Comfort evaluation of maternity support garments in a wear trial

This study aims to evaluate the wear comfort of eight commercially available maternity support garments. The thermophysiological, sensory/tactile and movement comfort were assessed in a wear trial using a 19-item questionnaire. Fourteen pregnant Chinese women aged 32.3 ± 4.2 years were recruited from a local obstetric clinic. The results show that the tested garments generally provided greater sensory comfort than thermophysiological comfort. The thermophysiological comfort was mainly influenced by the fibre contents and breathability. Significant linear relationships were found between material appearance and hand feel (r = 0.86, p < 0.001), and between non-itchiness and no red mark (r = 0.78, p < 0.001). Movement comfort was influenced by the garment type and style features. Overall, the soft, good-fit, cotton/elastane maternity brief was perceived as the best product. The findings of comfort needs in pregnant women and the effects of various garment attributes would be helpful for the development of maternity support garment design criteria that are required to satisfy critical ergonomic needs. Low back pain during pregnancy is a common and significant health problem. A maternity support garment is regarded as a convenient and safe device to stabilise the lumbar spine so as to relieve pain. However, patient compliance is likely to be affected by discomfort and inconvenience. The results of this study provide guidance for the optimal design of maternity support clothing.     

Comfort effects of a new car headrest with neck support

This paper describes the design of a neck-/headrest to increase car comfort. Two studies were undertaken to create a new comfortable headrest with neck support. In experiment one, neck- and headrest data were gathered using 35 test subjects. The pressure distribution, stiffness of the foam material and position of the head and neck support were determined. In experiment two a full adjustable final headrest with adjustable neck support was constructed and tested with 12 subjects using a new adjustable headrest under virtual reality driving conditions. Experiment two showed that the headrest with the new/adjustable neck support was favoured by the majority of the subjects. 83% were satisfied with the stiffness of the material. 92% were satisfied with the size of the neck- and headrest. All subjects mentioned that the neck support is a comfort benefit in calm traffic conditions or on the motorway.     

商业智能在服装企业供应链管理中的应用

"高库存、高缺货"并存是当前服装企业亟需解决的难题,而传统的预测型供应链运作模式是造成该难题的根源。为了改变这种模式,引进拉式补货及库存动态缓冲管理(buffer management,BM)的方法,并提出运用商业智能(BI)技术构建相应的决策支持系统。通过阐述对BI技术的应用过程,给出了该信息系统的实现过程及基本框架。系统运行一段时间后的相关数据显示,在库存水平显著下降的同时,终端销售有明显上升,验证了该方法及信息系统的可行性。     

Comfort evaluation of hearing protection

Hearing protection is very important for workers in noisy work environments, although the willingness of workers to wear hearing protectors depends heavily on their comfort. This paper evaluates and recommends improvements for the comfort of hearing protection. Workers’ experience and comfort needs for hearing protection were investigated through a questionnaire that established the “comfort indices” for hearing protection. An earmuff “comfort tester” was designed to measure the comfort indices, and an experiment was conducted to measure workers’ perceived comfort into quantitative data. From the data, the range of these comfort indices in which workers will feel comfortable was determined. Finally, guidelines to improve the design of current hearing protection based on these “comfort indices” are proposed, which may help increase workers’ willingness to wear hearing protection.

Relevance to industry

Using these proposed guidelines may help improve the comfort of hearing protection and increase workers’ willingness to wear hearing protection in noisy work environments.     

Development and evaluation of a just-in-time support system

OBJECTIVE: To lay the foundation for a framework of just-in-time support (JITS) for novices dealing with urgent, unfamiliar tasks, and to evaluate a JITS system. BACKGROUND: More than 350,000 people die annually of cardiac arrest in the United States. In response, automated defibrillators are advocated that, unfortunately, do not provide important respiratory support. This paper presents elements of a framework for a JITS system that instructs a lay responder to follow a treatment protocol for integrating respiratory support with the use of an automatic external defibrillator. METHOD: We simulated a medical emergency using a high-fidelity patient simulator and asked participants to care for the patient. Results: When using a paper-based NASA treatment protocol, participants made more errors and took longer to stabilize the injured person than when using the JITS system. CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate the benefit of a JITS system to instruct novices in unfamiliar tasks. APPLICATION: The JITS system has the potential to improve the treatment outcome of victims of cardiac arrest. The JITS framework can be applied to many situations in which novices deal with urgent tasks without expertise available.     

Learners' evaluation of a navigation support tool in distance education

Abstract   This article investigates the usability of a navigation support tool, which guides learners by generating advice on the next best step to take in a self-study e-learning course. The article draws on log data and responses from online questionnaires to provide insights into learners' evaluation of the tool, their adherence to the advice and their expectations of self-efficacy. The theoretical underpinnings of the work are described together with the experimental set-up. Results show that more than half of the learners in the experimental group adhered to the advice and held the opinion that the advice stimulated them to proceed with the course. Learners expressed a need to know what the advice was based on which can be seen as an essential element in future development of the tool.     

Using a toolkit to support the evaluation of learning

Abstract Many resources have been developed to support particular evaluation methodologies. However, the more complex problems of helping academics decide which methodology best suits their needs and then create a plan that will allow them to implement this remain largely unaddressed. In this paper, a toolkit is described that attempts to tackle these problems. A two-part evaluation of the toolkit's impact is then presented, which demonstrates that this approach does enhance design, supports reflection and prompts users to consider the most appropriate, not just the most familiar, approach to evaluation.     

Design and evaluation of a decision support system in a water balance application

Visualization has become a vital tool for representing the results of scientific models in decision support applications. Both the raw data and the models from which these visualizations are derived usually have considerable uncertainty associated with them. Decision-makers are typically presented with results from these models with little or no insight as to the reliability of the information shown. For effective decisions to be made, a decision support system should allow collaborative participation from scientists and decision-makers, and it should display the locations, magnitudes, and sources of uncertainty in the results. This research work discusses a software application for visualizing the results of a water balance model and its associated uncertainty. The effectiveness of the application and its visual presentation methods were incrementally tested and improved through usability engineering principles.     

Clothing fasteners for long-term-care patients: evaluation of standard closures and prototypes on test garments

For the elderly long-term-care patient it is of great psychological and practical importance to be able to dress and undress without assistance. However, the design and position of clothing fasteners often lead to a restriction of the functional capacity of the patient. The aim of this study was to facilitate a more independent daily life for long-term care patients. New fasteners were developed in accordance with a user-oriented product development process where a detailed knowledge of the final users and their capacity and limitations, problems, needs and wishes form the basis for further development. In an initial experimental study (I) the practical use of different standard clothing fasteners (button, hook and eye, nylon pressure tape and zipper) was evaluated. Different fasteners and positions are favourable to different patient groups. Wrist angle in different hand positions is crucial for the function of fasteners for persons with reduced hand function. User demands on clothing fasteners were specified and prototypes developed. In a subsequent study (II) an adapted oval button and a 'finger strap' alternative to hook-and-eye were designed and evaluated, together with a standard button. The oval button in combination with a vertical buttonhole improved the function for most patients, and the front position for the fasteners was superior to a diagonal or lateral position on the chest. The finger strap was of advantage to patients with hemiplegia and joint complaints but was difficult for many of the subjects to understand, being a technical innovation.     

Detailed wrinkle generation of virtual garments from a single image

The presence of proper wrinkles is important while modeling realistic virtual garments. Unlike previously used full 3D information methods, our approach achieves detailed garment generation from a single image. First, we retrieve a garment image similar to the initial virtual garment based on content-based image retrieval (CBIR) method. Then, we preprocess the image with a combination of human body reshaping, image segmentation and shape recovery, to obtain the 3D wrinkle details. Finally, the garment height are synthesized into the virtual garment. For better suit the posture of the human body, excess garment energy are released to remove the unmatched wrinkles. We apply our method to various styles of virtual garments, and it enable virtual characters in general pose to be dressed in these garments and complete wrinkle generation. Compared with existing garment modeling methods, the experimental results show that the proposed method could quickly capture the realistic wrinkles of virtual garments with less manual operation and achieve more realistic wrinkles for virtual garments.

     

基于粒子群优化LS-SVM的车刀磨损量识别技术研究

刀具的磨损状态直接影响产品加工质量、成本和效率,对刀具磨损量的实时监测识别具有重要意义。针对刀具磨损状态先验样本少和常规神经网络识别模型收敛速度慢、易陷入局部极小值等问题,提出了基于最小二乘支持向量机（LS-SVM）的刀具磨损识别方法,并针对支持向量机的惩罚因子和核参数对模型识别精度影响较大的问题,提出一种根据个体适应度来调整惯性权重的自适应粒子群算法进行自动参数寻优。以车削加工为研究对象,采集加工过程中的切削力信号,应用小波包分析技术提取反映刀具磨损状态的特征信息作为识别模型的输入,然后利用训练好的自适应粒子群算法优化后的LS-SVM识别模型进行刀具磨损量识别。实验结果表明,该自适应粒子群优化算法比标准粒子群优化算法参数寻优能力更强;粒子群优化LS-SVM模型能高效地实现刀具磨损量识别,与BP神经网络相比具有更高的精度,且所需样本数较少,训练速度更快。     

Development of decision support knowledge based system for tool wear diagnosis

This paper deals with the problems faced by small and medium sized metal cutting industries, with the perspective of tool monitoring. In a small or medium size metal cutting industry employing major metal cutting process, one of the primary problem is that of tool monitoring and wear diagnosis. The problem is of immediate concern especially in those industries where the processes or operations employed are flexible and production depends entirely on orders from customers. Due to a flexible manufacturing setup, almost all major metal cutting processers need to be carried out. However, it becomes increasingly difficult for such small or medium size metal cutting industries to employ skilled manpower for each operation as well as expert technicians to supervise the operation, and carry out fault diagnosis and tool monitoring. Also, the problem associated with tool monitoring is that human operator carrying out the monitoring has to rely either on observation such as ceasing of tool, rise in temperature, generation of fumes, noisy operation, vibrations, considerable change in shape etc, or by monitoring the quality of the finished product. Also, there can be instances where the operator does notice a symptom but does not have the expertise to identify the cause of the trouble. Errors in tool monitoring can lead to considerable damage both to the machine as well as the workpiece. On the other hand, if the tool is replaced before it reaches its useful life expectancy, it leads to unnecessary additional cost. A Decision Support Knowledge Based System (DSKBS) has therefore been developed in this paper with the above considerations. The DSKBS provides the user with a friendly environment to diagnose a particular tool wear and obtain the necessary repair or replacement instructions. The goal is to increase productivity, decrease cost of operation and enhance total quality and reliability of the operation.     

Field evaluation of a prototype laser safety decision support system

A field evaluation of a decision support system prototype is described. The system is designed to aid the decision making of laser safety hazard assessors and laser manufacturers. The aims of the evaluation were to establish the usefulness and usability of the system, and to indicate where design changes might be needed. Three complementary methods namely observation evaluation, expert evaluation, and survey evaluation were used. Fifteen laser safety hazard assessors took part in the evaluation as subjects. Objective and subjective data were analysed and areas of user difficulty with the system were identified. The system was well-received although some pointers to modification for the eventual delivery system were identified. It is concluded that the aims of the evaluation were successfully met.     

A study on wear evaluation of railway wheels based on multibody dynamics and wear computation

The wear evolution of railway wheels is a very important issue in railway engineering. In the past, the reprofiling intervals of railway vehicle steel wheels have been scheduled according to designers’ experience. Today, more reliable and accurate tools in predicting wheel wear evolution and wheelset lifetime can be used in order to achieve economical and safety benefits. In this work, a computational tool that is able to predict the evolution of the wheel profiles for a given railway system, as a function of the distance run, is presented. The strategy adopted consists of using a commercial multibody software to study the railway dynamic problem and a purpose-built code for managing its pre- and post-processing data in order to compute the wear. The tool is applied here to realistic operation scenarios in order to assess the effect of some service conditions on the wheel wear progression.     

An evaluation of User-Level Failure Mitigation support in MPI

As the scale of computing platforms becomes increasingly extreme, the requirements for application fault tolerance are increasing as well. Techniques to address this problem by improving the resilience of algorithms have been developed, but they currently receive no support from the programming model, and without such support, they are bound to fail. This paper discusses the failure-free overhead and recovery impact of the user-level failure mitigation proposal presented in the MPI Forum. Experiments demonstrate that fault-aware MPI has little or no impact on performance for a range of applications, and produces satisfactory recovery times when there are failures.     

The evaluation of managerial support systems in German companies

The development and evaluation processes of managerial support systems were studied in a survey of German companies. This paper concentrates on influences between variables within the evaluation process and external factors. Within the evaluation process, there was only weak evidence of the relationship between evaluation criteria and methods often postulated in the theoretical literature. In contrast, there were several strong influences from external factors. Interdependencies exist between the type of system (management information system vs decision support system) and the criteria used for evaluation. There is also a strong influence from the initiators of the system on criteria, especially when systems are initiated by functional departments rather than top management. Further connections were established between characteristics of the development process and evaluation methods.     

Involving users in the design and usability evaluation of a clinical decision support system

AIM: To design and evaluate a clinical decision support system (CDSS) to support cardiovascular risk prevention in type 2 diabetes. METHODS: A preliminary requirements specification and three prototype CDSS interface designs were developed. Seven patients and seven clinicians conducted 'usability tests' on five different task scenarios with the CDSS prototypes to test its effectiveness, efficiency and 'user-friendliness'. Structured, qualitative questions explored their preferences for the different designs and overall impressions of clinical usefulness. RESULTS: Patients and clinicians were enthusiastic about the CDSS and used it confidently after a short learning period. Some patients had difficulty interpreting clinical data, but most were keen to see the CDSS used to help them understand their diabetes, provided a clinician explained their results. Clinicians' main concern was that the CDSS would increase consultation times. Changes suggested by users were incorporated into the final interface design. CONCLUSION: We have successfully incorporated patients' and clinicians' views into the design of a CDSS, but it was an arduous process.     

Development of a decision support system for supplier evaluation and order allocation

This study aims to develop models and generate a decision support system (DSS) for the improvement of supplier evaluation and order allocation decisions in a supply chain. Supplier evaluation and order allocation are complex, multi criteria decisions. Initially, an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) model is developed for qualitative and quantitative evaluation of suppliers. Based on these evaluations, a goal programming (GP) model is developed for order allocation among suppliers. The models are integrated into a DSS that provides a dynamic, flexible and fast decision making environment. The DSS environment is tested at the purchasing department of a manufacturer and feedbacks are obtained.     

Implementation and evaluation of a decision support system for type II diabetes

A decision support system for the management of oral hypoglycaemic therapy in type II diabetes was evaluated. The ruleset contained therein forms the basis of a prototype computer programme, but in order to assess the robustness of the individual rules, it was decided it was necessary to use a paper-based form of the ruleset. A nurse with no previous experience of managing type II diabetes was trained to use the system and then undertook the exclusive management of half of all new type II diabetics, from a district population of 300 000, over a 16-month period. General practices within this area were divided into two groups, study and control, matching for size, geographical area and standards of existing diabetes care. Patients (n = 102) from the study group practices were then assigned to her care. Those patients (n = 116) in the control group of practices were treated according to their normal procedures. The decision support system for oral hypoglycaemic therapy was based on the following criteria: the current type of treatment (six levels); current glycaemic control (HbA₁ and FBS) — whether improving, steady or worsening; and weight — %IBW, whether rising, steady or falling. Each of these parameters was carefully defined on the basis of established practice and clinical experience. Patients after initial education were seen at their usual clinic by the nurse only, on a monthly basis, until satisfactory glycaemic control was established and thereafter reviewed 3 monthly. She was also responsible for ensuring the organisation of Diabetes Annual Review procedures. The medical records of the control group patients were examined at the end of the study and data on glycaemic control and Annual Reviews extracted. In the study group 98% patients achieved HbA₁ levels within the normal range and all patients had full annual reviews performed. The control practices achieved much poorer degrees of metabolic control (P < 0.01) and completed fewer annual reviews. The study group did not demonstrate a significantly increased frequency of clinical hypoglycaemia consequent upon better blood sugar control. No exceptions to the ruleset, as initially defined, were detected. In conclusion, this decision support system was successful at achieving standards of diabetes control and care equal to or better than conventional structures of diabetes care. Implementation of such a system, on a simple computer platform, could greatly assist and possibly improve diabetes management in general practice.     

团队创新中主意识别及评价支持系统设计研究*

利用团队进行知识创新成为企业生存发展的关键,然而目前缺乏有效的方法来识别评价团队创新中产生的大量的主意.针对这个问题,研究并开发了团队创新中的主意识别及评价支持系统,通过知识处理、知识的自动排序、进行电子会议以及专家评价等模块来支持创新团队进行主意识别及评价.