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Purpose: Dry eye syndrome is a common ocular disease that causes morbidity, high healthcare burden, and decreased quality of life. In this study, we evaluated the beneficial effects of a standardized extract of small black soybean (EYESOY®) in a benzalkonium chloride (BAC)-induced murine model of dry eye. Methods: Experimental dry eye was induced by instillation of 0.02% BAC on the right eye of the Sprague-Dawley rats. Saline solution or EYESOY were administered orally every day for 8 weeks. Results: EYESOY significantly improved tear volume in the cornea compared with that in the BAC group. Moreover, EYESOY inhibited damage to the corneal epithelial cells and lacrimal glands by suppressing the oxidative and inflammatory responses in a mouse dry eye model. It also increased the goblet cell density and mucin integrity in the conjunctiva. Conclusions: Our results suggest that EYESOY has the potential to alleviate dry eye syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to identify fit and comfort issues associated with the case company's body armour and suggest recommendations to mitigate the issues, guided by the integrated three-stage process model for codesign. Thirteen collaborators participated in the codesign practice, including eight company employees (ICs) and five local police officers (ECs). This study adopted one-on-one interviews, focus groups, 3D body scanning and occupational task assessment. In Stage 1, we identified the problems with the existing body armour and areas of improvement based on the inputs from the ICs and ECs. The design solutions for the defined needs were sought in Stage 2. In Stage 3, the final outcomes were validated and approved by the collaborators. The results from this study provided the case company practical guidance to improve the body armour design, and further offer a new means of involving diverse stakeholders' voices and perspectives in the product design and development process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compared error rates during the personal protective equipment (PPE) removal process under different base-layer cooling conditions while performing the doffing procedures. Ten participants were recruited and received training on the standard doffing procedures before participating in the experiments. The participants were randomly assigned to one of the three base-layer conditions and ran on a treadmill for 30 min. Their physiological biometrics were monitored during exercise trials, and error rates were calculated. The results revealed a significant difference in error rates when PPE was worn over base-layer scrubs made of a cooling fabric versus when it was worn over the conventional medical scrubs. Further, there was a strong negative relationship between the body coverage amount with the cooling fabric and error rates occurring during the doffing procedures. Findings suggested practical considerations for the operational monitoring system and improved PPE design to avoid unintentional errors during the doffing procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of personal protective equipment (PPE) on firefighters' perceptions of mobility and their experienced occupational injury risks between China and the USA. Materials and methods. An online survey was conducted and a total of 328 firefighters, including 203 Chinese firefighters and 125 US firefighters, participated in the survey. Results. Both Chinese and US firefighters ranked mobility restriction as the most dissatisfactory characteristic of the current PPE. US firefighters reported the upper body as the most restricted region and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) as the most dissatisfactory item. Chinese firefighters ranked boots as the leading cause of dissatisfaction, but they did not indicate any particular discomfort region. Moreover, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) were the most prevalent occupational injury reported by both Chinese and US firefighters. Restricted mobility while wearing PPE was closely related to the risk of MSDs. Conclusions. The findings suggested that PPE design for US firefighters should consider a balance in the weight distribution of SCBA and the overall interface of turnout gear and equipment. For Chinese firefighters' PPE, flexibility of materials for boots should be emphasized to increase mobility and reduce the risks of MSDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing on ethnographic data from the anti-deportation protest of the Seoul Korean-Chinese Church (SKCC) in 2013, I examine the impact of gender on the mobilization of Korean-Chinese immigrant women in South Korea. Despite legal, economic, and religious differences, these protesters have bonded greatly among themselves, largely because of their immigrant mother identity. As the leaders of their family migration projects, both Christians and non-believers have grown to feel a strong sense of kinship and acknowledge the efficacy of collective action. Emotional protest rituals and the political impact of the activist-clergy have prompted the mobilization and consequent politicization of these largely women demonstrators. Early social movement literature has overlooked the impact of gender identity on women's collective action, while my study shows how gender intersects with diasporic identities, to enable the mobilization of immigrant women for the collective goal of justice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary Objective: Eph/Ephrin signaling is inhibitory for developing axons and blocking Eph pathways enhances regeneration after spinal cord injury. It was hypothesized that inhibition of Eph signaling promotes cellular and behavioral recovery after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Research design: Lateral fluid percussion (LFP) injury was performed on wildtype (WT) and EphA6 knockout (KO) mice. EphA6-Fc, Ephrin-A5-Fc fusion proteins, and sodium orthovanadate were used to alter the signaling pathway. Immunohistochemistry and tissue explants revealed cellular changes. Rotarod tests demonstrated vestibulomotor function. Outcomes: The EphA6 receptor expression is upregulated following LFP. Uninjured EphA6 KO mice exhibit greater neurite density and clustered Ephrin-A5-Fc causes growth cone collapse in vitro. After LFP, EphA6 KO mice demonstrate longer neurites and decreased neuronal cell death and astrocytosis compared to WT mice. Blocking EphA signaling by soluble EphA6-Fc fusion protein reduces cell death and improves motor function following LFP whereas clustered Ephrin-A5-Fc exacerbates cell death and neurodegeneration. Sodium orthovanadate rescues growth cone collapse in vitro as well as cell death and neurodegeneration in vivo. Conclusions: Eph/Ephrin signaling plays an inhibitory role following TBI. Targeting the Eph signaling pathway with Fc fusion proteins and pharmacological agents can be a novel strategy to counter the damaging effects of TBI. Abbreviations: LFP: lateral fluid percussion; TBI: traumatic brain injury; KO: knockout; WT: wildtype; PTP2: protein phosphotyrosine phosphatase 2; Tg: transgenic; YFP: yellow fluorescent protein; ATM: atmospheres; RT-qPCR: Real-time-quantitative PCR; dpi: days post injury; GAPDH: glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase; DAPI: 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole; PBS: phosphate buffered saline; GFAP: glial fibrillary acidic protein; FLJC: fluorojade C; CA: cornu ammonis; SEM: standard error of the mean; ANOVA: analysis of variance; PLSD: posthoc least significant difference [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We identified fit and comfort issues in the hospital patient gown (HPG) that evoke the patients' physical and psychological discomfort caused by wearing an ill-fitting garment. This research inquiry required a holistic perspective to comprehend the research phenomenon from the convoluted individual variance. To achieve the goal, we developed a mixed-methods strategy that consisted of the surveys, 3D body scanning, scenarios activities, and exit interviews, and conducted the study with 85 participants (47 males and 38). The study findings indicated gender and age trends in preferences for clothing fit, anthropometric body dimensions, and perceived discomfort experienced during scenario activities. Exit interviews evinced supplementary insights to the quantitative data. We hope that the findings ofthis study lay useful groundwork for researchers, designers, and manufacturers in exploring and evaluating novel design solutions for a new HPG to serve as many patients as possible for their overall well-being and positive hospitalization experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated US firefighters’ perceptions and lived experiences with their station uniform worn when they were involved in non-fire activities in the public domain. We developed an online survey questionnaire that included close- and open-ended questions, which allowed to obtain both quantitative and qualitative data, and it was administered to 342 US firefighters. The findings of this study demonstrated the phenomenon associated with US firefighters’ appearance and public confusion in non-fire occupational contexts. The narratives collected from the open-ended questions offered in-depth insights into the confused public identity and challenged occupational safety experienced by US firefighters in their work uniform. This study suggested the findings must be carefully examined to improve the public identity of US firefighters by creating a distinctive look of their work uniform, as well as to establish national regulations, to address the increased risks of potential threats in the contemporary workplace for firefighters. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study examined how obese individuals acquire their motivation to undergo weight loss surgery and characterized the motivations within the framework of the self-determination theory (SDT). Participants expecting to have bariatric surgery were recruited and participated in semi-structured interviews. Interview accounts characterized different types of motivation for individuals seeking surgical weight loss treatments on the SDT continuum of relative autonomy. This study demonstrated that the more one's motivation was internally regulated, related to one's personal life and supported for competency, the more personal and hopeful were the anecdotes participants mentioned in accounts, thus the more positive the surgical outcomes were anticipated. Study limitations and future research were discussed as was the need for a systematic scheme to categorize types of motivation within the SDT, a longitudinal approach to measure actual weight loss outcomes based on the patient's presurgical motivation, and a further investigation with a larger sample size and balanced gender ratio. Practical implications of the study findings were also discussed as a novel strategy to internalize bariatric patients' motivation, further helping to improve their long-term quality of life post-surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study highlighted various meanings of physical appearance in obese individuals seeking bariatric surgery. Fourteen US adult patients participated in an in-depth, semi-structured interview that took 45 minutes to 2 hours. Data were transcribed verbatim and transferred into NVivo 10. A coding scheme was developed based on the themes inferred from content analysis. To increase the trustworthiness of data, this study adopted probing and external auditing methods. The interview data discovered values and significances of physical appearance in preoperative bariatric patients, including the signals of obesity stigma in the forms of direct, indirect, and environment, a visible tool to manage the negative social image towards obesity, and an aspirational pathway to a stigma-free life following post-surgical weight loss. The roles of clothing were also examined in the social negotiation processes through appearance management. Taken together, findings of this study contribute to understanding of the patients' negative quality of life that accrue from weight-related social stigmatization and their negotiation strategies, through the lens of physical appearance. Additionally, findings suggest important implications for practice. Study limitations and future research were also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposed an integrative three-stage process model (integrative process model for universal design [IPM-UD]) as guidance for universal design practices, particularly for apparel. The IPM-UD consolidated the universal design principles and the functional–expressive–aesthetic attributes. The model validity was evaluated with an empirical design case of hospital patient apparel. To identify specific user needs, survey data were collected from 173 patients and healthcare providers at 2 large hospitals located in the Midwestern region of the USA, and guided the creative design process. Computer-aided illustration and digital textile printing assisted rapid prototyping of the designed solutions. Prototypes of the patient apparel were evaluated by potential user groups through focus group interviews. The outcome of the empirical design demonstrated potential benefits of the IPM-UD to be a valuable tool for successful practices of inclusive apparel design for users with diverse needs. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study examined the potential of universal design in the field of apparel. The particular purpose of the study was to explore the use of the concept and principles of universal design as guidance for developing innovative design solutions that accommodate 'inclusivity' while maintaining 'individuality' regarding the wearer's aesthetic tastes and functional needs. To verify the applicability of universal design in apparel products, two case studies of design practice were conducted, and the principles of universal design were evaluated through practical applications. This study suggests that universal design provides an effective framework for the apparel design process to achieve flexible and versatile outcomes. However, due to product proximity to the wearer, modification of the original definition and principles of universal design must be considered in applications for apparel design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this research was to identify the key determinants that evoke consumer dissatisfaction with footwear, within the framework of the expectancy-disconfirmation paradigm. Particular attention was directed towards the pre-purchase decision-making factors and post-purchase wearing behaviour. Thirteen participants were recruited through the snowball sampling method and data were collected from in-depth interviews with each participant. This study identified six external variables and three internal factors in the pre-purchase stage that affect consumer expectations for footwear product performance. In the post-purchase stage, results revealed that consumers make a continuous compromise between the ideal and reality and paradigm shifts may occur regarding consumer satisfaction. The findings of this study urge the footwear industry to recognise fundamental issues with the current system of mass production and exploit innovative solutions to provide quality products and services to consumers who are not yet satisfied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the differences in visualisation patterns are related to a viewer's previous training in design appreciation, and whether aesthetic visualisation is trainable in a short term. Forty-three female subjects, consisting of 20 trained and 23 untrained viewers, participated. Twenty fashion images, posed by a male and a female model, were shown on an eye-tracker screen for 10 s each. This study revealed that the trained viewer tended to show longer gaze duration and higher densities of fixations over the image, to be more sensitive to design changes, and to have less random scanning time, than the untrained viewer. Further, this study indicated that repetitive viewing of the same image in a short term was not an effective training mode of aesthetic visualisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the current phenomenon of user-technology negotiation associated with new technology adoption in the apparel and footwear industry. A theoretical framework was proposed as a construct, and a case study was performed to evaluate the proposed framework. In partnership with a world leading footwear company, its newly patented prototyping technology, named the virtual sampling system (VSS), was used to generate empirical data. A web survey was administered to the employees and quantitative analysis was performed to assess the relationships among the study variables. Frequency of use was the most determinant external variable to identify relative social groups to categorise the technology users by the levels of their initial expectation of the technology, satisfaction with training sessions, and evaluations of the company's performance with the use of the technology. Based on the case study findings, a strategy for increasing the efficiency of internal communications was suggested to the participant company. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was performed to evaluate the estimated daily intakes (EDI) of benzoates for the average and high (90th percentile) consumers by age and sex categories in Korea. The estimation of daily intakes of benzoates was based on individual dietary intake data from the National Health and Nutrition Survey in 1998 and on the determination of benzoates in eight food categories. The EDI of benzoates for average consumers of di2erent age groups ranged from 0.009 to 0.025 mg kg[SUP-1] bw day[SUP-1]. For high consumers, the range of EDI of benzoates was 0.195-1.878 mg kg[SUP-1] bw day[SUP-1]. The intakes represented 0.18-0.50% of the acceptable daily intake (ADI) of benzoates for average consumers and 3.9-37.6% of the ADI for high consumers. Foods that contributed most to the daily intakes of benzoates were mixed beverages and soy sauce in Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tactile response is explored through recall of subjects for fabric preferences. Shifts in touch preference may occur in one's experience and require bringing the touch experience to one's awareness. To investigate such shifts in preference, subjects who were studying to be designers taking an introductory design course were asked in an open- ended format to describe fabrics they liked to touch. Responses from 123 subjects were analyzed and the three most frequently listed properties they liked to touch were soft, smooth, and warm. Wool was listed by 41 percent as a fabric they disliked touching. Fabrics associated with shifting touch preferences from dislike to like included wool and cotton. Reasons subjects initially disliked a fabric were specific and included attributes of scratchy, rough, and itchy. Fabric combinations that often pleased included soft with warm and smooth with warm. When subjects reported initially liking or disliking a fabric the shift in preference often occurred because of a change in repeated exposure, focus on some features, discovery of new features or new associated experiences. Touch preference shifts were affected by how the fabric would feel on the body, contextual surroundings, and experiences with family. Such an investigation of tactile response and touch preference helps a designer to think about how to optimize user satisfaction with textile products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]