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The complexity of construction projects and the fragmentation of the construction industry undertaking those projects has effectively resulted in linear, uncoordinated and highly variable project processes in the UK construction sector. Research undertaken at the University of Salford resulted in the development of an improved project process, the Process Protocol, which considers the whole lifecycle of a construction project whilst integrating its participants under a common framework. The Process Protocol identifies the various phases of a construction project with particular emphasis on what is described in the manufacturing industry as the ‘fuzzy front end’. The participants in the process are described in terms of the activities that need to be undertaken in order to achieve a successful project and process execution. In addition, the decision‐making mechanisms, from a client perspective, are illustrated and the foundations for a learning organization/industry are facilitated within a consistent Process Protocol.

Today, Jacquard woven fabric producers are able to digitally control each warp yarn individually, pre-program the variable pick density and speed for each filling yarn, and automatically change a pattern without stopping the weaving process. Jacquard CAD systems dramatically reduce the time to produce fabric from the artwork or target design The process of weave/color selection for each area of the pattern is, however, still highly dependent on the CAD system operator who works from a particular color gamut. Multiple weaving trials are required to get a sample that matches the original artwork since the process requires the designer‘s subjective evaluation. The lack of automatic selection of weaves/color matching prompts this research.

This paper addresses the development of a geometric model for predicting the color contribution of each warp and filling yarn on the fabric surface in terms of construction parameters. The combination of geometric modeling and existing color mixing equations enables the prediction of the final color of different areas of a Jacquard pattern. The model was verified experimentally and a close agreement was found between a color mixing equation and the experimental measurements.

The scope for using dedicated facilities management information technology to stimulate advancements in facilities management (FM) is discussed. The concept is put forward that a synergistic interaction occurs between the process of FM and the specialist information technology (IT) used for FM. This co‐operation can produce co‐maturation or co‐stagnation of their capability. The mechanism of this interaction between specialist FM IT and the FM process appears to be dependent on the relative capabilities of the process and the IT. This paper presents a conceptual framework for describing the relationship between the FM process and FM IT, and a model for the dynamic mechanisms of their co‐operation. The paper commences by reviewing work done on modelling process capability for software procurement and the design and construction process, using the established capability maturity modelling (CMM) technique. The generalised principles of an existing model for the dynamic interaction between the design and construction process for buildings and specialist construction IT are discussed. The paper then considers their application and extension into the context of FM. The specific example of growth in specialist FM IT and FM process is examined for the case of space management. Finally, the implications of co‐maturation for FM IT and the FM process are explored.

The purpose of this paper is to address the key variables that determine the level of control of color in a typical textile supply chain, including lighting variability, color perception, and color measurement.

A fishbone diagram is used to demonstrate the wide range of variables that affect the control and communication of color within the textile supply chain.

It is important to identify the important parameters and variables that influence the control of color within various stages of the textile supply chain. In regard to visual assessment variability, the results obtained in an ongoing study at North Carolina State University based on the psychophysical testing of 50 observers demonstrate a statistical difference for visual judgments of small color differences between naïve and expert observers. Results of a paired t‐test between the second and the third trial conducted by naïve observers indicate that the repetition of the visual observations significantly affects the assessment of small color differences.

Assessment of lighting measurements of several stores in the USA demonstrate variability in lighting, with many stores having at least two different light sources. This variability, in combination with uncontrolled lighting from external windows and entrance/exit areas, can lead to significant variability in the color perception of textile garments displayed in such areas, and may lead to consumer experience being significantly different from that intended by the designer.

The optimization of variables that influence the assessment and communication of color is vital to achieving effective communication between all parties involved. This can significantly reduce costs and lead times resulting in improved competitiveness and cost efficiency associated with increased consumer satisfaction and confidence in the industry.

The repetition of visual observations significantly affects the assessment of small color differences.

Jacquard weaving provides the opportunity for designing an enormous number of complex pictorial and other patterning effects using combinations of warp colors, filling colors and integrated weaves. Traditionally, in the fabric design process, the resultant visual perception of the design using different colored yarns can be attained only through the production of actual fabric samples. This is a very time consuming and costly process. In Jacquard woven fabrics, the use of graphical imaging in the creation of the weave structure is very useful, but the accuracy of color rendering is a far more critical attribute. Multiple trials might be required for successful color reproduction in textiles in order to match the desired artwork. In this paper, the problem of achieving accurate color fidelity in the color reproduction of woven fabrics has been addressed, and our attempt to achieve the highest possible color matching accuracy in Jacquard woven fabrics is described. So far, we are quite successful in creating a database of color/weave structures for the quality color reproduction of Jacquard fabrics. Our research places emphasis on synthesizing computer generated color images that are perceptually close to the actual woven samples, with a high degree of color accuracy.

A systematic review of literature was conducted to compile, analyse and describe the methodology and measurement of childhood/adolescent health literacy.

Six online databases (ERIC, PubMed, CINAHL, Biomed Central, Web of Science and Sports Discuss) were systematically searched to identify English language, peer‐reviewed articles, published between 1980 and April 2011, which reported on the measurement of health literacy in a population under the age of 18. The search identified 16 articles to be included in the final review, from which, data were systematically extracted in order to answer four review questions concerning several aspects of the method and effectiveness of the completed studies.

The majority (n=13) of the studies described the use of newly developed measurement tools and enquiry methods. The majority (n=14) assessed health literacy via task performance as opposed to examining self‐reported health literacy. Thirteen health topics and nine distinct components of health literacy were identified as being scrutinised by the 16 articles. Examination of the intended measurement aims of each study, in comparison with the actual measurement methods revealed that six studies fully succeeded in examining what they intended to measure. It is concluded that even though research in this field is escalating, clear definitions and measurement methods of childhood health literacy must be developed in order to effectively expand the field further and comprehensively assess childhood health literacy.

This review is to our knowledge the first to collate and examine studies concentrating solely on the measurement of health literacy in a child and/or adolescent population.

Design is an important construct in the retail environment literature. Yet, the measures used for design have not followed appropriate scale development procedures. The purpose of this study is to provide a conceptual definition and then develop a scale for retail environment design (RED).

Interviews with both consumers and marketing researchers are used to generate a potential list of items. Using four different studies, these items are refined, and the RED scale is offered.

This study develops and validates the four-dimensional RED scale to measure the design of retail environments. The dimensions are functional, aesthetic, lighting and signage.

The newly developed RED scale will allow retailing researchers to measure lighting and signage qualities as part of retail design, measure design of retail environments more accurately and allow different studies to be compared.

The newly developed RED scale will allow retailers to better understand customers’ perceptions of the four dimensions of design. Retailers spend significant time and money designing and redesigning retail environments. The RED scale will enable managers to ensure these significant investments create competitive advantages and an appropriate return on investment.

A scale to measure retail environment design is developed. The scale includes two dimensions (lighting and signage) that are not typically investigated.

Parents' health literacy is an important element to ensure the sound health of children. One of the major purposes of this study was to systematically collect and review the literature that identified the relationship between two variables: parents' health literacy and their child's health.

To meet the purpose, the authors searched four well-reputed research databases such as Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar and LISTA (Library, Information Science and Technology Abstracts) comprehensively to collect the relevant research on the topic. Except for books, various types of content from different years were used for this review. The investigators used Preferred Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines to select eligible studies for this review. The authors also assessed the quality of the reviewed research in the light of well-reputed quality guidelines shared by Boynton and Greenhalgh (2004).

The majority of the reviewed studies found a statistically significant relationship between parents' health literacy and the health of their children. Findings also identified that the majority of the reviewed literature scored from 9 to 12 on the quality assessment criteria. Results also highlighted that the majority of the reviewed research on parents' health literacy and child health has been conducted in the USA and utilized quantitative methods to conduct research on the topic under this study.

This systematic review has multiple theoretical and practical implications for parents, policymakers and researchers.

This is the first systematically collected and reviewed paper on the relationship between parents' health literacy and child health.

This paper aims to synthesise a novel crosslinker (crosslinker triethylthiosulphate (TETS)) which contains three Bunte groups in its molecule. The crosslinker is able to react with the hydroxyl groups in cellulosic fibres and the amino group in protein fibres so that it may find applications in many fields.

Crosslinker TETS was synthesised under constant reflux. Capillary electrophoresis analysis and Raman analysis were used to follow the synthetic reaction and characterise the product. The crosslinking between TETS and cellulose could be confirmed by infrared analysis and elemental analysis.

Crosslinker TETS 2,2′,2″‐nitrilo‐TETS was synthesised with a yield of 71.3 per cent. The synthetic reaction follows the mechanism of first, aziridine‐forming and then cyclo‐opening by nucleophiles. A new low‐cost purifying method using ethanol at different temperatures with good yield was proposed.

Practical applications of crosslinker TETS could be studied further.

Crosslinker TETS may find its use in durable‐press finish of cotton fabric, cellulosic fibre modifying to improve dyeing properties and increase fixation of reactive dyes, wet strength improvement of Kraft paper, anti‐fibrillating finish of Lyocell fibre, etc.

A novel polyfunctional crosslinker which belongs to a new Bunte salt was created. The structure, the synthetic reaction, the separation method and the crosslinking reaction of crosslinker TETS have not been reported before.