several issues that are preponderant for the work-wear design. The purpose of this paper is to create a prototype of a women’s base upper body garment, based on the information gathered.

Design/methodology/approach

All the necessary information was collected through questionnaires, anthropometric measurements and evaluation of compression forces between the different prototypes.

Findings

It was possible to conclude that to create a better design some alterations need to be made in the standard base pattern design, such as measurements across the back length.

Research limitations/implications

Despite the fact that these design changes have a great impact on the stretch ability and on the compression forces, using softer fabric, such as cotton, is always better for an increased comfort. However, in more professional situation where these fabrics should not be used, these design changes can really make a difference.

Practical implications

A test with a set of compression sensors showed that the simple alteration of one measurement in the design of the base patterns highly reduces the compression forces.

Social implications

These simple alterations allow the garments to adjust to the users’ needs, promoting higher levels of comfort and lower levels of limitations of movement.

Originality/value

The designs presented in this paper can be easily adapted to a variety of garments, such as jackets or dresses, both for leisure or professional activities.

Details

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, vol. 29 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-6222

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Article
Publication date: 9 May 2016

Sandra Milena Santamaria-Alvarez and Martyna Śliwa

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the transnational entrepreneurial activities of Colombian emigrants to the USA in the context of the Colombian government’s policies and…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the transnational entrepreneurial activities of Colombian emigrants to the USA in the context of the Colombian government’s policies and initiatives aimed at encouraging and facilitating emigrants’ transnational entrepreneurship. It examines the profile of Colombian emigrants, the entrepreneurial transnational activities they pursue and the actual and potential role of the government in instigating and shaping these activities.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyzes data obtained from focus groups with migrant families and interviews with governmental officials and an expert researcher. It also evaluates secondary data sources relevant to the subject of the paper.

Findings

The impact of transnational activities of Colombian migrants upon Colombian economy and society is much lower compared with the activities of migrants in other countries and with the potential these activities could have for contributing to the economic development of Colombia. Possible causes of this include: the specific characteristics of the Colombian emigrant and entrepreneur profile, the fragmentation of transnational networks of the migrants and the lack of governmental strategies to support the development of transnational activities of migrants.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the debates on emigrant–state relation through offering an analysis of migrant entrepreneurship, technology and knowledge transfer and investment activities of Colombian emigrants in the home country. It also provides recommendations for policy action and concrete government programs that might encourage greater involvement of Colombian migrants in high value-adding activities that could benefit the country’s development.

Details

Journal of Enterprising Communities: People and Places in the Global Economy, vol. 10 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6204

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