Personal Protection Research Articles

Intraoperative 'space suits' do not reduce periprosthetic joint infections in shoulder arthroplasty.

Body exhaust suits or surgical helmet systems (colloquially, 'space suits') are frequently used in many forms of arthroplasty, with the aim of providing personal protection to surgeons and, perhaps, reducing periprosthetic joint infections, although this has not consistently been borne out in systematic reviews and registry studies. To date, no large-scale study has investigated whether this is applicable to shoulder arthroplasty. We used the New Zealand Joint Registry to assess whether the use of surgical helmet systems was associated with lower all-cause revision or revision for deep infection in primary shoulder arthroplasties. We analyzed 16,000 shoulder arthroplasties (hemiarthroplasties, anatomical, and reverse geometry prostheses) recorded on the New Zealand Joint Registry from its inception in 2000 to the present day. We assessed patient factors including age, BMI, sex, and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade, as well as whether or not the operation took place in a laminar flow operating theatre. A total of 2,728 operations (17%) took place using surgical helmet systems. Patient cohorts were broadly similar in terms of indication for surgery (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fractures) and medical comorbidities (age and sex). There were 842 revisions (5% of cases) with just 98 for deep infection (0.6% of all cases or 11.6% of the revisions). There were no differences in all-cause revisions or revision for deep infection between the surgical helmet systems and conventional gowns (p = 0.893 and p = 0.911, respectively). We found no evidence that wearing a surgical helmet system reduces the incidence of periprosthetic joint infection in any kind of primary shoulder arthroplasty. We acknowledge the limitations of this registry study and accept that there may be other benefits in terms of personal protection, comfort, or visibility. However, given their financial and ecological footprint, they should be used judiciously in shoulder surgery.

A Comprehensive Review on Insect Repellent Agents: Medicinal Plants and Synthetic Compounds.

Plant-based repellents have been used for generations as personal protection against mosquitoes. Ethnobotanical studies provide valuable knowledge for developing natural prod-ucts. Commercial repellents with plant-based ingredients are popular, but insufficient studies follow Pesticide Evaluation Scheme WHO guidelines. Further standardized studies are needed to evaluate repellent compounds and develop high-repellency and safe products. Essential Oils (EOs) from aromatic plants have gained popularity as low-risk insecticides due to their low toxicity and short environmental persistence. These plant-derived EOs, produced through steam distillation, have repellent, insecticidal, and growth-reducing effects on various insects. They control phytophagous insects, bite flies, and home and garden insects. US registration is the main hurdle for new EOs. This review explores the use of essential oils from plants as a natural repellent, focusing on their effectiveness and synergistic effects. Essential oils are vol-atile mixtures of hydrocarbons with diverse functional groups, and their effectiveness is linked to monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. Synergistic effects can improve their effectiveness, and the use of other natural products, like vanillin, can increase protection time. Cymbopogon spp., Ocimum spp., and Eucalyptus spp. are among the most promising plant families.

Communicating about COVID-19 Vaccines: A Qualitative Study on Preferences, attitudes, and Influences on Canadian Post-secondary Student Decisions to Get Vaccinated

Given the reasonably low COVID-19 vaccine rates (e.g., <60% fully vaccinated) among Canadian young adults (18–29), we sought to understand the factors that motivated this demographic to get vaccinated. Fifteen post-secondary students and graduates participated in semi-structured interviews about the type of health information they received during the pandemic, and their communication preferences. Analysis of interview data revealed four themes: (1) Participants had high science and health literacy which equipped them to identify and dismiss misinformation; (2) Participants expressed high trust in official sources which positively impacted their confidence in the vaccines; (3) Participants exhibited a low perceived risk from COVID-19 infection and got vaccinated for reasons beyond personal protection; and, (4) Participants responded best to communication that was targeted and tailored towards them. These themes form a foundation for effective vaccine communication campaigns targeted and tailored toward young adults, which is essential for acceptance of future vaccine recommendations.

Considering state administrative decrees (SAD) by artificial intelligence from the transparency principle in Indonesia (Case study: The ministry of law and human rights of the republic Indonesia)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has now touched the realm of government, such as in the creation of State Administrative Decrees (SAD/Keputusan Tata Usaha Negara/KTUN). The involvement of AI in this realm leaves questions regarding the application of its transparency aspects based on the Indonesian legal context. This article aims to understand the phenomenon of using AI for SADs in Indonesia and to find out the application of the principle of transparency generally and contextually in terms of using AI for SADs. This research is normative-empirical research with a conceptual and statutory approach by conducting literature studies and respondent interviews. As a result, SADs as a product of government administrative action in several cases have been using AI and have received normative recognition. On the other hand, there is legislation that regulates the general aspects of SAD transparency, especially related to public information openness and personal data protection. AI transparency itself can be divided into two concepts, namely: technical transparency and justifiable transparency. Justifiable transparency is considered more convenient and suitable to be applied in Indonesia.

From flames to lab: A robust non-destructive sampling method for evaluating PAH exposure in firefighters’ personal protection equipment

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are compounds with high carcinogenic potential, produced during incomplete combustion. Certain professions, such as firefighting, expose workers to significant levels of PAHs during their operations, making it essential to investigate sampling protocols to evaluate their exposure in the work environment.This study presents a non-destructive and cost-effective sampling method for monitoring PAHs in firefighters’ personal protective equipment (PPE) and intervention vehicles. Sampling was conducted using three isopropanol wipes per collection zone, with comprehensive validation trials ensuring the method’s effectivenes. The method was tested under both natural contamination and spiking scenarios, showing similar results in both protocols.Analysis of contaminated PPE revealed significant PAH contamination in specific zones, such as gloves, lower back sleeves, and knees, due to direct exposure to flames and smoke during firefighting, with the highest concentrations in the outer and moisture layers. The cleaning efficacy of PPE was also evaluated employing specific washing machines, showing substantial reductions in PAH levels of approximately 76%. Additionally, non-targeted analysis detected organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) and furans, suggesting broader utility for environmental monitoring. This comprehensive approach improves the accessibility of chemical exposure studies in high-risk professions, contributing to better protective measures and occupational health and safety.

International and European standards of regulation of the institute of whistleblowers

The article is devoted to clarifying the peculiarities of the international and European standards of regulation of the institute of whistleblowers. It was found that whistleblowers play an important role in detecting violations that can cause significant damage to society, accordingly, international and European standards protect not only the right of every person to disclose information of public interest, but also the rights of persons who report such information ( whistleblowers). It has been established that the concept of «whistleblower» is most widely interpreted by Directive 2019/1937 of the EU and the Council of the EU on the protection of persons who report violations of Union legislation. It was determined that the standards for the protection of the rights of whistleblowers, but only in the field of corruption, are contained in the UN Convention against Corruption, the Criminal Convention on the Fight against Corruption, the Civil Convention on the Fight against Corruption, among them, in particular, the duty of the states that have joined them to determine the competent authority(ies) for reporting whistleblowers and the ability to provide them with the protection they need. At the same time, attention is focused on the fact that EU Directive 2019/1937, in contrast to the mentioned acts, more broadly defines the standards for the protection of whistleblower rights, in particular: it extends its effect simultaneously to the private and public sectors, provides for the protection of not only persons who report violations, but also of persons who contributed to such a report, relatives, colleagues of whistleblowers, etc., as well as persons who suffered from false reports of whistleblowers, which minimizes abuse of the latter’s status (protection). The essential role of the ECtHR’s practice in establishing standards for the regulation of the whistleblower institute is emphasized. It was found out that the ECtHR determines the very concept of «exposure» as one of the manifestations of freedom of expression, which is guaranteed by Article 10 of the Convention on the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and provides for adequate protection for whistleblowers from arbitrary interference in the exercise of this freedom and retaliation for the consequences of its exercise . Analysis of the practice of the ECtHR shows that the court is gradually expanding the standards of protection of whistleblowers, emphasizing their role in exposing violations in various areas and protecting public interests.

Issues of personal data protection when using cloud technologies

It is indicated that in today’s digital world, where the amount of stored and processed data is growing at a frantic pace, issues of personal data protection are becoming increasingly important. With the proliferation of cloud technologies that allow companies and individuals to store and process information on remote servers, a new spectrum of threats to data privacy and security is emerging. The article examines the issue of personal data protection when using cloud technologies, in particular, the need to integrate legal and technological aspects to ensure comprehensive protection. The impact of international regulatory acts, such as GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Protection Act), on cloud data protection processes is analyzed. Particular attention is paid to problems arising from differences in the legal regimes of different countries, which complicate data management at the international level. The article examines in detail modern technical solutions, such as data encryption and multi­factor authentication, which are key elements in protecting confidential information. These technologies have been found to provide a high level of protection, but also have their vulnerabilities. Based on this, it is proposed to invest in the latest technologies, in particular quantum encryption and artificial intelligence, to improve the effectiveness of data protection. Practical cases of data leaks are separately considered, which emphasize the importance of proper configuration of security systems and regular monitoring. Analysis of the results of empirical research shows the need to adapt business processes to changes in the regulatory environment and introduce new technologies to reduce risks. Based on the received data, recommendations for organizations are formulated, which include reviewing data protection policies, investing in modern technologies and training employees. The conclusions of the article emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to ensuring the protection of personal data in cloud environments. This involves taking into account both modern technologies and current legal requirements to ensure adequate data protection and minimize possible risks.

Regarding the employment of persons with disabilities

The article examines the performance indicators of the program objectives of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine regarding the realization of the right to work for persons with disabilities. Based on a comparison of employment rates for persons with disabilities in Ukraine and the European Union, a conclusion is drawn about the need to achieve the declared indicators and to adopt European practices for the inclusion of such individuals in labour relations. The article analyses the provisions of the Laws of Ukraine «On the Fundamentals of Social Protection of Persons with Disabilities» and «On Psychiatric Assistance» concerning the procedure for fulfilling employment quotas for persons with disabilities. Attention is drawn to their inconsistencies and the necessity of harmonizing their content. The article addresses problematic aspects of realizing the right to work for persons with disabilities who have been legally recognized as incapable. It presents statements from scholars and legislative provisions that define the legal labour capacity of persons with disabilities who have been declared legally incapable. It is argued that the legal basis for the inability of such individuals to exercise their constitutional right to work, due to incapacity, can be interpreted as discrimination against them from a certain perspective. It is emphasized that implementing employment support programs for persons with mental and intellectual disabilities is one way to reduce their discrimination and violations of their labour rights, counteract their stigma, and prevent social isolation. To enable persons with disabilities suffering from mental disorders, including those legally declared incapacitated, to exercise their right to work, it is proposed to introduce supported employment mechanisms. The article underscores the necessity of the principle of equal pay for equal work. It substantiates the possibility of engaging persons with disabilities who have been declared incapacitated in labour activities based on an employment integration agreement. Such a mechanism could effectively replace labour rehabilitation, which is one of the forms of individual rehabilitation. It is argued that such activities can only be carried out in the absence of medical contraindications to the person performing a certain type of work. The need to ensure these employees’ rights to remuneration, rest, and other benefits is emphasized. The article analyses the provisions of the draft law on social protection of persons with disabilities concerning the types of social enterprises. The article suggests the possibility of employing persons with disabilities who have been declared incapacitated at sheltered employment enterprises provided for by this draft law.

Guarantees of Social Protection of Persons with Disabilities as a Component of Official Legal Status

The article explores and characterises the legislative guarantees of social protection for persons with disabilities among military personnel and individuals discharged from military service. It analyses national labour and social legislation regarding special pension programmes, employ­ment, social payments/assistance, and social services available in our country for persons with disabilities. The content of specific guarantees for military personnel and those equated to them, as determined by their service status, is highlighted, as emphasised by the Constitutional Court of Ukraine in its decisions. It is noted that such guarantees for individuals serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other military formations apply not only during their service period but also after discharge. Based on the analysed normative acts, it is concluded that the issue of guaranteeing social protection for persons with disabilities, as a component of their special service status, can only be considered with the presence of proper legal confirmation of the impact of service-military activities on the person’s health. It is established that if a former military service member is recognised as a person with a disability due to a disease that arose after discharge from military or equivalent service, the causal link between such a disease and their past service activities must be established. It is emphasised that the legislator also defines additional special conditions for the onset of disability as a component of the grounds for receiving certain types of social protection. One of the conditions is the determination of the time frame for establishing disability after discharge from military service. It is emphasised that the use of time criteria as legal conditions for acquiring the right to social protection violates the constitutional principles of equality in the right to social protection and justice in society. Based on the analysis of the mechanism for providing employment-related social services to persons with disabilities discharged from military and equivalent service, it is concluded that this mechanism is imperfect and not adapted to the current realities in the country. The need to develop a social services system in Ukraine is stressed, one that, on the one hand, ensures effective socialisation and professional orientation for those discharged from military service due to disability, and on the other hand, takes into account the specific conditions under which the disability was acquired. A drawback in this system is highlighted - the lack of a mechanism to involve employers in the process of socialisation and professional adaptation of the individual. It is noted that merely legislating the obligation to create jobs for persons with disabilities is an insufficient measure for facilitating the professional and social rehabilitation of individuals. Proposed are appropriate amendments to the legislation on the social protection of persons with disabilities.

Contractual Liability and Compensation for Moral Harm

In Greece, the breach of contractual obligation is in principle disapproved by law, it crea­tes, however, only an obligation for the payment of compensation and not an additional obligation for the restoration of moral harm, because the sole non-performance of the contractual obligations cannot cause moral harm. Consequently, according to the Greek legislator, a possibility for the existence of a relevant pecuniary compensation does not exist. Pecuniary compensation for non-pecuniary damage is exceptio­nally recognized and only in cases defined by law (Art. 299 GCC). For example, it is recognized in the cases of infringement of the personality (Arts. 57, 59 GCC) and of tort, especially for the person who suffered an attack upon his health, honour, or chastity or who was deprived of his liberty (Art. 932 GCC). In case, however, the violation of the contractual obligation constitutes at the same time - and in­dependently from the existence of the contract - a tort, then it is settled case law in Greece that there is concurrence of contractual and delictual obligation. In that case, the provisions of tort (art. 914 ff. GCC) may apply, in which case, provided that moral harm is sustained, compensation for such moral harm may be sought. Deciding, however, whether the violation of the contractual obligation constitutes at the same time - and independently from the existence of the contract - a tort is not always easy. The tendency noted in the international texts aiming at the unification of law in Europe is the res­toration of moral harm also in cases of breach of a contract. For example, art. 9:501 of the Principles of European Contract Law, PECL and art. 7.4.2 of the Unidroit Principles provide for the possibility of the contracting party to request the restoration of non-pecuniary damage in cases of unjustifiable breach of a contract. Thus, the override of the prohibition set in art. 299 GCC attempted by the Greek doctrine and jurisprudence through the provisions about personality protection and the application of art. 932 GCC, where there is concurrence of contractual and delictual liability, is justified and confirms that art. 299 GCC was rightly criticized almost unanimously by the Greek doctrine already since its introduction as against the tradition of Greek Law and due to the non-lenient situations it causes.

Occupational Exposure to Pesticides, Personal Protection, and Willingness to Reduce Chemical Sprayings Among Iranian Greenhouse Farmers

ABSTRACT Objectives The level of greenhouse farmers’ personal protection in pesticide use and the possibility of environmental protection through farmers’ willingness to reduce chemical sprayings were assessed in Khuzestan Province, Iran. Methods A survey of 80 active greenhouse vegetable growers was carried out in 2021 with face-to-face interviews. Willingness to reduce chemical sprayings was examined with the theory of planned behavior (TPB) model. Results Several intoxication symptoms were reported, with the most common symptom of pesticide intoxication being dizziness. Farmers showed unsafe or rather unsafe use of personal protective equipment (PPE) during pesticide handling. The maximum use of PPE pertained to the use of mask, spray clothing, and long-sleeved shirts. On a scale from 1 (= totally disagree) to 5 (= totally agree), the respondents showed negative attitudes towards reducing chemical sprayings (mean = 2.30), rather low levels of subjective norms (mean = 2.67), and rather low levels of perceived behavioral control over reduction of chemical sprayings (mean = 2.76). The TPB variables accounted for 73% of the variance in farmers’ behavioral intention. Overall, farmers’ behavioral intention to reduce chemical sprayings was almost neutral. Conclusion Increasing knowledge of the adverse effects of pesticides on health is necessary to promote safety behavior of farmers in the greenhouse.

Разработка DLP-модуля для защиты персональных данных в распределенной автоматизированной системе

The importance of personal data protection in automated systems is being considered. A study is provided on the development of a software module for protecting confidential information, including personal data, in a distributed automated system. The primary goal of the study: to create is to create software that prevents leaks of confidential information. The developed software module is designed to block the leakage of confidential information through network channels and removable media using a machine learning model with centralized security administrator management. The practical significance: the use of this module in organizations includes ensuring centralized information security management, reducing the risk of confidential data leaks, and supporting the investigation of security incidents. The research can be used as a temporary measure during the period of updating and adapting the system to new realities until a full-fledged protection system is achieved.

Scoping review of the ethical regulations for Alzheimer's Disease and Alzheimer's Disease Related Dementia research in Africa.

We conducted a scoping review to ascertain the landscape of ethics regulations for AD/ADRD research in Africa using Arksey and O'Malley's framework. We sourced regulations from the International Compilation of Human Research Standards. We included regulations from 14 countries published between 1997 and 2020. Provisions in the regulations applicable to research in AD/ADRD were part of broader sub-provisions for research such as with persons under legal disability. Regulations mostly required the appointment of Legally Authorised Representatives, as a major protection for persons with AD/ADRD. Provisions supporting capacity assessment and advance directives were only provided in regulations from five and two countries respectively. No regulation cited the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as a foundational instrument for its provisions. In conclusion, regulations specifically applicable to research among AD/ADRD or other cognitively impaired persons in Africa are scarce and provisions in existing regulations mostly lack specificity for practical implementation.

Personal protection equipment: pockets, perceptions and equity – the untold truth of PPE: a reflexive thematic analysis

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn in a range of industrial environments by women and men alike. However, the majority of PPE is designed around male anthropometrics and the impacts of this on women are largely undocumented. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to develop themes from in-depth interviews with 30 women working in diverse roles in industrial environments, around their experiences of wearing PPE. Four themes developed: ‘There's nothing here for me’; ‘Collateral damage’; ‘Organisational culture and the burden of responsibility’; and ‘Personally protective women’. The findings significantly expand upon previous literature concerning: the reduced range of PPE available for women when compared with men; considerable fit and comfort issues; and physical, day-to-day and health-related consequences. This work evidences the increased PPE-related burden on women, and demonstrates fundamental links between women wearing ill-fitting or inappropriate PPE and their reduced sense of belonging, confidence and morale.

LEGAL REGULATION OF DIGITISING AND OUTSOURCING MEDICAL RECORDS DEPARTMENT IN INDIA

The whole deal with digitizing and outsourcing medical records in India is complicated. You've got a bunch of laws, guidelines, and ethical considerations all playing a role in ensuring data privacy, security, and patient confidentiality are on point. As the healthcare sector embraces digital solutions more and more, moving from old-fashioned paper records to electronic health records (EHRs) has become a big part of managing healthcare. The Information Technology (IT) Act of 2000, along with its updates, lays the groundwork for all the legal stuff surrounding electronic data and how it's kept secure. Then there's the Personal Data Protection Bill of 2019, which hasn't been passed yet but has some pretty comprehensive measures in place to protect personal data, including health info. On top of all that, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has introduced the National Digital Health Mission (NDHM). This aims to create a national digital health system and puts a lot of emphasis on making sure data privacy and security are top-notch. When it comes to outsourcing the management of medical records to outside parties, there's a need to stick to legal standards and international best practices, like the ones laid out by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States. Healthcare providers need to make sure that the folks they outsource to are following confidentiality agreements and data protection protocols. It's all about reducing the risks of data breaches and unauthorized access. The legal framework also requires regular audits, safe data storage solutions, and using fancy encryption technology. To wrap it up, digitizing and outsourcing medical records in India is all about blending existing IT laws, upcoming data protection rules, and specific guidelines for the healthcare industry. The goal is to keep patient data safe while making healthcare more efficient. As the world of digital health data keeps changing, ongoing legal reforms and clear regulatory standards will be important to keep everything in check.

Legal Perspective on Consumer Personal Data Protection in Fintech Services

The development of science and technology has significantly affected the financial transaction system in Indonesia, especially with the emergence of the Fintech business model. The rapid growth of Fintech indicates the need for smart management in order to provide optimal benefits to society. However, the potential misuse of consumers' personal data poses a risk that needs to be considered. This research uses a normative juridical and analytical descriptive approach to understand the legal dynamics in the Fintech industry and legal measures aimed at Safeguarding user data security in Indonesia, in accordance with the provisions of Financial Services Authority Regulation Number 13/Pojk.02/2018. The results show that Fintech business organizers and users have a relationship that is regulated through an electronic agreement. The legal safeguarding of personal data for Fintech user is governed by Financial Services Authority Regulation Number 1/Pojk.07/2013 and other pertinent regulations, addressing aspects such as confidentiality, data security, and the governance and risk management of information technology.

AGRICULTURAL WORKERS AND BURDEN OF MORBIDITY: A COMMUNITY-BASED CROSSSECTIONAL STUDY IN A RURAL BLOCK OF WEST BENGAL

Objective: Agriculture is one of the most hazardous occupations in developing and industrialized countries. Most agricultural workers in developing countries have poor housing conditions and an inadequate diet and are exposed to both general and occupational diseases. The study was undertaken to find out the prevalence of occupational morbidity and its associated risk factors among agricultural workers in a rural Block of West Bengal. Methods: The study was conducted among agriculture workers of Habra Block-I of the state of West Bengal. Multistage random sampling method was followed to select a total of 302 individuals who were distributed among the four villages according to the Probability Proportional to Size (PPS) method. Results: The majority of workers (58.6%) were suffering from nutritional pallor/anemia and dental carries/dental stains were 45.4%. Among other morbidities, 42% of workers were suffering from respiratory morbidity, 26.8% of workers were suffering from cardiovascular diseases, and 26.5% were suffering from hypertension. Duration of work (more than 8 h/day) was significantly associated with morbidity also other covariates such as age, sex, type of family, smoking status, and alcohol consumption had significant effects on morbidity among agriculture workers in both bivariate and multivariable linear regression. Conclusion: This research revealed not only the high prevalence of morbidities among the study population but also the occurrence of a large population with modifiable risk factors such as alcohol consumption, smoking, high load and long duration of work, poor personal hygiene, and non-use of personal protection equipment; the latter, if taken care, will reduce the morbidities of the agriculture workers.

Dynamic changes of neutralizing antibody and memory T cell responses six months post Omicron XBB reinfection.

With the continued prevalence of COVID-19, repeated infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 has become common. However, studies on immune persistence post Omicron XBB reinfection are limited. We prospectively studied the durability and cross-reactivity of neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) and T cell responses among 20 subjects who suffered Omicron BA.5 infection with or without Omicron XBB reinfection over 6-month through the pseudovirus neutralization test and the fluorospot assay. NAbs against EG.5.1, BA.2.86, and JN.1 subvariants were decreased and undetectable at 6-month post Omicron BA.5 infection, while those elicited by Omicron XBB reinfection were significant increased and remained detectable against all detected variants within 6-month. Furthermore, in subjects with Omicron XBB reinfection, memory T cell responses could cross-recognized wild-type and Omicron spike peptides and reached peak at 3-month. Interestingly, comparable robust T cell responses were observed among non-seroconverted subjects post Omicron XBB exposure. Though the NAbs against various emerging Omicron subvariants elicited by Omicron XBB reinfection can persist for at least 6-month, the HCWs should strengthen personal protection and timely be immunized with updated vaccines upon current circulating variants or conserved T epitope.

A Robust Core-Shell Nanofabric with Personal Protection, Health Monitoring and Physical Comfort for Smart Sportswear.

Smart textiles with a high level of personal protection, health monitoring, physical comfort, and wearing durability are highly demanded in clothing for harsh application scenarios, such as modern sportswear. However, seamlessly integrating such a smart clothing system has been a long-sought but challenging goal. Herein, based on coaxial electrospinning techniques, a smart non-woven textile (Smart-NT) integrated with high impact resistance is developed, multisensory functions, and radiative cooling effects. This Smart-NT is comprised of core-shell nanofibers with an ionic conductive polymer sheath and an impact-stiffening polymer core. The soft smart textile, with a thickness of only 800µm, can attenuate over 60% of impact force, sense pressure stimulus with sensitivity up to 201.5 kPa-1, achieve temperature sensing resolution of 0.1°C, and reduce skin temperature by ≈17°C under a solar intensity of 1kWm-2. In addition, the stretchable Smart-NT is highly durable and robust, retaining its multifunction features over 10000 bending and multiple washing cycles. Finally, application scenarios are demonstrated for real-time health monitoring, body protection, and physical comfort of smart sportswear based on Smart-NT for outdoor sports. The strategy opens a new avenue for seamless integration of smart clothing systems.

Fluorine-free biomimetic membranes with leaf vein-like and lotus leaf dual structure for high-performance waterproof and breathable textiles

Intelligent microporous membranes with excellent water resistance and moisture permeability have a huge market demand owing to their wide applications in personal protection, outdoor equipment and wearable electronics. However, the construction of such high-performance waterproof and moisture-permeable membranes (WBMs) based on a simple preparation process without post-coating treatment presents significant challenges. Herein, we present a simple strategy for constructing a fluorine-free polyethylene terephthalate (PET)-based WBM with a novel composite structure by combining a leaf vein-like nanofibrous substrate membrane and lotus leaf-inspired biomimetic nanofibrous skin using multi-needle electrospinning and heat treatment techniques. Surface hydrophobicity, along with the stable crosslinked structure of PET-based membranes, was achieved by in-suit doping of fluorine-free two-component reactive silicone rubber (PDMS). In addition, the small pore size and high porosity of the composite membranes were regulated by co-assembling PET/PDMS fibers and microspheres with different morphologies and structures. The resulting composite membranes based on substrate membrane-1:3 (BNFM-1:3) achieved excellent waterproof performance of 90.3 kPa, good moisture permeability of 5116 g m−2 d−1, and air permeability of 1.82 mm s−1. The WBMs based on novel composite structures are expected to be applied in various fields because of their ideal comprehensive performance.