Microclimate Humidity Research Articles

'발열내복'이라 광고되는 시판 기능성 보온내복의 써멀 마네킹과 인체 착용 실험을 통한 체온조절 성능 평가

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 <TEX>$5.0{\pm}0.5^{\circ}C$</TEX> and air humidity of <TEX>$30{\pm}5%RH$</TEX> with five male subjects (<TEX>$21.6{\pm}1.3yr$</TEX> in age, <TEX>$178.0{\pm}5.9cm$</TEX> in height, <TEX>$68.2{\pm}5.9kg$</TEX> 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.

Effects of two cooling garments on post-exercise thermal comfort of female subjects in the heat

The purpose of the study was to investigate and compare the effect of two cooling garments with phase change material (PCM) and ventilation on thermal comfort. Eight female university students (age 24±1 years; height 162±4 cm; body weight 54±4 kg) exercised on a treadmill in an environment of 32 ℃ with 50 % relative humidity. Tests in three conditions were carried out after moderate exercise with t-shirt and shorts: cooling with a PCM vest (PCM); cooling with a ventilation jacket (VEN) and without cooling clothing (natural cooling, a control condition, CON). Results showed that no significant differences were observed in the mean skin temperature and heart rate among the two cooling garment conditions and the control condition (p>0.05). The local torso skin temperature was observed with significant difference among the three conditions (p<0.05) and it was mostly reduced by 0.7 ℃ and 0.9 ℃, respectively in PCM and VEN. Significant differences were observed in the clothing torso micro-climate temperature and humidity among the three testing scenarios (p<0.05). The clothing micro-climate temperature was dropped by 2 ℃ in PCM and 0.8 ℃ in VEN. The clothing micro-climate humidity in PCM was 40 % higher than that in VEN after 30 minutes cooling. The perceived thermal sensation was the lowest in PCM whereas the perceived skin wettedness sensation was the lowest in VEN.

Integrated carboxylic carbon nanotube pathways with membranes for voltage-activated humidity detection and microclimate regulation

This work describes some single walled carboxylic carbon nanotubes with outstanding transport properties when assembled in a 3D microarray working like a humidity membrane-sensor and an adjustable moisture regulator. Combined nano-assembly approaches are used to build up a better quality pathway through which assisted-charge and mass transport synchronically takes place. The structure-electrical response relationship is found, while controllable and tunable donor-acceptor interactions established at material interfaces are regarded as key factors for the accomplishment of charge transportation, enhanced electrical responses and adjustable moisture exchange. Raman and infrared spectroscopy provides indications about the fine structural and chemical features of the hybrid-composite membranes, resulting in perfect agreement with related morphology and electrical properties. Enhanced and modular electrical response to changes in the surrounding atmosphere is concerned with doping events, while assisted moisture regulation is discussed in relation to swelling and hopping actions. The electro-activated hybrid-composite membrane proposed in this work can be regarded as an attractive 'sense-to-act' precursor for smart long-distance monitoring systems with capability to adapt itself and provide local comfortable microenvironments.

Fuzzy control of temperature and humidity microclimate in closed areas for poultry breeding

This contribution describes the ways of temperature and humidity microclimate control in breeding areas using a fuzzy controller. It is focused on poultry, whereby the most important parameters for optimal breeding are temperature and humidity. The main aim was to evaluate the control process according to control quality in the controller&amp;rsquo;s steady state and the power consumption of the system. The used control algorithm was designed in the Matlab application, and it was practically verified in a closed thermodynamic system. Practical measurements have shown that with an increasing number of fuzzy controller&amp;rsquo;s interference rules a better control quality in steady states and lower power consumption of the system is achieved.

Diagnosis of Elected Industrial Hall Object and Idea for its Reconstruction

The article presents the monitoring of physical aspects of choices hall objects before reconstruction, which are in poor technical condition. The content of this contribution is the comparison of energy savings in selected hall object, which can be achieved by the refurbishment of envelope structures as against the present state. The article is trying to solve the problem of alternative creating envelope structures for an industrial hall depending on the activity performed inside respective plants, its reconstruction in relation to year energy consumption for heating, taking into account necessary thermal and humidity microclimate of a real workshop.

Influences of partial components in firefighters’ personal protective equipment on subjective perception

AbstractThe purpose of the present study was to investigate the influences of partial components of firefighters’ personal protective equipment (PPE) on subjective perception during exercise and recovery at 28°C, 40% RH. Eight firefighters participated in eight conditions consisting of various combinations of PPE components weighing from 7.8 to 14.9 kg (fully equipped with all PPE, FullPPE; FullPPE without a self-contained breathing apparatus, NoSCBA; FullPPE without a helmet, NoHelmet; FullPPE without gloves, NoGloves; FullPPE without boots, NoBoots; Full PPE without bunker jacket or pants, NoJP; Not equipped with a helmet, gloves, boots, or breathing apparatus, NoHGBS and Control (1.1 kg; wearing shorts, long-sleeved shirts and long pants)). The results showed: 1) Alleviation of subjectively perceived strain was significantly greater in NoJP during both exercise and recovery than NoHelmet and Nogloves, while the NoJP showed no significant difference with NoBoots and NoHGBS. 2) NoBoots was significantly effective in relieving physiological thermal burden rather than in psychological strain. 3) Exposing the hands and feet affected the local thermal sensation and sweat sensation of the hands and feet, respectively, while exposing the head did not affect local head thermal sensation and sweat sensation. 4) The relationship between clothing microclimate humidity and sweat sensation showed a logarithmic function. The present study indicate that weight loss in boots alleviated physiological strain during exercise, whereas after exercise, doffing jacket and taking off gloves, boots, and helmet simultaneously were both most effective way to relieve thermal strain quickly.

Effects of Climate Change and Various Grassland Management Practices on Grasshopper (Orthoptera) Assemblages

Influence of different grassland management practices on Orthoptera assemblages inhabiting humid grassland areas was studied since 2003 to 2011. The examined sites were within the protected area of Balaton Uplands National Park. The physiognomy and climatic conditions of the studied habitats were similar but their land use types were significantly different. After the preliminary analyses of Nonmetric multidimensional scaling, neighbour joining clustering, and Spearman rank correlation, we examined the possible effects of such independent variables as land use (nonmanagement, mowing, grazing), microclimate (humidity and temperature), regional macroclimate (annual and monthly mean temperatures and rainfall), using General Linear Mixed Models, and canonical correlation analysis. Our results showed that the effect of grassland management practices on the organization of Orthoptera assemblages was at least as important as that of macro- and microclimate. Furthermore, grassland management could intensify the influence of several local and regional parameters. These results can help finding the most suitable type of grassland management to conserve the grasshopper assemblages.

Evaluation of Protective Ensemble Thermal Characteristics Through Sweating Hot Plate, Sweating Thermal Manikin, and Human Tests

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the predictive capability of fabric Total Heat Loss (THL) values on thermal stress that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) ensemble wearers may encounter while performing work. A series of three tests, consisting of the Sweating Hot Plate (SHP) test on two sample fabrics and the Sweating Thermal Manikin (STM) and human performance tests on two single-layer encapsulating ensembles (fabric/ensemble A = low THL and B = high THL), was conducted to compare THL values between SHP and STM methods along with human thermophysiological responses to wearing the ensembles. In human testing, ten male subjects performed a treadmill exercise at 4.8 km and 3% incline for 60 min in two environmental conditions (mild = 22°C, 50% relative humidity (RH) and hot/humid = 35°C, 65% RH). The thermal and evaporative resistances were significantly higher on a fabric level as measured in the SHP test than on the ensemble level as measured in the STM test. Consequently the THL values were also significantly different for both fabric types (SHP vs. STM: 191.3 vs. 81.5 W/m2 in fabric/ensemble A, and 909.3 vs. 149.9 W/m2 in fabric/ensemble B (p < 0.001). Body temperature and heart rate response between ensembles A and B were consistently different in both environmental conditions (p < 0.001), which is attributed to significantly higher sweat evaporation in ensemble B than in A (p < 0.05), despite a greater sweat production in ensemble A (p < 0.001) in both environmental conditions. Further, elevation of microclimate temperature (p < 0.001) and humidity (p < 0.01) was significantly greater in ensemble A than in B. It was concluded that: (1) SHP test determined THL values are significantly different from the actual THL potential of the PPE ensemble tested on STM, (2) physiological benefits from wearing a more breathable PPE ensemble may not be feasible with incremental THL values (SHP test) less than approximately 150–200 W·m2, and (3) the effects of thermal environments on a level of heat stress in PPE ensemble wearers are greater than ensemble thermal characteristics.

여름철 노지 고추 수확 작업시 고령농업인의 온열 부담 평가

Physiological and subjective responses of the farmers and thermal environment during chili harvest in the open field were investigated to evaluate the thermal environments and farmers's workload. Eight career female farmers in their sixties participated as subjects both in morning work(MW, AM 9:00~10:30) and in afternoon work(AW, PM 15:00~16:30) with each lasting about 90 minutes. The results were as follows. 1) Air temperature, air humidity, globe temperature and WBGT of MW were mean <TEX>$25.54^{\circ}C$</TEX>, 81.82%RH, <TEX>$37.72^{\circ}C$</TEX>, <TEX>$26.27^{\circ}C$</TEX> and AW were mean <TEX>$30.63^{\circ}C$</TEX> 82.50%RH, <TEX>$40.11^{\circ}C$</TEX>, <TEX>$30.02^{\circ}C$</TEX>, respectively. By the WBGT, we evaluated that the thermal environment in the afternoon in the open field gave a thermal burden to farmers. 2) Mean skin temperature of AW(<TEX>$34.8{\pm}0.8^{\circ}C$</TEX>) was higher than MW(<TEX>$33.5{\pm}1.2^{\circ}C$</TEX>)(p<0.05). Clothing microclimate temperature on the chest of each work time were <TEX>$31.3^{\circ}C$</TEX>(MW) and <TEX>$32.7^{\circ}C$</TEX>(AW). Clothing microclimate humidity on the chest of each work time were over 80%RH. Heart rate were 88.5bpm(MW) and 91.7bpm(AW) respectively. 3) Farmers working in the afternoon felt uncomfortable after 45~60 min. of work and in the morning they felt uncomfortable after 90 min. of work. We evaluated that the harvesting of chilies in the open field was 'moderate work' by the physiological responses but the level of thermal burden increased over time especially in the afternoon work. It is suggested that farm workers should drink fluids between work to stay in homeostasis by sweating and to take frequent rests. Active clothing ventilation and wearing functional garments would help farm workers excrete sweat effectively.

Bioengineering and subjective approaches to the clinical evaluation of dry skin

Dry skin (also known as xerosis) is a cutaneous reaction pattern indicative of abnormal desquamation, which has not only cosmetic considerations, but can also lead to the penetration of irritants and allergens through the stratum corneum (SC). Over the last few decades, our understanding of the structure, composition, formation and function of the SC has advanced tremendously; however, despite these advancements, the occurrence of dry skin remains prevalent in the adult population. The clinical evaluation of dry skin is therefore of significant importance to the cosmetic industry not only for understanding the condition but also for measuring the effects of treatment. Traditionally, dry skin has been evaluated by visual inspection, however, recently a variety of bioengineering techniques have emerged enabling the investigator to objectively assess the extent of xerotic conditions. The most frequently employed methods for the evaluation of dry skin are discussed in this review, including regression testing, squametry, measurement of transepidermal water loss, epidermal hydration, profilometry, confocal Raman spectroscopy, optical coherence tomography, in vivo confocal microscopy and magnetic resonance imaging.

Characterization of a Natural Focus of Puumala Hantavirus Infection in the Czech Republic

Hantaviruses are RNA viruses of the Bunyaviridae family, represented in the Czech Republic by three genospecies: Dobrava-Belgrade, Puumala and Tula. They persist in natural foci of infection. In 2004 to 2009, a local outbreak with 18 reported cases of nephropathia epidemica caused by Puumala hantavirus occurred in the Sumava mountains and foothills and was spacially associated with another outbreak in Lower Bavaria, Germany. In the Jeleni locality in the Sumava mountains at 880 m above sea level, we identified a natural focus of infection suspected to be the source of hantavirus infection in forest workers. The focus was characterized geobotanically as a montane mixed forest with the predominance of beeches within the association Dentario enneaphylli-Fagetum, alliance Fagion, sub-alliance Eu-Fagenion, in a cold climate region with a podzolic soil. The biocenoses where hantaviruses are circulating typically show higher microclimate humidity. Their characteristization can be helpful in predicting where hantaviruses are likely to circulate.

인체착용실험에 의한 쾌적성 및 항아토피 성능평가 - 대나무숯 천연염색의류를 중심으로 -

This study examined several dyeing properties, physiological responses and comfort sensation of cotton knit underwear dyed with bamboo charcoal. The cotton knit underwear dyed with bamboo charcoal and treated with chitosan showed 99.9% antibacterial property and improved deodorization, and colorfastness. Eight children with atopic dermatitis worn underwear dyed with bamboo charcoal during 4 months. Their parents reported fewer itches of children. Wearing cotton knit underwear dyed with bamboo charcoal and non-dyed with bamboo charcoal respectively, these eight children rested for 20 minutes, then exercised for 10 minutes, and then rested for 30 minutes in the room maintained <TEX>$28{\pm}1^{\circ}C$</TEX> and <TEX>$50{\pm}5%R.H.$</TEX> Children's rectal temperature, skin temperature and microclimate inside garment of two types of cotton knit underwear were compared. As a result, the rectal temperature and skin temperature were higher when children were wearing underwear dyed with bamboo charcoal than non-dyed underwear. The microclimate temperature and microclimate humidity at the back of children were lower when children with underwear dyed with bamboo charcoal exercised and recovered.

Effect of moisture sorption of underwear material on clothing microclimate in a hot environment

AbstractIn this study, to investigate the thermal comfort of underwear, it was experimentally evaluated how the moisture sorption of underwear material affected the transient condition on the clothing microclimate under the summer heat environment by using a perspiration thermal manikin. Three kinds of underwear with different mixed spinning rates of moisture absorbing synthetic fiber (MAS) were compared. It was shown that the higher the mixed spinning rate of MAS, the larger the decline of the humidity in the clothing was in insensible perspiration. In comparison, for PET70 with 100% cotton (COT100), though each of the official moisture regions was almost the same, the microclimate humidity declined more rapidly in COT100 and returned to the original humidity in a shorter time. The integration value of the humidity decline which returned to the original value was the same between the two materials. To show the effect of the initial condition of the material, the underwear in a moderate humid condition, which was 30°C, 65% RH, was compared with one in a dry condition. The fall in the clothing microclimate of the humid condition was about one third that of the dry one. In sensible perspiration, though the humidity decline was seen, it returned to the original humidity faster than in the insensible condition. A temperature rise in the clothing and a temperature drop occurred as frequently as in the standard underwear during drying on the skin surface. This suggested that the endothermic reaction occurred as moisture desorbed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/htj.20220

The microclimate of an unoccupied wintering sett of the badger, Meles meles (Carnivora: Mustelidae), in the Darwin state nature reserve, Vologda Region

Data on the microclimate (air temperature and humidity) within an unoccupied badger sett in the Darwin Reserve (the Vologda Region) between September 2005 and May 2006 have been analyzed in relation to changes in the temperature and humidity of the ground air layer and soil. A positive correlation has been revealed between the temperature regime of the soil and air temperature within the sett. After the establishment of snow cover, air and soil temperatures within the sett vary slightly and barely depend on ambient air temperature.

쾌적한 상태에서 계절별 의복을 착용하고 있는 동안 불감증설과 온열 생리 요소들 간의 관련성

본 연구의 목적은 계절별 의복을 착용하고 쾌적한 상태를 유지하는 동안 불감체중손실과 온열 생리적 요소들간의 관련성을 살펴보는 것이다. 이를 위해 한국의 계절별 실내 환경이 인공기후실에 조성되었고 (봄/가을 환경 기온 평균 22.5, 여름 24.7, 겨울 16.8), 설문조사를 바탕으로 총 26 종의 계절별 한벌의복이 선정되었다(봄/가을 옷 8종, 여름 옷 7종, 겨울 옷 11종). 다섯 명의 젊은 여성이 피험자로 참여하였으며, 결과는 다음과 같다: 1) 불감체중손실(IL)은 봄/가을 의복을 착용한 경우 <TEX>$19{\pm}5g{\cdot}m^{-2}{\cdot}hr$</TEX>, 여름 옷 <TEX>$21{\pm}5g{\cdot}m^{-2}{\cdot}hr$</TEX>, 겨울 옷 <TEX>$18{\pm}6g{\cdot}m^{-2}{\cdot}hr$</TEX>으로, 겨울 환경보다 여름 환경에서 더 컸다(p<.001). 2) 호흡기를 통한 불감수분손실(IWR)은 불감체중손실과 반대의 경향을 보여 주어, 겨울옷을 입은 경우 <TEX>$6{\pm}1g{\cdot}m^{-2}{\cdot}hr$</TEX>, 여름 옷을 입은 경우 <TEX>$5{\pm}1g{\cdot}m^{-2}{\cdot}hr$</TEX> 였다(p<.001). 3) 불감수분손실 (IW)에서 호흡기를 통한 불감수분손실이 차지하는 비중은 여름 옷을 착용한 경우 평균 28%, 겨울 의복의 경우 38%였다(p<.001). 4) 쾌적한 상태에서, 산열량 중 불감수분손실이 차지하는 비율은 봄/가을 의복을 착용한 경우 25%, 여름옷의 경우 27%, 겨울옷의 경우 23%였다. 5) 불감체중손실과 의복의 보온력 간, 그리고 불감체중손실과 피복면적 간에는 모두 약한 역상관 관계가 관찰되었다. 6) 불감체중손실은 기온, 기습, 에너지 대사, 환기량, 평균피부온도, 의복내 습도 등의 요소와 유의한 상관을 보였으나, 상관계수들은 모두 0.5 이하였다. 결론적으로, 불감체중손실과 온열 생리 요인들 간에는 약한 상관이 존재했으나, 피험자들이 온열 쾌적을 유지하는 경우 착용한 의복 종류 및 노출 기온에 상관없이 불감체중손실량은 좁은 범위를 유지했다. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between thermo-physiological factors and the insensible loss of body weight(IL) of resting women wearing seasonal comfortable clothing. Air temperature was maintained at a mean of 22.5, 24.7, and 16.8 for spring/fall, summer and winter, respectively. We selected a total of 26 clothing ensembles(8 ensembles for spring/fall, 7 ensembles for summer, and 11 ensembles for winter). The results showed that 1) IL was <TEX>$19{\pm}5g{\cdot}m^{-2}{\cdot}hr$</TEX> for spring/fall environment, <TEX>$21{\pm}5g{\cdot}m^{-2}{\cdot}hr$</TEX> for summer, <TEX>$18{\pm}6{\cdot}m^{-2}{\cdot}hr$</TEX> for winter(p<.001). 2) Insensible water loss through respiratory passage(IWR) showed the reverse tendency to IL. IWR was <TEX>$6{\pm}1g{\cdot}m^{-2}{\cdot}hr$</TEX> for winter and <TEX>$5{\pm}1g{\cdot}m^{-2}{\cdot}hr$</TEX> for summer. This difference was significant(p<.001). 3) The proportion of IWR out of whole insensible water loss(IW), had a mean of the mean 28% for summer and 38% for winter(p<.001). 4) In comfort, the heat loss by IW out of heat production had a mean of 25% for spring/fall, 27% for summer, and 23% for winter. 5) There was a weak negative correlation between It and clothing insulation/body surface area covered by clothing. 6) There were significant correlations between IL and air temperature<TEX>$(T_a)$</TEX>, air humidity<TEX>$(H_a)$</TEX>, energy metabolism, ventilation, mean skin temperature <TEX>$\={T}_{sk})$</TEX> and clothing microclimate humidity<TEX>$(H_{clo})$</TEX>. However, the coefficients were less than 0.5. In conclusion, there were weak relationships between the IL and thermo-physiological factors. However, when subjects rested in thermal comfort, the IL was maintained in a narrow range even though the clothing insulation and air temperature were diverse.

건강 쾌적 니트의류가 온열생리반응에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study was to evaluate physiological response and subjective sensation of functional knitwears with different materials and designs. The three different types of knitwears were knitted(polar-neck with cotton/chitosan-C, V-neck with cotton/chitosan-CV and polar neck with cotton/chitosan/silver yarn-CS) and evaluated by four healthy female subjects. Eardrum temperature, mean skin temperature, clothing microclimate, and heart rate were measured in climatic chamber(<TEX>$30^{\circ}C$</TEX>, 50%RH, 0.5m/sec). The results were as follows. 1. Eardrum temperature was generally evaluated as lower in CV and CS than in C. Mean skin temperature was lower in knitwears with silver yarn than in knitwears without silver yarn. 2. Clothing microclimate temperature on the chest was lower in knitwears with silver yarn than in knitwears without silver yarn. 3. Clothing microclimate humidity was generally lower knitwears with silver yarn than knitwears without silver yarn. 4. Heart rate was lower in knitwears with silver yarn than in knitwears without silver yarn and lower in V-neck than in polar neck. 5. Thermal sensation was slightly warmer in knitwears without silver yarn than in knitwears with silver yarn. Overall comfort sensation was evaluated as more comfortable in CV and CS than in C.

Effects of fabric surface energy on human thermophysiological responses during exercise and recovery

The present paper reports a study on influences of fabric surface energy of cotton and polyester garments on clothing microclimates and human thermophysiological responses during intermittent exercise and recovery. Eight healthy males wearing the garments prepared performed exercises and rest according to the following protocol: rest for 30 min, run on treadmill for total 60 min of three sessions with different intensity and duration, and then sit quietly for 30 min for recovery, all at 30 °C and relative humidity of 30 %, while the microclimate humidity (H mc ) and temperature (T mc ), the clothing outside surface humidity (H co ) and temperature (T co ), the skin temperatures and ear canal temperature (T ear_canal ) were measured. The garments are made of: (a) hydrophilic and hydrophobic cotton knitted fabrics, and (b) hydrophilic and hydrophobic polyester knitted fabrics. During and after exercise, for cotton, hydrophilic garment resulted in significant lowerΔH mc , ΔH co , ΔT mc during recovery, higher $$\Delta \overline {\rm T} _{sk} $$ , lowerΔT ear_canal andΔT forehead . For polyester, hydrophilic garment resulted in significantly lowerΔH co , ΔT co , higher $$\Delta \overline {\rm T} _{sk} $$ , higherΔT forehead during E1, E2 and recovery session but lower during E3. In summary, surface energy of cotton garments had significant influences on human thermophysiological responses during exercise and recovery, and hydrophilic cotton garment was better than hydrophobic one to reduce heat stress. Surface energy of polyester garments had influences of lower significance, and hydrophilic garment appeared better than hydrophobic garment.

Effect of Fabric Liquid Water Transfer Behavior on Human Thermophysiological Responses and Clothing Microclimate during Exercise and Recovery

This paper reports a study on the effects of fabric liquid water transfer behavior on human thermophysiological responses and clothing microclimate. Both cotton and polyester fabrics were treated to have different liquid water transfer properties. With moisture management (MM) treatment, the fabrics can transfer liquid water from inner surface (close to skin) to outer surface (close to surrounding environment) during wearing while keeping skin dry. With reversed moisture management (RMM) treatment, the inner layer of the fabric is water absorbency, liquid water is difficult to be transferred to outer surface. Two sets of garments were made of MM and RMM fabrics for both cotton and polyester respectively. A series of wear trials were conducted by asking human subjects to wear these garments according to a specially designed experimental protocol. The microclimate humidity and temperature, skin temperature and ear canal temperature were recorded. MM cotton garment caused significant lower absolute humidity outside clothing (Hco) during exercise and recovery, higher temperature outside clothing (Tco), higher mean skin temperature (Tsk) and lower ear canal temperature (Tear_canal) during recovery than RMM cotton. Polyester MM garment caused significant higher Hco during exercise and higher Tsk than RMM polyester. For both cotton and polyester, MM garment is better than RMM garment to reduce heat stress during exercise and recovery in temperature of 30 °C and relative humidity of 30%.

Physiological effects of outerwear moisture transfer rate during intermittent bicycle exercise

This study investigated the effects of outerwear moisture transfer properties on thermoregulatory responses and clothing microclimate conditions during intermittent bicycle exercise in a bioclimatic chamber with/without wind. Nine healthy women in their follicular phase served as participants. Rectal and skin temperatures at seven sites and clothing microclimate conditions between underwear and outerwear at chest and back levels were measured throughout the experimental period. It was found that rectal temperature and clothing microclimate temperature at chest level were significantly affected by the outwear moisture transfer rate. However, clothing microclimate humidity was not significantly affected by the moisture transfer properties. It was concluded that a higher moisture transfer rate inhibits the increase of rectal temperature under the conditions of the experiment. Wind was also found to be a significant contributor in slowing the rise of rectal temperature during exercise.

The psycho-physiological response of polyethylene terephthalate irradiated by ultra-violet: Subjective fabric hand and wear comfort

The purpose of this study was to compare the subjective fabric hand evaluation and wear comfort of PET treated by Ultraviolet and to evaluate the subjective results from the investigation of microclimate temperature. The subjective hand evaluation was performed by 20 subjects (age: 20–25) with 5-point scale questionnaires to investigate the change of PET knit fabrics treated for different times, specifically, 0, 30 and 90 minutes. The questionnaires were composite with 8 questions; roughness, smoothness, wetness, stiffness, coolness, touch, preference, and comfort. In order to evaluate sensations of wear comfort, we made garments with UV treated fabric and five female students were tested. They walked at the speed of 6.7 km/hr for 15 minutes in an environment, which was controlled at 29°C, 75±5 % RH. Before and after exercising, the microclimate under clothing and subjective wear comfort was measured. The results of subjective evaluation of fabric hand were that untreated and treated for 30 minutes PET were recognized as similar and have a good evaluation on comfort, preference, and touch. According to the result of wear comfort, clothing treated by UV for 90 minutes had the lowest value on the thermal and humidity sensations. In addition, the value of tactile and comfort sensation was the highest on the clothing treated by UV for 90 minutes. In the case of objective evaluation, PET treated for 90 minutes was the lowest on microclimate humidity. PET irradiated by UV for 90 minutes was more ‘cool’ in thermal sensation and more ‘dry’ in wet sensation. Accordingly, it was consistent with the result of subjective wear comfort.