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The postconsumer waste of vulcanized styrene–butadiene rubber (SBRr) is a raw material rich in additives with potential reuse in the plastics processing industry. The present investigation evaluated the effectiveness of styrene–ethylene/butylene–styrene copolymer (SEBS) in the compatibilization of biopolyethylene (BioPE)/SBRr blends. The blends were processed in a twin-screw extruder and injection molded to evaluate the melt flow index (MFI), impact strength, tensile strength, Shore D hardness, thermogravimetry (TG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and heat deflection temperature (HDT). Morphology was studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The BioPE/SBRr/SEBS blend (70/20/10 wt%) showed the lowest MFI, which indicates a higher viscosity and, consequently, higher compatibility that led to increments of 120% and 698.6% on impact strength and elongation at break, respectively, compared to the noncompatibilized system. The reduction in elastic modulus, tensile strength, and Shore D hardness confirmed the increased flexibility of the BioPE/SBRr/SEBS blends. Melting and crystallization properties of the polymer blends were comparable to the BioPE matrix, suggesting that 20 wt% SBRr content did not severely deteriorate the thermal behavior. SEM analysis showed that SEBS induced a morphology with extensive plastic deformation, confirming the high impact strength and elongation at break. BioPE/SBRr blends compatibilized with SEBS offer significant technological potential, indicating that SBRr can be introduced into the productive chain and contribute to sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Epithelial sinonasal cancers (SNC) are rare tumours with recognized associations with known/suspected occupational carcinogens (wood/leather dust, nickel/chromium compounds and formaldehyde). In Italy, a national SNC registry organized as a network of regional registries was established by law in 2008. Aims To describe SNC time trends, occupational exposures and geographical distribution in Lombardy, North-West Italy, based on population registry data (2008–20). Methods The Lombardy SNC Registry records epithelial SNCs using various sources. Interviews to collect occupational history are performed using a standardized questionnaire. Using several standard populations, we calculated yearly crude and age-standardized rates (ASRs per 100,000 person-years). Standardized incidence ratios (SIR) at municipality level were calculated, and Bayesian models were fitted to produce smoothed SIR maps. Results We recorded 827 cases (553 men, 274 women). Crude (world standardized) ASRs were 0.9 (0.4) in men and 0.4 (0.2) in women, with no time trends. Interviews were obtained for 485 (88%) men and 223 (81%) women. Among men, 217 (45%) had been exposed to occupational carcinogens (wood/leather dust: 150/65 cases, 31%/13%), while only 36 women (16%) were exposed. Among 201 men with adenocarcinoma, exposure to wood/leather dust occurred in 103/50 cases (75%/50%). Areas with elevated SIRs associated with leather dust were found in the Western areas. Exposure to wood dust was more widespread. Conclusions This study found a high frequency of occupational exposures (wood and leather dust), particularly in men with SNC. Employment in shoe industries clustered in the Western part, while work in furniture industries was less spatially structured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper considers the role in which women played within religious organisations within the 19th and 20th centuries. Using the Northampton Boot and Shoe industry as a focus, it will explore the philanthropic activities carried out by women connected to the industry, and how they were able to support the local churches. The paper also considers the importance of women's history within a local history study as well as showing women's contribution to society and their local community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global tendency of the contemporary scientific studies is using alternative biologic models as substitutes of experimental animals. HET-CAM (The Hen's Egg Test on the Chorioallantoie Membrane Assay) is an alternative to in vivo tests involving experimental animals. This test is actively used in different biomedical studies. The aim of our work was to study the irritating potential of adhesives used in shoe making industry in experimental setting using the alternative HET-CAM method. Polyurethane, polychloroprene, rubber and styrene-butadiene adhesives that are widely used in shoe-making industry were studied . HET-CAM test was used for the evaluation of the irritating action of the aforementioned adhesives. All adhesives were applied directly onto the chorioallantoic membrane of chick embryos with reactions and changes (hemorrhages, vascular lysis and coagulation) observed and registered in 30, 120 and 300 seconds after the application of the adhesive. Irritating potential of the adhesives was evaluated according to a calculated irritating index. The most pronounced signs of irritating action were caused by polyurethane adhesives, namely hemorrhages and coagulation (30 sec) – two-component adhesive and hemorrhages (30 sec) and coagulation (120-300 sec) – one-component adhesive. Vascular reactions from application of styrene-butadiene adhesives manifested predominantly with lysis and hemorrhages (30 sec), in some samples these reactions were observed at a later time-point (120-300 sec). Irritating action of rubber adhesives manifested mostly with hemorrhages (30 sec), one observation showed lysis (120 sec). Polychloroprene adhesive caused hemorrhages (30-120 sec) and also lysis (30 sec) in one of the samples. According to the irritating index, polyurethane (one- and two-component) and styrene-butadiene adhesives were estimated to be strong irritants, while rubber and polychloroprene ones cause moderate irritating action. НЕТ-САМ test can be used as a component in the evaluation of evidence of irritating action of shoe adhesives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymeric biocomposites based on TPU/recycled TPUW/mixed leather and SBR rubber waste unmodified/modified with polydimethylsiloxane/PE-g-MA in different percentages were made via the mixing technique on a Plasti-Corder Brabender mixer with an internal capacity of 350 cm3. The waste, which came from the shoe industry, was cryogenically ground with the help of a cryogenic cyclone mill at micrometric sizes and different speeds. For the tests, standard plates of 150 × 150 × 2 mm were obtained in a laboratory-scale hydraulic press via the method of compression between its plates, with well-established parameters. The biocomposites were tested physico-mechanically and rheologically (MFI) according to the standards in force on polymer-specific equipment, also via FT-IR spectroscopy and microscopy, as well as via differential scanning calorimetry—DSC. Following the tests carried out, according to the standard for use in the footwear industry, at least two samples present optimal values (of interest) suitable for use in the footwear industry by injection or pressing in forming moulds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In infants and young children, a wide heterogeneity of foot shape is typical. Therefore, children, who are additionally influenced by rapid growth and maturation, are a very special cohort for foot measurements and the footwear industry. The importance of foot measurements for footwear fit, design, as well as clinical applications has been sufficiently described. New measurement techniques (3D foot scanning) allow the assessment of the individual foot shape. However, the validity in comparison to conventional methods remains unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare 3D foot scanning with two established measurement methods (2D digital scanning/manual foot measurements). Methods: Two hundred seventy seven children (125 m / 152 f; mean ± SD: 8.0 ± 1.5yrs; 130.2 ± 10.7cm; 28.0 ± 7.3kg) were included into the study. After collection of basic data (sex, age (yrs), body height (cm), body weight (kg)) geometry of the right foot was measured in static condition (stance) with three different measurement systems (fixed order): manual foot measurement, 2D foot scanning (2D desk scanner) and 3D foot scanning (hand-held 3D scanner). Main outcomes were foot length, foot width (projected; anatomical; instep), heel width and anatomical foot ball breadth. Analysis of variances for dependent samples was applied to test for differences between foot measurement methods (Post-hoc analysis: Tukey-Kramer-Test; α=0.05). Results: Significant differences were found for all outcome measures comparing the three methods (p<0.0001). The span of foot length differences ranged from 3 to 6mm with 2D scans showing the smallest and 3D scans the largest deviations. Foot width measurements in comparison of 3D and 2D scans showed consistently higher values for 3D measurements with the differences ranging from 1mm to 3mm. Conclusions: The findings suggests that when comparing foot data, it is important to consider the differences caused by new measurement methods. Differences of about 0.6cm are relevant when measuring foot length, as this is the difference of a complete shoe size (Parisian point). Hence, correction factors may be required to compare the results of different measurements appropriately. The presented results may have relevance in the field of ergonomics (shoe industry) as well as clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the companies that received positive independent auditor opinion from textile, clothing and leather industry businesses traded in Borsa Istanbul, Profitability ratios for the period of 2017-2021 were analyzed with the TOPSIS analysis method, and it was aimed to rank the enterprises according to the results obtained. The data of the businesses included in the analysis were obtained from the website of the Public Disclosure Platform. According to the findings obtained from the study, it has been determined that the ranking results based on the profitability ratio criteria differ by years. Yataş Mattress and Quilt Industry and Trade Inc. in 2017, 2019 and 2020, Bossa Industrial Enterprises Inc. in 2018 and 2021, were found to be the enterprises with the highest profitability performance by achieving the first place. Derimod Confection Shoe Leather Industry and Trade Inc. in 2019 and 2021, Söktaş Textile Industry and Trade Inc. in 2018 and 2020, were found to be the companies with the lowest profitability by being at the end of the ranking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The working class has been interpreted within various disciplines and conceptual frameworks, some pointing to the gap between the depiction of the working class as a potentially active social force in the neoliberal deregulated global market and its portrayal as a suffering class of the marginal and excluded. In this text, I move behind this dichotomy to explore the everyday experiences of working-class men and women. Based on ethnographic research at the Bata shoe factory in the Czech Republic, I examine the meanings factory workers attach to their working classness. I investigate their sense of place in society in general. I argue that class matters in the workers' perceptions of the self. On the one hand, the workers adopt the awareness of subalternity in relation to the educational and further the labor field that ranks them among the lowest positions. On the other hand, they take individual pride in their endurance of the hard work that shoemaking is believed to be. The committed work and emphasis on collectivity turn the microorganism of the factory into a place of mutual discipline, where the praised collectivity functions also as a tool for enhancing work effectivity, also in the interest of the management. By pointing to the concrete dimensions in which they balance the feelings of pride and shame, belonging, and symbolic displacement, I contribute to the sociological understanding of contemporary working classness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The social change and ideological change movement in modern China promoted the reform of women's footwear, and the concept of women's choice of footwear and wearing them had changed, which was the innovation of the concept of women's footwear. The transformation of traditional women to have an independent personality step by step was reflected from the bow shoes of women with bound feet to the diversification of footwear for women with natural feet, women from the humble era of small feet to fighting for equal status with men, and then to the consumption behavior and methods of women's footwear of different classes. Thus, the process of changing the concept of women's footwear was also deeply engraved with the evolutionary trajectory of modern civilized women. We adopt the research method of comparative demonstration combined with historical documents, compare the attitudes towards women's foot-binding, natural feet, women's social space and women's social behavior in ancient and modern societies, and summarize three directions for the transformation of the concept of women's footwear in modern times including equality, fashion and hygiene. Furthermore, we explore the reasons and impact of the transformation. The following conclusions are drawn: (i) from the perspective of the spatial sequence of concept change, the concept of women's footwear in Shanghai, Tianjin, Guangzhou and other open-minded cities was first innovated, which was accompanied by a series of new social behaviors, and soon the new concept and new behaviors spread to the surrounding urban and rural areas through the flow of people and goods; (ii)from the perspective of the impact of concept change, the shapes of women's shoes were constantly changing, the colors were coordinated and broke the tradition before, and the materials were comfortable and hygienic, which reflected the domestic shoe industry; (iii) from the perspective of women's life practice, women of different classes had different consumption behaviors and ways of footwear, but the standards of pursuing beauty and the goal of modernization were the same, which promoted the progress of new women's lives. The research on the concept of modern women's footwear is an important part of the new trend of clothing in modern times. From the perspective of modern women's footwear reform, we closely combine social reform and ideological change movements, analyze the changes in women's wearing and choosing shoes before and after they put their feet on, and reveal the scientific understanding of new women's footwear. The spread and popularity of this concept have accelerated the modern people's ability to accept new shoe styles and new clothing, and promoted the transformation and development of modern clothing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shoes are one of the important needs for all ages where wearing shoes can directly support the performance of our appearance. purchasing decisions including fashion. At present, changes in people's lifestyles are influenced by fashion and this is what makes the industry movement in the fashion sector more consumptive. In the world of fashion, changes for the sake of changes in style occur continuously like shoe models. The city of Kebumen is one of the places that has a great opportunity to build an imported shoe business because shoe stores that sell imported shoes with quality brands are still rare and not many can be found. So the purpose of this study is to find out the implementation of the PinkShoes shoe company strategy, in maintaining business and solving existing problems from a marketing perspective. In this study the authors used the approach of segmentation, targeting, and positioning. The result of the research is a comparison between the strategic plan and the running of the business. It can be concluded that Pinkshoes in the implementation of business activities is always carried out according to plan, but for results there is still something that needs to be done for adjustments and improvements so that they can compete with others. In implementing Pinkshoes' business activities, it experienced several problems. From the practices that have been carried out by the Pink Shoes shoe business, there has been a change in strategy. This is due to the impact of the Covid 19 pandemic. So this also has an impact on estimated financial statements. Because the changes made adjust to the circumstances and the right strategy so that you don't experience significant losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work deals with the valorization of agro-industrial by-products to realize bonded abrasives. Four by-products were studied because of their wide availability and mechanical properties: palm nuts shells (Elaeis guineensis), Coco Nucifera shells, fruit kernels of Canarium schweinfurthii and fruit kernels of Raffia Vinifera. The Oliver and Pharr hardness and Young’s modulus of the raffia cores are obtained by instrumented macro indentation, giving the values 101 MPa and 1.82 GPa, respectively. The development of the abrasive wheels was based on the experimental method of full factorial design at 2 levels. Porosity, hardness, resilience, material removal rate and wear were determined. Leeb 280 HL hardness shoe sole material was used for tribological testing. The optimal formulations have 20% binder content and 1 mm grain size of the four agro-industrial by-products used with a higher material removal rate and a longer life than commercial grinding wheels. These results presage their use in the shoe industry and abrasive disc huskers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper outlines an overview of recent research advances in different production technologies toward sustainable development of nonwoven naturally sourced materials as alternatives to conventional synthetic laminated and bovine leather in the footwear industry. The current state of the footwear industry as a major stakeholder in the fashion sector is discussed, its footprints on the environment, and key developments from nonwoven natural fibrous materials for different footwear components are highlighted. Lastly, the review discusses recent research innovations of naturally sourced fibrous materials as leather alternatives in the footwear sector with special focus on sustainability and material performance. In addition, challenges and limitations in terms of industrial scalability and market potential are outlined. In conclusion, featuring promising nonwoven natural fibrous leather alternatives obtained via up-cycling of agro-wastes using microbes and fungi may be used in the textile and shoe industries. Since the prepared sheets through simple and cost-effective processes visually resemble conventional leather and demonstrate comparable material and tactile properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the publication of the factory newsletter Čevljar in the company Peko Tržič. The purpose of the factory newsletters was to inform the workers about the company’s operations and other current topics. The article focuses on the content of Čevljar, namely on contributions related to imparting new knowledge and contributions that encouraged employees to pursue formal education. Factory newsletters, which began to be published in this country in the 1960s, over the years upgraded the types of articles and the format but kept their basic structure. The editorial staff of Čevljar followed the content guidelines of publishing factory newsletters, while among the contributions there was a great emphasis on encouraging employees to receive additional formal education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the publication of the factory newsletter Čevljar in the company Peko Tržič. The purpose of the factory newsletters was to inform the workers about the company’s operations and other current topics. The article focuses on the content of Čevljar, namely on contributions related to imparting new knowledge and contributions that encouraged employees to pursue formal education. Factory newsletters, which began to be published in this country in the 1960s, over the years upgraded the types of articles and the format but kept their basic structure. The editorial staff of Čevljar followed the content guidelines of publishing factory newsletters, while among the contributions there was a great emphasis on encouraging employees to receive additional formal education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research was to optimize the process of producing nonwoven fabrics for shoe industry with good hygienic and deformation and strength properties. The task of the research was to study the influence of various types of fibrous raw materials, the content of hydrophilic fibres in the mixture and other technological parameters on the properties of nonwoven thermally bonded materials. Various fibres mixtures have been produced, deformation and strength and functional properties of nonwoven thermally bonded fabrics have been studied, optimal conditions for the production of nonwoven materials for the shoe industry have been experimentally established, mathematical dependencies of the operational properties of nonwoven shoe materials on the technological parameters of production have been determined. It has been established that depending on the material purpose and the requirements put to it, the optimal technological parameters for the production of nonwoven shoe materials are selected for the particular case in order to achieve the best quality indicators of products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the potential hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxic, and hematotoxic effects of simultaneous occupational low-level exposure of shoe workers to a mixture of organic solvents. The study included 16 male and 55 female workers and non-exposed subjects (n = 60) in the control group. Along with a standard sets of hematological, liver enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), bilirubin total, bilirubin direct, blood glucose, urea, and creatinine were analyzed in all participants. Indoor air quality was monitored using a Gasmet Dx − 4000 multi-component analyzer. Despite the concentration levels of individual chemicals in shoe production units were below the permissible limits, the equivalent exposure (Em) values calculated based on the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) and National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) occupational exposure limits were higher than 1. Statistically significant increase of biochemical parameters (aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin) was obtained in exposed workers of both genders compared with controls (p < 0.001). Calculated liver damage risk scores were significantly higher in both females and males compared with controls (p < 0.001). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that direct bilirubin was the most important predictor of organic solvent mixture exposure in the studied group of workers. These results suggest that combined exposure to organic solvents even at low concentrations may lead to hepatotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shoe industry has been continuously growing in recent years. The goal of this study was to identify factors affecting perceived shoe quality among shoe manufacturing workers. A sample of 350 shoe manufacturing workers participated in answering a survey that was distributed using a purposive sampling approach. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) indicated that quality training was the most significant factor on perceived shoe quality, indicating that quality training should be prioritized and included in company programs to sustain quality products. Interestingly, perceived tooling/machinery conditions, teamwork and cooperation, the operator's technical skills, and the operator's quality mindset, also had significant effects on perceived shoe quality. This study is one of the first studies to explore perceived shoe quality among shoe manufacturing workers. The results may convey information for future research on perceived product quality, particularly for the shoe industry. Finally, our framework can be utilized for the enhancement of perceived product quality in shoe manufacturing industries worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the XV century to the beginning of the XX century, many and important works in different genres and subjects were produced in Chagatai Turkish, which was used as the language of culture and civilization in Central Asia. Among these works, works related to professions such as leatherwork, shoemaking, milling, cookery, carpentry and farming are among the remarkable types. These works, which were written in a plain language based on speech rather than literary concern, are important in terms of containing and conveying a lot of information about the vocabulary of Turkish, Turkish culture and the social structure of the society of the period. In this article, a twenty-three-leaf manuscript written in Chagatai Turkish, registered with the name of Risale'i Carwaciliq in Berlin Staatsbibliothek Library number Ms. or. oct. 1658, has been examined in terms of sound and orthographic features, and the work has been transferred through translation and writing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies report the potential of bacterial cellulose (BC) in the fashion and leather industries. This work aimed at the development of BC-based composites containing emulsified acrylated epoxidized soybean oil (AESO) that are polymerized with the redox initiator system hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and L-ascorbic acid and ferrous sulfate as a catalyst. BC was fermented under static culture. The polymerization of the emulsified organic droplets was tested before and after their incorporation into BC by exhaustion. The composites were then finished with an antimicrobial agent (benzalkonium chloride) and dyed. The obtained composites were characterized in terms of wettability, water vapor permeability (WVP), mechanical, thermal and antimicrobial properties. When AESO emulsion was polymerized prior to the exhaustion process, the obtained composites showed higher WVP, tensile strength and thermal stability. Meanwhile, post-exhaustion polymerized AESO conferred the composite higher hydrophobicity and elongation. The composites finished with the antimicrobial agent showed activity against S. aureus. Finally, intense colors were obtained more uniformly when they were incorporated simultaneously with the emulsified AESO with all the dyes tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limited research exists on the potential for leather to act as a fomite of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) or endemic coronaviruses including human coronavirus (HCoV) OC43; this is important for settings such as the shoe manufacturing industry. Antiviral coating of leather hides could limit such risks. This study aimed to investigate the stability and transfer of HCoVOC43 on different leathers, as a surrogate for SARS-CoV-2, and assess the antiviral efficacy of a silver-based leather coating. The stability of HCoV-OC43 (6.6 log10) on patent, full-grain calf, corrected grain finished and nubuck leathers (silver additive-coated and uncoated) was measured by titration on BHK-21 cells. Transfer from leather to cardboard and stainless steel was determined. HCoV-OC43 was detectable for 6 h on patent, 24 h on finished leather and 48 h on calf leather; no infectious virus was recovered from nubuck. HCoV-OC43 transferred from patent, finished and calf leathers onto cardboard and stainless steel up to 2 h post-inoculation (≤3.1–5.5 log10), suggesting that leathers could act as fomites. Silver additive-coated calf and finished leathers were antiviral against HCoV-OC43, with no infectious virus recovered after 2 h and limited transfer to other surfaces. The silver additive could reduce potential indirect transmission of HCoV-OC43 from leather. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Going back to the theoretical framework of the "Economics des conventions" (EC), more specifically the concepts of "quality conventions" and "worlds of production", the article deals with the transformations in shoe manufacture at the transition from the 19th to the 20th century. The advent of inexpensive mass products led to a re-evaluation of shoe quality against the background of a plurality of quality criteria. The focus of the contribution are the Swiss shoe company Bally and the Czechoslovakian rival Bat'a, both of which competed on the Swiss market. The cheap competition from the latter prompted the Swiss state in 1934 to carry out far-reaching economic policy interventions on behalf of the domestic shoe industry. In view of this conflict, the article examines the effects of the new production and management processes on the qualification of employees in both companies. With reference to the EC, qualification comprises the generation and attribution of qualities (competences, attitudes, behaviors etc.) to persons involved in the production process. In addition to processes of selection and training, these also primarily include those of socialisation and acculturation using specific company-owned (social) institutions. These areas of action, but also technologies, objects, buildings, including their architectural design etc., are understood as elements within the production chain that had to be coordinated in the context of specific "worlds of production". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present a robotic workcell for task automation in footwear manufacturing such as sole digitization, glue dispensing, and sole manipulation from different places within the factory plant. We aim to make progress towards shoe industry 4.0. To achieve it, we have implemented a novel sole grasping method, compatible with soles of different shapes, sizes, and materials, by exploiting the particular characteristics of these objects. Our proposal is able to work well with low density point clouds from a single RGBD camera and also with dense point clouds obtained from a laser scanner digitizer. The method computes antipodal grasping points from visual data in both cases and it does not require a previous recognition of sole. It relies on sole contour extraction using concave hulls and measuring the curvature on contour areas. Our method was tested both in a simulated environment and in real conditions of manufacturing at INESCOP facilities, processing 20 soles with different sizes and characteristics. Grasps were performed in two different configurations, obtaining an average score of 97.5% of successful real grasps for soles without heel made with materials of low or medium flexibility. In both cases, the grasping method was tested without carrying out tactile control throughout the task. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Formulation-technological options are offered for production of fiber-filled materials and products for shoe bottom based on use of production wastes. The technologies and the produced materials are analyzed and composition of the material for making shoe soles is determined. The properties of the produced soles are close to the properties of the products currently used in the shoe industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recycling of vulcanized rubber has received intensive attention from the scientific community for many years and yet the disposal of this type of waste remains a subject of major concern. In this study, vulcanized rubber foam waste from the shoe industry is thermo‐mechanically reclaimed through solid‐state shear extrusion (SSSE) with the use of an intermeshing co‐rotating twin‐screw extruder operated at three different temperatures (100 °C, 120 °C and 140 °C). The resulting microstructural, physical and thermal properties are investigated. In addition, compounds based on styrene‐butadiene rubber (SBR) filled with non‐reclaimed and reclaimed rubber foam wastes are compounded in a two‐roll mill and their vulcanization behavior is evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and oscillating disc rheometry (ODR). The crosslinking density and tensile properties of vulcanized hot‐pressed molded compounds are also evaluated. The compounds filled with the reclaimed rubber foam wastes have higher values for the tensile strength and elongation at break compared with the compounds containing the non‐reclaimed waste. The E‐100 modulus remained the same for the different compositions and the best overall performance is achieved for the compound filled with the rubber foam waste reclaimed at 100 °C. This is attributed to the lower crosslink density, which improves the compound homogeneity, as well as the faster revulcanization kinetics of this compound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although he was most commonly regarded as a poet of the rural world, Robert Bloomfield's success as a writer is inextricably linked to the urban and artisanal culture that shaped both his sense of self and others' perception of his work. Initially celebrated as a stand-in for "Giles," the farmer's boy of his first and most successful publication, Bloomfield's status as a ladies' shoemaker at the time of the poem's composition led to the development of a tension between different ways of viewing the author and his achievements. This article brings to light two hitherto neglected works which provide new information about Bloomfield's life prior to achieving fame, and which illuminate his attempts to reconcile his own experience of life with the way in which this was represented and marketed by others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the shoes industry, benzene constitute as one of the source of chemical hazard especially used in the gluing section. This compound is metabolized by the liver, forming free radicals in the body which can ultimately reduce the concentration of glutathione and increased malondialdehyde causing DNA degeneration. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between benzene concentration, excess cancer risk (ECR), malondialdehyde, glutathione, and DNA degeneration among workers in shoes industry in Osowilangun, Surabaya. This is an observational study with a cross-sectional design. The number of research samples was 25 respondents. The average concentration of benzene in workers was above the threshold (10.31 ppm). There were 15 (60%) respondents with ECR >0.0001 who experienced DNA degeneration. There was no relationship between benzene concentration, malondialdehyde, glutathione, and DNA degeneration. However, there was a relationship between benzene ECR, malondialdehyde, glutathione, and DNA degeneration in the shoe industry workers in Osowilangun. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aimed to evaluate the influence of styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS) compatibilizer in the polystyrene blends properties with a recycled styrene–butadiene rubber compound. The SBS content was 5, 7.5, and 10%. Commercial high-impact polystyrene (HIPS) was used for comparison. The results indicated that the viscosity of the blends was higher than that of HIPS. The blends compatibilized with 5 and 7.5% had the same level of impact strength as HIPS, while the one with 10% obtained a gain of 80% in relation to HIPS. The flexural strength, hardness, heat deflection temperature, and Vicat softening temperature properties were similar to those of HIPS, which was attributed to the presence of inorganic fillers, minimizing losses in these properties. By atomic force microscopy, two distinct phases were observed, and in the morphology analyzed through scanning electron microscopy, a typical characteristic of immiscible blends was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper attempts to reconstruct the condition of Jewish crafts in Lublin in the 1930s after the new legal regulations for industry were introduced in 1927 (“The act on industry law”). Crafts in Lublin in this period were ethnically strongly polarized between the two groups. Jews owned 60 percent of all the workshops in the city, while Poles held the rest of the crafts and services. Jewish craftsmen dominated mainly in textile (tailoring) and leather (shoemaking) industries and services like hairdressing or photography. The article focuses primarily on quantitative and statistic aspects of the discussed topic. Jewish craft organizations (craft guilds), supporting institutions (credit institutions for craftsmen) and Jewish personnel of the Lublin Chamber of Crafts are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an intense competition among brands in the sports shoe industry. The established and new brands that try to dominate the market, especially the young generation, are competing. Afterwards, new brands entered the market, which was established by well-established brands such as Adidas and Nike. New Balance brand is the most preferred brand among them. Therefore, it is the main objective to maintain and increase its share by gaining competitive advantage for all brands. Therefore, it is the main objective to maintain and increase its share by gaining competitive advantage for all brands. The aim of this study is to explore the relationships among the brand loyalty antecedents of the consumers who prefer Adidas, Nike and New Balance sports shoes brands and to propose strategies for the companies in the sports shoe sector according to the results obtained. The universe of the research consists of the consumers who live in the city center of Bursa and use sports shoes. The data of the study were collected between March and September 2018.Convenience sampling method was used for collecting the data. A total of 377 questionnaires were obtained The scale of the study was adapted from Karjaluoto et al. (2016), Ünal and Aydın (2013) and Taşkın (2014). According to the results; it was found that the image and trust created by the New Balance brand in the consumer affects the love of the consumer brand more than other brands. When the effects of word of mouth communication and brand love on brand loyalty are examined on the basis of brand preferences; it w as found that t he i nfluence of word of mouth communication and brand love on brand loyalty was more for New Balance brand than other brands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Menstrual disorders is an important indicator to shows the function of the reproductive system disorders. Menstrual disorders may be associated with an increased risk of various diseases such as cervical cancer, breast cancer, infertility and diabetes mellitus. Menstrual disorders is caused by various factors. This study was conducted to analyze the risk of menstrual disorders in women workers in the area of Finishing Factory 1, Shoes Industry, Sidoarjo. This study was an observational study with cross sectional design. Samples were 199 respondents taken from 396 populations that calculated with proportional random sampling with proportion based on work shift (Shift A: 68 workers, Shift B: 65 workers, Shift C: 66 workers). The sample exclusion criteria for this study was pregnant. Data was analyzed by Chi-Square Test and Binary Logistic Regression. There were relationship between nutritional status, age of menarche, usage of contraception, type of contraception and duration of usage contraception with menstrual disorders. Variabel such as job stress was not related with menstrual disorders. The risk factors of menstrual disorders were progestin type contraception (risk: 5.2 times), duration of contraception usage for 12-24 monts (risk: 4.5 times), abnormal nutritional status (risk: 3.8 times),contraception usage (risk: 2.8 times) and abnormal in age at menarche (risk: 1.8 times). Based on overall test, nutritional status, age of menarche, usage of contraception, type of contraception and duration of contraception usage) together affects the occurrence of menstrual disorders but based on partial test, factors of nutritional status, age of menarche, type of contraception and duration of contraception usage were not partialy affects the occurrence of menstrual disorders. Menstrual disorders could occured due to the independent factors that affected together, not partially. It is recommended for women workers at Shoes Industry, Sidoarjo should drink more water, consume foods high in calcium, fruits and vegetables and choose contraceptives which cause menstrual disorders such as non hormonal contraception. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This research aimed at producing malleable, breathable and water impermeable bacterial cellulose‐based nanocomposites, by impregnating bacterial cellulose (BC) membranes with two commercial hydrophobic polymers used in textile finishing, Persoftal MS (polydimethylsiloxane) and Baygard EFN (perfluorocarbon), by an exhaustion process. These hydrophobic products penetrated the BC membranes and adsorbed tightly onto the surface of the nanofibres, across the entire depth of the material, as demonstrated by Scanning Electron Microscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy studies. The water static contact angles, drop absorption over time and vapour permeability values showed that the composites were impermeable to liquid water but permeable to water vapour. The mechanical properties of the BC‐nanocomposites were improved after incorporation of the hydrophobic products, in some of the formulations tested, overall presenting a satisfactory performance. Thus, through a simple and cost‐effective process, hydrophobized, robust, malleable and breathable nanocomposites based on BC were obtained, featuring promising properties for application in the textile and shoe industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to examine the three-dimensional foot shape data and determine foot type's distribution among Chinese children and adolescents. A total of sixteen three-dimensional foot shape variables of 5,069 Chinese children were measured through filming, including 3 girth-related variables, 3 length-related variables, 2 width-related variables, and 8 height-related variables. Cluster analysis was performed to classify these three-dimensional feet data of Chinese children and adolescents into three identified foot types, namely Robust Feet, Slender Feet, and Flat Feet, which differed in terms of length, volume, and arch height. The distribution of the three foot types varied across the different foot length groups. The foot types classification may be used in the design of shoe lasts and in the comfortable footwear manufacturing to minimize error fitting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing on fieldwork investigations of shoe manufacturers in southeastern China, this article provides empirical evidence for understanding these businesses' taxpaying practices. We find that since business taxpayers largely regard tax law as illegitimate, instrumental considerations dominate these taxpayers' decisions to pay or not pay taxes. We then incorporate "structural opportunities for evasion" and "perceived costs of evasion" to develop a two‐by‐two matrix to understand the following types of behavior: aggressive evasion, obliged compliance, strategic compliance, and reciprocal compliance. We argue that this matrix explains why value added tax fraud is widespread in China while voluntary compliance is rare. It also helps to illuminate compliance more generally in developing economies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The footwear has an important role in human life from the past to the present due to its ability to protect the human foot and provide comfortable walking. In time, different nations have created their own national shoes, and these national shoes have varied and changed in accordance with the relevant climate and geographic conditions. In the Bulgarian people, the production of its own shoes has gained momentum since the 17th century. Footwear industry in Bulgaria was been formed as sector and good developed due to time of national government from 1947-1980 years. Then after the revolution in 1990 year the factories were privatized. The aim of this study is to investigate the structure of shoes designed in Bulgarian geography in terms of aesthetics and comfort in the historical process and the status of the shoe industry since 2000s to the present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A significant number of shoes and shoe parts were recovered during the Illinois State Archaeological Survey's excavations in East St. Louis for the Illinois Department of Transportation as part of the New Mississippi River Bridge Project (NMRB). The breadth and range of shoe styles in the NMRB collection are indicative of identity, gender, and occupation, as well as local consumption patterns. These topics are illuminated by examining construction methods (soles), style (uppers), and shoe size. This article explores the different types of styles and constructions represented in the NMRB shoe assemblage. One household lot--125 St. Clair Avenue—produced an exceptionally comprehensive sample that contains nearly all shoe-construction types present in the wider assemblage. This sample is discussed in light of developments in the shoe industry, the repair and maintenance of shoes, and the age and gender of the occupants at 125 St. Clair Avenue. Preferences for shoe style and particular shoe-construction types are also considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the integration of a robotic system in a human-centered environment, as it can be found in the shoe manufacturing industry. Fashion footwear is nowadays mainly handcrafted due to the big amount of small production tasks. Therefore, the introduction of intelligent robotic systems in this industry may contribute to automate and improve the manual production steps, such us polishing, cleaning, packaging, and visual inspection. Due to the high complexity of the manual tasks in shoe production, cooperative robotic systems (which can work in collaboration with humans) are required. Thus, the focus of the robot lays on grasping, collision detection, and avoidance, as well as on considering the human intervention to supervise the work being performed. For this research, the robot has been equipped with a Kinect camera and a wrist force/ torque sensor so that it is able to detect human interaction and the dynamic environment in order to modify the robot's behavior. To illustrate the applicability of the proposed approach, this work presents the experimental results obtained for two actual platforms, which are located at different research laboratories, that share similarities in their morphology, sensor equipment and actuation system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports on the economic sanctions imposed by the U. S. against Burma to pressure the military junta to release pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Impact of the sanction on garment and shoe factories of Burma; Exclusions covered by the sanctions; Effect of the sanction on Burma's economic relation with China.

In April 2014, approximately 40,000 workers stalled production at Yue Yuen (YY) Gaobu, a shoemaker, in Guangdong, China. We identify three reasons for the strike: First, China’s rise is leading to a wave of capital relocation to lower wage countries. Accordingly, YY Gaobu faces increasing pressure, which contributes to a deterioration of working conditions to save costs. Second, the Chinese Communist Party’s anti-corruption campaign is creating new spaces for YY workers to push their demands. Third, there are increased worker protests regarding social insurance payments. Therefore, the strike is paradigmatic, because class composition (middle-aged migrant workers) and demands (social insurance) differ from earlier conflicts. Drawing on the theoretical framework of World-Systems Analysis and in-depth field research, we conclude that the strike will have a lasting effect on Chinese labour relations, because of its focus on social insurance. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This article discusses the phenomenon of self-employment in Cuba from three perspectives: its conceptualisation, its links with informality and the challenges to its growth. First, it reviews the characteristics of self-employment in Cuba, in comparison with available theory and with various studies of informality carried out in other countries. Second, it documents the dimensions of informality and Cuba’s black market economy through the study of a specific sector of the independent labour force: shoe producers. Third, it considers the main challenges for the growth of self-employment in Cuba, as illustrated by the case of Cuban shoemakers, and draws some lessons that should improve the situation of this sector, taking into account different international studies. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background and aims: Sinonasal cancers (SNCs) are rare neoplasms, accounting for about 3 % of head and neck cancers, with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenocarcinoma (ADC) as the most common subtypes. ADCs present strong associations with occupational wood dust exposure. Preventive measures have progressively reduced wood dust concentrations in workplaces but no study has evaluated the effectiveness of such interventions. Few studies indicate associations between ADC and exposure to solvents, which is common in the shoe industry, but this hypothesis still needs confirmation. Methods: In a case-case study, we contrasted 32 ADCs against 21 Non-Adenocarcinoma Epithelial Tumors (NAETs) -- all recruited from the same clinical setting (Padua's University Hospital; period 2004-2015) -- using questionnaires and clinical records to collect information on potential predictors. Non-occupational factors were age, sex, smoking, allergy and chronic sinusitis. Occupational factors were intensity and frequency of wood dust exposure, protection from wood dust, type of wood (in woodworking); frequency of exposure to leather dust or mastic/solvent (in shoemaking). Odds-ratio (OR), 95 % confidence interval (95 % CI) and two-tail p-values were obtained through stepwise backward logistic regression for each industry, always using as reference patients never employed in either trade and adjusting for non-occupational risk factors. Results: Adjusted OR was 22.5 (95 % CI = 3.50-144; p = 0.001) and 9.37 (95 % CI = 1.29-67.6; p = 0.026), respectively, in patients with low or high degree of protection against wood dust. In the shoe industry, adjusted OR was 1 and 18.8 (95 % CI = 1.29-174; p = 0.030), respectively, in patients with low or high exposure to only mastic/solvent; and 1 and 22.5 (95 % CI = 2.07-244; p = 0.011), respectively, in patients with low or high exposure to only leather dust. Discussion and conclusions: The questionnaire used was able to estimate with simple algorithms past exposures in wood and footwear industries. The case-case design considerably increased the validity of this small study. Results in this study were always consistent with the extant literature; this could support reliability of novel findings. In woodworking, respiratory protective equipment and local exhaust ventilation reduced the risk of occupational SNC; in footwear manufacture, where preventive interventions were seldom adopted, SNC risk was significantly greater for high exposure from mastic/solvent and leather dust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]