• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.520-533
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• 2023

The present study developed a test protocol for evaluating the mobility of firefighting chemical and flame personal protective equipment (PPE) for the National 119 Rescue Headquarters in Korea and suggested ergonomic design factors to improve their mobility and performance. Six types of PPE were employed, including three types for flame protective PPE (5 ~ 6 kg excluding the self-contained breathing apparatus), and three types for chemical and flame protective PPE (8 ~ 11 kg). These PPEs are used by the 119 Rescue firefighters. Three male firefighters (34.3 ± 1.2 y in age, 175 ± 8 cm in height, 81 ± 13 kg in body weight) participated in the mobility test and interview. A mobility test protocol consisting of 16 components (nine postures and seven motions including a dexterity test) along with a visibility test were developed based on pre-interviews and literature reviews. The findings indicated that the clothing microclimate humidity on the neck and chest exceeded 85%RH on average for all the six PPE conditions, with the chest area reaching as high as 98%RH. This high humidity caused fogging inside the visor and impaired visibility. The requirements for improving the PPE design in terms of mobility varied depending on whether it was the separated types or all-in-one types, particularly regarding the hood and gloves design. The findings of this study can be applied to improve the design of Level A_PPE for firefighters. The mobility test protocol and visibility test developed in this study can also be applied to other types of Level A impermeable PPE.

• Advances in concrete construction
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• v.16 no.6
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• pp.291-302
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• 2023

As the first part of the body that strikes the ground during running, sports shoes are especially important for improving performance and reducing injuries. The use of new nanotechnology materials in the shoe's sole that can affect the movement angle of the foot and the ground reaction forces during running has not been reported yet. It is important to consider the material of the sole of the shoe since it determines the long-term performance of sports shoes, including their comfort while walking, running, and jumping. Running performance can be improved by polymer foam that provides good support with low energy dissipation (low energy dissipation). Running shoes have a midsole made of ethylene propylene copolymer (EPP) foam. The mechanical properties of EPP foam are, however, low. To improve the mechanical performance of EPP, conventional mineral fillers are commonly used, but these fillers sacrifice energy return. In this study, to improve the magnificence of physical education training with nanotechnology, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) derived from recycled plastics were prepared by catalytic chemical vapor deposition and used as nucleating and reinforcing agents. As a result of the results, the physical, mechanical, and dynamic response properties of EPP foam combined with CNT and zinc oxide nanoparticles were significantly improved. When CNT was added to the nanocomposites with a weight percentage of less than 0.5 wt%, the wear resistance, physical properties, dynamic stiffness, compressive strength, and rebound properties of EPP foams were significantly improved.

• Journal of Korean Ophthalmic Optics Society
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.27-35
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• 2013

Purpose: The present study was conducted to investigate the changes in the physical properties of RGP lenses induced by the polishing during the process of RGP lens manufacturing, and further evaluate the differences in the actual wearer's comfort and the tear film break-up time caused by these changes. Methods: RGP lenses (fluorosilicone acrylate material) were divided into 4 groups by the different lens-polishing time like 0, 25, 50 and 100 seconds and the thickness, the surface roughness and the wetting angle of those lenses were compared. Furthermore, the comfortability of the lens wear was surveyed after applying these lenses on the subject's eyes with normal tear volume and the non-invasive tear break-up time of the wearers was measured. Results: The central thickness of 4 RGP lenses made of different lens-polishing time was not significantly different however, the lens surface was changed smoother after polishing to be confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. The wetting angle of the RGP lens significantly decreased in accordance with the increase of polishing time. Thus, the difference of approximately $16^{\circ}$ between 0 second and 100 seconds-polishing was statistically significant. The actual wearing feeling of RGP lens was tended to improve in accordance with the increase of the lens wettability however, it was not proportional improvement. The non-invasive tear break-up time of the lens wearers showed different aspect compared with the changes in lens wettability and the actual feeling of RGP lens wear. Conclusions: In this study, better lens wettability, thinner lens thickness, and/or improved lens surface induced by physical stimuli in the process of RGP lens manufacturing was not well-correlated with the increase of actual subjective/objective satisfaction in RGP lens wear. Thus, the consideration of physical properties of the lens as well as the lens wearers' physiological factors in the process of RGP lens manufacturing may be suggested.

• Science of Emotion and Sensibility
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.117-126
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• 2017

In this study, moisture transport characteristics for the woven and knitted fabrics made of 8 kinds of fiber materials using MMT (moisture management tester) were measured and discussed with the Bireck bt MMT and water evaporating rate (WER) measuring methods, which are vertical moisture transport methods. In addition, the drying property by MMT of the eight kinds of specimens was compared and discussed with the results measured by the vertical drying measurement. MMT experimental result which is horizental moisture transport appeared to be similar to the result of the Bireck method, which is the vertical moisture transport experiment. Absortion time measured from drip method of the fabrics made of the bamboo, linen, and cotton/nylon composite fabrics was short and thus they showed best wicking property, which was attributed to the low contact angle on the fabric surface and high porosity of the fabrics due to the staple yarn structure composed of the hydrophilic staple fibers. In drying property of the fabric specimens by MMT, maximum absorption radius of the dry-zone knit and bamboo woven fabrics were the highest and they showed the best drying property, which was a little different result compared with vertical drying measurement method. Half time of the drying rate in the MMT method was highly correlated with the fabric thickness and saturated moisture absortion rate and their regression coefficients were 0.9 and 0.88, respectively. This means that the knitted and woven fabric design technology for retaining good wicking and drying properties of the fabrics with thin fabric thickness is very important for obtaining high functional wear comfort fabrics. In addition, wicking and drying properties of the fabrics made of different fiber materials and with different yarns and fabric structures showed different results according to the measuring methods.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.657-665
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• 2015

This study evaluated the thermoregulatory properties of functional thermal underwear ('heating underwear') in markets using a thermal manikin and human wear trials. One ordinary thermal underwear (ORD) and two functional thermal underwear (HEAT1 and HEAT2; manufactured goods, HEAT1: moisture absorbing heat release mechanism, HEAT2: heat storage, release mechanism) were chosen. Thermo-physiological and subjective responses were evaluated at an air temperature of $5.0{\pm}0.5^{\circ}C$ and air humidity of $30{\pm}5%RH$ with five male subjects ($21.6{\pm}1.3yr$ in age, $178.0{\pm}5.9cm$ in height, $68.2{\pm}5.9kg$ in body mass). Experimental conditions consisted of four ensembles that included winter clothes (Control: no underwear, ORD, HEAT1, HEAT2). Water-vapor resistance was greater in fabric of HEAT1 than others. The results were: 1) Total thermal insulation (IT) using a thermal manikin were not greater for HEAT1 (0.860clo) and HEAT 2 (0.873clo) than for ORD (0.886clo). 2) There were no significant differences in rectal temperature, mean skin temperature, heart rate and total body mass loss between the four conditions. Microclimate clothing temperature on the back was greater for ORD than for HEAT1 and HEAT2. Subjects felt more comfortable with HEAT1 than for others at rest. HEAT2 was higher in microclimate humidity when compared to other conditions. The results suggest that thermoregulatory properties of 'heating underwear' in market did not differ from those of ordinary thermal underwear in terms of total thermal insulation and thermoregulatory responses in a cold environment.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.361-380
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• 2002

The purposes of this study were to a analysis of friction relation between tennis outsole and tennis playing surfaces. Tennis footwear is an important component of tennis game equipment. It can support or damage players performance and comfort. Most importantly athletic shoes protect the foot preventing abrasions and injuries. Footwear stability in court sports like tennis is incredibly important since it is estimated that as many as 45% of all lower extremity injuries occur in the foot and ankle. The friction force is the force exerted by a surface as an object moves across it or makes an effort to move across it. The friction force opposes the motion of the object. Friction results when two surfaces are pressed together closely, causing attractive intermolecular forces between the molecules of the two different surfaces. The outsole provides traction and reduces wear on the midsole. Today's outsoles address sport specific movements (running versus pivoting) and playing surface types. Different areas of the outsole are designed for the distinct frictional needs of specific movements. Traction created by the friction between the outsole and the surface allows the shoe to grip the surface. As surfaces, conditions and player motion change, traction may need to vary. An athletic shoe needs to grip well when running but not when pivoting. Laboratory tests have demonstrated force reductions compared to impact on concrete. There is a correlation between pain, injury and surface hardness. These are a variety of traction patterns on the soles of athletic shoes. Traction like any other shoe characteristic must be commensurate and balanced with the sport. The equal and opposite force does not necessarily travel back up your leg. The surface itself absorbs a portion of the force converting it to other forms of energy. Subsequently, tennis court surfaces are rated not only for pace but also for the percentage of force reduction.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.129-140
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• 2002

This study intended to find out how the handicapped use medical aid, their satisfaction at using it and so on. First a preliminary survey(Apr. 20$\sim$24, 2002) was made for the handicapped who had been cured for rehabilitation by wearing medical aid at hospitals and welfare center in Jeonbuk region. Then total 120 subjects were asked to fill out a standardized questionnaire from May 15$\sim$22, 2002. Out of total 95 questionnaires collected, 84 questionnaires were analyzed except for 11 cases unsuitable for the intention of this study. The results can be outlined as follows: 1. In general characteristic, it was found that the causes of disability included disease(35 respondents; 41.7%), traffic accident(23 respondents, 27.4%) and so on. In addition, 1st handicap comprised the majority(32 respondents; 58.2%) in handicap grade and ankle foot orthosis(or b-k orthosis) was most often used as medical aid(28 respondents: 33.3%) 2. In particular, it was also shown that the 1st handicap mainly resulted from traffic accident(15 respondents, 27.3%) and post-disease disability (11 respondents, 20.0%). They wore medical aid for 1 year or less on the average, because they were hospitalized for cure, which showed statistically significant level(P<0.05). 3. It was found that total 69 respondents(82.1%) were more or less satisfied with their medical aids depending on the causes of disability, and total 46 respondents(83.6%) were satisfied with their aids according to their handicap grade, but there were no statistical significance. 4. Total 56(66.7%) respondents answered that they would purchase medical aid on their own expenses, when they became handicapped. And the price of medical aid ranged from $\300,000{\sim}400,000$(25 respondents: 29.8%) to \ 500,000 or more(24 respondents: 28.6%). It means that they purchased more or less expensive medical aid on their own expenses, which showed statistical significance(P<0.05). 5. If there was any failure of medical aid, 9 respondents(37.5%) answered that they would be serviced from medical companies, and 7 respondents(29.2%) would be serviced from medical aid manufacturers. Most respondents were serviced for their medical aids from related companies. For the question about the causes of dissatisfaction upon repair service, 11 respondents(45.8%) answered that existing service company provided unskilled repair services and other respondents answered that there was no spare part or higher service expenses than they thought. These answers had the statistical significance(P<0.05). However, 20 respondents(79.2%) answered that they were satisfied with the repair service, which means that most respondents are satisfied with the service. In view of the results as described above, it can be concluded that their handicap or disability results from disease or sequelae after traffic accident and most of the affected wear their own medical aid. In the future, it is required that the medical insurance should cover those medical aids, and the service for failed medical aids should be commissioned by technical serviceman to realize customized manufacture and repair service according to different causes so that the handicapped can enjoy more or less comfort and convenience in their daily lives without any extreme difficulty.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Costume
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• v.55 no.5 s.95
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• pp.108-119
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• 2005

The objective of the study is was investigate the condition of the battle dress uniform worn by male members of the Korean Police Special Weapons Attack Team(KP-SWAT), identify problems, and provide basic raw materials for developing improved design of BDU. For this purpose, the researcher conducted a questionnaire survey on 92 male members of SWAT (Special Weapon Attack Team) units in Seoul using a questionnaire developed through observation and interview. Also, the body sizes of male SWAT members were measured. According to the results of body size measurements, male SWAT members generally require uniforms with a target bust girth, armhole, biceps circumference, thigh and calf circumference, longer jacket length, sleeve length, and trouser length to the knee. According to the results of the questionnaire survey, they reported dissatisfaction with the fit. In addition, they said that the Pockets are positioned too low for convenient use. Many subjects reported that their trousers were too short because of the rubber rings at the bottom of the legs. In addition, many subjects requested the alteration of the inconveniences caused by the designs finished with velcro on the bottom collar of the upper uniform, the marks and ensigns of the upper uniform, the bottom of the upper and lower uniform, and several pockets. Furthermore, there were many complaints concerning how they had to wear their uniform. The most frequently worn out and the body parts most often injured in field training and operations, they were reported, on the upper uniform, as the elbow, collar, neck, armpit, shoulder, and sleeve hem in that order, and on the lower uniform, the knee, interior calf, waist (belt rings), buttocks (rear pockets), and the bottom of the trousers (ankle) in that order As for questions concerning priorities in the improvements of the operational uniform and preferred design, the subjects recommended improvement in safety (protectiveness), workability (motional flexibility), design (shape), fit (size), comfort, ease in terms of putting on and taking off, etc., and the majority preferred two-piece designs ($67.4\%$), followed by one-piece ($30.4\%$), or both ($2.2\%$).

• The International Journal of Costume Culture
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.25-33
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• 2001

This study is to analyze Korean-Chinese women's Costume in Yabian with factors such as reform opening-up, economic growth, change of social values, development of technology, more education opportunities and influence of mass media. It divides the 1990's into two halves. Photos, interview, observation and relevant literature were used for this study. Even though economy grew rapidly, they needed to purchase daily goods other than clothes. In a way that they preferred practicality, it showed somewhat it was still developing. The trend in the first half of the 1990's was characterized : first, Synthetic or artificial fibers and ready-made suits were popular ; second, there still remained the men's style ; third, they wore Tanrikoo(彈力袴), Tisingkoo(體型袴), Jiaotakoo(脚袴) because of its properties of activeness and comfort ; fourth, shoulders looked ore prominent with pads as they were used in Chungsanfoo(中山服) ; fifth, clothes in grey and dark blue was in fashion ; sixth, they wore hand-made knit vests and sweaters and often mountain-climbing gears for its light and warm quality ; seventh, along with opening-up, various materials and colorful clothes were in style, which satisfied women's desire for beauty. They decorated Hanbok(韓服), using sleeves with colors, golden ornaments, flower patterns embroidery, materials of different color in collar and tie and dyes of sleeves and skirts. In the first half of the 1990's when the opening-up was beginning, there were diverse styles and colors in fashion, yet not close to good quality. As the economy grew, the second half of the 1990's was characterized by good palate, individuality, favouritism on foreign goods, rapid change of fashion. For instance, fur coat and woolen fabric were favored. Economic growth led to abundance of cloth, dyes and decorative materials. In addition, people possessed more clothing and it was possible for them to wear both Hanbok and wedding dress in wedding ceremony. People placed their standards on competency and financial ability rather than ideology. Worship disappeared and individuality arose. Therefore, apparel functioned not only as protection but as suits with aesthetic purpose. This resulted in introduction of bold style, imitation of western countries and extension of use of Hanbok. With the help of mass media, transportation, telecommunication, contact with Korean company and civilians, Korean and western cultures, through Korea, were accepted. Change in structure of economic status caused excessive spending and more educational opportunities that enabled people to accept foreign culture quickly. Values moved onto new, beautiful and better characteristics. it was possible to have suits ready-made due to improvement of mass production and cotten, wool, linen, silk became popular owing to technology. New technology, the bases of mass consumption, increased possession of clothing and accelerated change of fashion. In summary, women's Costume in Yanbian were affected by the factors in economy, politics, culture contact as well as change of society and technology.

• Journal of the Korea Fashion and Costume Design Association
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.217-228
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• 2014

The purpose of this study is to grasp inconveniences and improvements by examining wearing condition and satisfaction of protective clothing targeting 114 Korean farmers and to suggest basic data for enhancement of pattern and wearing satisfaction of protective clothing by understanding problems of pesticide-proof clothing through comparative analysis on the size of its commercial products. Most of male subjects were in charge of spraying pesticide, whereas female were most likely to play an assistant role to hold the hose of pesticide applicator. Both of female and male subjects were very aware of the harmful effect of pesticide on human body and tried to take off the clothes immediately after spraying it to reduce possible damage caused by pesticide. As a result of examining wearing condition, the farmers avoided wearing protective clothing because that it feels hot, stuffy, and uncomfortable to move. This hesitant response of wearing the clothing was not shown significantly in case of female subjects who play an assistant role for spraying. Although the farmers wore protective equipments such as mask or gloves in a proper way as compared to protective clothing, they seemed to choose alternative way rather than best way to block pesticide completely. The satisfaction regarding to the fitting of protective clothing which the subjects showed low in all items of upper-lower clothes except waistline. It is necessary to improve the functionality such as relief from heat stress and convenience for movement rather than design or economic in protective clothing development. As a result of comparing the size of five kinds of commercial protective clothing, the farmers got confused to choose the product since designation method of size across companies showed a significant difference in an identical clothing size. In addition, the sizing system developed on a basis of a well-built man has become a hindering factor in wearing satisfaction of female farmers.