Analysis of Three Lab Reports on the Effects on Sleep Quality by Multiple Factors

Keeth Perera

City College of New York

ENGL 21007: Writing for Engineering

Professor Crystal Rodwell

03/28/2024

There are many experiments and studies conducted by researchers to help answer their questions and develop their understanding of a topic. A lab report is a composition made by a researcher to explain an experiment and its findings. This lab report analysis will be analyzing three lab reports based on its content. These lab reports are all related to the topic of sleep position and sleep quality. These three Lab reports all try to achieve similar findings about sleep quality using good research. Therefore, there are factors which make these reports similar however some factors can make each lab report distinct. 

In Lab Report 1, “Sleep Position, Age, Gender, Sleep Quality, and Waking Cervico-Thoracic Symptoms”, the survey investigated the association between sleep position, sleep quality, age, gender, and the prevalence of pain, stiffness, or aching in the neck, arm, between the scapulae, and headaches. The research found that the participants sleeping in an upright position were more likely to experience the symptoms of interest compared to subjects that slept in other positions.           

Lab Report 2 , “The Relationship between Sleeping Position and Sleep Quality: A Flexible Sensor-Based Study”, was an experiment, where flexible wearable sensors were used to monitor the impact of sleeping positions and turning frequency, and studying sleep patterns, to find that the most influential factors were the preference of sleeping position and how often the participant turned.

Lab Report 3, “Examining relationships between sleep posture, waking spinal symptoms and quality of sleep: A cross sectional study”was an experiment, where sleep posture and sleep quality were compared in participants with or without specific spinal symptoms. The research found that participants in the symptomatic groups had reported a lower sleep quality than the Control group. 

A good title of a lab report should give the reader some insight about information about the experiment as well as what kind of study is being reported. The title of Lab Report 1 , “Sleep Position, Age, Gender, Sleep Quality, and Waking Cervico-Thoracic Symptoms”, lists the variables discussed in the report. However, this title does not really define any relationship between the variables. It does not really give the reader any clues about what the lab report could possibly look like.

The title of Lab report 2 , “The Relationship between Sleeping Position and Sleep Quality: A Flexible Sensor-Based Study”,  includes variables of the lab report, like in Lab report 1, and it is also shown that there is a relationship between the variables. The title also reveals some information from the lab report, such as the fact that the study is a flexible sensor-based study. 

The title of Lab report 3, “Examining relationships between sleep posture, waking spinal symptoms and quality of sleep: A cross sectional study”, also mentions some variables in the experiment like in Lab Report 1 & 2. The title also explains the relationship between certain variables, similar to lab report 2. Information about the experiment is also given by stating the study is cross sectional. 

The abstract of a lab report is meant to summarize the content of the lab report. It briefly explains each part of the lab report. The abstract of lab report 1 provides the necessary information about the survey. This abstract makes a good overview of the lab report as it is divided into each section. It provides enough detail so that the reader gets an idea of what the lab report will be about. 

The abstract of lab report 2 is summarized very well. The method is summarized with the most detail and explains the procedure of the experiment. However, the other sections are quite brief. This is unlike Lab Report 1, where the results were mostly in detail with everything else brief. 

In lab report 3, the abstract is well organized as it is divided by section, similar to lab report 1. This makes it easy for the reader to see. Each section summarized in this abstract is in enough detail for the reader to know about the experiment. 

The introduction of a lab report helps the reader get an understanding of the topic of the lab report. It gives the reader the necessary information to understand the rest of the lab report. In Lab report 1, the introduction introduces the reader to individual sleep positions and sleep habits. It goes into detail about different habits such as the tendency of turning in sleep. This introduction, introduces the relationship of sleep position with other variables such as sleep quality and body pain. 

 In Lab Report 2  This introduction discussed several issues related to sleep quality. It also mentioned a relationship between sleep position and sleep quality. There is a discussion about which other factors affect sleep quality as well, such as mattress pressure, however, sleep posture is the most reasonable variable. 

In Lab report 3 This introduction also discusses factors involving sleep quality such as sleep position. There is a discussion of different problems related to sleep and their causes and consequences, including spinal pain. This introduction still discusses sleep posture as a reasonable variable that affects sleep quality like in lab reports 1 and 2. However, pain and other variables are also described as causes for low sleep quality. 

The Materials and Methods of a lab report are meant to explain how the procedure will be done and how the experiment will be conducted. In Lab report 1, the method of this study is by taking a survey of a sample of a community in South Australia. The sample was every three houses apart in the community and they were surveyed via phone call. Participants taking the survey had to state which sleep position they are in most frequently as well as if they had any medical conditions and for a rating of their usual sleep quality.

In lab report 2, the method of this study conducted an experiment in which a device was used. This was unlike Lab Report 1 when a survey was used. This was a sensor which monitored the sleep of the participant. The sample included participants who usually track their sleep with a monitor. The participants were asked to change their sleep positions over night. 

In lab report 3, the method of this study also conducted an experiment. Similar to Lab Report 1 there was initially a survey conducted. However, after this survey the experiment was conducted which observed how the participants sleep over many nights based on their waking symptoms, such as cervical or lumbar pain. Similar to Lab Report 2, an experiment was conducted which measured sleep quality in different participants. However, in this experiment the participants were allocated based on their waking symptoms or were in the control group.

The discussion is meant to state and explain the findings of the lab report. In Lab report 1, the results of this lab report, show that participants who sleep in a side lying position were less likely to have waking symptoms and those who had slept in a supine position showed no major change. The participants with the most waking symptoms had slept in an upright position. 

In lab report 2, the results of this lab report show that the quality of sleep in the participants was inversely proportional to the amount of times they were tossing and turning. It shows that the sleep position of the participants was also a factor of sleep quality as those who slept on their right side had a better quality of sleep. The results from best to worst sleep quality are right side, left side and supine position. This is similar to Lab Report 1 where sleep position has an affect on the quality. 

In Lab report 3 In this discussion, the Control group had better sleep quality than the symptomatic groups. The conditions with lower sleep quality had more turning and posture change. This is similar to Lab Report 2 where both constant turning and posture were big factors in sleep quality. From all 3 lab reports we can see that position is a major factor of sleep quality. 

The conclusion of a lab report is meant to make a statement about the report to discuss the findings.  In Lab report 1 the conclusion says that sleeping on your right side lowers the chance of waking symptoms and high sleep quality ratings. This position is recommended as a sleep position of choice. 

In Lab report 2, the conclusion says that it is unknown if sleep posture affects spinal pain. However, those in a condition of cervical pain had slept in uncomfortable sleep positions. 

In lab report 3, there was a limitation section instead of conclusion for this lab report which states that the participant could have had specific first- night effects. This could have caused them to be anxious, stressed, and could have affected their sleep. However, this data recording the first- night was discarded. 

The references of a lab report exist to show the sources of the information in a lab report. It is important to reference these different sources so that authors get credit for the information provided in the lab report.  The references seem like they are in a good format as they include the last name of the first author, the name of the text and also the date. However they are not in the correct order as they are not in alphabetical order by last name. 

The references in Lab report 2 were similar to Lab Report 1 as they shared a similar format. This format included the last name of the first author, the name of the text and also the date. 

The references in Lab Report 3 share similarities with both Lab Report 1 and Lab Report 2 . The format of the references is similar to the other reports. The last name of the first author, the title, and date are used to cite sources. These sources are not however listed in alphabetical order. 

The purpose of an appendix is to provide important details about the lab report. In lab report 1, the appendix includes the information about the format of the survey. This included personal information asked to the participant as well as questions asked about waking symptoms and medical history. 

Lab report 2 had no appendix, unlike lab report 1. However, there were other acknowledgements made such as author contributions, funding, and informed consent. 

In lab report 3, there is no appendix to this lab report. However the author contributions were listed similar to Lab Report 2. 

In conclusion, all three lab reports have their strengths and weaknesses. Lab Reports 2 and 3 had the best titles as they gave the reader more of an insight on the study, by including what the study may look like and well as the relationship being studied. Lab report 1 effectively made the abstract easy to read by dividing the components into sections. The quality of the references are about the same for each lab report, as they use the correct format but fail to list the sources in the correct order. These lab reports share similarities and differences in the way they are written, which affects how the reader can view and understand the report. 

References

Cary D, Jacques A, Briffa K (2021) Examining relationships between sleep posture, waking spinal symptoms and quality of sleep: A cross sectional study. PLoS ONE 16(11): e0260582. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0260582  

Gordon, S., Grimmer, K., & Trott, P. (2007). Sleep position, age, gender, sleep quality and waking Cervico-thoracic symptoms. Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. https://doi.org/10.46743/1540-580x/2007.1134   Zhang, Y.; Xiao, A.; Zheng, T.; Xiao, H.; Huang, R. (2022). The Relationship between Sleeping Position and Sleep Quality: A Flexible Sensor-Based Study. Sensors , 22,6220. https://doi.org/10.3390/s22166220

Technical Description of Kenmore Sewing Machine Model 385

Keeth Perera

City College Of New York

ENG 21007: Writing For Engineering

Professor Rodwell

04/18/2024 

Introduction: 

  The Kenmore Sewing Machine model 385.1551200 was invented starting in the year 1965. These machines are owned by the Sears company and were part of their brand Kenmore. However, these machines were manufactured by a Japanese company called Janome. These machines are convenient for its user because they are easy to use . In fact, they can be used by people of all experience levels. This machine can be used for almost all the sewing needs of the user because of its many features. This sewing machine has many pattern selections which gives users an option to choose which one they want to use. The users can easily choose these patterns by scrolling on a dial. This is a modern sewing machine and its features are easier to use compared to previous models for many reasons. One of these reasons is that the parts of this machine have changed in appearance and position. 

2.1 Exterior 

The exterior parts of this sewing machine include all of the parts that make up the outside of this machine. The outside of this machine is mostly made of plastic, which allows the machine to be cheaper and lighter. One of the main parts on the exterior is the display (2.1.1). This is very important for the user as it allows the user to know what stitch pattern is selected or what their stitch length is. The display is located on the upper right side of the sewing machine and its dimensions are 17.7 cm x 3.6 cm. The display is inside of a trapezoidal outline and has a white background with the stitch pattern or stitch length in black. Each display changes depending on the associated dial. The stitch pattern length display changes based on stitch selector (2.1.2) and the stitch length display changes based on stitch length control (2.1.3).  

The stitch selector is one of two dials on the upper right side of the machine and under the display which controls the stitch pattern being used. The stitch length control is the other dial under the display which controls the amount of fabric being used. The two dials are both and are circular in shape. They both have dimensions of (2.5 cm x 1 cm).

One of the biggest parts of the exterior of this machine is the face cover (2.1.4). The face cover is located at the upper front of the machine. This part is white and has a trapezoidal shape with a height. The area at the top is bigger than the area at the bottom. The dimensions of the face cover are 10 cm in length, 12.4 cm for width 1, 6.1 cm for width 2, and 4.5 cm in height. The brand of the machine, Kenmore, is printed on this face cover. 

The carrying handle (2.1.5) is on the very top of the machine and can be used to help carry the machine. This handle is also white in color and can either rest on the machine or can be in a position ready for carrying. This part has the dimensions of 14.9 cm x 4.5 cm x 1.2 cm. 

The free arm (2.1.6) is located on the bottom right of the machine and can be used for sewing tube items such as trouser legs and sleeves. This free arm is also white in color and is protected by a cover. Its dimensions are 6 cm x 5cm x 15cm. 

The power switch (2.1.7) is located on the lower back of the machine. It is in a rectangular outline and is black. The dimensions of this part are 2 cm x 1.4 cm. At the right of this switch is the machine socket (2.1.8), which is used to connect the wire to power the machine. This socket consists of three metal points in an outline of the socket. The dimensions of this part are  2.9 cm x 0.9 cm. The handwheel, (2.1.9), is on the very back of the machine over the power switch and socket. The handwheel is circular in shape and white in color. Its dimensions are 6.5 cm of radius and 0.8 cm of height. This part controls the movement of the take-up lever and needle.

 On the bottom left side of the machine is the nomenclature plate (2.1.10). This plate is used to give information about the machine including the company that owns the model and where the machine was made. The plate is in a rectangular outline and gray in color. The dimensions of this plate are 7 cm x 1.9 cm. 

The reverse stitch control (2.1.11) is on the right of the machine.The dimensions of this part are 2.2 cm x 2.3 cm. This part is a white lever and is in a rectangular outline. The dimensions of this outline are 4.2 cm x 4.7 cm. This part allows the machine to stitch in reverse. 

Fig 2.1.1 Display

Fig 2.1.9 Handwheel 

Fig 2.1.5 Carrying Handle

2.2 Interior

The interior of the machine includes all the parts on the inside of the machine. One of the main parts of the machine is the needle (2.2.1), which is attached to the bottom of the face cover. This part extends to a position close to the bottom of the machine. This needle is made of metal and has a sharp tip. This is a hole on the top of the needle that the thread goes through. The dimensions of this needle are 3.2 cm x 0.1 cm. 

The needle plate (2.2.2) is a rectangular metal part under the needle that allows the needle to pass through multiple slits in the plate. This plate is located at a position under the needle. It rests at the top of the bottom part of the machine. The dimensions of this needle plate are 5.8 cm x 6.2 cm. 

The presser foot lifter (2.2.3) is on the inside of the machine and slightly above the needle. This part is behind the face cover part and above the needle. The dimensions of this part are 0.6 cm x 2.5 cm x 0.5 cm. This part is a lever and is black in color. It is responsible for raising and lowering the presser foot (2.2.4). 

The presser foot is directly under the needle and helps keep the fabric flat. The dimensions of this part are 2.2 cm x 2.3 cm x 0.5 cm. This part is made of metal and is silver in color and has a shape that resembles a foot. 

The thumb screw (2.2.6) is near the presser foot. This screw is circular shaped  and made of metal with a silver color. This part is a screw which can be loosened by hand. This part has the dimensions of 0.6 cm for its radius and 0.3 cm in height. 

The light bulb (2.2.5) is under the face cover and is on the upper part of the machine. This part is a round bulb with a glass shell. The bulb lights up when the machine is turned on. The dimensions of this light bulb are about 3 cm x 1.4 cm. This light bulb shines a light over where the sewing is done and makes it easier for the user to see the sewing process. 

The feed dogs are under the needle plate. It is responsible for feeding the fabric under the presser while guiding the fabric. The feed dog lever is located inside the bottom part of the machine. This part is pressed from left to right and is used to drop or raise the feed dogs. 

    Fig 2.2.1 Needle  

Fig 2.2.3 Presser foot lifter

2.3  Thread

The thread of the machine includes all of the parts connected to the thread. These parts control and guide the thread throughout the machine. The thread take-up lever (2.3.1) is located at the top front towards the right of the machine to over the needle. This part is used as a guide for the top thread. The dimensions of this lever are 2.5 cm x 2 cm. This part is made of metal and resembles a disc. 

The thread tension dial (2.3.2) is a dial with a white color. The location of this part is below the position of the thread take-up lever. The dimensions of this lever are 2.3 cm x 0.7 cm. The part controls the amount of thread that can pass through the machine. 

The upper needle thread guide (2.3.3) is located at the top of the machine near the thread tension dial. This part is a rectangular disc and is made of metal. The upper needle thread guide is responsible for guiding the thread. The dimensions of this part are 2.5 cm x 0.8 cm.

  The thread cutter (2.3.4) is located on the bottom of the face cover and on the upper part of the machine. This part is a little above the position of the needle. This thread cutter has the dimensions of 1.5 cm x 1 cm x 0.3 cm. This part is responsible for cutting the thread. 

The spool pins (2.3.5) are located at the top of the machine near the carrying handle. These pins are used to contain the spool of thread. There are two of these pins that are made of metal and have a circular black base. Both of these pins are 1.5 cm in height and 0.4 cm in diameter. The first pin (2.3.5.1) is near the carrying handle and the second pin (2.3.5.2) is a few inches away and close to the edge of the machine. 

The Bobbin winder spindle (2.3.6) is pin shaped and also has a white cylindrical component. The pin shaped component has a radius of 0.25 cm and a length of 1.6 cm. The white cylindrical component has a radius of 0.6 cm and a height of 1 cm. This part takes thread from the top thread spool and winds on the bobbin. 

The Bobbin winding tension disc (2.3.7) is a small black circular disc that is in front of the carrying handle. This disc has a radius of 1 cm and a height of 0.7 cm. This part is used to control tension of the thread as it is wound to the bobbin.

     Fig 2.3.1 Thread take-up lever

 Fig 2.3.3 Upper needle thread guide

2.4 Foot

The foot of the machine includes the parts of the machine that are used with the user’s foot. The foot control (2.4.1) is black in color and in a shape similar to a foot. Its dimensions are 15 cm x 7.8 cm x 5.5 cm. This part is used to maintain the speed of the machine. This part is connected to a long black wire (2.4.2) which can be used to connect to the machine. 

The wire splits into two components on one end. The dimensions of this wire are 132 cm from the base of the wire to the first component. The rest of the wire is about 188 cm to the second component. Therefore, the total length of the wire is about 320 cm. One component is plugged into the machine through the machine socket (2.4.3.1) and other can be plugged into an outlet (2.4.3.2)

Fig 2.4.1 Foot control

       Fig 2.4.2 Wire

Functions of item / How it can be used

This item is a sewing machine, it can be used to stitch fabrics and easily bendable materials together. It is used for producing and repairing clothing. This machine works by using a needle to move a thread. There is a shuttle hook on a bobbin winder that hooks on to a thread and then rotates around the original thread to join the two threads together. There is also drop feeding in this machine, where the feed dogs can be raised or lowered. The machine also can be used for straight and zigzag stitch, which allows the user more options in their stitching. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Kenmore sewing machine model 385 has many features that make it a great model for people to use. These features make the model easy to use for users from even beginners to experts. The arrangement of parts in this model is also a factor that makes the machine easy to use. An understanding of these many parts helps a user to use the machine efficiently. This machine gives users many options for their stitching needs such as the many patterns and available stitching material. It allows users to use various materials such as fine sewing fabric and silk to sew. This model of the Kenmore Sewing brand is an advancement that is good for users to learn to sew as well as to practice sewing. 

References

Churchill, A., & Kelly, A. (2023, September 26). The anatomy of a sewing machine: A guide to all parts and their uses. Martha Stewart. https://www.marthastewart.com/7846161/sewing-machine-parts-explained#:~:text=This%20metal%20plate%2C%20sometimes%20called,pass%20through%20to%20make%20stitches. 

DearDoe. How to choose a stitch length – deer&doe • the blog. https://blog.deer-and-doe.com/15542-how-to-choose-a-stitch-length/#:~:text=Simply%20put%2C%20the%20stitch%20length,as%20stitches%2Dper%2Dinch. 

Searspartsdirect. (n.d.). https://c.searspartsdirect.com/pd-content/is/content/Sears/L0807579 

Peek-a-boo. (2023, December 4). How to use a sewing machine foot pedal.  https://peekaboopatternshop.com/our-blog/sewing-machine-foot-pedal-how-to-use-it#:~:text=What%20is%20a%20Sewing%20Machine,sewing%20with%20the%20foot%20pedal.   

Introduction to sewing machine. (n.d.-b). https://ncert.nic.in/vocational/pdf/ivsm101.pdf  

Kenmore Sewing Machine Model 385. 15512000 w/ Foot Pedal Tested Works. Shop. (n.d.). https://2024onlineshop.ru/product/266511417154 

Marissa, & Name. (2021, November 12). How to thread almost any sewing machine • Stitch Clinic. Stitch Clinic. https://www.stitchclinic.com/thread-a-sewing-machine/#:~:text=Pull%20the%20thread%20end%20from,used%20for%20proper%20thread%20tension. 

Collins english dictionary, Needle definition and meaning (n.d.-b). https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/needle 

Parts of the sewing machine. (n.d.-c). https://www.uen.org/cte/facs_cabinet/downloads/ClothingI/S1O1SewingMachineParts4.doc 

Skedd, J. (2022, March 7). Sewing machine tension – adjusting tension on sewing machine. Artisan Stitch. https://www.artisanstitch.co.uk/sewing-machine-tension/#:~:text=By%20thread%20tension%2C%20we%20mean,on%20the%20machine’s%20thread%20path. 

Superlabelstore. (2022, February 18). Kenmore Sewing Machine: The unsung american hero. https://superlabelstore.com/blog/kenmore-sewing-machine/#:~:text=Kenmore%20Sewing%20Machine%3A%20The%20Unsung%20American%20Hero%20Since%201913&text=Sears%2C%20Whirlpool%2C%20Janome%2C%20and,the%20history%20of%20this%20brand. 

University of Nebraska. Basic sewing machine parts/their purpose and function. (n.d.-a). https://cesonoma.ucanr.edu/files/235939.pdf  

Weavetech. (2023, January 20). Common sewing machine bobbin problems and solutions. Medium. https://medium.com/@alidhraweavetech1/common-sewing-machine-bobbin-problems-and-solutions-13ba7f2c6758#:~:text=Bobbin%20winder%20tension%20disk&text=It%20is%20used%20to%20control,the%20quality%20of%20the%20sewing. Wikimedia Foundation. (2023, November 6). Presser foot. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presser_foot#:~:text=A%20presser%20foot%20keeps%20the,rather%20than%20a%20presser%20foot.