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The purpose of this paper is to quantitatively assess the three-dimensional (3D) geometry and symmetry of the torso for spinal deformity and the use of orthotic bracewear by using non-invasive 3D body scanning technology.

In pursuing greater accuracy of body anthropometric measurements to improve the fit and design of apparel, 3D body scanning technology and image analysis provide many more advantages over the traditional manual methods that use contact measurements. To measure the changes in the torso geometry and profile symmetry of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, five individuals are recruited to undergo body scanning both with and without wearing a rigid brace during a period of six months. The cross-sectional areas and profiles of the reconstructed 3D torso models are examined to evaluate the level of body symmetry.

Significant changes in the cross-sectional profile are found amongst four of the patients over the different visits for measurements (p < 0.05), which are consistent with the X-rays results. The 3D body scanning system can reliably evaluate changes in the body geometry of patients with scoliosis. Nevertheless, improvements in the symmetry of the torso are found to be somewhat inconsistent among the patients and across different visits.

This pilot study demonstrates a practical and safe means to measure and analyse the torso geometry and symmetry so as to allow for more frequent evaluations, which would result in effective and optimal treatment of spinal deformation.

One of the crucial steps in the molded bra production is the process of developing the mold head. The purpose of this paper is to determine the final cups style and size. Compared with traditional development process of the mold head, less time-consuming and a more quantitative method is needed for the design and modification of the mold head.

A three-dimensional (3D) numerical model for the simulation of large compressive deformation was built in this paper to research the foam bra cup molding process. Since the head cones have more representative than the mold heads, the male and female head cones were used in the simulation. All of the solid shapes are modeled by using 3D Solid 164 elements as well as an automatic surface-to-surface contact between head cones.

Simulation of the foam cup molding process is conducted by inputting different properties of the foam material and stress-strain curves under different molding temperatures.

In order to simulate the laminated foam moulding process, heat transfer through a layered textile assembly can be studied by using the thermo-mechanical coupled FE model.

According to the different foam performance parameters under different temperatures along with different head cone shapes, distribution and variation in the stress field can be obtained as well as the ultimate capacity of foam materials.

A computer-aided parametric design system for the mold heads provides an effective solution to improving the development process of mold heads.

The distribution and variation in the stress fields can be analyzed through simulation, providing a reference for the mold head design.

The breasts are mainly fatty and connective tissues with no muscles that directly support them, so wearing sports bras is one of the most effective means of alleviating the discomfort of breast movement and potential injury during vigorous physical exercise. However, the design and development processes of traditional sports bras are time-consuming and costly. Hence, a novel method of simulating the static contact pressure between a sports bra and women’s body based on the finite element (FE) and artificial neural network (ANN) models is developed in this study to contribute to the design considerations of sports bras.

Three-dimensional FE models of a female subject and sports bras with different fabric properties are developed to determine the amount of contact pressure exerted onto the body. The FE results are then verified by measuring the amount of pressure exerted by the sports bra on the skin with pressure sensors. The Taguchi technique is used to effectively reduce the number of trials from 625 to only 25 cases. These 25 results obtained through FE modelling are then used to provide the training set for the ANNs. Finally, a comparison between the FE and ANN results is carried out.

A novel model of the static contact pressure between a sports bra and human subject based on the FE and ANN methods is presented in this paper. The root mean square error values show that there is only a small difference between the FE and ANN results.

The ANN function established in this study can be used to predict the mechanical behaviours of breasts and has a fundamental impact on the computer-aided design of functional garments in general.

The surface properties of materials are often the important determinants of their usefulness, and many of the chemical treatments now in use are aimed at modifying these properties. The important properties of polymer materials such as adhesion, friction, wetting, penetrability and biological compatibility are strongly influenced by their surface characteristics. Low Temperature Plasma (LTP) is a technology which can produce not only interesting morphological modification on the surface of the polymers, but also can replace less environmental-friendly finishing processes. In this paper, four non-polymerizing plasma gases: oxygen, argon, tetrafluoromethane and 75%/25% nitrogen/hydrogen mixture were used to modify Nylon 6 filaments and fabrics. The results of SEM study reveals that interesting morphological changes on the surface of treated samples. Besides, with the appropriate LTP treatment, the fabric properties, such as the hydrophobicity of polyamides, surface luster, etc. can be greatly modified.

The aim of this article is to investigate the relationship between visual merchandising elements and consumer affective response by focusing on a function‐oriented product – intimate apparel.

In this paper, a different perspective on visual merchandising is offered through the different types of intimate apparel retailers (from fashion‐oriented, mass market‐oriented to fashion forward). This is presented in an interpretive study of Hong Kong Chinese female consumers, between the ages of 25 and 35. A qualitative approach is employed and the grounded theory method is chosen. A total of eight focus group interviews are conducted with 64 subjects.

The findings indicate that participating subjects have two points of view when evaluating visual store displays, which include utilitarian and hedonic aspects. The utilitarian aspect relates to the actual needs of consumers, such as garment deterioration, seasonal changes and occasions. The hedonic aspect finds that the perceived female image governs consumer interpretation and acceptance of visual displays. It also reveals that the need to be feminine sets the guidelines to evaluating visual stimulus in stores. Display elements, such as mannequins, colour, lighting and props that emphasize feelings of feminine sexuality, tend to trigger negative affective responses in consumers which finally affect purchase intentions.

The authors aim to explore consumer affective response on visual stimulus in stores by considering the aesthetic, symbolic and cultural perceptions of a function‐oriented product – intimate apparel. The literature to date tends to focus on the interaction between individual visual merchandising elements (e.g. colour, lighting) with consumers. However, the product nature and its symbolic meaning have not been seriously taken into consideration. Due to the immense market potential in the East, applying western‐developed theories may not be universally appropriate. There may be different results and patterns in consumer behaviour. Thus, this study aims to enrich existing knowledge of atmospheric management by including the interaction of Eastern values and product nature on affective responses.

The aim is to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting‐edge research and case studies.

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

There is less expectation for products with universal functions to conform to local values, but when the product itself ties to social and cultural experiences, the local context should not be disregarded. When drafting strategies for the store environment, intimate apparel retailers should take this suggestion into account. This is especially true for international well‐known brands. A unified cooperate image is important, but perceived localness is also critical. For products tied to aesthetic and social elements, the degree of perceived localness becomes a critical point regarding product acceptance.

The article provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations.

The strategic insights and practical thinking can have a broader social impact.

The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy‐to‐digest format.

The purpose of this paper is to discuss polyester fabric structures in terms of the surface morphology, crystal structure of copper films and interfacial bonding properties between polyester fabrics and copper films.

Nanoscale copper (Cu) thin films were deposited onto the surface of polyester fabrics with different structures by the radio frequency magnetron sputtering technique at room temperature.

Copper films uniformly deposited on the surface of the polyester nonwovens and nanofiber membranes have larger average particle diameters and surface roughness, and higher crystallinity.

Theoretical value: the effects of polyester substrate structures on the morphology and interfacial bonding properties of Cu thin films have rarely been reported.

The purpose of this paper is to predict the effect of bra pad specifications on breast deformation during jumping using a finite element (FE) method. Breast deformation is a key concern for women during exercise and can be effectively controlled with sports bras. In most studies, the deformation of breasts when wearing a sports bra is measured using motion capture devices to judge their effectiveness. However, the operation of such devices is highly complex and time-consuming. Computer-aided technology is an efficient way to simulate these experiments.

In this study, the breast model was obtained using three-dimensional (3D) scanning. Assembling models were obtained for FE analysis using reverse engineering and computer-aided design (CAD) software. The breast deformation results were obtained by completing pre-processing, solving and post-processing in the FE simulation software. To extend the application of these models, pads of different sizes and thicknesses within the bra were constructed to simulate the effect of pads on breast deformation.

The calculated root mean square errors were <1%, which indicated good agreement between the FE and experimental data in all the models. Nipple deformation was always the largest in most models. The smallest deformation occurred at the superior position of breasts in all models. In addition, larger pads were not effective in reducing breast deformation; however, thicker pads were.

The method developed in this study provides an effective way to predict breast deformation in multiple positions and is convenient for designing compression bras.

This study takes the position that the concept of fraud is socially constructed. Moreover, it asks why and how different understandings of fraud have emerged. Insights from the work of Lakoff and Johnson (1999, 2003; Lakoff, 2002, 2004, 2009) are used to analyze language revealing dominant worldviews and metaphors regarding fraud. The research method is a case study (Yin, 2014), and the analytical approach used parallels the one described in O’Dwyer (2004). The research setting is a report issued by the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission, which provides a context to study different understandings of fraud due to the report’s divided nature. The analysis reveals three alternative worldviews, representing different assumptions about reality, that are at the root of the different understandings of fraud. These worldviews also lead to the usage of different conceptual metaphors which allow the commissioners to interpret facts in a manner that supports each worldview’s assumptions. The paper also concludes by providing a nuanced and critical examination of the results of the commission concerning its understanding of fraud.

This paper aims to develop 3D-printed customized padding to increase pressure at the zero pressure region. This padding is specifically intended for facial areas with complex contours in pressure therapy treatment of hypertrophic scars.

To carry out this study, a full-face head garment was fabricated by a local occupational therapist, and pressure measurements were conducted to establish the pressure exerted by this head garment and to determine the zero pressure region. Furthermore, an additional manufacturing method was used to construct customized padding, and pressure measurements were performed to measure the pressure exerted after application of this customized padding.

The results reveal that 3D-printed customized padding can increase pressure at the zero pressure region, which occurs on complex contour surfaces with a spatial gap because of non-contact of the head garment and facial surfaces.

This paper suggests that an additive manufacturing method using 3D printing is capable of producing accurate, functional and low-cost medical parts for rehabilitation. Moreover, the 3D-printed padding fabricated by additive manufacturing assists in generating optimal pressure, which is necessary for effective pressure therapy.

Digital design using 3D scanning, computer-aided design and 3D printing is capable of designing and producing properly fitting, customized padding that functions to increase pressure from zero to an acceptable pressure range required for pressure therapy.