Cloth Tape Research Articles

Ionic aggregates induced room temperature autonomous self-healing elastic tape for reducing ankle sprain

Traditional kinesiology tape (KT) is an elastic fabric tape that clinicians and sports trainers widely use for managing ankle sprains. However, inadequate mechanical properties, adhesive strength, water resistance, and micro-damage generation could affect the longevity of the tape on the skin during physical activity and sweating. Therefore, autonomous room-temperature self-healing elastomers with robust mechanical properties and adequate adhesion to the skin are highly desirable to replace traditional KT. Ionic aggregates were introduced into the polymer matrix via electrostatic attraction between polymer colloid and polyelectrolyte to achieve such elastic tape. These ionic aggregates act as physical crosslink points to enhance mechanical properties and dissociate at room temperature to provide self-healing functions. The obtained elastic tape possesses a tensile strength of 3.7 MPa, elongation of 940 %, toughness of 16.6 MJ∙m−3, and self-healing efficiency of 90 % for 2 h at room temperature. It also exhibits adequate reversible adhesion on the skin via van der Waals force and electrostatic interaction in both dry and wet conditions. The new elastic tapes have great potential in biomedical engineering for preventing and rehabilitating ankle sprain.

Compaction behaviour of flax-preforms during forming for composites

Flax reinforced composites are becoming popular in automotive and civil industries due to their green production and recycling, and for good specific strength. To manufacture composites, firstly a multi-layer of flax preforms undergo compressive pressure before resin impregnation that causes nesting, wherein, fibres of one layer fit into the adjacent layers. This debulking of the preforms under compression is an important feature that determines the fibre volume fraction of composites. In this study, four flax structures such as: nonwoven tapes, unidirectional fabric, hopsack fabric, and nonwoven tape with glass veils were investigated for compaction behaviour under pressures between 1 and 10 bars, in single and multi-layer states, in dry and wet states, under different loading cycles, and in different ply orientations (0°/0° and 0°/90°). Nesting has been calculated for single- and multi-layer stacks. It was observed that the nonwoven structures shown greater thickness reduction compared to woven structures. Nesting factor was found to be higher than 1 for the nonwoven structures under compaction, indicating lower nesting, compared to the woven structures. In terms of thickness under repeated compaction, the reduction was the highest during first compressions, compared to the 2nd and 3rd compressions, for all the structures. When wettability was examined, thickness reduction for wet plies was higher for all the structures, compared to the dry phase. Finally, a comparative study was shown to evaluate fibre volume fractions of the composites.

The Immediate Effect of Chest Mobilization Technique on Chest Expansion in Patients of COPD

Introduction: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is characterized by chronic airflow obstruction. Patients with COPD often experience reductions in lung volumes and vital capacity due to chronic respiratory muscle weakness. Additionally, they may exhibit decreased lung distensibility, leading to restrictions in lung volume. The passive recoil of the thoracic cage is influenced by gross muscle weakness, altering the neutral position at which lung and cage recoil pressures are balanced. Mobilizing rib cage joints is a specific therapeutic goal, as it aims to improve reduced rib cage mobility commonly observed in obstructive lung disease. Method: A study was conducted on COPD patients aged over 40 years, specifically including males with VC<80%. Participants with unstable vital parameters, active lung infections, or those requiring continuous oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation were excluded. The participants were divided into two groups: Group 1 received chest mobilization and breathing exercises, while Group 2 received only breathing exercises. Chest expansion measurements were taken at the 2nd intercostal space, 4th intercostal space, and xiphoid process in both groups before and after the procedures. Result: Result obtained from SPSS20. Mean-age of Group1 was (61.9+6.0) & of Group2 was (62.05+6.1). Comparison between groups found using independent t-tests. There was significant difference of chest-expansion at 2nd IC, 4th IC and xiphoid process between both the groups. Chest-expansion at 2nd IC(M=2.0), 4th IC(M=2.85) and xiphoid process (M=3.43) was increased in group1 than group2 (M=1.58), (M=2.01) & (M=2.49) having significant difference of p<0.05. Conclusion: This study concludes that Chest Wall mobilization has significant effect on Chest-expansion in COPD patients. Hence Chest-Mobilization is definite tool for the improving condition of COPD patients, so it should be included as a part of management in COPD patients with other exercise treatment-programs. Keywords: Chest mobilization, COPD, Chest expansion, Cloth tape measurement

Amorphous carbon derived from daily carbon ink for wide detection range, low-cost, eco-friendly and flexible pressure sensor

Flexible pressure sensor has important applications in wearable electronic system. However, most reported flexible pressure sensors still face problems such as expensive raw materials, complex preparation processes, and narrow pressure detection ranges. Inspired by low-cost daily carbon ink and filter paper, a flexible pressure sensor is designed and fabricated using a simple dip-coating method. The proposed pressure sensor consists of two filter papers coated with carbon ink as sensitive layers, fabric conductive tapes as flexible electrodes, and polyimide tape as packaging layer. The filter paper has a fibrous microstructure, which is beneficial for improving the pressure sensing performance of the pressure sensor. The main component of carbon ink is amorphous carbon, which has a moderate conductivity. The results indicate that the pressure sensor exhibits wide detection range (0.1–100 kPa), high sensitivity of 0.627 kPa−1 (0.1–15 kPa), short response/recovery times (230 ms/290 ms) and good durability (4000 cycles at 50 kPa). In addition, the pressure sensor can be used for physiological and motion monitoring, such as pulse and step count. This work provides an optional strategy for developing wide detection range, low-cost, eco-friendly and flexible pressure sensor.

39 Using Finishing Pig Body Measurements as a Tool to Estimate Body Weight

Abstract Approximately $220 million is lost every year by the pork industry due to sort losses defined as the loss of value associated with marketing pigs that fall outside the premium body weight (BW) range. Current industry standards of by “eye” measuring results in a sort loss greater than 10% in most loads. Stationary imaging systems to predict BW have been developed to help producers better market their pigs at the appropriate BW; however, they can be costly and still require stockpersons to individually mark relevant pigs. Flank to Flank measurements using a cloth tape have been found suitable for predicting breeding sow and boar weights. The objective of the study was to establish a linear equation based on body measurements (body length, heart girth, and flank) to predict BW in finishing pigs. This study used 223 finisher pigs (121 gilts, 102 barrows), divided between 2 replicate groups (28.5 ±0.7 days). Measurements of BW, body length (base of neck to base of tail), heart girth (circumference around the chest), and flank (measurement was taken in front of hind legs from the bottom of one flank to the other sides bottom of the flank) were measured every 7 d beginning at 135 d of age until 163 d of age. Linear regression was used to establish equations for each body measurement alone and in combination and the R2 coefficient was used to compare predictability of equations. An R2 value of 0.76, 0.24, and 0.65 was found for heart girth, body length, and flank length, respectively. The linear equation from the greatest R2 value measurement was BW = 1.95 × (heart girth) - 101.78. The R2 value can be improved by combining multiple points of measurement provided added variable(s) make a significant contribution. The linear equation accounting for all three measurements [BW = (0.17 × length) + (1.49 × heart) + (0.12 × flank) - 122.98] had R2 = 0.78. The combination of body length and heart girth [BW = (1.45 × heart) + (0.87 × flank) - 118.94] resulted in an equation with a similar accuracy (R2 = 0.78) as all 3 measurements combined. Body length marginally improved the R2 value likely because it had a relatively low R2 value alone. The equation combining heart girth and flank explained the greatest proportion of the variation in BW, although there was limited additional value above heart girth alone. Within a commercial finisher barn, measuring heart girth of every pig may not be practical. However, this method could be suitable to train stockpersons for improved visual estimation of pig weight or to gauge overall barn performance based on a random sampling of pigs just prior to marketing.

Role of Upper Limb Elevation in the Management of Hand Edema in a Patient with External Fixator Our Experience

Upper limb edema after any trauma or after any surgical procedure is very common. The edema of the hands can cause many complications including the stiffness of the joints. So, the edema of the hands should be managed promptly to get optimal results. There are many methods to reduce hand edema. Hand elevation is one of the time-tested methods to deal with hand edema. Hand elevation can be done by various methods. But a certain number of patients who are on skeletal stabilization with an external fixator can find it difficult to elevate using a conventional cuff and collar or pillow. In such a patient we tried hand elevation using a cloth and an IV stand. The hand circumference of the patient was measured daily using a fabric tape and the findings were noted serially for two weeks results showed that edema reduced considerably following elevation. The method is easy, safe, reproducible, and less costly.

A Study on the Production Methods of Upcycling Tweed Fabric Using Clothing Waste Based on Chanel’s Tweed Design

This study aimed to produce upcycled tweed fabric using clothing waste, and to this end, weaving methods for tweed were designed, and the creative upcycling of tweeds was produced. For the improvement in the quality of recycled fabrics and to produce creative, upcycled tweed designs, four weaving methods were designed based on Chanel’s tweed design. Various types of discarded clothing waste were collected and used as materials. The upcycling tweeds produced were evaluated by experts based on the factors of novelty and appropriateness. As a result of the evaluation, all of the upcycled tweed fabrics presented excellent creativity scores. The creativity score was high when different materials, such as yarn and fabric tape and yarn and bead, were used. Tweed weaving is not difficult to perform, and our interest increased during the weaving process. The creativity of upcycling tweed fabric was discussed in depth, centered on experts who evaluated upcycling tweeds. Through this study, the possibility of popularizing the upcycling of tweed fabric using clothing waste is expected. This study is meaningful in that it presents aesthetic and functional utilization methods for decreasing clothing waste and shows the possibility of creative changes made to clothing waste.

Development of Gender-Specific Equations for Estimating Body Weight and Height Based on Anthropometric Measurements in Adults from Shiraz, Iran

Background: In various situations, such as determining nutrition requirements, medication dosage, mechanical ventilation, and resuscitation, height, weight, and BMI are considered. Anthropometric body measurements differ among populations of different genders and ethnicities. Objectives: This study aimed to develop gender-specific equations for estimating body weight and height based on anthropometric measurements in Iranian adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Shiraz, Iran, over six months. Healthy volunteers aged 18-80 were included. Exclusion criteria were limb(s) amputation or immobilization and pregnancy. Participants were randomly divided into modeling (n = 400) and validation (n = 78) groups. We used the modeling group to generate regression equations based on gender and the validation group to test them. Results: Demi-span, age, knee height, and arm span could predict height with reasonable accuracy. Calf, waist, neck, and wrist circumferences entered our regression for predicting weight. Waist and calf circumferences entered the regression for BMI prediction in both genders. Arm circumference in men and neck circumference in women is strongly correlated with BMI. Conclusions: Many different equations have been suggested to predict height, weight, and BMI. Linear and circumferential body measures are usually used to predict height and weight. The suggested equations in this study are simple, and the anthropometric measurements require only a cloth tape measure and have good predictive ability. Complimentary studies are necessary to evaluate the precision of these formulas in other samples from other regions of Iran and in immobilized patients.

Effect of Fabric Electrode Surface Coating Medium on ECG Signal Quality under Dynamic and Static Conditions

This study intends to explore the influence of a fabric electrode skin interface filling medium on ECG signals under dynamic and static conditions, so as to be able to better monitor both stable and dynamic ECG signals. In this paper, cotton fabric electrodes were prepared using electroless silver-plated conductive cotton fabric, and then the electrodes were integrated into a physiotherapy-grade elastic bandage to assemble the fabric ECG tape. The electrode impedance tester and the BIOPAC physiological recorder were used to measure the fabric electrode-skin impedance and electrocardiogram under dynamic and static conditions, respectively. Later, the influence of the fabric electrode coated medium on the acquisition effect of an electrocardiogram signal under dynamic and static conditions is discussed. The results show that in the absence of a dielectric reagent coating, the cotton fabric electrode is easily disturbed by external noise which leads to large electrode-skin contact impedance. However, the electrode-skin contact impedance is greatly reduced after coating the fabric electrode with the dielectric reagent. At the same time, after applying the conducive paste coating, the corresponding change curve of the fabric electrode became more stable, and the impedance value was less than 0.005 MΩ·cm2, which meets the standard requirement for textile dry electrode skin impedance. In a state of rest, a clear and stable ECG can be collected regardless of whether the medium reagent is coated or not. However, only after applying the conductive paste can a stable ECG signal be collected under the three motion modes, or can a P wave, QRS wave group, or T wave be clearly distinguished. In addition, there is a high correlation with the disposable gel electrode, which can satisfy the requirements of the long-term monitoring of ECG signals under dynamic conditions.

КОПЫТНЫЕ ВАННЫ В СИСТЕМЕ МЕРОПРИЯТИЙ ДЛЯ ОБЕСПЕЧЕНИЯ ЗДОРОВЬЯ КОПЫТЕЦ КОРОВ

Lameness is widespread in dairy cattle herds all over the world. Up to 25% of highly productive cows of the herd can go lame at the same time, which causes significant damage, mainly affecting dairy productivity, and leads to financial losses. The findings make clearly visible the picture of a decrease in cases of interdigital dermatitis when using hoof baths. In the experimental group, the identified cases of Mortellaro disease had a mild form of M1, which were easily treated with bandages containing powder with zinc oxide, boric acid, acetylsalicylic acid, Egocin 20 (1:1:1:0,5). The resulting powder was applied with a bandage and fixed on the hoof with a special hoof cloth tape. After a double change of dressings with an interval of 3 days, regeneration of the skin and disappearance of clinical signs of the disease were observed. In the control group, the detected cases were in the stage from M1 to M3. The nature of the diseases was medium, with a three-time change of the therapeutic dressing, the recovery time for sick cows was 9 days.

Investigation on the influence of ball milling on the microstructural properties of 2D-hexagonal boron nitride towards electroadhesive applications

A light weight low power operated fabric based electroadhesive actuators were made with two dimensional hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) in PVdF-HFP polymer matrix as a dielectric and Cu/Ni fabric tape as electrodes for applications in robotics and exosuits. The properties of the dielectric layer were tuned for high load bearing capacity by inducing dangling joints in 2D hBN by the atmospheric ball milling as a factor of time. The electroadhesive actuator was optimized for a maximum load of 700 g for a DC voltage of 250 V, by changing the micro structures of 2D hBN with ball milling for different hours. The optimized load bearing capacity of the electroadhesive actuators obtained with 1 h ball milled 2D hBN incorporated PVdF-HFP matrix has been evidenced through structural and morphological studies.

Energy Harvesting and Sensing Integrated Woven Structure Kneepad Based on Triboelectric Nanogenerators

AbstractTriboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are extensively studied because of their great potential in energy harvesting and sensing. Traditional chemical batteries cannot meet the requirements of wearable electronic products because of their inherent limitations such as large weight, large size, limited endurance, and limited lifespan. To address the issue, the self‐powered energy harvester has attracted considerable interest among researchers. Here, the woven structure TENG consists of flexible silicone mixed with polyvinylidene fluoride as dielectric layers, silver fabric, and conductive tape as electrodes. The electrical output performance of the pattern structure processed by tip design is nearly three times higher. The whole TENG and flexible printed circuit board are encapsulated by polydimethylsiloxane film, reducing inconvenient, and discomfort sensation during wearing. The woven structure TENG can not only harvest energy to power wearable electronic devices but also be used to recognize human motion as the waveforms changing when people are in different states. Taking the knee bending angle data as an example to conduct machine learning, it is able to classify different states of human motion. This work extends the application of the woven TENG as an integrated device for sensing and energy harvesting.

A pressure-sensitive adhesive made from macca carbon for medical use

Macca carbon (MC), derived from high-temperature carbonized macadamia nut-in-shell wastes from macadamia nut processing, exhibits a high surface area, high number of electrons, and high efficiency in emitting far-infrared (FIR) radiation at wavelengths between 4 and 20 μm. Numerous inventions have demonstrated promising results in health improvement applications, such as increased blood circulation, less inflammation, and enhanced life expectancy. In this study, MC and a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) were coupled to form a new bandage called an MC cohesive bandage. It was manufactured by combining various quantities of MC powder with PSA and applying it to a spandex fabric tape. The peeling test, water permeability, and skin irritation were examined. The quantity of FIR radiation between 6 and 14 μm and the thermal properties of MC cohesive bandages were investigated. The FIR penetration effectiveness was determined by measuring the temperature rises from the streaky pig skin covered with MC cohesive bandages at various depths.

Self‐Powered Smart Shoes with Functional Ribbon Units for Monitoring Human Gait

AbstractThis study presents novel, self‐powered smart shoes that can detect various gait patterns and harvest electrical energy. A functional ribbon unit made of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) ribbon and conductive fabric tape is used for the energy harvester, and a dynamic sensor is used for monitoring the gait patterns. To determine the optimal number of ribbon units and effective elongation levels for energy harvesting, static tensile and repetitive electromechanical tests are performed. In addition, the generated output voltage and energy storage capacity according to the ribbon configuration are experimentally investigated. To enhance the energy‐harvesting efficiency of the functional ribbon unit, a high‐stiffness lightweight carbon composite frame is installed at the heel part inside the smart shoes, and three ribbon units are fastened to it. From the performance test, it is concluded that the harvester generates sufficient electric power, which is stored in successive capacitors; subsequently, the generated electric power is stored in a lithium‐ion battery. Moreover, various gait patterns are successfully identified, and gait speed is estimated using the proposed smart shoes.

The usefulness of nonabsorbable polymer clips for the closure of supra-aortic vessels' stump.

When performing translocated total arch replacement using a frozen elephant trunk, the closure of supra-aortic vessels' stump may be necessary. Herein, we describe the application of a nonabsorbable polymer Hem-o-lok clip for the closure of the stump. The supra-aortic vessels were looped using cloth tapes and clipped using Hem-o-lok clips with gentle traction of cloth tapes. Then, the supra-aortic vessels were sharply transected, leaving a 2-mm cuff of tissue. There were no incidents of clip failure during application or migration, and no significant intra-operative or post-operative bleeding occurred due to clipping failure. Hem-o-lok clips are an easy, quick, and reliable method for the closure of supra-aortic vessels' stump. Therefore, we recommend this technique for translocated total arch replacement procedures performed using a frozen elephant trunk.

Diaphragmatic Mobility and Chest Expansion in Patients with Scapulocostal Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Scapulocostal syndrome (SCS) is a subset of myofascial pain syndrome affecting the posterior shoulder and upper back area. Some of the affected muscles are attached to the rib cage, which may affect diaphragmatic mobility and chest expansion. The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics of diaphragmatic mobility and chest expansion in patients with SCS. Twenty-nine patients with SCS and twenty-nine healthy participants of a similar age, gender, weight, and height were included in the study. All participants were evaluated for diaphragmatic mobility (DM) by real-time ultrasound (RTUS) and for chest expansion (CE) using a cloth tape measure. An independent t-test was used to compare the outcome variables between groups. The DM value in the SCS group was 46.24 ± 7.26 mm, whereas in the healthy group it was 54.18 ± 9.74 mm. The DM value was lower in the SCS group compared to in healthy participants (p < 0.05). Chest expansion at the axilla, the fourth intercostal space (4th ICS), and the xiphoid level in the SCS group was 7.26 ± 1.13, 6.83 ± 0.94, and 6.86 ± 1.25, respectively, while chest expansion at the axilla, 4th ICS, and xiphoid level in the healthy group was 7.92 ± 1.39, 7.54 ± 1.43, and 8.13 ± 1.32, respectively. Chest expansion at the 4th ICS and the xiphoid level in the SCS group was significantly lower than in the healthy group (p < 0.05). Patients with SCS presented a decrease in diaphragmatic mobility and chest expansion. Therefore, SCS treatment programs ought to add breathing exercises to improve lung expansion.

Model composition heat-resistant materials for multifunctioal coating

A schematic diagram of composite material for a heat-resistant multifunctional coating providing radio invisibility and thermal protection of parts of missiles is proposed. Organosilicon binder KO-08K, inorganic binder НС-1A, and heat-resistant mastic NEOMID-TITANIUM were researched to select the materials of the heat-resistant matrix. Based on the analysis of the results of thermal desorption spectrometry of organosilicon binder and mastic NEOMID-TITANIUM with heat-resistant fillers, it was found that the thermal destruction is most effectively reduced by the matrix filler with perlite and aluminum. The efficiency of the selected composites at a high rate of temperature change was evaluated by the heat stroke method. It was revealed that samples based on the organosilicon binder with fillers failed to provide the required heat resistance of the material: NEOMID-TITANIUM mastic can be used in case of filling with 2 % of aluminum and aluminum-silicate binder HC-1A in the case of filling with 5 % aluminum and 10 % mullite. Selected materials were tested in a jet of a gas-dynamic burner. The results confirmed the need to reinforce the matrix with heat-resistant fabrics to increase its strength and erosion resistance. Heat-resistant silica fabric KT-11 and silica heat-resistant tape LKA-1200 were used as heat-resistant radio-transparent reinforcing fabric fillers. Thermo-erosion tests of reinforced samples in the jet of a gas-dynamic burner showed that the minimum linear removal was obtained on samples with a matrix based on NEOMID-TITANIUM mastic, which was reinforced with KT-11 fabric (outer layer) and LKA-1200 tape, which allows using these materials to create the multifunctional coating.

Testing and numerical investigations of hybrid composite for flight control surfaces in manufacturing variability contest

The design and certification of composite structures is based on the building block approach (BBA), following a bottom-up procedure. Starting from the bottom level of Rouchon’s pyramid of test, thousands of coupons need to be produced to determine design allowables and capture manufacturing, geometrical and microstructure variability values. The numerical approach provides desirable data to be confirmed by a reduced testing campaign, especially for the preliminary design process stages and material selection.In this paper a carbon fibers reinforced composite with epoxide resin used for aerospace application has been analyzed, in form of both fabric and unidirectional tape to validate the numerical model considering Salver (of MA Group company) manufacturing process variability data. Hybrid laminates composed of unidirectional plies and woven fabric layers have been tested to pursue a tailored approach based on design guidelines and stress requirements for aircraft flight control surfaces. Benchmarking the experimental-numerical test results allows to assess the statistical reliability of the proposed method.

Strategies in the analysis of samples of composites for the quantification of porosity by image analysis from optical microscopy

Porosity and voids are a type of defect that may appear during the manufacturing of composite structures. Its possible presence is checked in production parts by different non-destructive techniques based on ultrasonic inspection. It is important to perform this evaluation&nbsp; considering that a high content of these defects decrease the mechanical properties compared to the original design. In recent years, optical microscopy of composite materials has become a very powerful tool, which is&nbsp; available for the industry to inspect and look at the internal structure and help to reach conclusions in the field of quality, failure analysis and I+D+I. In addition, the use of automatic scanning techniques of wide cross sections has opened the possibility of quantifying the percentage of porosity/voids, as well as become an alternative to more laborious testing procedures such as acid digestion of the resins. This study contributes to existing test standards within the aeronautical sector, in the sample preparation strategy. For this purpose, samples of epoxy matrices with carbon fibers, both unidirectional and fabric tapes have been analyzed to evaluate the influence of the quality of sample preparation, the stacking sequence and the initial porosity levels, the repeatability of the measurements and the quality of the results. An attempt has been made to correlate the results with standar physical / chemical analysis.

Attush, abiti tradizionali degli Ainu di Hokkaido. Analisi e studio degli attush della collezione Fosco Maraini del Museo di Antropologia di Firenze

This article reports on vegetable fiber garments, variously embroidered, made by the Ainu of Hokkaido ‒ Japan. These garments, generically called attush, were decorated by women with the embroidery technique and by adding fabric tapes. The final effect was a harmony of original geometric shapes and symmetries that are immediately recognizable as belonging to this people. The same decorations are also reproduced in many objects of their daily and spiritual life. These observations were based on the study of the attush present in the collection of the Museum of Anthropology and Ethnology in Florence, donated by the famous scholar Fosco Maraini in 1948, and were the result of his collection and research conducted in Hokkaido from 1938 to 1941.