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Development of hydroentangled nonwoven structures for fashion garments
No full textMaking fabrics for apparel applications through conventional methods such as woven and knitting processes are lengthy and expensive because these processes start from ginning, spinning, weaving and knitting process. For saving the cost and quick response to the apparel market, many researchers and companies are trying to explore the non-conventional methods to produce fabrics for apparel applications by skipping some processing steps during apparel fabrics manufacturing process.For decades, nonwovens are being used as supporting materials in the clothing industry, as such, they are used as fusible interlinings and reinforcements. Since last few years, because of the advancements in the nonwoven technology and materials, innovative nonwoven fabrics have been developed with the acceptable aesthetical properties for fashion garments. The most prominent example of the nonwoven fabric for clothing is “Evolon” produced by Freudenberg Germany.The main aim of this study was to investigate the limitations in the current nonwoven fabrics used for the apparel applications and to realise the functional properties of the fabrics that are suitable for apparel applications.Fabrics for apparel applications, especially for garments, require aesthetical and mechanical properties such as drape, hand feel, flexural rigidity, moisture management, tensile characteristics, thermal characteristics and air permeability. This study aims to develop nonwoven fabrics with enhanced mechanical and aesthetical characteristics by selecting the appropriate materials and nonwoven processes and process parameters.The developed hydroentangled nonwoven fabric was comprised on Tencel® and bicomponent (PE/PET) sheath core staple fibres.In this study, two different processes were employed for the preparation of the nonwoven fabrics for apparel applications. The first process consisted of carding, needlepunching and hydroentanglement. The second process involves carding, preneedling (for tucking of fibres) and hydroentanglement.The prepared fabrics were characterised according to the British Standards (BS 3356:1990, BS 9237:1995, BS 13934-1:1999) and the results were compared with a standard plain-weave cotton woven fabric and also with commercially available nonwoven fabric (Evolon®).The developed hydroentangled nonwoven fabric produced at hydroentanglement energy of 4.44 kJ/kg, showed better drape properties owing to its flexural rigidity of 252 mg cm in MD while the corresponding commercial hydroentangled fabric displayed a value of 1340 mg cm in MD. Tensile strength of the developed hydroentangled fabric showed an approximately 200% increase than that of the commercial hydroentangled fabric. Similarly, the developed hydroentangled fabric showed higher properties in term of air permeability such as developed hydroentangled fabric exhibited 448 mm/sec and Evolon fabric exhibited 69 mm/sec at 100 Pa pressure. Absorbency properties of developed hydroentangled fabric (S14) showed almost 500% higher than the Evolon and 200% higher than the woven fabric, mainly because of the fibre morphology and fabric structure. Developed fabric (S14) showed a maximum “% loss in warmth to touch” that is 541% loss as compared with Evolon 365% and woven 226%. Thus for apparel fabrics, the work combining existing methods of nonwoven production, provides additional benefits in terms of cost, time and also helps in reducing the carbon footprint for the apparel fabric manufacture
Applying curricula design principles to enhance students learning experience via in-class formative assessments
No full textThis research is focused on investigating the application of curricula design theories as means to improve the delivery of materials for Human Resource Management (HRM) subject in HND programmes. Analysis of HRM curricula set an emphasis on the relationship between the materials delivered in educational institutions and employability skills embraced by students required for further progression in academia or industry. The research has shown that students have the tendency to prioritise summative assessments by procrastinating, neglecting and lacking engagement and participation in class which will then negatively reflect upon students’ motivation and achievement levels. Therefore, this research seeks to explore the implications deriving from increasing the in- class formative assessments as part of curricula design in regards to enhancing students’ engagement, commitment and motivation. The author believes that strengthening the formative assessments together with summative assessments will contribute to a better learning experience, thus equip learners with adequate knowledge to assure smooth progression to more challenging academic programmes and/or industry related roles. The methodology of this research will rely on qualitative grounds, applying observations and focus groups as research techniques. Moreover, the data collected will be discussed and analysed embracing an interpretivism approach and elements of reliability and validity are also discussed
Understanding the barriers to virtual student placements in the Semester of Code.
No full textThe Semester of Code initiative organised virtual placements for university students around Europe, working on authentic business problems using open source software. The project was welcomed by stakeholders, and many companies and open source foundations became involved. However, the response from students was disappointing.In this paper we examine the reasons for this, discussing the results of the evaluation work carried out. Finally, we consider the implications of our work for student placements and the Knowledge Alliance European Union programme
Multilevel and 4-leg topology for smart grid inverter
No full textAs the amount of decentralized generation is continuously increasing the control and maintaining of the grid stability becomes more complex. This is caused by the change of production capacities from the high voltage area into the distribution network. In order to ensure the stability of future smart grids a new 4-leg 4-wire inverter as a part of a power electronic regulator is introduced. The features of the 4-leg 4-wire topology in comparison to the 3-leg 4-wire topology and advantages of a multilevel inverter for harmonic compensation are shown. In combination with a powerful FPGA based controller complex algorithms for Space Vector Modulation and for control can be implemented. Finally the actual status of the hardware development including the technical data of the inverter is shown
Demonstration of cluster-based power system automation for future smart grids
No full textThe increase of the share of distributed generations (DGs) based on renewable energy sources, which mostly reside in distribution networks, in current power systems can cause stability problems because traditionally the power is fed by bulk power plants through transmission systems. Accordingly, clustering power system approach (CPSA) has been devised to facilitate the integration of DGs to the power systems. Its key concept is to expand the mature control scheme and action of the transmission systems down to the distribution networks. Furthermore, the CPSA is aimed to be a solution for achieving future smart grids. In this paper, the principle of the CPSA and a strategy for CPSA-based power system operation for smart grids automation are delineated first. Then, a load flow calculation application is introduced for the demonstration of the CPSA-based power system operation. In the demonstration, online load flow calculation is performed under an exemplified interconnected clusters structure
Compassion for others, self-compassion, quality of life and mental well-being measures and their association with compassion fatigue and burnout in student midwives: A quantitative survey
No full textBackground - compassion fatigue and burnout can impact on the performance of midwives, with this quantitative paper exploring the relationship between self-compassion, burnout, compassion fatigue, self-judgement, self-kindness, compassion for others, professional quality of life and well-being of student midwives.Method - a quantitative survey measured relationships using questionnaires: (1) Professional Quality of Life Scale; (2) Self-Compassion Scale; (3) Short Warwick and Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale; (4) Compassion For Others Scale.Participants - a purposive and convenience sample of student midwives (n=103) studying at university participated in the study.Results - just over half of the sample reported above average scores for burnout. The results indicate that student midwives who report higher scores on the self-judgement sub-scale are less compassionate towards both themselves and others, have reduced well-being, and report greater burnout and compassion fatigue. Student midwives who report high on measures of self-compassion and well-being report less compassion fatigue and burnout.Conclusion - student midwives may find benefit from ‘being kinder to self’ in times of suffering, which could potentially help them to prepare for the emotional demands of practice and study.Implications - developing, creating and cultivating environments that foster compassionate care for self and others may play a significant role in helping midwives face the rigours of education and clinical practice during their degree programme
The experience of meaning in circle dance
No full textCircle dance, which derives from the tradition of folk dances, is practised worldwide. This article explores the meanings participants attribute to it.In-depth interviews with 39 participants, teachers and coordinators of teacher training programmes from the circle dance network in the United Kingdom were undertaken. Applying a constructivist grounded theory approach, major categories, representing respectively the experiences of circle dance participants, teachers and coordinators, were developed. This article specifically focuses on the first major category, termed “I can’t imagine life without it”, which relates to the experience of 22 dancers. From an occupational perspective, the study reveals how participants realise a sense of meaning and satisfaction through engagement in circle dance and the potential contribution of this occupation to well-being
Novel flame retardant thermoset resin blends derived from a free-radically cured vinylbenzylated phenolic novolac and an unsaturated polyester for marine composites
No full textA phenolic novolac resin has been chemically reacted with 4-vinylbenzyl chloride to introduce polymerizable vinyl benzyl groups. The modified novolac spontaneously polymerizes like styrene, is physically and chemically compatible with a typical unsaturated polyester (UP) resin, and can be free-radically cured (crosslinked) alone and in mixtures with UP using styrene as a reactive diluent. The cured vinylbenzylated novolac and co-cured blends of it with UP show superior flame retardance to cured UP alone and have potential applications as matrix resins in glass-reinforced composite laminates especially for marine structures
Acing the LLB : capturing your full potential to improve your grades
No full textOften law students don't achieve the results they are capable of, not because of a lack of intellectual ability, but because they haven’t fully understood what is required of them and what they could and should do to achieve higher marks. Acing the LLB will help those students realise their full potential and achieve the very best marks. It explains what lecturers are looking for in a top class answer and is packed with easy-to-follow practical advice that students can use to improve their performance.The author draws upon his own experiences as a lecturer and marker of student work as well as those of colleagues at a range of institutions to offer sound and realistic advice. Engaging, accessible and very readable, this is an ideal guide for anyone starting out on an LLB or for current law students who are looking to improve their grades
