Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Glove performance'

Thesis: S.M., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, May, 2020
Cataloged from student-submitted PDF of thesis.
Includes bibliographical references (pages 90-98).
As the number of suited operations per mission increases with exploration beyond low Earth orbit (LEO), it is essential that crewmembers conduct suited activities in a manner that enables acceptable performance and minimizes the risk of injury. Currently, knowledge gaps exist in how to dene optimal suit t, how to more effectively incorporate fit into the suit design process, and how fit is related to performance. While it is understood that fit influences suited performance, the relationship between fit and performance has not been quantified. This research effort investigates the effects of spacesuit glove fit on tactile, dexterous, cognitive, and technical flight performance. This study adapted functional performance tasks from the literature and developed novel tasks to assess performance. Through these tasks, the hypothesis that static t (as derived from glove and human anthropometry dimensions) is related to performance in spacesuit glove was evaluated.
Subjects wore prototype gloves, developed by David Clark Company, Incorporated (DCCI). These gloves are similar to the DCCI Orion Crew Survival System intravehicular activity (IVA) gloves that will be utilized on NASA's Orion spacecraft. Participants completed a battery of functional assessment tasks in a glovebox vacuum chamber (4.3 psid). The subject's prescribed fit within the DCCI glove sizing scheme specfic to this design was determined using their anthropometry. The subjects then conducted the tasks in gloves one size below their prescribed fit, their prescribed fit size, and gloves one size larger than their prescribed t in both a pressurized and unpressurized state. To evaluate general tactility, blindfolded subjects attempted to detect bumps of dierent widths (0.59 in, 0.39 in, 0.20 in) and heights (0.05 in, 0.20 in,0.39 in) while the correct detection was recorded. An operationally-relevant tactility task was also designed.
A mock spacecraft control panel was created in consultation with subject matter experts and designed to NASA specification. Blindfolded subjects then actuated a pre-defined sequence of these controls on the switchboard. The accuracy and completion time of the sequence was recorded. To evaluate general dexterity, subjects completed a pegboard task, which required moving and rotating pegs between locations on the board. Dexterity was also measured using a functional tool task where subjects attached and detached an extravehicular activity (EVA) tether hook to fixtures designed to NASA specification. For both dexterity tasks completion time was recorded. The Draper real-time performance metrics workstation lunar landing simulator was used to assess technical flight performance and mental workload (through a secondary task response time measure).
It was found that direct measures of static fit derived from hand length and glove length had a signicant relationship to performance on the switchboard tactility task. Additionally, it was found that in the unpressurized case, subjects performed significantly better on the switchboard task when wearing the glove size larger than the prescribed fit as compared to small and prescribed fit. No consistent signicant relationships with respect to glove sizing were found for the dexterity tasks or the the lunar landing simulator task. This study also rearms tactile and dexterous performance decreases with a spacesuit glove pressurization, with tactile performance also decreasing with the addition of unpressurized gloves over barehanded conditions.
by Seamus Lombardo.
S.M.
S.M. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics

The hand is one of the most complex of all of the anatomical structures in the human body. It has been found that hand injuries are among the most frequent injuries that occur to the body, predominantly during industrial activities. It has therefore been concluded that more research is needed into protective factors, such as glove use. The design features of a glove emphasise either protection or performance. There is often a trade-off between increased safety and performance capability when donning gloves. It has been determined that gloves which are fitted and comfortable for the worker may provide the best compromise between protective functions and decreased performance. This investigation aimed to assess the influence of glove fit on the performance attributes of industrial tasks, as well as on the responses of the human operator. Glove fit was analysed as 35 male participants donned three different glove sizes during each test, including a best-fitting glove, a glove one size smaller than best-fitting, and a glove one size larger than best-fitting. For each glove size, gloves of two differing materials were tested, namely nitrile and neoprene. A barehanded condition was also tested, totalling seven gloved/barehanded conditions for each test. The seven conditions were assessed in a laboratory setting in a battery of tests. This consisted of components of task performance, including maximum pulling and pushing force, maximum torque, precision of force, tactility, speed and accuracy and dexterity. The performance responses were recorded, as well as participants’ perceptual responses using the Rating of Perceived Exertion scale, and muscle activity. Six muscles were selected: Flexor Digitorum Superficialis, Flexor Pollicus Longus, Extensor Carpi Ulnaris, Extensor Carpi Radialis, Flexor Carpi Ulnaris and Flexor Carpi Radialis. The results revealed that glove fit does affect certain spects of performance, and influences human operator responses for selected task components. Furthermore, discrepancies were distinguished between orking barehanded and working with an optimally fitted glove. There was also a glove material effect established. Overall, it was found that muscle activity when exerting maximum force in a pushing and pulling direction was optimal with the nitrile glove material. Maximum torque performance was enhanced with the use of a best-fitting glove, as compared with an ill-fitting glove or barehanded work. Force precision was preferable when barehanded, as opposed to the tactility task which rendered optimal results with a best-fitting glove. The same was found for speed and accuracy results, as glove fit appeared to have no effect on performance, but performance was improved when participants were barehanded. Dexterity performance was the most conclusively influenced by the conditions, resulting in barehanded performance being optimal. However, should a glove be necessary for a given task, an optimally-fitted glove which is of a thinner material would be recommended. It is necessary to distinguish the performance components of a task within industry and select the most appropriate glove for optimal performance and the least risk of overexertion.

A need for a more scientific approach to medical glove design, which incorporated performance requirements such as dexterity and tactility, was identified from discussions with manufacturers and a review of relevant literature. Based on the results of a review of existing test methods and interviews with a wide range of practitioners, a number of existing tests were identified for development and a number of new tests were proposed. The test apparatus and methods were designed, refined and validated with small groups of participants, allowing recommendations to be made for a battery of realistic, repeatable tests by which medical glove performance can be comprehensively characterised. The recommended tests covered three main areas of performance: manual dexterity, tactility, and grip and friction. As well as existing tests, including the Purdue Pegboard Test, the Crawford Small-Parts Dexterity Test and the Semmes-Weinstein Monofilaments, new tests were developed that better simulated the tasks carried out by practitioners, including a suturing test, the Simulated Medical Examination Tactility Test, the Pulse Location Test and the Roughness Perception Test. Apparatus was also designed to measure the effect of gloves on grasping forces and to compare static frictional properties of gloves. Grasp force and friction measurements were taken for examination gloves using human subjects and with a specially-designed anthropomorphic device. The results were compared with those obtained using a number of other friction measurement methods. There was little consistency between the test results, and none gave a definitive answer as to which glove produced the highest friction in any given situation. Further development of the apparatus and validation of the method was recommended, as well as a more comprehensive study of glove friction and the effects of lubrication. As part of the validation of the selected methods, analysis was carried out into the effect of glove material, thickness and fit on performance and the relationship between perceived and measured performance. Initial results suggested that glove fit had a greater effect on dexterity than tactility, with looser gloves reducing dexterity and tighter gloves reducing tactility. Glove thickness was found to be a significant factor in tactility, and in manual dexterity, where tactile feedback is required; thicker gloves and 'double-gloving' produced a reduction in tactility compared to thinner, single-layered gloves, and hence affected the ability to manipulate objects. Analysis of user perception of performance and of the effect of glove material properties did not produce clear trends. However, initial findings suggested that, contrary to user perception, natural rubber latex did not perform significantly better than alternatives such as nitrile and vinyl. A number of possible explanations for the discrepancy were proposed, and recommendations were made for future work with a larger sample size, including analysis of stress and fatigue levels and performing tests in lubricated conditions.

Performance evaluation of Globe’s location service is becoming necessary in order to help steer development in the right direction. In this paper I put the current implementation of the location service to work and design and setup a number of tests with input data from a mobile phone environment provided by the Stanford University Mobile Activity Traces (SUMATRA). It turns out that the implementation is not ready for performance evaluation of this scale after all, and that no performance evaluation can be done with SUMATRA since too many inconsistencies are to be found in that data.

Astronauts have complained of difficulty in grasping tools, hand fatigue, and hand/forearm pain during extravehicular activities. This study was conducted to examine hand grip performance with a bare hand and in a spacesuit glove at two different pressures, with three hand positions and two elbow positions. Sixteen subjects, selected from the suited-subject pool at the Johnson Space Center, gripped a hand dynamometer encased in a vacuum chamber designed to simulate the operating pressures in space. The results for the bare hand condition showed a significant effect for hand position and a significant elbow/hand interaction. The spacesuit glove at operating pressure was responsible for an average 42% grip strength decrement from the bare hand condition. A new procedure for determining hand size from projected hand surface area revealed that bare and gloved-hand grip strength was highly correlated with hand size, as were body weight, height, and forearm circumference.
M. S.

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In this study I analyze the influence of national culture in project performance. Specifically, I examine if national culture influences project performance and which cultural dimensions affect project performance. Methodologically, I conducted an empirical study, based in a final sample of 271 project managers and project occurred in 39 different countries. The results showed that cultural dimensions, power distance and future orientation have a negative impact in project performance, and gender egalitarianism has a positive impact in project performance. This study has a theoretical and practical contribution. This study is intended, for one hand, to contribute to the advance of literature in project management and on the other, help project managers preparing for cultural diversity, increasingly common in the projects.
Neste estudo analisei a influência da cultura nacional no desempenho dos projetos. Especificamente, examinei se a cultura nacional influencia o desempenho dos projetos e que dimensões culturais afetam o desempenho dos projetos. Metodologicamente, realizei um estudo empírico, com uma amostra final de 271 gestores de projetos, e projetos ocorridos em 39 países diferentes. Os resultados mostraram que as dimensões culturais, distância ao poder e orientação futura têm um impacto negativo no desempenho dos projetos, e que o igualitarismo de gêneros tem um impacto positivo no desempenho dos projetos. Este estudo tem uma contribuição teórica e prática. Com este estudo pretendo, por um lado, contribuir para o avanço da literatura em Gestão de projetos e, por outro, ajudar os gestores de projetos a se prepararem para a diversidade cultural, cada vez mais frequente nos projetos.

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Conselho Nacional de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico - CNPq
Introduction: The planet's climate change may raise the average temperature in all regions of Brazil. As there has been an increase in the insertion of technological innovations of communication and information (news ICT) in educational institutions, which can contribute to the increase in thermal radiation, it is therefore important to investigate how this increase in these environments may interfere with the comfort and performance of students. In the equation formulated by Fanger (1970), the thermal radiation factor is represented by the mean radiant temperature (Trm), but its impact on thermal comfort is often ignored. The globe temperature (Tg) is one of the variables of the equations for the calculation of the mean radiant temperature. It corresponds to the temperature that allows evaluating the level of thermal radiation of the existing surfaces in an environment where a significant difference between the globe temperature and the temperature of the air can demonstrate some increase of thermal radiation in the work environment. Objective: To investigate if the behavior of the globe temperature in relation to the air temperature (Tg-Ta), observing the variation of the mean radiant temperature, could have repercussion in the performance of students in intelligent teaching environments in areas of the Brazil's regions. Methods: The methodological procedures adopted in this work consisted of the following steps: analysis of thermal variables: Trm and (Tg-Ta); analysis of students' performance, analysis of architectural elements and construction of the mathematical model. The study was carried out in computerized laboratories with News ICT in the following institutions: UFPI, Teresina-Piauí (A); UFSC, Florianópolis-Santa Catarina (B); UnB, Brasília-Federal District (C); UNIVASF, Petrolina-Pernambuco (D); ICMC, São Carlos-SP (E); UFAM, Manaus-Amazonas (F); CE of the PM, João Pessoa, Paraíba (G). The students answered a questionnaire adapted from the Bateria de Provas de Raciocínio (BPR-5) on three consecutive days at different temperatures, while the thermal conditions were measured and the design and architectural elements were analyzed. Results: It was verified that in the three consecutive days, there was no heat exchange by radiation between the student and his environment in the laboratories of institutions C and F, demonstrating that in the other laboratories of institutions A, B, E and G there was heat exchange by radiation. It is noteworthy that in the laboratory of institution G this heat exchange was more pronounced, such that the mean radiant temperature at any given time exceeded the globe temperature at 2.25°Chcg/ 𝜀𝑔𝜎. However, their architectural analysis signaled that the design was adequate. So probably, the heat sources inside the laboratory should have provided increased thermal radiation, given that the number of students and laptops were representative. Thus, in the sense of confirming these findings, it was verified through the mathematical modeling that with each increase of one degree in the difference between the globe temperature and the air temperature (Tg-Ta), the students' performance in the computer laboratory of the Institution G decreased by around 29%. Therefore, the higher the mean radiant temperature, the higher the thermal radiation in this laboratory, and this increase may compromise student performance. Conclusion: Productivity may change due to changes in air temperature in air-conditioned teaching environments, as has already been demonstrated by international publications. In this specific case, if Tg >> Ta, the thermal radiation may possibly interfere with the performance of people present in environments equipped with technological innovations in communication and information (News ICT).
Introdução: As alterações climáticas do planeta poderão elevar ainda mais a temperatura média em todas as regiões do Brasil, e como tem havido um crescimento da inserção de inovações tecnológicas de comunicação e informação (news ICT) em ambientes de ensino, o que pode colaborar para o aumento da radiação térmica, torna-se assim importante investigar como esse aumento nesses ambientes poderá interferir no conforto e desempenho de estudantes. Na equação formulada por Fanger (1970), o fator de radiação térmica é representado pela temperatura radiante média (Trm), mas seu impacto sobre o conforto térmico é muitas vezes ignorado. A temperatura de globo (Tg) é uma das variáveis das equações para o cálculo da temperatura radiante média e a mesma corresponde a temperatura que permite avaliar o nível de radiação térmica das superfícies existentes em um ambiente donde uma diferença significativa entre a temperatura de globo e a temperatura do ar pode demonstrar certo aumento da radiação térmica no ambiente de trabalho. Objetivo: Investigar se a relação entre a temperatura de globo e a temperatura do ar (Tg-Ta), observando a variação da temperatura radiante média, poderá ter repercussão no desempenho de estudantes em ambientes inteligentes de ensino (News ICT) em áreas das regiões brasileiras. Métodos: Os procedimentos metodológicos adotados neste trabalho consistiram nas etapas: análise das variáveis térmicas: trm e (tg-ta); análise do desempenho dos estudantes, análise dos elementos arquitetônicos e construção do modelo matemático. O estudo foi realizado em laboratórios de informática climatizados com News ICT nas seguintes instituições: UFPI, Teresina-Piauí (A); UFSC, Florianópolis-Santa Catarina (B); UnB, Brasília-Distrito Federal (C); UNIVASF, Petrolina-Pernambuco (D); ICMC, São Carlos-SP (E); UFAM, Manaus-Amazonas (F); CE da PM, João Pessoa, Paraíba (G). Os estudantes responderam a um questionário adaptado da Bateria de Provas de Raciocínio (BPR-5) em três dias consecutivos a diferentes temperaturas, enquanto as condições térmicas eram medidas e o projeto e elementos arquitetônicos eram analisados. Resultados: Constatou-se que nos três dias consecutivos só não houve troca de calor por radiação entre o estudante e seu ambiente nos laboratórios das instituições C e F, demonstrando que nos outros laboratórios das instituições A, B, D, E e G houve troca de calor por radiação. Ressalta-se que no laboratório da instituição G essa troca de calor foi mais acentuada, tal que a temperatura radiante média em dado instante superou a temperatura de globo em 2,25 °C hcg/ 𝜀𝑔𝜎. Entretanto, sua análise arquitetônica sinalizou que o projeto tinha mais aspectos positivos.Logo, provavelmente as fontes de calor no interior do laboratório devem ter proporcionado aumento da radiação térmica, haja vista que o número de estudantes e laptops eram representativos. Assim, no sentido de confirmar esses achados, constatou-se através da modelagem matemática que a cada aumento de um grau na diferença entre a temperatura de globo e a temperatura do ar (Tg-Ta), o desempenho dos estudantes no laboratório de informática da instituição G diminuía em torno de 29%, constatando que, quanto maior a temperatura radiante média, maior será a radiação térmica nesse laboratório, e esse aumento poderá comprometer o desempenho dos estudantes. Conclusão: Como a produtividade pode sofrer alterações devido às mudanças de temperatura do ar em ambientes de ensino climatizados, conforme já comprovado por publicações internacionais, neste caso específico, se Tg>>Ta, possivelmente a radiação térmica poderá interferir no desempenho das pessoas presentes em ambiente providos de inovações tecnológicas de comunicação e informação (News ICT).

This thesis argues that there is an enigma at the heart of Webster's The Duchess of Malfi; a disjunction between the critical history of the play and its reception in performance. Historical disquiet about the status of the play among academics and cultural commentators has not prevented its popularity with audiences. It has, however, affected some of the staging decisions made by theatre companies mounting productions. Allied to other practical factors, these have impacted significantly – and occasionally disastrously – upon performances. It is argued that Webster conceived the play as a meditation on degree and, in aiming to draw out the maximum relevance from the social satire, deliberately created the multi-faceted performative role of Bosola to work his audience in a complex and subversive manner. The role's purpose was determined in response to the structural discontinuity imposed upon the play by the physical realities of staging within the Blackfriars' auditorium. But Webster also needed an agent to serve the plot's development and, in creating the role he also invented a character, developed way beyond the material of his sources. This character proved as trapped as any other in the play by the consequences of his own moral choices. Hovering between role and character, Webster's creation remains liminally poised on ‘the dangerous edge of things.' Part One explores the contexts in which Webster created one of the most ambiguous figures in early modern drama - subverting stock malcontent, villain and revenger - and speculates on the importance of the actor, John Lowin in its genesis. It includes a subsequent performance history of the role. Part Two presents the detailed analysis of a range of professional performances from the past four decades, attempting to demonstrate how the meaning of the play has been altered by decisions made regarding the part of Bosola.

Fundação de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais
CHAPTER 2: It evaluated itself the effect of the shade, in commercial feedlot beef cattle, about the average weight gain (AWG) and performance of carcass. They were utilized 156 animals Nelores (Bos Indicus) and Nelore-cross, with average initial weight 396 kg, divided in two pens, a shading with 90 animals (handling) and another not shady with 66 (witness); counts on occurred in two moments to the 77 days and to the 118 days of confinement. The food composed itself of a feed with urea, crumb of soy and supplement premix of a commercial brand, that was placed on top to the sorghum tillage and added of lump of cotton and sorghum in grain shredded and supplied "ad-libitum". It determined itself the extreme temperatures (maximum and most minimum); temperature of the dry bulb and wet bulb; temperature of the Black Globe Thermometer in the shade and to the sun; speed of the wind and precipitation. These facts were utilized in the determination of four indices of thermal environment (Temperature-Humidity Index - THI; Wet Bulb Globe Temperature - WBGT; Equivalent Temperature Index - ETI and Heat Load Index - HLI) for verification of the possibility of thermal stress. The animal performance was obtained by the weighing in the beginning of the confinement and when the animals were sold; also was considered the performance of carcass to the 118 days, in the second counts on. It applied analysis of variance and Tukey´s Test at 5%, being the variable I earn of weight corrected by the co-variance by means of the initial weight. Bovines Nelore and Nelore-cross, confined commercially with access in the shade, gains more of weight with 77 days. With 118 days the difference in earn of weight was not significant, but the performance of carcass of the animals of the shady pen was bigger.
CAPÍTULO 2: Avaliou-se o efeito da sombra, em confinamento comercial de bovinos, sobre o ganho de peso médio (GPM) e o rendimento de carcaça. Foram utilizados 156 animais nelores e anelorados, com peso inicial médio de 396 kg, divididos em dois currais, um sombreado com 90 animais e outro não sombreado com 66. O abate ocorreu em dois momentos, aos 77 dias e aos 118 dias de confinamento. A alimentação compunha-se de uma ração com uréia, farelo de soja e núcleo de uma empresa comercial, que era sobreposta à silagem de sorgo e acrescida de caroço de algodão e sorgo em grão triturado e fornecida ―ad-libitum‖. Determinaram-se as temperaturas extremas (máxima e mínima); temperatura do bulbo seco e bulbo úmido; temperatura do globotermômetro à sombra e ao sol; velocidade do vento e índice pluviométrico. Estes dados foram utilizados na determinação de quatro índices de ambiente térmico (Índice de Temperatura e Umidade - ITU; Índice de Temperatura e Globo Úmido - ITGU; Índice de Temperatura Equivalente - ITE e Índice de Carga Térmica - ICT) para verificação da possibilidade de estresse térmico. O desempenho animal foi obtido pela pesagem no início do confinamento e no momento da venda dos animais. Também foi considerado o rendimento de carcaça aos 118 dias. Aplicou-se análise de variância e Teste de Tukey a 5%, sendo a variável ganho de peso corrigida pela covariância por meio do peso inicial. Concluiu-se que o acesso à sombra de animais da raça nelore e anelorados, confinados comercialmente, favorece maior ganho de peso aos 77 dias e maior rendimento de carcaça aos 118 dias de confinamento.
Mestre em Ciências da Veterinárias

博士
中華大學
科技管理學系(所)
97
The interfaces of handle and glove are very important in human factors engineering. Glove can not only protect palm from the harm of stabbing, beating and whipping, but also influence the fencers’ performance. This research probes into the influences of the material, thickness and position of applying force of the glove upon the fencer's grip, pinches strength and accuracy. By using the shape of handle as the fundamental element, under different shapes of handles the influences on the muscles of holding the foil and the activity angles of wrist are discussed. The results show that in accuracy, pinch and grip strength, the performance of special gloves made by synthetic leather are better than the performance of hide gloves or bared hand. The different shapes of handles cause the different load on the muscles of holding the foil. The load of adductor pollicis while using pistol-viscounti and pistol-insulation handle is smallest. And, the load of extensor carpi radial while using pistol-viscounti, pistol-zivcovic, and pistol-extra handle is smaller. By using different shapes of handles with the same whip-hit activities, we found that the angle of wrist flexion performed by the pistol-viscounti handle is the widest (60.04 degree) and by the french handle is the narrowest (47.27 degree in average) than by all the other handles. When the angle of wrist is too wide the accuracy and velocity of fencing will be decreased and the opportunity of wrist injury will be increased. Therefore, fencers should adopt the posture which brings them greater grip and pinch strength while holding the foil defense, such as sixth and second positions. Then the holding fatigue caused by the muscular strength of sword can be prevented.

Problem statement: The widespread use of organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) in agriculture and urban pest control has seen significant morbidity and mortality. They are the most important cause of severe toxicity and death from acute poisoning worldwide, with more than 200,000 deaths each year in developing countries. OPs act to inhibit acetylcholinesterase in the nervous system, and may elicit acute and long term health effects. Some commercially available OPs are also classified as Chemicals of Security Concern by the Australian Government and are subject to special restrictions and surveillance. Occupational exposure may occur in manufacture, storage, transport, usage, disposal and in emergency situations. For example, ambulance workers may be exposed when attending accidental or intentional OP poisonings. The profiles may vary from short term high exposures for emergency personnel, to long term low exposures for farming communities. The World Health Organisation and a range of other agencies have determined that the continued use of these chemicals represents an important public and occupational health issue. A major route of exposure is skin absorption, and the use of protective chemical gloves is recommended, especially for the concentrated product. Safety data sheets (SDS) are meant to provide the user with information on appropriate glove protection. However, the concentrates are typically formulated products with solvents and additives that may influence the glove permeation behaviour of the active ingredient. Testing by glove manufacturers is rarely with the formulated product, and pertains to room temperature experiments with new gloves. Cheap or disposable gloves may not have been tested. In addition, the effects of elevated temperature, abrasion and ultraviolet (UV) exposure are poorly understood. Although these environmental factors are likely to be present in Australian workplaces, there is scant evidence of their practical significance to inform risk assessment and interventions, including glove selection and use. Apart from gloves, skin uptake may be influenced by high ambient temperatures. The limited dermal toxicological research literature suggests that skin penetration rates may be dramatically increased, with concomitant increases in health risk. Compounding the problem is the situation where chemical is occluded between glove and skin. Gap analysis: Based on a review of the occupational hygiene literature, knowledge gaps exist in three areas, relating to glove performance and skin penetration. Firstly, suppliers and formulators of agricultural OPs recommend the use of long length polyvinyl chloride (PVC) gloves. Indeed, distributors stock cheap versions of such gloves, but as they are not considered disposable, repeated use is the norm. Scientific uncertainty exists as to the protection afforded under real world conditions of solar radiation, elevated temperature and abrasion. Secondly, the chemical barrier performance of disposable gloves, as worn by ambulance workers in poisoning episodes, has not been investigated. Thirdly, it is known that skin absorption of chemicals depends on physicochemical properties such as molecular size and water solubility. However, there appear to be no skin penetration studies which have compared a range of OPs of different properties. Moreover, the studies that have been conducted have often used a finite dose model. An infinite dose model is more applicable for worst case occupational risk assessment. Purpose statement: This research aims to provide a better understanding of dermal exposure to OPs (under simulated real world conditions) and to generate data useful for predictive dermal risk assessment models and optimising control measures. It is anticipated that the improved evidence base will assist in reducing morbidity and mortality from OPs. A case study approach will be used, addressing both routine users and those in an emergency setting. Broad Research Questions: The following questions were developed from a literature review and context scoping from fieldwork observations. 1. How do the recommended PVC gloves (unused, exposed to UV and abrasion) perform against OPs in various exposure conditions? 2. What are the effects of different variable conditions on the barrier performance of different types of disposable gloves worn by ambulance workers and is the current practice suitable? 3. How is skin penetration affected by physicochemical properties of OPs, concentration of Ops and elevated temperature? Methodology: Four OPs widely used in Australia (omethoate, mevinphos, dichlorvos and diazinon) with differing physicochemical properties (e.g. octanol-water partition coefficient) were investigated. Tests were conducted at the full strength formulation (relevant for transport and mixing activities) and application strength (relevant for spraying), and at two temperatures. In the glove permeation studies, American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) permeation cells were used at two temperatures (room temperature and 45°C). Two case study scenarios were used, namely agricultural workers and ambulance workers. For Case Study 1 two brands of elbow length PVC gloves recommended for handling OPs were tested in new unused condition, and following UV exposure or abrasion. In Case Study 2 disposable nitrile and neoprene gloves used by South Australia Ambulance Service (SAAS) workers were tested individually and in combination (as per current practice). In the skin studies, human abdominal skin samples (heat separated epidermis) were exposed to the OPs (infinite dose) in static Franz cells according to OECD protocols for up to 8 hours, at room temperature and 37°C. Analysis for the OPs in both glove and skin experiments was undertaken using HPLC and UV detection. Main Findings: Glove performance tests – Case Study 1 Differences were noted in breakthrough time and cumulative penetration at the end of the 8-hour experiments for the two PVC glove brands. In general, PVC gloves performed well against the four tested OPs. Full strength formulations had shorter breakthrough times and greater cumulative permeations. Breakthrough of diazinon did not occur unless at full strength at 45°C (120 – 180 mins). In contrast, breakthrough of dichlorvos was observed for all exposure conditions (between 60 to 240 mins) except for application strength at room temperature. Mevinphos, which was only tested at room temperature, demonstrated breakthrough only for one brand of gloves. In the case of omethoate, breakthrough was noted from 60 minutes onwards. Permeation was uniformly higher at 45°C compared to room temperature. Gloves exposed to UV light (approximately equivalent to a week or more of extreme sunlight) or abrasion (5% thickness reduction) exhibited a small reduction in performance. Glove performance tests – Case Study 2 In glove performance tests on gloves used by SAAS workers, disposable nitrile and neoprene gloves demonstrated good protection against the four tested OPs in 4-hour experiments. In general, the thicker neoprene gloves demonstrated longer breakthrough times than nitrile gloves. At higher test concentration (full strength) of the four tested OPs, cumulative penetration at 8 hrs increased, and this was observed at both test temperatures. Elevated temperature to 45°C shortened the breakthrough time (between 5 and 20 minutes) and resulted in greater cumulative penetration of the OPs. Combining the disposable gloves (nitrile on neoprene) as practised by SAAS workers demonstrated better protection with longer breakthrough times and lower cumulative penetration of the tested OPs, compared to individual gloves. In vitro skin studies Dichlorvos was found to rapidly penetrate the skin. Elevated temperature and higher OP concentration resulted in faster penetration rate and increased cumulative penetration of the tested OPs. Comparison of the skin penetration data with Acceptable Daily Intakes (ADIs) of the respective OPs showed that ADIs may be exceeded rapidly, with the order being dichlorvos, diazinon, omethoate and mevinphos. Novelty of the research: This research uses an experimental design based on real life scenarios. Unlike most glove permeation and skin penetration studies this research used formulated OP products that are commercially available in the market. All experiments were conducted using an infinite dose model to simulate the worst exposure scenario (prolonged skin contamination from spills and splashes), and thus to establish the maximum penetration rates for risk assessment. Similarly, tests were conducted at elevated temperatures and with gloves exposed to ultraviolet (UV) and abrasion to mimic the common exposure conditions in real world scenarios. Implications: The research has highlighted the importance of elevated temperature, and the dermal risks associated with dichlorvos. The increased barrier protection afforded by double gloving (combining relatively polar and non-polar materials), for OPs of different physico-chemical properties, was shown. This is reassuring for ambulance workers who may encounter a range of OPs. Surprisingly, the influence of UV exposure and abrasion on the performance of the thick PVC gloves was found to be relatively minor, under the conditions examined. Data on the influence of physicochemical properties, concentration, and temperature are useful for refining dermal risk assessment models, and for worker education. On a broader public health level, the findings will allow a more rational use of gloves as chemical protective clothing to protect the population at risk from the danger of agricultural chemicals. Conclusions and Recommendations: The data indicate that the use of concentrated OPs in warmer conditions will greatly increase skin uptake. Dichlorvos demonstrated rapid and extensive skin penetration, but the data for all the tested OPs suggest that toxicologically important uptake can occur in relatively short time periods without skin protection. Glove permeation also increases with concentration, temperature, UV and abrasion. The practice of double gloving by ambulance workers is supported by the evidence. Following these exploratory studies, it is recommended that more glove permeation tests be conducted under realistic exposure scenarios. The findings should be compiled in a database for advisory purposes and made publicly accessible. Warnings for potential ADI exceedance should be included on labels or SDSs of the OP products to alert the users of the risks when handling OPs. Where changes may be made in the OP formulation by manufacturers, the suitability of glove recommendations should be reviewed.
Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Public Health, 2016.

碩士
國立臺灣師範大學
表演藝術研究所
107
The cultural ecology of puppetry can be divided into four types: sacrificial theater, commercial theater, cultural field and mass media. As the forms differ, the operational strategies for the troupes are made accordingly. This study used the glove puppetry troupes that were selected to enter the Sponsorship Plan for Multi-level Performance Arts Teams from 2014 to 2018, to discuss the troupes’ operational strategies in depth. This study chooses two developing glove puppetry troupes --- Liao Wen-Ho Puppet Show Troupe and Taipei Puppet Theater for a qualitative study. Liao Wen-Ho Puppet Show Troupe has performed on the Jin-Guang Stage for many years, and has been on televisions, while Taipei Puppet Theater is a traditional glove puppetry troupe that is both mature and developing. The goal of this study is to use the two research objects in four venues: sacrificial theater, commercial theater, cultural field and mass media, to gain a deep understanding of the organizational, operational, HR management, troupe management, and financial management models of glove puppetry troupes that give public cultural performance. This study also includes a report of the in-depth interview with The National Culture and Arts Foundation and The Performance Art Branch of The Cultural Affairs Department of Yunlin County on topics such as the reform of the Sponsorship for Multi-level Performance Arts Teams, cultural policies relevant to glove puppetry, and artistic sponsorship. The purpose of the interview is to analyze the development of artistic grants and cultural policies related to glove puppetry, and to compare and contrast the answers with issues raised by the puppetry troupes. The information will help us understand the overall status, dilemmas and prospects of the glove puppetry world. The discussion and results presented in this study may provide suggestions and references for cultural administrative agencies, grant and sponsorship agencies and actors in glove puppetry.

碩士
輔仁大學
公共衛生學系碩士班
97
Introduction Contact dermatitis is one of the occupational health problems of hairdressers. This particular skin symptom might due to the exposure to certain hair dye ingredients, such as p-phenylenediamine (p-phenylenediamine, PPD) and aminophenol isomers (m-aminophenol, MAP; o-aminophenol, OAP; p-aminophenol, PAP). These chemicals are also formulated in the commercial permanent hair dye products in Taiwan. Hair dressers tend to reuse the protective gloves during the hair-dying process. The aim of this study was to evaluate impact on the protective efficiency of two chemical protective gloves by being reused and decontaminated between exposures. Method Two glove materials, neoprene and natural rubber latex (NRL) were tested. PPD, MAP, OAP, and PAP were the challenged chemicals. The permeation tests were performed as the closed-loop setting of ASTM F739 method. The glove specimens were continuously exposed to the each challenge chemical for eight hours a day. The permeation sample was taken tested every hour. Water with or without detergent were applied to decontaminated the glove surfaces after the 8-hour exposure. Re-exposure for five days was defined as a cycle. Each cycle repeated three experiments and forty-eight cycles were performed for this study. All permeation samples were quantified by the gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (GC-FID). The breakthrough time (BT) was reported as the sampling time at which the challenge chemical was first detected. The cumulative permeated mass (CPM) and the 8-hour average permeation rate (PR) were also calculated and reported. All the three permeation parameters were the key dependent variables to evaluate the glove protection efficiency. Result No chemicals broke through neoprene glove materials during the exposure of first two days and PAP showed no breakthrough on the following three days of exposure. Four test chemicals broke through NRL glove materials within the first 8-hour exposure. Once the chemical started permeating, the chemical tended to break through earlier with higher PR and CMP during the following re-exposure experiments for both test glove materials. According to the results of five-day re-exposure permeation tests, neoprene gloves can provide better protection to against these four hair dye ingredients than NRL gloves can. Linear mixed models (LMMs) demonstrated that the days of repeated exposure significantly affected the glove protection efficiency. Two different decontamination methods did not change the permeation parameters significantly. The challenge concentration (w/v%) of chemical significantly affected the BT. Chemical physical and chemical characteristics also affected BT, CPM and PR. Statistically, molar volume (MV) and logkow of chemicals were positively correlated to BT while logkow negatively correlated to CPM and PR for neoprene glove materials. MV and logkow were negatively affected the BT while positively affected the CPM and PR for NRL glove materials. Conclusion NRL gloves are not recommended to handle these hair dye chemicals for re-use purpose. Neoprene gloves show no breakthrough for 2-day (8-hours per day). The simple water decontamination is recommended without the extra cost of detergents and possible secondary pollution.

Dissertação de Mestrado Integrado em Engenharia Mecânica apresentada à Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia da Universidade de Coimbra.
O stresse térmico é um problema comum a nível industrial. Qualquer avaliação ao nível do stresse térmico requer uma avaliação de diferentes condições climáticas, especialmente da humidade, temperatura e velocidade do ar e a temperatura média radiante. O índice WBGT (“Wet Bulb Globe Temperature”) é um dos mais utilizados na medição do stresse térmico, pois é um índice de cálculo rápido e útil em ambientes quentes, permitindo assim saber quando actuar e proteger os trabalhadores. A temperatura de globo negro, a temperatura do ar e a temperatura de bolbo húmido natural, constituem as grandezas que permitem obter o índice WBGT. Os aparelhos de medição diferem na forma e no tamanho, de modelo para modelo, o que pode levar a que alguns aparelhos não cumpram as especificações do projecto e forneçam dados incorrectos nas medições. O sensor de globo negro é a componente deste sistema de medida sobre o qual vai incidir este estudo, sendo que os sensores de globo podem variar entre os 24mm e os 150mm, mas apenas estes últimos respeitam a norma internacional ISO 7243. Com esta dissertação pretende-se esclarecer se quando calculado o stresse térmico, vão existir diferenças entre os vários sensores de globo, abordando os seus diferentes tamanhos e designs através de ensaios experimentais com os equipamentos disponíveis e ver de que forma são afectados os resultados obtidos, assim como desenvolver uma equação empírica que faça a correspondência entre as temperaturas medidas por diferentes globos e o globo padrão. Verificou-se que as temperaturas obtidas pelos globos de 150mm são superiores aos valores obtidos pelo globo de 50mm e dessa forma a utilização de equipamentos inferiores ao standard (150mm) não são eficazes na avaliação do índice WBGT, a não ser que o próprio equipamento faça a calibração automática para os valores padrão e aceites pela norma.
The thermal stress is a common problem at industrial level. Any evaluation of the level of heat stress requires an assessment of different climatic conditions, especially of humidity, temperature and air velocity. The WBGT index (Wet Bulb Globe Temperature) is the most widely used at present in the measurement of thermal stress, because it is an index of rapid calculation and useful in hot environments and thus know when act and protect workers. The black globe temperature, the air temperature and the natural wet bulb temperature are the quantities that can be used to obtain the WBGT index. The measurement apparatus differ in shape and size from model to model, which can lead to some devices do not meet the specifications of the project and provide incorrect data of measurements. The black globe temperature is the component of this measurement system on which will focus this study, being that the sensors of globe can vary between 10mm and 150mm but only the latter complies with the international standard ISO 7243. With this dissertation seeks to clarify that when calculated the heat stress, there are differences between the various sensors of globe addressing their different sizes and designs, seeing how they are affected the results obtained as well as develop an empirical equation to make the correspondence between the temperatures measured by different globes and the standard globe. It was found that the temperatures obtained by globes of 150mm are higher than the values obtained by globe 50mm and thus the use of equipment below the standard (150mm) are not effective in the evaluation of WBGT index, unless the equipment itself make the automatic calibration for the default values and accepted by the standard.

Dissertação de Mestrado Integrado em Engenharia Química apresentada à Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia
A presente dissertação insere-se num projeto de desenvolvimento e melhoria contínua do departamento de investigação e desenvolvimento (I&D) da Ansell Portugal. Esta empresa é líder em soluções de proteção para as mãos e braços, e o objetivo da equipa de I&D é responder às necessidades dos clientes, através do desenvolvimento de novos produtos que incluam elevada performance, conforto, e que ofereçam proteção e segurança aos utilizadores. O objetivo deste projeto é avaliar o impacto da incorporação de fibras inorgânicas em revestimentos poliméricos de luvas têxteis para melhoria da sua performance ao corte. Para que o produto final adquira o desempenho desejado, e tire partido das ótimas propriedades mecânicas das fibras inorgânicas, estas devem estar bem dispersas na suspensão polimérica. As fibras inorgânicas utilizadas neste projeto pertencem à classe de fibras minerais da família dos aluminossilicatos. O revestimento polimérico onde estas foram incorporadas é constituído, essencialmente, por borracha de acrilonitrilo-butadieno (NBR) carboxilada, que antes da vulcanização é aplicada na luva têxtil sob forma de uma emulsão polimérica estável. Tendo em conta a natureza das fibras, estas possuem elevado grau de hidrofilicidade, e a NBR carboxilada, apesar de possuir grupos hidrofílicos, é sobretudo hidrofóbica. Assim, a estratégia passou não só por tentar criar forças repulsivas entre as fibras, com o objetivo de impedir a sua agregação, mas também por promover uma boa interação das fibras com a NBR. Testaram-se vários métodos de dispersão, nomeadamente a utilização de um homogeneizer, a tecnologia de banho de ultrassons e ponteira de ultrassons, a adição de tensioativos não iónicos à suspensão polimérica, com diferentes concentrações, e, por último, realizou-se a funcionalização das fibras inorgânicas, recorrendo à química sol-gel e ao precursor metiltrimetoxisilano (MTMS). De seguida, avaliou-se a redispersibilidade das fibras inorgânicas na suspensão polimérica ao longo do tempo. Os métodos mais eficazes de dispersão foram a utilização da ponteira de ultrassons e a adição do polímero polietilenoglicol (PEG-3000, 1% em massa) à suspensão de fibras. Com estes dois métodos, mesmo após 31 dias de repouso, as fibras apresentaram redispersibilidade na matriz polimérica. Para analisar a estabilidade das dispersões, realizaram-se testes de potencial zeta. Verificou-se uma melhoria significativa nas dispersões após aplicação destes métodos relativamente às amostras dispersas apenas com agitação mecânica (-32,4 mV). O melhor resultado foi obtido para as amostras com fibras dispersas com ponteira de ultrassons (-63,1 mV), passando de uma estabilidade média para uma estabilidade muito boa. Realizaram-se testes de resistência ao corte às amostras vulcanizadas e concluiu-se que esta é incrementada após a incorporação de fibras inorgânicas nos revestimentos poliméricos, passando de um nível de corte 1 para um nível 3 (segundo a norma ASTM F1790-97). Assim, esta tecnologia acrescenta valor ao produto final, a um custo muito reduzido, face aos custos de produção de luvas têxteis resistentes ao corte que utilizam fibras técnicas. Os testes de corte permitiram ainda verificar que a variabilidade dos resultados diminui significativamente para as amostras com fibras dispersas com ponteira de ultrassons e com a adição do tensioativo não iónico PEG-3000 (1% em massa). Conclui-se, portanto, que as amostras utilizadas em cada teste são semelhantes entre si, pelo que as fibras se encontram homogeneamente dispersas na matriz polimérica. O trabalho realizado nesta dissertação permitiu desenvolver dois métodos de dispersão de fibras eficazes para o processo produtivos de luvas da Ansell com revestimentos poliméricos incorporando fibras inorgânicas. A adição do PEG-3000 (1% em massa) é de fácil implementação e não requer custos adicionais significativos no processo de produção, mas para ser aplicado em todos os produtos da Ansell, teria de ser avaliado o impacto deste nas propriedades finais dos produtos. A tecnologia de ultrassons também é de fácil implementação a nível industrial, requer custos de investimento relevantes, mas tem a vantagem de poder ser utilizado em qualquer um dos artigos produzidos pela Ansell.
This MSc Thesis is framed on the development and continuous improvement vision of the research and development department (R&D) of Ansell Portugal. This company is the leader of solutions for hands and arms protection, and the goal of the R&D department is to answer the needs of clients, through the development of new products that have high performance, comfort, and offer protection and safety to users. The goal of this project is to evaluate the impact of the incorporation of inorganic fibers in the polymer coatings of textile gloves on their resistance to cut. In order to obtain the final product with the desired mechanical resistance and take advantage of the fibers great properties, thelatter need to be well dispersed in the polymeric suspension. The inorganic fibers used in this project belong to the group of mineral fibers from the aluminosilicate series. The polymer coating where they were incorporated is essentially constituted by carboxilated acrylonitile-butadiene (NBR) rubber that is applied on the textile glove in the form of a stable polymeric emulsion, followed by vulcanization. Considering the nature of the fibers, they have a high hydrophilicity. On the other hand, the carboxilated NBR, although it has hydrophilic groups, is mostly hydrophobic. Therefore, the strategy was not only to creat repulsive forces between the fibers, with the objective of preventing their agglomeration, but also to promote a good interaction between fibers and NBR. Several methods of dispersion were tested, such as using an homogeneizer, an ultrasound bath, an ultrasound tip, addition of a non-ionic tensioactive to the polymeric suspension with diferent concentrations and the functionalization of the inorganic fibers with the use of sol-gel chemistry using the methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS) precursor. Then, the redispersibility of the inorganic fibers in the polymeric suspension was evealuated over time. The most effective dispersion methods were the use of the ultrasonic tip and the addition of polyethylene glycol (PEG-3000, 1% wt) to the fibers suspension. With these two methods, even after 31 days of resting, the fibers show redispersibility in the polymeric matrix. In order to analyze the stability of the dispersions, potencial zeta tests were carried out. A significant improvement was verified in the optimized dispersions comparatively to the dispersed samples with only mechanical mixing (-32,4 mV). The best result was obtained for the dispersed fiber samples with the ultrasonic tip (-63,1 mV), going from a medium to a very good stability. Cut resistance tests to the vulcanized samples were carried out, and the gloves performance increased after incorporating the inorganic fibers in the polymer coating, ranging from a cut level 1 to 3 (according to ASTM F1790-97). Thus, this tecnology adds value to the final product, at a very low cost, when compared to the production cost of the textile gloves using tecnical fibers with cut resistance. The cut test allowed to verify that the variability was significantly decreased for the fiber samples dispersed with the ultrasonic tip and with the addition of the non-ionic tensioactive PEG-3000 (1% wt). Thereby the used samples in the tests are similar to each other, and the fibers are homogeneously dispersed in the polymeric matrix. The study performed in this MSc Thesis allowed to develop two efficient fiber dispersion methods for the Ansell glove production process with the incorporation of inorganic fibers in polymer coating. The non-ionic tensioactive PEG-3000 (1% wt) is easily added and does not require significant additional costs in the production process, but to be used in every Ansell’s product its impact in the final properties must be assessed. Also, the ultrasound technology is easily implemented at industrial level, although it requires an additional investiment, and can be used in other products manufactured by Ansell.