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Sleep quality, a crucial parameter for health and life performance, is affected by mattress components; particularly mechanical and thermal comfort management ability of the upper layers. The aim of this study is to investigate effects of quilted mattress ticking fabric material (polyester, polypropylene, viscose, lyocell and their blends) on thermal comfort of the bedding system by objective and subjective measurements.

The permeability (air and water vapour), heat transfer, water absorption, transfer and drying behaviours of knitted quilted fabrics which influence the thermal comfort of the bedding system were investigated. Subjective coolness and dampness evaluations were gathered by forearm and hand-palm tests to provide more realistic discussion in light of fabric characteristics.

According to the results, polypropylene can be suggested for winter use with its higher air and water vapour permeabilities, lower thermal absorption and conductivities and warmer evaluation results. Lyocell can be suggested for summer use with also high permeabilities, higher thermal absorption and conductivities and cooler evaluation results. Polyester and viscose may also be considered for winter and summer in turn as a result of thermal feelings they create.

In addition to fabric thermal, permeability, liquid absorption and transfer properties, this study also includes subjective coolness and dampness evaluations which can provide realistic results regarding the coolness-to-touch and liquid transfer performances of mattress ticking fabrics. The relationships among objective and subjective data were investigated and the proposed subjective evaluation techniques can be used for different products.

This paper investigates the thermal comfort properties of quilted (jersey cord) fabrics produced with different width of diamond pattern, different filling yarn linear density and different types of material.

A total of 12 fabrics were knitted by varying the width of diamond pattern (1 and 3 cm), the filling yarn linear density (300 and 900 denier) and the type of materials (cotton, polyester and their combination). In this regard, air permeability, thermal conductivity, thermal resistance, thermal absorptivity and relative water vapor permeability of these fabrics were measured and evaluated statistically.

The results showed that fabrics knitted using cotton yarn in both front and back surfaces exhibit higher thermal conductivity, thermal absorptivity and relative water vapor permeability characteristics; whereas samples knitted using polyester yarn in both surfaces have higher air permeability and thermal resistance. As the linear density of filling yarn increases, thickness and thermal resistance of the samples increase and air permeability, thermal conductivity, water vapor permeability characteristics decrease. When the effect of the width of diamond pattern compared, it is seen that an increase in the width of pattern lead to an increase in thickness and thermal resistance and a decrease in thermal conductivity, thermal absorptivity and water vapor permeability values.

Many researches were carried out on the thermal comfort properties of knitted fabrics, however there is a lack of research efforts regarding thermal comfort properties of quilted fabrics.

Firefighters are exposed to high outdoor temperature and heat stress caused by metabolic activities during firefighting and should wear protective clothing to ensure their safety and health. Traditional firefighter protective suits are bulky and heavy garments with reduced thermal comfort properties since the fabric thickness and moisture barrier layers prevent heat transfer of the garment and cause additional heat stress. The aim of this study is to reduce heat stress by creating a new fabric design with silica aerogel membrane as a moisture barrier for three-layer fabric system.

Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers were produced with three different silica aerogel contents and used for three-layered clothing system as a moisture barrier for giving desired protectiveness and thermal comfort to firefighters. Different fabric combinations were designed using two types of outer shell fabrics, two types of moisture barrier fabrics, two types of thermal barrier fabrics and PAN/silica aerogel membranes.

The results show that a lighter fabric system with improved wearer’s mobility and thermal comfort properties (thermal resistance and moisture permeability) is achieved with the use of PAN/silica aerogel membrane as an intermediate layer compared to commercial thermal protective fabric systems.

Differently from traditional thermal protective clothing, which may not provide adequate protection in long-term heat conditions or when exposed to flash fire, a new thermal protective clothing has been developed to be used in extremely hot environments, providing desired technical and performance properties, ease to wear comfort.

This study answers the research question “How can businesses apply a luxury brand strategy to achieve innovation in their businesses or brands?” It aims to investigate the possibility of applying a luxury brand strategy to a wide range of business areas.

This study presents a literature review and case studies, analyzing 16 products from a selection of 8 iconic luxury brands. A survey conducted in Japan and Europe identified which of the 8 selected luxury brands had established the strongest brand image. Principal component analysis and SPSS were used to analyze the results. Scatter diagrams are used to depict the relationship between factors and product positioning. Brands and products were selected for case study analysis, and the features were generalized to show how companies in business segments other than luxury goods could apply this model.

The results showed that most of the strategy’s features apply to companies in different business areas. While luxury brand strategies are unique, their features can be generalized to stimulate innovation in other businesses or brands.

This study analyzed only two products under one luxury brand. Thus, the number of products is limited.

This study is unique because it examines how different business areas can apply the advantages of business strategy models. It illustrates the advantages of successful business strategies of luxury companies and how different companies can harness that success for future development.

Joe Smith, senior director of merchandise management at Beautiful Bags (BB), was about to place a large order for the upcoming winter season. He had to decide how many pieces he should order of each product. But another big question whether BB should source the product from its domestic manufacturing facility, its Chinese suppliers, or some combination of the two given the timing needs, labor costs, minimum order requirements, and BB's expanding product assortment?

PIONEERING materials for aircraft cabin mouldings are being used by Cox Thermoforming Ltd, of Tring, to help Short Bros Ltd, of Belfast, meet tougher cabin safety rules. The US Federal Aviation Authority has changed its flammability testing methods and now requires that these fittings will make no contribution to a fire.

This lesson plan allows one’s class to develop an appreciation for history through an examination of the symbolic art of quilting. The story F is for Friendship: A Quilt Alphabet by Helen L. Wilbur is utilized to create a classroom environment filled with appreciation for one another. Students are taken on a journey of quilts through the alphabet in this book. With the creation of a classroom quilt, students embrace diversity and appreciate historical contributions.

This study aims to provide insights to designers for seeking innovative ways to design sustainable clothes and appeal to consumers by enhancing sustainability.

To achieve the research purpose, the researchers went through a design process and designed three prototypes. The experts’ evaluation on the prototypes was positive.

Various design strategies derived from the Korean traditional costume were explored. Based on the strategies, three prototypes were developed, and the design experts’ evaluation on the prototypes was positive.

The research has implications as follows. The sustainable design process and methods used in this research for developing designs inspired from cultural costumes will provide insights to designers who want to create sustainable garments inspired by a certain culture. In addition, the design and sustainable design strategies, derived from the Chosun Dynasty, will guide apparel designers to create sustainable designs and broaden their perspectives. Furthermore, the research will provide guidance to following researchers who are interested in the topic of sustainability in apparel design. The researchers explored sustainable design strategies from the Korean culture, applied them in their design process and evaluated the design outcomes. By doing so, merits and limitations of the design strategies were more clearly understood.

This paper aims to summarize researches conducted related to functional textiles for prevention of pressure ulcers and critical analysis of the outcomes to pave path for the future research in this area for benefit of the patients. Pressure ulcers, also known as bed sores, pressure sores and decubitus ulcers, are localized areas of tissue damage that develop due to pressure usually over a bony prominence. A standard hospital mattress has an interface pressure of 100 mmHg which can result in pressure ulcers unless repositioning occurs at regular intervals. Moisture accumulation on the skin is an important physical factor predisposing a patient to the occurrence of pressure ulcers and tissue breakdown. The disability leads to several requirements of functional clothing and textile products. The textiles play a variety of roles in this concern, from simply having good aesthetic appearance to preventing life threatening risks. An ideal support surface prevents pressure ulcers by providing pressure redistribution and maintaining a healthy skin microenvironment. The use of the textiles for the care of elderly disabled and bedridden persons can play an important role, as their quality of life can be improved by making use of functional and good-looking textiles.

This review paper aims to summarize researches conducted related to functional textiles for prevention of pressure ulcers and critical analysis of the outcomes to pave path for the future research in this area for benefit of the patients.

In the past years, there have been several functional textiles developed for the prevention of pressure ulcer. They are designed to maintain proper microclimate around patient skin. Sheepskin is one of the oldest used bed overlays which prevent pressure ulcer but its prolonged use leads to uneasy feeling for the patient. A sensor in bed for pressure detection is one of the good alternatives as it provides proper indication on when to change the position of the patient so that the pressure can be shifted and ulcers is prevented. These sensors are costly and complex to setup so for common man they are not easily available. Multilayer textiles on the other hand are complex to make as the properties are dependent upon the fiber content, yarn structure, fabric structure and technique of layering them together. Spacer fabric provides good air and moisture permeability, but there is a scope to study this type of fabric by varying the fibers type and thickness of the spacer fabric. A bedding material which is not much complex and can be easily purchased and used by common man for in-house usage is the need of the hour.

There is no comprehensive review available regarding research in this area with critical analysis of the outcomes for future study.