bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The New Professional Econocracy and the Maintenance of Elite Power
Authors: Davis Aeron
Published: January 2017

This article begins by asking how have elites, who are more fragmented, transitory and precarious than ever, continued to do so well out of discredited, financialised capitalist democracy? One possible answer lies in what I term the new professional econocracy. As the article reveals, an increasing proportion of elite figures at the top of business and government now have educational and/or professional experiences of economics and related disciplines. On the one hand, this provides the basis of a shared professional discourse and accompanying set of norms, values and practices. This unites disparate and mobile elites. On the other hand, such knowledge enables these elites both to move across sectors and to game the economic and accounting systems that they have helped construct. Thus, elites reflexively adapt to, and benefit from, economic rules while also rigidly dictating them to those below.
Historical Institutionalism and New Dimensions of Agency: Bankers, Institutions and the 2008 Financial Crisis
Authors: Bell Stephen
Published: January 2017

This article argues that historical institutionalism has bifurcated into two competing accounts: one focused on institutional stasis and the other on change. A more encompassing theory that accounts for both processes is constructed using a more detailed account of agency – one that utilises key inputs from cognitive and social psychology. This can better account for the conditions under which institutional constraint or change occurs and is used to explain the variable behaviour of bankers in the run-up to the 2008 financial crisis.
Is Trypophobia a Phobia?
Authors: Can Wang , Zhuoran Zhao , Zheng Jin
Published: January 2017

In the past 10 years, thousands of people have claimed to be affected by trypophobia, which is the fear of objects with small holes. Recent research suggests that people do not fear the holes; rather, images of clustered holes, which share basic visual characteristics with venomous organisms, lead to nonconscious fear. In the present study, both self-reported measures and the Preschool Single Category Implicit Association Test were adapted for use with preschoolers to investigate whether discomfort related to trypophobic stimuli was grounded in their visual features or based on a nonconsciously associated fear of venomous animals. The results indicated that trypophobic stimuli were associated with discomfort in children. This discomfort seemed to be related to the typical visual characteristics and pattern properties of trypophobic stimuli rather than to nonconscious associations with venomous animals. The association between trypophobic stimuli and venomous animals vanished when the typical visual characteristics of trypophobic features were removed from colored photos of venomous animals. Thus, the discomfort felt toward trypophobic images might be an instinctive response to their visual characteristics rather than the result of a learned but nonconscious association with venomous animals. Therefore, it is questionable whether it is justified to legitimize trypophobia.
Contribution of Analyses on Triadic Relationships to Diagnostics and Treatment Planning in Developmental Psychopathology
Authors: Gatta Michela , Miscioscia Marina , Simonelli Alessandra , Sudati Laura , Sisti Marta , Comis Ilaria , Battistella Pier Antonio
Published: January 2017

Recent clinical and theoretical research in the field of developmental psychopathology has focused on the importance of interactions in a child’s development. The literature has investigated how children’s early relationships contribute to the structure and expression of any subsequent psychological problems. The main focus of this pilot study is the application of the Lausanne Trilogue Play paradigm as part of psychodiagnostic assessments to elucidate family functioning in clinical settings. The research aims particularly to observe the characteristics of a family’s interactions in the light of their child’s psychopathological symptoms, based on a sample of 38 families with school-age children referred to a Neuropsychiatry Unit for Children and Adolescents for emotional or behavioral problems. The children’s psychopathological symptoms were assessed by administering the Child Behavior Check List to their parents. Triadic family interactions were observed using the Lausanne Trilogue Play procedure. Statistically significant relationships emerged between the family’s interaction patterns and the child’s externalizing and internalizing problems, suggesting an interdependence between these relational and individual factors in the development of the young person’s psychopathology. The clinical and therapeutic implications of these findings are discussed.
Patient Perceptions and Acceptance of Routine Emergency Department HIV Testing
Authors: Brown Jeremy , Kuo Irene , Bellows Jennifer , Barry Ryan , Bui Peter , Wohlgemuth Joshua , Wills Emily , Parikh Nirav
Published: January 2017

Objectives.

We report on the rates of patient acceptance and their perceptions of routine emergency department (ED) human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing in a high-prevalence area.

Methods.

We analyzed the race/ethnicity of patients who either accepted or declined a routine HIV test that was offered to all patients in the ED of a large academic center. We also distributed a patient perception survey about ED HIV testing.

Results.

During the study period, an HIV screening test was offered to 9,826 patients. Of these, 5,232 patients (53%) accepted the test. The acceptance rate of HIV testing was highest among African American patients (55%), followed by 52% for white, 50% for Hispanic, and 42% for Asian patients. A total of 1,519 completed surveys were returned for analysis. The most common reasons for declining a test were that patients did not perceive themselves to be at risk for HIV (49%) or they had recently been tested for HIV (18%). Overall, 84% of patients stated they would recommend to a friend to get an HIV test in the ED. When analyzed by ethnicity, 89% of African American patients stated they would recommend to a friend to get an HIV test if the friend went to the ED, but only 74% of white patients would do so.

Conclusions.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 2006 recommendations on HIV screening are well accepted by the target populations. Further work at explaining the risk of HIV infection to ED patients should be undertaken and may boost the acceptance rate of ED HIV screening.
Emergency Department Patient Acceptance of Opt-in, Universal, Rapid HIV Screening
Authors: Merchant Roland C. , Seage George R. , Mayer Kenneth H. , Clark Melissa A. , DeGruttola Victor G. , Becker Bruce M.
Published: January 2017

Objectives.

We assessed emergency department (ED) patient acceptance of opt-in, rapid human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) screening and identified demographic characteristics and HIV testing-history factors associated with acceptance of screening.

Methods.

A random sample of 18- to 55-year-old ED patients was offered rapid HIV screening. Patient acceptance or decline of screening and the reasons for acceptance or decline were analyzed with multivariable regression models. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated for the logistic regression models.

Results.

Of the 2,099 participants, 39.3% accepted HIV screening. In a multinomial regression model, participants who were never married/not partnered, did not have private health insurance, and had 12 or fewer years of education were more likely to be screened due to concern about a possible HIV exposure. In a multivariable logistic regression model, the odds of accepting screening were greater among those who were younger than 40 years old (OR=1.61, 95% CI 1.32, 2.00), nonwhite (OR=1.28, 95% CI 1.04, 1.58), not married (OR=1.82, 95% CI 1.44, 2.28), lacking private health insurance (OR=1.40, 95% CI 1.13, 1.74), and who had 12 or fewer years of education (OR=1.43, 95% CI 1.16, 1.75). Despite use of a standardized protocol, patient acceptance of screening varied by which research assistant asked them to be screened. Patients not previously tested for HIV who were white, married, and 45 years or older and who had private health insurance were more likely to decline HIV screening.

Conclusions.

In an opt-in, universal, ED HIV screening program, patient acceptance of screening varied by demography, which indicates that the impact of such screening programs will not be universal. Future research will need to determine methods of increasing uptake of ED HIV screening that transcend patient demographic characteristics, HIV testing history, and motivation for testing.
Prevalence and Correlates of Unknown HIV Infection among Patients Seeking Care in a Public Hospital Emergency Department
Authors: Zetola Nicola M. , Kaplan Beth , Dowling Teri , Jensen Trevor , Louie Brian , Shahkarami Mahtab , Colfax Grant , Klausner Jeffrey D.
Published: January 2017

Objectives.

Screening for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in the emergency department (ED) has been proposed as an effective approach to increase early HIV diagnosis. To evaluate the potential for the implementation of routine screening, we determined the prevalence of unknown HIV infection among patients being seen in an urban public hospital ED.

Methods.

We conducted a cross-sectional study among patients presenting to the San Francisco General Hospital's ED during March 2007. We reviewed patients' medical records to determine HIV infection status. In patients with unknown or negative HIV-infection status, we tested de-identified remnant blood specimens by HIV-antibody and nucleic-acid assays. We used a sensitive/less sensitive testing algorithm to determine the duration of HIV infection.

Results.

During the study period, 1,820 patients had blood collected for clinical evaluation. Of those patients, 146 (8.0%) were known to be HIV-infected. Among the remaining 1,674 patients with unknown HIV-infection status, HIV-infection prevalence was 0.9% (15 of 1,674, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.55, 1.47). In addition, one case of acute HIV infection (HIV-antibody negative, HIV RNA detected) was identified. Patients with unknown HIV infection vs. those who were uninfected were more likely to be homeless (odds ratio [OR] = 3.89, 95% CI 1.32, 11.45, p<0.05) and 18 to 30 years of age (OR=3.15, 95% CI 1.03, 9.61, p<0.05).

Conclusions.

In a sample of patients visiting a county ED, the relative prevalence of unknown HIV infection (10%) was modest and less than national estimates (25%). Acutely HIV-infected patients might account for a significant proportion of those with unknown HIV infection in an ED setting.
Comparing the Costs of HIV Screening Strategies and Technologies in Health-Care Settings
Authors: Farnham Paul G. , Hutchinson Angela B. , Sansom Stephanie L. , Branson Bernard M.
Published: January 2017

Objectives.

In 2006, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended routine human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) screening for people aged 13 to 64 years in all U.S. health-care settings. Earlier recommendations focused on those at high risk for HIV and included more extensive pretest counseling. HIV screening may also involve either rapid or conventional testing. The purpose of this research was to estimate the costs of these different testing procedures and the cost per HIV-infected patient correctly receiving test results in three health-care scenarios that illustrated these policy differences.

Methods.

The study estimated the costs of rapid and conventional HIV testing in the following scenarios: ( 1) sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic counseling and testing (CT), ( 2) STD clinic screening, and ( 3) emergency department (ED) screening. Costs were estimated from the provider perspective in 2006 dollars. A decision analytic model was developed to estimate the cost per HIV-infected patient notified of test results using the two testing procedures in the three scenarios.

Results.

Although the complete rapid testing procedure was more expensive than conventional testing, the cost per HIV-infected patient receiving test results was lower for the rapid test compared with conventional testing in all scenarios. Per-patient costs of receiving results were lowest in the ED screening scenario and highest in the STD CT scenario. These costs were sensitive to changes in test costs, HIV prevalence, and return rates following conventional tests.

Conclusion.

HIV screening in general health-care settings is economically feasible, particularly with rapid tests that lower the cost of HIV-infected patients receiving their test results.
Implementing Rapid HIV Testing in Outreach and Community Settings: Results from an Advancing HIV Prevention Demonstration Project Conducted in Seven U.S. Cities
Authors: Bowles Kristina E. , Clark Hollie A. , Tai Eric , Sullivan Patrick S. , Song Binwei , Tsang Jenny , Dietz Craig A. , Mir Julita , Mares-DelGrasso Azul , Calhoun Cindy , Aguirre Daisy , Emerson Cicily , Heffelfinger James D.
Published: January 2017

Objectives.

The goals of this project were to assess the feasibility of conducting rapid human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing in outreach and community settings to increase knowledge of HIV serostatus among groups disproportionately affected by HIV and to identify effective nonclinical venues for recruiting people in the targeted populations.

Methods.

Community-based organizations (CBOs) in seven U.S. cities conducted rapid HIV testing in outreach and community settings, including public parks, homeless shelters, and bars. People with reactive preliminary positive test results received confirmatory testing, and people confirmed to be HIV-positive were referred to health-care and prevention services.

Results.

A total of 23,900 people received rapid HIV testing. Of the 267 people (1.1%) with newly diagnosed HIV infection, 75% received their confirmatory test results and 64% were referred to care. Seventy-six percent were from racial/ethnic minority groups, and 58% identified themselves as men who have sex with men, 72% of whom reported having multiple sex partners in the past year. Venues with the highest proportion of new HIV diagnoses were bathhouses, social service organizations, and needle-exchange programs. The acceptance rate for testing was 60% among sites collecting this information.

Conclusions.

Findings from this demonstration project indicate that offering rapid HIV testing in outreach and community settings is a feasible approach for reaching members of minority groups and people at high risk for HIV infection. The project identified venues that would be important to target and offered lessons that could be used by other CBOs to design and implement similar programs in the future.
Implementation of Rapid HIV Testing Programs in Community and Outreach Settings: Perspectives from Staff at Eight Community-Based Organizations in Seven U.S. Cities
Authors: Clark Hollie A. , Bowles Kristina E. , Song Binwei , Heffelfinger James D.
Published: January 2017

Objectives.

The goals of this research were to evaluate perceptions of staff about the effectiveness of methods used by eight community-based organizations (CBOs) to implement human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) counseling and rapid testing in community and outreach settings in seven U.S. cities, and to identify operational challenges.

Methods.

A survey was administered to CBO staff to determine their perceptions about the effectiveness of methods used to select testing venues, promote their testing programs, recruit people for testing, provide test results, and link HIV-positive people to health care. Using a Likert scale, respondents rated the effectiveness of methods, their agreement with statements about using mobile testing units (MTUs) and rapid HIV test kits, and operational challenges.

Results.

Most respondents perceived the methods they used for selecting testing venues, and particularly using recommendations from people receiving testing, to be effective. Most respondents also thought their promotional activities were effective. Respondents believed that using MTUs improved their capacity to reach high-risk individuals, but that MTUs were associated with substantial challenges (e.g., costs to purchase and maintain them). Programmatic challenges included training staff to provide counseling and testing, locating and providing confirmatory test results to people with reactive rapid tests, and sustaining testing programs.

Conclusions.

CBO staff thought the methods used to select venues for HIV testing were effective and that using MTUs increased their ability to provide testing to high-risk individuals. However, using MTUs was expensive and posed logistical difficulties. CBOs planning to implement similar programs should take these findings into consideration and pay particular attention to training needs and program sustainability.
Cost-Effectiveness of Finding New HIV Diagnoses Using Rapid HIV Testing in Community-Based Organizations
Authors: Shrestha Ram K. , Clark Hollie A. , Sansom Stephanie L. , Song Binwei , Buckendahl Holly , Calhoun Cindy B. , Hutchinson Angela B. , Heffelfinger James D.
Published: January 2017

Objective.

We assessed the cost-effectiveness of determining new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) diagnoses using rapid HIV testing performed by community-based organizations (CBOs) in Kansas City, Missouri, and Detroit, Michigan.

Methods.

The CBOs performed rapid HIV testing during April 2004 through March 2006. In Kansas City, testing was performed in a clinic and in outreach settings. In Detroit, testing was performed in outreach settings only. Both CBOs used mobile testing vans. Measures of effectiveness were the number of HIV tests performed and the number of people notified of new HIV diagnoses, based on rapid tests. We retrospectively collected program costs, including those for personnel, test kits, mobile vans, and facility space.

Results.

The CBO in Kansas City tested a mean of 855 people a year in its clinic and 703 people a year in outreach settings. The number of people notified of new HIV diagnoses was 19 (2.2%) in the clinic and five (0.7%) in outreach settings. The CBO in Detroit tested 976 people a year in outreach settings, and the number notified of new HIV diagnoses was 15 (1.5%). In Kansas City, the cost per person notified of a new HIV diagnosis was $3,637 in the clinic and $16,985 in outreach settings. In the Detroit outreach settings, the cost per notification was $13,448. Conclusions. The cost of providing a new HIV diagnosis was considerably higher in the outreach settings than in the clinic. The variation can be largely explained by differences in the number of undiagnosed infections among the people tested and by the costs of purchasing and operating a mobile van.
Rapid HIV Testing in Transgender Communities by Community-Based Organizations in Three Cities
Authors: Schulden Jeffrey D. , Song Binwei , Barros Alex , Mares-DelGrasso Azul , Martin Charles W. , Ramirez Ramon , Smith Linney C. , Wheeler Darrell P. , Oster Alexandra M. , Sullivan Patrick S. , Heffelfinger James D.
Published: January 2017

Objectives.

This article describes the demographic and behavioral characteristics, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing history, and results of HIV testing of transgender (TG) people recruited for rapid HIV testing by community-based organizations (CBOs) in three cities.

Methods.

CBOs in Miami Beach, Florida, New York City, and San Francisco offered TG people rapid HIV testing and prevention services, and conducted a brief survey. Participants were recruited in outreach settings using various strategies. The survey collected information on demographic characteristics, HIV risk behaviors, and HIV testing history.

Results.

Among 559 male-to-female (MTF) TG participants, 12% were newly diagnosed with HIV infection. None of the 42 female-to-male participants were newly diagnosed with HIV. A large proportion of MTF TG participants reported high-risk behaviors in the past year, including 37% who reported unprotected receptive anal intercourse and 44% who reported commercial sex work. Several factors were independently associated with increased likelihood of being newly diagnosed with HIV infection among MTF TG participants, including having a partner of unknown HIV status in the past year; being 20–29 or ≥40 years of age; having last been tested for HIV more than 12 months ago; and having been recruited at the New York City site.

Conclusions.

Based on the high proportion of undiagnosed HIV infection among those tested, TG people represent an important community for enhanced HIV testing and prevention efforts. MTF TG people should be encouraged to have an HIV test at least annually or more often if indicated, based upon clinical findings or risk behaviors. Efforts should continue for developing novel strategies to overcome barriers and provide HIV testing and prevention services to TG people.
Examining Periodontal Disease Disparities among U.S. Adults 20 Years of Age and Older: NHANES III (1988–1994) and NHANES 1999–2004
Authors: Borrell Luisa N. , Talih Makram
Published: January 2017

Objective.

We examined disparities in periodontal disease in U.S. adults according to age, sex, race/ethnicity, country of birth, education, income, and poverty-income ratio within and between the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III, 1988–1994) and NHANES 1999–2004.

Methods.

We assessed disparities and changes therein using prevalence differences and ratios, as well as the Symmetrized Theil Index (STI). While these measures document disparities between pairs of population subgroups, and changes in relative disparities between surveys, the STI is a summary measure of health disparities that also tracks between-group disparities relative to the total population.

Results.

Prevalence differences and ratios for the prevalence of periodontitis, the mean pocket depth (PD), and the mean clinical attachment loss (CAL) suggest that periodontal disease significantly decreased between NHANES III and NHANES 1999–2004 ( p<0.01). However, the STI for the prevalence of periodontitis suggests that disparities significantly increased within categories of race/ethnicity, country of birth, and education in NHANES 1999–2004 compared with NHANES III. These findings were corroborated for mean PD and mean CAL ( p<0.001): the overall STI significantly increased for mean PD from 4.53% in NHANES III to 11.02% in NHANES 1999–2004 and for mean CAL for teeth with CAL >0 from 31.73% in NHANES III to 43.36% in NHANES 1999–2004.

Conclusions.

Our findings suggest that inequalities in periodontal disease significantly decreased between NHANES III and NHANES 1999–2004 in the total population and across selected characteristics of the population. However, these inequalities increased within groups of the population in NHANES 1999–2004 compared with NHANES III. These findings call attention to the absolute and relative differences not only between population groups across surveys, but also within population groups within and between surveys.
Impact of Fetal Death Reporting Requirements on Early Neonatal and Fetal Mortality Rates and Racial Disparities
Authors: Tyler Crystal P. , Grady Sue C. , Grigorescu Violanda , Luke Barbara , Todem David , Paneth Nigel
Published: January 2017

Objective.

Racial disparities in infant and neonatal mortality vary substantially across the U.S. with some states experiencing wider disparities than others. Many factors are thought to contribute to these disparities, but state differences in fetal death reporting have received little attention. We examined whether such reporting requirements may explain national variation in neonatal and fetal mortality rates and racial disparities.

Methods.

We used data on non-Hispanic white and non-Hispanic black infants from the U.S. 2000–2002 linked birth/infant death and fetal death records to determine the degree to which state fetal death reporting requirements explain national variation in neonatal and fetal mortality rates and racial disparities. States were grouped depending upon whether they based the lower limit for fetal death reporting on birthweight alone, gestational age alone, both birthweight and gestational age, or required reporting of all fetal deaths. Traditional methods and the fetuses-at-risk approach were used to calculate mortality rates, 95% confidence intervals, and relative and absolute racial disparity measures in these four groups.

Results.

States with birthweight-alone fetal death thresholds substantially underreported fetal deaths at lower gestations and slightly overreported neonatal deaths at older gestations. This finding was reflected by these states having the highest neonatal mortality rates and disparities, but the lowest fetal mortality rates and disparities.

Conclusions.

Using birthweight alone as a reporting threshold may promote some shift of fetal deaths to newborn deaths, contributing to racial disparities in neonatal mortality. The adoption of a uniform national threshold for reporting fetal deaths could reduce systematic differences in live birth and fetal death reporting.
Assessment of Assisted Reproductive Technology Use Questions: Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System Survey, 2004
Authors: Barradas Danielle T. , Barfield Wanda D. , Wright Victoria , D'Angelo Denise , Manning Susan E. , Schieve Laura A.
Published: January 2017

Objective.

Women who conceive with the assistance of fertility treatments are at increased risk for multiple-gestation pregnancies and accompanying adverse pregnancy outcomes. The Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) can be used to assess outcomes associated with fertility treatments, but a previous study suggested that PRAMS questions about fertility treatments overestimated use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) by 2.6 times. These PRAMS ART questions were revised in 2004. We compared prevalence estimates based on revised questions with counts from the National ART Surveillance System (NASS), the standard for describing ART prevalence.

Methods.

We compared weighted PRAMS prevalence estimates of births conceived by using ART with corresponding counts from NASS for three states (Florida, Maryland, and Utah) for 2004. We also compared these data by age, parity, plurality, and infant birthweight.

Results.

Estimated ART births determined from PRAMS totaled 3,672 (95% confidence interval 2,210, 5,134), compared with 2,939 ART births reported to NASS. PRAMS estimates and NASS counts differed by maternal age ( p=0.02) and parity ( p<0.01) For example, PRAMS responses from women aged ≥40 years overestimated ART use by 70% (27.9% vs. 16.5%, p<0.01).

Conclusions.

Revised PRAMS questions better estimate numbers of ART births than earlier PRAMS questions. PRAMS data are useful to describe behaviors and outcomes associated with ART use.
HIV Screening Practices in U.S. Hospitals, 2009–2010
Authors: Voetsch Andrew C. , Heffelfinger James D. , Yonek Juliet , Patel Pragna , Ethridge Steven F. , Torres Gretchen W. , Lampe Margaret A. , Branson Bernard M.
Published: January 2017

Objective.

A 2004 national survey of hospitals showed that 23.4% of hospitals screened for HIV in at least one department, most frequently in labor and delivery departments. However, less than 2% of these hospitals screened patients in inpatient units, urgent care clinics, or emergency departments. In 2006, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended HIV screening for all individuals 13–64 years of age in health-care settings. We determined the frequency of hospital adoption of these CDC recommendations.

Methods.

We surveyed hospital infection-control personnel at a randomly selected sample of U.S. general medical and surgical hospitals in 2009–2010.

Results.

Of the 1,476 hospitals selected for the survey, 754 (51.1%) responded to the survey; of those responding, 703 (93.2%) offered HIV tests for patients at the hospital and 206 (27.3%) screened for HIV in at least one department. Screening was most common in larger hospitals (45.7%), hospitals in large metropolitan areas (50.5%), and teaching hospitals (44.4%); it was least common in public hospitals (19.1%). By department, screening was most common in labor and delivery departments (34.6%) and substance abuse clinics (20.7%); it was least common in emergency departments (11.9%), inpatient units (9.6%), and psychiatry/mental health departments (9.4%). More than half of hospitals were not considering implementing CDC's recommendations within the next 12 months.

Conclusions.

Since 2004, HIV screening in hospitals increased overall and by department. However, the majority of U.S. hospitals have not adopted the CDC recommendations.
Comparative study of simulated annealing, tabu search, and the genetic algorithm for calibration of the microsimulation model
Authors: Lidbe Abhay D , Hainen Alexander M , Jones Steven L
Published: January 2017

Microsimulation modeling is one of the contemporary techniques that has potential to perform complex transportation studies faster, safer, and in a less expensive manner. However, to get accurate and reliable results, the microsimulation models need to be well calibrated. Microsimulation model consists of various sub-models each having many parameters, most of which are user-adjustable and are attuned for calibrating the model. Manual calibration involves an iterative trial-and-error process of using the intuitive discrete values of each parameter and feasible combinations of multiple parameters each time until the desired results are obtained. With this approach, it is possible to easily get caught in a never-ending circular process of fixing one problem only to generate another. This can make manual calibration a time-consuming process and is suggested only when the number of parameters is small. However, when the calibration parameter subset is large, an automated process is suggested in the literature. Amongst the meta-heuristics used for calibrating microsimulation models, the genetic algorithm (GA) has been widely used and simulated annealing (SA) has been used only once in the past. Thus, the question of which meta-heuristics is more suitable for the problem of calibration of the microsimulation model still remains open. Thus, the objective of this paper is to evaluate and compare the manual and three (the GA, SA, and tabu search (TS)) meta-heuristics for calibration of microsimulation models. This paper therefore addresses the need to examine and identify the suitability of a meta-heuristics for calibrating microsimulation models. The results show that the meta-heuristics approach can be relied upon for calibrating simulation models very effectively, as it offers the benefit of automating the cumbersome calibrating process. All three meta-heuristics (the GA, SA, and TS) have the ability to find better calibrating parameters than the manually calibrated parameters. The number of better solutions, the best solution, and convergence to the best solution by TS is better than those by the GA and SA. Significant time can be saved by automating calibration of microsimulation models using meta-heuristics. The approach presented in this research can be used to help engineers and planners achieve better modeled results, as the calibration of microsimulation models is likely to become more complex in the future.
Three-dimensional multiscale simulation on fracture behaviors of cylindrical shells subjected to inner pressure and surface laser irradiation
Authors: Zhang Rui , Ma Songsong , Tang Zhiping
Published: January 2017

Multiscale numerical simulation has important advantages in analyzing the partial fracture problems of shell structures subjected to the coupled thermo-mechanical effects. The multiscale time–space model of a cylindrical shell subjected to inner pressure and surface laser irradiation by coupling the three-dimensional discrete element method (DEM) and the shell finite element method was established. By simulating the crack-bifurcation extending behaviors of the aluminum alloy cylindrical shell and comparing the fracture behaviors and the calculation time by the multiscale time–space model with those by the multiscale space model of the overlapping element/node, the multiscale time–space model not only satisfies the requirement of simulation accuracy, but also enhances the calculation efficiency greatly under the condition of stable simulation. The multiscale time–space model was applied to the simulations in the fracture behaviors of the aluminum alloy and the 30CrMnSiA steel cylindrical shells under four modes of action. The failure modes of cylindrical shells under different modes of action are directly related to the radius of the laser spot, the power density of the laser, and the extensibility of material. At the same time, the damage evolution process of the cylindrical shells under four modes of action was analyzed through the crack ratio in the mesoscopic DEM elements. The multiscale time–space model provides a reliable analytical way to the complex partial fracture mechanical problems of large-scale cylindrical shell structures subjected to inner pressure and surface laser irradiation.

PACS. 02.70.Dh, 02.70.Ns, 42.62.Cf, 46.50.+a, 61.82.Bg, 62.20.mm, 07.05.Tp, 83.60.Uv
A modeling methodology for designing agents networks using timed hybrid Petri nets
Authors: Gudiño-Mendoza Berenice , López-Mellado Ernesto
Published: January 2017

This paper presents a modeling methodology for designing networked agents systems. It focuses on the agent hybrid state representation, its dynamic behavior, and its interaction with neighbor agents. The agent’s internal state as well as the communication interface between agents is modeled using timed hybrid Petri nets. The methodology is illustrated through the modeling of a case study related to energy interchange networks. The simulation of the case study model is included to illustrate the advantages the proposed methodology.
Prestige, Performance and Social Pressure in Viral Challenge Memes: Neknomination, the Ice-Bucket Challenge and SmearForSmear as Imitative Encounters
Authors: Burgess Adam , Miller Vincent , Moore Sarah
Published: January 2017

This article examines social media challenges that emerged in 2013, focusing on Neknomination, the Ice-Bucket Challenge and SmearForSmear. We understand them as ‘viral challenge memes’ that manifest a set of consistent features, making them a distinctive phenomenon within digital culture. Drawing upon Tarde’s concept of the imitative-encounter, we highlight three central features: their basis in social belonging and participation; the role of prestigious people and groups in determining the spread of challenges; and the distinctive techniques of self-presentation undertaken by participants. Based upon focus group interviews, surveys and visual analysis we suggest that viral challenge memes are social practices that diffuse in a wave-like fashion. Negotiating tensions between the social and individual, imitation and innovation, continuity and change, viral challenge memes are best thought of as creative practices, rather than sheep-like acts of conformity, and affirm the usefulness of analytical principles drawn from Tarde.
Bioceramic-fiber socks have more benefits than cotton-made socks in controlling bacterial load and the increase of sweat in runners
Authors: Martínez Nova Alfonso , Marcos-Tejedor Félix , Gómez Martín Beatriz , Sánchez-Rodríguez Raquel , Escamilla-Martínez Elena
Published: January 2017

Background

Socks are an important element in running and can help to maintain the optimal conditions of warmth and moisture for the foot. Although socks with bioceramic fiber could be capable of having an antiperspirant and antimicrobial effect, there is little scientific evidence for such potential. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the antimicrobial effect and the response, with regards to the foot’s perspiration, of a sock with bioceramic fibers, comparing the results with those of a cotton-made control sock.

Methods

A group of 33 male runners who were about to run a half-marathon race were asked to wear the bioceramic sock (Action®) on their left foot and the control sock (Kalenji Eliofeel Warm®) on their right foot. Before the race, a microbiological culture was taken on the skin under the fifth metatarsal head, followed by a measurement of the skin moisture on five anatomical zones of the foot. These analyses were repeated at the end of the race.

Results

After the race, there were significantly fewer bacteria on bioceramic socks than on the control (0.5 ± 1.2 × 104 versus 1.6 ± 2.3 × 104 colony-forming units/cm2, respectively, p = 0.022). At midfoot, dorsum, and the fifth metatarsal base, there was significantly less moisture after the race on the bioceramic sock than in the control ( p = 0.011, p = 0.040, p = 0.023, respectively).

Conclusion

Socks made of bioceramic fibers showed antiperspirant and bacteriostatic characteristics that could help to maintain the normal physiology of the skin of the foot, which could contribute to preventing dermatological diseases.
X-ray diffraction and FTIR investigations of cellulose deposition during cotton fiber development
Authors: Abidi Noureddine , Manike Maheshika
Published: January 2017

The structure and organization of cellulose in developing cotton fibers harvested from two cultivars of Gossypium hirsutum L. (Texas Marker-1 and TX55) at varying developmental stages from 10 to 56 days post anthesis (dpa) were investigated using wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. During fiber development, the percentage crystallinity and crystallite size normal to the 200 plane increased while the full width at half maximum (FWHM) decreased. This indicates an increased alignment and decreased molecular disorder along the 200 plane as cellulose biogenesis progresses. The evolution of the WAXD parameters as a function of developmental stages provided information on the transition from the primary cell wall to the secondary cell wall and, thus, could indicate the rate of cellulose macromolecules deposition and organization during cellulose biosynthesis. These results were further confirmed by FTIR and cellulose content data. Indeed, IR ratios, cellulose content, and the integrated intensities of the vibrations 667 and 897 cm−1 showed good correlation with the percentage crystallinity. These parameters could be used as good indirect estimators of the percentage crystallinity in developing cotton fibers.
Effect of Radial Location of Cross Links in Cellulose Fibers on Fabric Properties
Authors: Willard John J. , Tesoro Giuliana C. , Valko Emery I.
Published: January 2017

Mercerized cotton fabrics cross-linked preferentially in the core of the individual fibers were prepared by rinsing off part of the DMEU before curing from the peripheral areas with ethanol. Native cotton, due to its pore structure, does not lend itself readily to this technique. This pore structure is also reflected in the dyeability of native cotton from alcoholic dye solution in contrast to the behavior of the mercerized fiber.

The core-crosslinked fibers give much higher substitution in carbanilation and benzoylation than uniformly cross-linked fibers of the same content of fixed cross-linking reactant.

The fabrics of core-crosslinked cotton exhibit a favorable balance of mechanical properties. Such fabrics were shown, e.g., to possess a dry crease recovery angle of 280° (W + F) and, at the same time, the abrasion resistance equal to that of uncrosslinked fabrics.
Change in Degree of Polymerization of Wood Pulp with Cellulase Hydrolysis
Authors: Ogiwara Yoshitaka , Arai Kenichiro
Published: January 2017

A study was made of the changes in degree of polymerization (DP), water retention value (WRV), and yield when high α-sulfite pulp (α-SP) is beaten or swollen with zinc chloride or sodium hydroxide and treated with cellulase. For a sample swollen with sodium hydroxide, the decrease in DP is large, and the DP decreases easily to a value which corresponds approximately to the level of DP in acid hydrolysis. On the other hand, a sample treated with zinc chloride solution shows a small decrease, while a beaten sample indicates an intermediate DP value. It is assumed from these results that sodium hydroxide swells the amorphous region of the fiber greatly but has little effect on the crystalline region, whereas zinc chloride swells the crystalline region but its swelling effect on the amorphous region is not very great. Cellulase can be utilized for analyzing the structure of cellulose fiber.
Thermal Shrinkage of Oriented Nylon 66 Yarns as a Function of Time, Temperature, and Stress
Authors: Ribnick Arthur
Published: January 2017

A method employing a linear variable displacement transducer has been adapted to measure the thermal shrinkage of oriented yarns of nylon 66. The thermal shrinkage of this material has been found to be viscoelastic in that nonlinear functions of time, temperature, and stress are required to describe the shrinkage. The activation energy has been estimated to be 40 kcal per mole, which is partly explainable by a dissociation of the hydrogen bonds in the amide groups.
Absorption of Silver Ions by Wool
Authors: Simpson W. S. , Mason P. C. R.
Published: January 2017

The absorption of silver ion by wool was measured as a function of pH, time, and silver concentration. A small fraction of the silver was found to react irreversibly with cystine and a possible reaction mechanism was deduced by comparing the uptake of untreated and modified wool samples. The major interaction is the reversible formation of silver complexes in competition with hydrogen ions. A Donnan membrane formulation and graphical analysis of this interaction permitted the calculation of dissociation contents and the number of exchanging sites. The sites of complex formation were identified as free carboxyl functions.
Textile Characteristics Affecting the Release of Soil during Laundering
Authors: Smith Samuel , Sherman Patsy O.
Published: January 2017

The efficiency of a given laundering process in effecting soil release from textiles is a complex function of the nature of the soil, the manner in which the soil was originally distributed in the fabric, the surface energy of the textile fibers, the fiber surface topography, and the overall fabric construction. The effects of these variables on the response of soiled textiles to laundering are reviewed and a theory is proposed to relate the known interactions with surface properties.
Infrared Analysis of Oxidized Keratin
Authors: Alter Harvey , Bit-Alkhas Michael
Published: January 2017

Letters to the Editor are brief communications intended to provide prompt publication of significant research results and to permit an exchange of views on papers previously published in the Journal. Letters are subject to review, but the authors assume full responsibility for information or opinion expressed.
Effect of Hooks in Lap on Fractionation in Cotton Combing
Authors: Owalekar R. G.
Published: January 2017

Direct measurement of fractionation was carried out to determine the effects of trailing and leading hooks on the combing mechanism. It was found that, even though a preponderance of trailing hooks in the lap generally gave a higher percent noil, such an increase was not necessarily due to excessive long-fiber loss. This increase was due partly to better short-fiber removal and partially to higher long-fiber loss. It was found that 2 Drawing-Super Lap machine preparation generally gave better fractionation, compared to that given by 1 Drawing-Super Lap machine preparation, and the extent of improvement obtained from the use of an extra passage of drawing depended upon the percent noil extracted. These results indicate that the direction of feed in combing is important in total noil loss only and that the fractionation obtained in combing is not much affected by the direction of feed, but is ultimately determined by the total hook content in the lap.

This work has also thrown some light on the mechanism of fiber removal in combing, and a hypothesis has been developed which explains the results. In the light of the resulting information, suitable modifications in the design of the comber could be envisaged which will give better fractionation for wide ranges of cottons and noil levels.
The Specific Heat of Polyethyleneterephthalate (PET) and the Fusion of its Absorbed Water
Authors: Haly A. R. , Snaith J. W.
Published: January 2017

Measurements of specific heat at temperatures within the range –70°C to 120°C were obtained for the PET-water system at four different water concentrations. Water-fusion peaks for sorbed water were found in the range –15°C to 0°C. The amount of sorbed water at saturation at 0°C was 1.26 g/100 g PET, and the amount of sorbed water freezable on cooling to –70°C was 0.64 g/100 g. Integral and incremental heats of fusion of sorbed water were determined. The incremental heat, i.e., the heat necessary to melt 1 g of sorbed, freezable water, did not vary with water concentration and had the value 79 cal/g, not significantly different from bulk water. The state of the sorbed water is discussed. The specific heat data for PET is compared with previous results.
Studies on the High-Sulfur Proteins of Reduced Merino Wool
Authors: Swart L. S. , Haylett T. , Joubert F. J.
Published: January 2017

A reinvestigation of a fraction of the high-sulfur proteins SCMKB was made. The proteins were successively fractionated on an electrophoretic, molecular-size, and chromatographic basis. This work resulted in the isolation of a homogeneous protein SCMKB-IIIB2 which has a molecular weight of 11,260, no free amino-terminal group, and contains S-carboxymethyl cysteine as carboxy-terminal residue.
Fluorescence Characteristics of Modified Wool
Authors: Bhatnagar G. M. , Gruen L. C.
Published: January 2017

The reduction of disulfide bonds in wool by tri-n-butylphosphine enhances the fluorescence. Subsequent S-alkylation also affects the fluorescence intensity and charge in the neighborhood of the chromophoric group.

In acylation of wool, short-chain and bifunctional acylating agents exert a greater quenching effect on the fluorescence than do long-chain acylating agents.

Esterification of wool is accompanied by an increase in fluorescence, the effect decreasing as the size of the esterifying alcohol is increased. Dilute acid also enhances the emission, but prolonged treatment, increased acid concentration, or higher temperature all lead to reduced fluorescence.
Evaluation of Wettability from Capillary Rise between Filaments
Authors: Dyba Raymond V. , Miller Bernard
Published: January 2017

Measurements of the liquid capillary rise between filaments mounted in the form of a vertical “V” are reported and their consequences discussed. At a critical spacing between the filaments, there is a configurational change in the rise, analogous to the onset of wicking action in parallel horizontal filaments. This critical spacing may be used as a relative index of wettability. The wettability of nylon and polypropylene filaments in a series of liquids is compared to illustrate the method. A thermodynamic derivation of the relation between capillary rise and spacing at less than the critical spacing is discussed.
A Convenient Method for Measuring Fiber Stiffness
Authors: Scott G. V. , Robbins C. R.
Published: January 2017

Letters to the Editor are brief communications intended to provide prompt publication of significant research results and to permit an exchange of views on papers previously published in the Journal. Letters are subject to review, but the authors assume full responsibility for information or opinion expressed.
How Distribution of Fibers in the Drafting Zone Affects Drafting Force and Yarn of Cotton/Polyester Blends
Authors: Louis Gain L. , Fiori Louis A.
Published: January 2017

Roving drafting force is related to fiber compactness between two drafting aprons. Presented herein is a mathematical model describing the fiber compactness as an index in terms of spinning back draft, residual roving twist, Micronaire value of the cotton/polyester blend, and apron thickness. The effects of fiber compactness on yarn properties and end breakage in spinning are also discussed.