bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Palliative Care for Inmates in the Hospital Setting
Authors: Stephens Stephanie L. , Cassel J. Brian , Noreika Danielle , Del Fabbro Egidio
Published: November 2018

The US population of inmates continues to increase along with a rapid escalation in the number of elderly prisoners. Previous studies have demonstrated multiple barriers to providing palliative care for seriously ill inmates. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of palliative care consultation and nature of consultation requests for inmates who died while hospitalized at a large tertiary care hospital. A retrospective chart review of all inmate decedents over a 10-year time period was conducted. The reason and timing of consultation was noted in addition to symptoms identified and interventions recommended by the palliative care team. Characteristics of patients who were transferred to the inpatient palliative care unit were also recorded. Forty-five percent of inmates were seen by palliative care prior to their death. Timing of consultation was close to the day of death. Inmates with cancer were significantly more likely to have a palliative care consultation prior to death. The most frequent intervention recommended was opiates for pain or dyspnea. Delirium was often missed by the primary team but was identified by the palliative care team. Nearly, 5000 prisoners die each year, mostly in community hospitals. These patients exhibit similar symptoms to free-living patients. Given that the inmate population has a higher rate of comorbid conditions, there is a need for more research to identify areas of need for incarcerated patients and where palliative care can best serve these individuals.
Hospice Bereavement Service Delivery to Family Members and Friends With Bereavement-Related Mental Health Symptoms
Authors: Ghesquiere Angela , Bagaajav Ariunsanaa , Metzendorf Marguerite , Bookbinder Marilyn , Gardner Daniel S.
Published: November 2018

Objectives:

A sizable minority of those who lose a loved one in hospice will experience symptoms of bereavement-related mental health disorders. Though hospices offer services to bereaved informal caregivers (family members or friends) of patients, little is known about services offered or interest in them. Therefore, we sought to assess services offered by hospice staff and interest expressed by bereaved informal caregivers with symptoms of depression, anxiety, or complicated grief (CG).

Methods:

De-identified electronic bereavement care charts of 3561 informal caregivers who lost someone in a large urban metropolitan hospice from October 1, 2015, to June 30, 2016, were reviewed.

Results:

Of bereaved informal caregivers in the sample, 9.4% (n = 333) were positive for symptoms of depression, anxiety, or CG. The symptom-positive family members/friends were more likely than other family members/friends to be offered mailings, one-to-one counseling, telephone calls, and reference material. However, interest in most services by symptom-positive caregivers was low, with only 6% interested in one-to-one counseling and 7% interested in outside referral.

Discussion:

The findings suggest that hospices offer a range of services to family members or friends with symptoms of anxiety, depression, and CG, but that there can be a gap between what is offered and in the interest levels of the bereaved. Engagement with symptomatic family members and friends could be enhanced in future work.
Successful Advance Care Planning in a Rural Nursing Home
Authors: Hold Judith , Payne Camille , Lesandrini Jason , Glover Avery Caz
Published: November 2018

Background:

Advance care planning (ACP) often culminates in the completion of advance care directives (ACD), which is a written record of informed decisions specifying the type and extent of desired medical treatment. Documentation of ACD in nursing homes in the United States indicates a 60% to 70% completion rate. There are little data on the time at which ACD are completed in relation to when the resident was admitted to the nursing home facility.

Objective:

To explore the success of advanced care planning at a large, rural long-term care (LTC) facility.

Methods:

A descriptive approach, using a retrospective chart review, of 167 residents was used to examine resident completion of health-care system documents, legal documents, predisposing factors (resident demographics and psychosocial characteristics), and the actual process of ACP as defined by the rural LTC facility.

Results:

This nursing home utilizes a document entitled resident preference for life-sustaining treatment (RPLST). For residents who do not have formal prepared advance directive documents, the RPLST serves to define resident and family choices for resuscitation and implementation of fluids, nutrition, medications, and antibiotics. The most striking finding was the completion rate of the RPLST within 100 days of being admitted to the nursing home.

Conclusion:

Documentation of end-of-life preferences within 10 days of admission was achieved through the incorporation of RPLST during the resident admission process.
Validity and Reliability of the Farsi Version of the Death Anxiety Scale With Nurses
Authors: Dadfar Mahboubeh , Lester David , Abdel-Khalek Ahmed M.
Published: November 2018

This study was conducted to determine the validity and reliability of Death Anxiety Scale (DAS), a scale designed by Templer to (1970) to assess the death anxiety, a scale which has been used extensively for research. A convenience sample of 106 Iranian nurses from two hospitals at Tehran city, Iran, was recruited. They completed the DAS, Death Concern Scale, the Collett-Lester Fear of Death Scale, the Reasons for Death Fear Scale, the Death Obsession Scale, and the Death Depression Scale. Cronbach’s α, split-half, and 2-week test–retest reliabilities for the DAS were .60, .52, and .63, respectively. The DAS correlated .52, .38, .50, .47, and .50 with the aforementioned scales, respectively ( p < .01 level), indicating moderate validity. Principle components analysis of the DAS identified four factors: F1 “Death anxiety,” F2 “Fear of the future,” F3 Time passing,” and F4 “Thoughts of death.” The DAS has only moderate validity and reliability. The DAS is brief (only 15 items) and may be useful for screening nurses and other hospital personnel for high death anxiety. Those with high scores may be better prepared for working with severely ill and dying patients after referring them for education and counseling.
A comprehensive study of the mathematical methods used to approximate the inverse Langevin function
Authors: Jedynak Radosław
Published: November 2018

This paper is motivated by Marchi and Arruda ( Math Mech Solids, 2018), who developed numerous approximations to the inverse Langevin function, minimizing their maximum relative error with the help of special software. We are convinced that this method, together with the minimax approximation, is the most robust and versatile approximation algorithm. It uses one of the first objective functions developed by differential evolution. It guarantees the best solution in one trial. In previous papers, a constraint on the error function of the inverse Langevin function was imposed, but here we discuss the approximants resulting from various types of constraint. The evolution of the different mathematical methods that have been used to approximate the inverse Langevin function will also be treated, providing a useful starting point for researchers beginning to work in the field of approximation theory. To categorize the existing solutions, we find the optimal approximations of the inverse Langevin function for a given complexity and for different constraints on the error function.
Genetic Analysis of Copy Number Variation in Large Chorangiomas
Authors: Sirotkina Meeli , Douroudis Konstantinos , Westgren Magnus , Papadogiannakis Nikos
Published: November 2018

Introduction

Chorangioma (CA) is the most common nontrophoblastic, vascular tumor-like lesion of the placenta with a reported incidence of 0.5% to 1% in all examined placentas. The underlying molecular mechanisms of CAs are still poorly elucidated, and a systematic investigation of the genetic background of CAs has not previously been done.

Materials and Methods

Tissue biopsies from 8 large (>40 mm) histologically confirmed CAs and 8 unaffected matched placenta controls, along with standard control DNA samples were analyzed for large genomic deletions and duplications using array comparative genomic hybridization (array-CGH) method.

Results

Array-CGH analysis revealed no rare or novel copy number variants in the CA samples compared with either standard control DNA or unaffected placenta DNA from the same individual.

Discussion

In this study, a systematic genetic investigation of 8 large CAs failed to demonstrate any large-scale pathogenic genetic changes. This lack of association might support a nongenetic, nontumorous origin of these lesions; however, additional genetic studies focusing on smaller genomic alterations are required to fully assess any possible genetic contribution.
Case Study: Teaching Design in Advertising. Lessons From a Portfolio School
Authors: Haley Eric , Blakeman Robyn
Published: November 2018

This case study is based on interviews with students and staff members who are presently involved with the art direction program at a leading U.S. portfolio school. It addresses two main questions: (a) How is design taught? and (b) What are the student/staff perceptions of the pros and cons of how design is taught in the program? The primary purpose of the article is to provide insights that traditional college and university advertising programs can use as they discuss how best to incorporate design education into advertising curriculum.
Efficacy of ultra-low-dose (0.1 mg) ranibizumab intravitreal injection for treatment of prethreshold type 1 retinopathy of prematurity: A case series
Authors: Ahmed Islam SH , Hadi Ahmed MA , Hassan Hassan H
Published: November 2018

Aim:

To report the results of treatment of type 1 prethreshold retinopathy of prematurity using intravitreal injection of ultra-low dose of ranibizumab (0.1 mg in 0.01 mL).

Design:

A retrospective observational case series study.

Methods:

Review of files of eligible infants who received this form of treatment to determine the outcome of treatment and any associated ocular or systemic side effects.

Results:

The study included 24 eyes of 12 preterm infants with mean gestational age of 29.75 ± 1.54 weeks and mean birth weight of 1074.58 ± 320.59 g. A total of 22 eyes (91.67%) had zone II disease while 2 eyes of one infant (8.33%) had zone I disease. All cases showed regression of the signs of the active retinopathy of prematurity with complete retinal vascularization. None of the cases required retreatment. Three eyes developed ocular complications. Apart from mild feeding intolerance that lasted for 24 h after injection in one infant, none of the cases developed systemic side effects.

Conclusion:

Intravitreal injection of ultra-low-dose ranibizumab showed promising efficacy and good ocular safety. However, further large-scale studies are required to give stronger evidence about the efficacy and safety of ultra-low-dose ranibizumab.
Oligodendroglia Are Particularly Vulnerable to Oxidative Damage After Neurotrauma In Vivo
Authors: Giacci Marcus , Fitzgerald Melinda
Published: November 2018

In the paper “Oligodendroglia are particularly vulnerable to oxidative damage after neurotrauma in vivo,” we determined the extent of oxidative damage to specific cellular subpopulations and structures within regions vulnerable to secondary degeneration and assessed the effect this had on oligodendroglial function. Comparative assessment of oxidative damage demonstrated selective vulnerability of oligodendroglia, specifically oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) to DNA oxidation in vivo. Immunohistochemical fate mapping along the oligodendroglial lineage showed a transient susceptibility of these cells to DNA oxidation, protein nitration, and lipid peroxidation, with mature oligodendrocytes derived immediately after injury more vulnerable to DNA oxidation than their counterparts existing at the time of injury or later derived. In situ hybridization demonstrated a reduction in myelin regulatory factor (MyRF) messenger RNA (mRNA) fluorescence in newly derived mature oligodendrocytes, suggesting a compromise in the production and maintenance of the myelin sheath in these cells. The data imply a deficit in the normal differentiation of OPCs to myelinating oligodendrocytes, associated with a transient increase in oxidative damage, which may contribute to the dysmyelinating phenotype seen at chronic time points after injury. Identifying and understanding the sources of this oxidative damage is integral for the development of therapeutic interventions for neurotrauma.
Blood’s ontologies-entangled: Qualitative inquiry into the enactment, representation, and organizational modes of coordination of blood’s multiplicity in a Belgian blood establishment
Authors: Wittock Nathan , De Krom Michiel P. M. M. , Hustinx Lesley
Published: November 2018

Since British sociologist Titmuss authoritatively conceived blood donation as an altruistic ‘gift relationship’, blood establishments have adopted blood’s highly symbolic status as a core professional belief. However, important developments since the 1970s have resulted in blood’s bio-objectification, making blood a renewed object of concern. Because different versions of this bio-object are simultaneously present and interfere with one another, we ask how the organization renders this multiplicity workable? Studying how ontological versions are enacted in a specific blood establishment and how the organizational model of a blood establishment functions as a mode of coordination, we develop a praxiographic appreciation of blood in the context of a specific Belgian blood establishment. We show how the organizational mode of coordination allocates versions of blood in specific departments along functional and chronological dimensions. Blood remains the object of a gift relationship but is accompanied by blood’s enactment and representation as the object of suspicion, management, research/biology, and a blood economy. Furthermore, the organizational mode of coordination also allocates personalized and depersonalized enactments according to the level of contact with the donor population. This reflects a third dimension: (de)personalization of blood. Whereas the organizational mode of coordination is successful in rendering blood’s multiplicity workable, at times, it causes suboptimal practices. Moreover, we showed how sometimes a focus on intra-departmental modes of coordination is necessary to understand how blood’s multiplicity complicates the practices of the blood establishment.
Analytical insights into three models: Exact solutions and nonlinear vibrations
Authors: Xu Bo , Zhang Lijie , Zhang Sheng
Published: November 2018

Three models are investigated in this paper, including the generalized nonlinear Schrödinger equation with distributed coefficients, the time-dependent-coefficient nonlinear Whitham –Broer –Kaup system and the fractional nonlinear vibration governing equation of an embedded single-wall carbon nanotube. With an analytical method, the aim of this paper is to exactly solve these models. As a result, some explicit and exact solutions which include hyperbolic function solutions, trigonometric function solutions and rational solutions are obtained. To gain more insights into the obtained exact solutions, dynamical evolutions with nonlinear vibrations of the amplitudes are simulated by selecting oscillation functions, noises, coefficient functions and fractional orders. It is graphically shown in the dynamical evolutions that the nonlinear vibrations of the amplitudes are influenced not only by the coefficient functions but also by the oscillation functions, noises and fractional orders.
Effect of water absorption and stacking sequences on the properties of hybrid sisal/glass fibre reinforced polyester composite
Authors: Gupta MK , Deep Vipul
Published: November 2018

In this work, the effect of water absorption and stacking sequences on the mechanical properties (i.e. impact, tensile and flexural) of hybrid sisal/glass polyester composites has been studied. Each composite laminate is prepared by the hand lay-up technique followed by static compression using about 20 wt% of fibre content. Different stacking sequences are obtained by changing the position and number of glass layers keeping a total of eight plies in each composite. Water absorption behaviour is investigated by soaking the composite specimens in the distilled water until saturation and its characteristics such as sorption, diffusion and permeability coefficient are measured. The obtained results suggested that the mechanical and water resistance properties of sisal composites are considerably enhanced by the incorporation of glass fibre. There is 23%, 29% and 46% improvement in tensile strength, flexural strength and impact strength respectively in hybrid composites than that of sisal composite. However, the effect of water absorption showed a significant reduction in the mechanical performance of all the composites. Morphological analysis by scanning electron microscope has been also performed to support the statement as weakening of fibre–matrix interfacial bonding by water absorption.
A review of educational dialogue strategies to improve academic writing skills
Authors: Schillings Marlies , Roebertsen Herma , Savelberg Hans , Dolmans Diana
Published: November 2018

Written feedback plays a key role in the acquisition of academic writing skills. Ideally, this feedback should include feed up, feed back and feed forward. However, written feedback alone is not enough to improve writing skills; students often struggle to interpret the feedback received and enhance their writing skills accordingly. Several studies have suggested that dialogue about written feedback is essential to promote the development of these skills. Yet, evidence of the effectiveness of face-to-face dialogue remains inconclusive. To bring this evidence into focus, we conducted a literature review of face-to-face dialogue intervention studies. The emphasis was on key elements of the interventions and outcomes in terms of student perceptions and other indicators, and the methodological characteristics of the studies. Subsequently, we analysed each selected intervention for the presence of feed-up, feed-back and feed-forward information. Most interventions used all three feedback elements – notably assessment criteria, student feedback, and revision, respectively – and combined lecturer–student as well as student–student dialogue. Students generally perceived the interventions as beneficial; they appreciated criteria and exemplars because they clarified what was expected of them and how they would be assessed. With regard to student outcomes, most interventions positively affected performance. The literature review suggests that feedback dialogue shows promise as an intervention to improve academic writing skills, but also call for future research into why and under which specific conditions face-to-face dialogue is effective.
Uncovering Value Drivers of High Performance Soccer Players
Authors: Serna Rodríguez Maribel , Ramírez Hassan Andrés , Coad Alexander
Published: November 2018

This article tries to uncover the drivers of soccer players’ market value in the five major European soccer leagues taking into account model uncertainty (variable selection) in a framework with 35 billion potential models. For this purpose, we use a hedonic regression framework and implement Bayesian model averaging (BMA) through Markov chain Monte Carlo model composition (MC3). To deal with endogeneity issues, instrumental variable Bayesian model averaging (IVBMA) is implemented as well. We find very strong, and robust evidence, that the most important value drivers are player’s performance, participation in the national team (senior and under-21), age, and age squared.
Induction of Mitotic Catastrophe via Inhibition of Aurora B by Ionizing Radiation With Additive of Mulberry Water Extract in Human Bladder Cancer Cells
Authors: Su Chia-Cheng , Chen Nien-Cheng , Chyau Charng-Cherng , Tseng Hsien-Chun , Chou Fen-Pi
Published: November 2018

Mulberry fruit water extract (MWE) has been reported to synergistically enhance the cytotoxic effect of paclitaxel by promoting mitotic catastrophe to induce apoptosis in bladder cancer cells in our previous work. The aim of this study was to evaluate and to mechanistically explore the effects of MWE on bladder cancer responses to ionizing radiation (IR) by treating TSGH 8301 bladder carcinoma cells with MWE after exposing to IR. The results of MTT assay showed a synergistic cytotoxicity of IR with the co-treatment of MWE (IR/MWE) by inducing G2/M phase arrest as demonstrated by flow cytometry analysis in TSGH 8301, HT1367 and HT1197 bladder carcinoma cells lines. The IR/MWE-treated cells expressed increased levels of the G2/M phase arrest-related proteins cdc2/cyclin B1 and displayed giant multinucleated morphology, a typical characteristic of mitotic catastrophe. Immunofluorescent confocal microscopy revealed that the combined strategy inhibited Aurora B phosphorylation through Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK signaling cascade as demonstrated by Western blotting analysis. IR/MWE also caused an inhibitory effect on Plk1 and the subsequent downstream regulator RhoA repression and Cep55 induction, which would influence cell cycle progression in the early steps of cytokinesis. A profound tumor growth suppression and inactivation of Aurora B activity in the tumor tissues by IR/MWE treatment were confirmed in the TSGH 8301 xenograft model in vivo. These data demonstrated that MWE could be an effective auxiliary to synergize with radiation on the anticancer efficacy by promoting mitotic catastrophe through inhibition of Aurora B, providing a novel and effective therapeutic option for bladder cancer management.
An Investigation of Health Management Perceptions and Wellness Behaviors in African American Males in Central Texas
Authors: Amuneke-Nze Chibuokem G. , Bamgbade Benita A. , Barner Jamie C.
Published: November 2018

Little is known regarding interventions that incorporate health management perceptions among African American (AA) men, to reduce the risk for developing various medical conditions. Using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), the study objective was to better understand health-care perceptions of AA men by assessing participants’ attitudes, subjective norms (SNs), and perceived behavioral control (PBC) regarding health management. AA adult males in Texas were recruited to participate in one of four qualitative focus groups. The TPB was used to assess participants’ attitudes (advantages/disadvantages), SNs (approvers/disapprovers), and PBC (enablers/barriers) regarding health management. All four sessions were audiotaped, transcribed, and independently analyzed by researchers to identify major themes. Participants ( n = 23) were 45.2 ± 16.2 years of age (range 24–74). Regarding attitudes toward health management, participants viewed increased longevity and avoiding future health problems as advantages; however, increased cost, lack of confidence in health care, and social pressures were disadvantages. Regarding SNs, parents and children were positive influencers, while spouses and coworkers were both positive and negative influencers. For PBC, a support system and health awareness were identified as enablers, while medical mistrust, fear, and culture were barriers. The results convey that health management behaviors in AA males are multifaceted. Health-care providers should seek to understand these factors, discuss these issues with AA males, and integrate treatment strategies that are culturally informed and patient centered. Findings from this study may be used to develop targeted interventions that improve health outcomes for AA males.
Qualitative Evaluation of Nonwoven Samples Using DuPont Fiber Identification Stain No. 4 and Microscopy
Authors: Mlynar Michèle
Published: November 2018

In this paper, we describe how the DuPont Identification Stain No. 4 provides a simple means to quickly identify individual fibers using a microscope. We looked at different nonwoven samples, including polyester, rayon, wood pulp and polypropylene fibers as well as several finished webs with different fiber blends, thermobonding points and binder distributions.
Analysis of Roofing Mat Structure
Authors: Bresee Randall R. , Yin Hong , Yan Zanyao
Published: November 2018

We describe hardware and software features of an image analysis-based instrument developed in our laboratory to characterize web structure. The potential value of detailed web analysis that is possible today using image analysis is illustrated for a small number of roofing mat webs by characterizing basis weight (small area) uniformity, fiber bundle orientation (directionality control) and fiber bundle diameter (dispersion quality). From this analysis, we show that it is possible to observe differences in web structure between the top and wire sides of webs, built-up roofing and shingle mat webs, production with hydraulic pressurized (closed) and atmospheric (open) headboxes, production with and without a flow synchronizer, and web basis weight.
Comparison of Electrostatic Charging at Different Locations in the Melt Blowing Process
Authors: Tsai Peter Ping-yi , Qin Guo-wei , Hassenboehler Charles
Published: November 2018

Melt blown (MB) fabrics are composed of fine fibers which contribute to high filtration efficiency (FE) and low air flow resistance compared to high efficiency filtration media such as fiber glass paper. Furthermore, MB fabrics are mostly made of polypropylene (PP) polymer, which can be electrostatically charged to enhance the media filtration efficiency without the increase of air flow resistance. However, different charging techniques or charging at different locations on the MB line will contribute to different filtration efficiency. This paper compares the efficiencies of different charging techniques in the MB line.
A Study of the Airflow and Fibre Dynamics in the Transport Chamber of a Sifting Air-laying System: Part 2 — Fibre Dynamics
Authors: Pourmohammadi A. , Russell S.J. , Bradean R. , Ingham D.B. , Wen X.
Published: November 2018

In Part 1 of this paper (International Nonwovens Journal, Summer 2000), the airflow characteristics in the transport chamber of a sifting air-laying system of the Kroyer type [US patent 4,144,619] was reported. In Part 2, the fibre dynamics in the transport chamber of the machine are investigated. These are of major practical importance because they influence the process of web formation. High-speed photography was used to observe fibres in flight and their deposition onto the conveyor belt during web formation using fixed machine conditions. It was established that fibres move intensively in three dimensions at the top of the chamber and as they travel towards the landing area their motion becomes more uniform. Fibre landing behaviour was studied by analysing photographic images. Using standard machine settings, it was established that about 38% of fibres landed end-on before falling down flat onto the conveyor belt (Hit-Fall configuration) and about 30% of fibres landed flat (along their full length) but bounced before coming to rest on the conveyor belt (Hit and Bounce configuration). Fibres were deformed when passing through the top grid, causing permanent deformation that was evident in the fibres landing on the conveyor belt.
The Assessment of Cross Machine Openness Uniformity of a Fiber Feed Matt
Authors: Oumera Ayad , Seyam Abdelfattah M. , Oxenham William
Published: November 2018

The one-dimensional characteristic of yarn has resulted in very little attention being given to the uniformity of carded web in the cross machine direction. The development of nonwovens has prompted researchers to reconsider the importance of cross machine uniformity in determining the total uniformity of the carded web. It is therefore important to develop manual and online techniques to quantify cross machine uniformity at both the input and output of the card.

At the card input, uniformity is taken as representing both mass and openness characteristics of the feed matt. While at the card output, there are many available techniques that allow the on-line measurement of the mass uniformity of the carded web, determination of uniformity at the input level is more difficult. The approach that was taken was to use an off-line technique to find the mass and openness of the feed matt at different locations across the card.

While traditionally mass as a property has been given a lot of importance, much less attention has been given to the concept of openness. This is due in part to the difficulty in quantifying openness. Openness is believed to have great significance in determining the overall quality of the carded web, especially with regard to the formation of neps. In order to make the concept of openness more clear, it was found necessary to develop a way of quantifying it. This was done by performing a compression test on the feed matt, and then fitting the compression data with an exponential curve. The coefficient of the exponent was used to represent openness. This approach was used to find the effect of the feed roller (pin type) on cross machine uniformity. It was found that the squeezing of the feed roller did not have an effect in redistributing the mass of the feed matt, but did have an effect in changing the openness of the feed matt.

Because of the difficulty involved in the handling of the feed matt, a newly developed technique is suggested to characterize openness. While this method still relies on the compression characteristics of the feed matt, it is more appropriate because it is performed on-line. Preliminary results are reported. It was found that thickness measurement under carefully selected pressure value could be used to characterize openness precisely.
Treatment and Characterization of Kenaf for Nonwoven and Woven Applications
Authors: Yu Chongwen , Tao Weiying , Calamari Timothy A.
Published: November 2018

A kenaf bast fiber is comprised of a bundle of single fibers bound by lignin and pectins. It offers the advantages of being renewable, biodegradable and environmentally safe. However, it is difficult to process kenaf fibers because of the coarseness, stiffness and low cohesion of the fiber bundles. In this research, kenaf fiber bundles have been treated by both alkaline sulfide and a modified chemical degumming methods to improve fiber properties. Tensile properties, fineness, length and softness of the kenaf fiber bundles after the treatments were determined. It was found that both treatments improved the fiber fineness, softness and elongation; however, fiber bundle strength was decreased. The modified chemical degumming method was more effective. Under the optimum modified chemical degumming condition, the fineness of the kenaf fiber bundle was improved more than 50% and the fiber bundle was more than twice as soft as the raw material. These kenaf fiber bundles were much finer and softer and found to be easier to process than those obtained in earlier studies. The treated kenaf fiber bundles can be blended with cotton fibers and easily carded on a cotton card with minimum losses. The carded batts can be further processed for either nonwoven or woven applications.
Studies on the Process of Ultrasonic Bonding of Nonwovens: Part 1 — Theoretical Analysis
Authors: Mao Zhentao , Goswami Bhuvenesh C.
Published: November 2018

A model has been developed to predict the bonding behavior of nonwovens during the ultrasonic bonding process. The model includes the following subprocesses: mechanics and vibrations of the web and horn, viscoelastic behavior of webs and heat generation, and heat transfer. Each subprocess was modeled first and then combined together with the boundary conditions to develop an overall process model. The compressional behavior and thermal conductivity of webs will be discussed and their appropriate equations have been chosen for model. A Finite Element Method (FEM) was used to solve the above coupled model. Subsequently, the heat generation rate and the temperature change during the bonding process were calculated.
Increasing the Surface Energy and Sterilization of Nonwoven Fabrics by Exposure to a One Atmosphere Uniform Glow Discharge Plasma (OAUGDP)*
Authors: Roth J. Reece , Chen Zhiyu , Sherman Daniel M. , Karakaya Fuat , Tsai Peter P.-Y. , Kelly-Wintenberg Kimberly , Montie Thomas C.
Published: November 2018

A technique for generating active species with the One Atmosphere Uniform Glow Discharge Plasma (OAUGDP) has been developed and used to sterilize and increase the surface energy, wettability and wickability of nonwoven fabrics. The OAUGDP is a non-thermal, fourth-state-of-matter plasma with the classical characteristics of a low pressure DC normal glow discharge that operates in air (and other gases) at atmospheric pressure. No vacuum system or batch processing is necessary, and a wide range of applications to fabrics and polymeric webs can be accommodated in a parallel plate plasma reactor. In addition to directly exposing webs and workpieces to active species for surface energy increase in a parallel-plate reactor, we have shown that active species capable of sterilization can be convected at near room temperature to a remote exposure chamber. This technology is simple, produces many effects that can be obtained in no other way, generates minimal pollutants or unwanted byproducts, and is suitable for online treatment of webs, films, and fabrics.

Early exposures of nonwoven fabrics to the OAUGDP required minutes to produce relatively small increases of surface energy. These durations appeared too long for commercial application to fast-moving webs. Recent improvements in OAUGDP power density, plasma quality and impedance matching of the power supply to the parallel plate plasma reactor have made it possible to raise the surface energy of a variety of polymeric webs (PP, PET, PE, etc.) to levels in the range of 60 to 70 dynes/cm with one second of exposure. In most cases these high surface energies were not durable, and fell off to 50 dynes/cm after periods of weeks to months. Here, we report the exposure of nonwoven fabrics made of PP and PET at the UTK Textiles and Nonwovens Development Center (TANDEC) to an impedance matched parallel plate OAUGDP for durations ranging from one second to several tens of seconds. Data will be reported on the surface energy, wettability and wickability as functions of time of exposure, and of the aging effect after exposure. We will report the use of a OAUGDP with air as the working gas to sterilize a broad range of microorganisms on a variety of surfaces, and in several distinct applications. These include a Remote Exposure Reactor to sterilize large workpieces 20 centimeters or more from the plasma-generating region, and a sterilizable air filter.
Effect of Synthetic Fibers on the Absorption Properties of Pads
Authors: Rosinskaya Cecilia , Weinberg Amotz
Published: November 2018

Absorption and retention capacity of a mixture of wood pulp, superabsorbent and synthetic fibers (polypropylene, polyamide and polyester), designed for production of the core for disposable pads, were studied. The measurement of absorbency was carried out in the broad range of component weight ratios in a solution NaCl at different lengths of time both with and without pressure. The insertion of the synthetic fibers into the mixture of wood pulp and superabsorbent influences on the physical structure of this assembly which in turn causes the initial rate of absorption to rise. Absorptive and retention capacity of the structures is influenced by the type of synthetic fiber: in the presence of polypropylene no change was detected; the presence of polyester and polyamide fibers caused an increase in absorption ability of the composite structure.

The behavior of the components for the absorbing layer: cellulose, synthetic fibers and superabsorbent was found to be independent, i.e. they do not influence the absorption of liquid of one another in these tests. The content of the mixture with definite properties may be predicted according to the properties of its components.
Role of Fiber Finish in the Conversion of Fiber to Nonwovens — Part II: Finish Performance as a Mechanical Processing Aid in Carding
Authors: Seyam Abdelfattah M. , Proffitt Thomas J. , Velmurugan Murali
Published: November 2018

This part of the study aims to investigate the role of fiber finish in the carding process. Two different fibers, namely, polyester and polypropylene with different levels of finish and finish uniformity, are processed on carding machine. Certain key response parameters such as fiber breakage, fiberweb cohesion, fiberweb uniformity, nep generation and static charge generation, are chosen and the effect of finish level and its uniformity on these parameters are observed. The finish performance is also studied for possible interaction effects between other carding process parameters. The results indicate a significant effect of finish add-on percentage on most of the response parameters. On the other hand, finish uniformity was found to have less influence on the response parameters. It has also been found that the response parameters behave differently for each of the two fibers and hence results based on one type of fiber may not be applicable for another.
Fiber Motion near the Collector during Melt Blowing: Part 2 — Fly Formation
Authors: Bresee Randall R. , Qureshi Uzair A.
Published: November 2018

On-line and off-line measurements were obtained to gain an understanding of fly production during multi-hole melt blowing at commercial speed. These measurements allowed us to describe the effects of common processing parameters on fly production and develop a model for fly formation that begins to account for experimental measurements.
Linear Low Density Polyethylene Resins for Breathable Microporous Films
Authors: Hale W.R. , Crawford E.D. , Dohrer K.K. , Duckworth B.T.
Published: November 2018

The trade-off between breathability and strength properties has (grudgingly) been accepted by producers of microvoided film, such as for diaper backsheet. The key resin, additive, film fabrication, and film stretching parameters that impact moisture vapor transmission as well as the physical attributes of the film have been identified. The understanding of these complex interactions provided the basis for modification of the polyethylene (PE) molecular architecture that promotes both high MVTR and high-strength properties in microvoided films. This information has resulted in new polyethylene resins for the breathable film market.
Thermal Insulation Properties of Nonwoven Composite Materials Made from Naturally Colored Cottons
Authors: Yachmenev Val G. , Kimmel Linda , Delhom Chris
Published: November 2018

Naturally colored cottons do not require chemical dyeing. This offers important processing advantages including less water, chemical and energy consumption. Brown, green, and white (Maxxa) cottons, all from domestic sources, were used to construct needlepunched nonwoven composites. Four different designs representing pure cotton, cotton scrim-reinforced, and Lyocell and Amicor AM-blend constructions were manufactured on laboratory-scale equipment. A Fox 200 Heat Flow Meter was used for measurement of thermal conductivity and thermal transmittance of samples of the nonwoven needlepunched batts. The data show that thermal insulation properties of nonwoven materials made from naturally colored cottons vary significantly, depending on the type of the fibers, design of the nonwoven composites, and the resulting density of the composites.
Theoretical and Experimental Investigation on the Relationship between the Nonwoven Structure and the Web Properties
Authors: Tsai Peter Ping-yi
Published: November 2018

Nonwoven fabrics provide a large variety of applications such as absorbents, insulators, separators, barriers, coverstocks, and filters, etc. The importance of fabric properties cannot be overemphasized in determining their applications. Three independent fabric parameters, i.e., fiber diameter, packing density and basis weight, are determined by controlling the nonwoven processing conditions. Other fabric properties such as pore size and performance properties such as absorbency, fluid permeability, filtration efficiency and hydro-head pressure, etc. are dependent properties on the independent parameters. This paper describes the theoretical derivation of the fabric dependent properties upon their independent parameters. The experimental results are compared with the theoretical data. The theoretical design of the fabrics for desired properties is discussed.
Melt Blown Dies: A Hot Innovation Spot
Authors: Zhao Ron (Rongguo)
Published: November 2018

Melt blown (MB) technology requires precisely engineered and user-friendly equipment for successful new product development. Many significant efforts have been made to fully understand the technology and to improve the equipment by researchers and engineers around the world. The die assembly has always been the hot innovation spot in the history of melt blown technology developments. Among more than 210 U.S. patents related to melt blowing technology, approximately one-third of them are about hardware equipment and over 30 patents are on MB die assembly; the assembly consists of a polymer feed distribution system, a nose-piece and two adjustable air knives in many cases. Most of them are utility patents having the following three characteristics: novelty, utility and non-obviousness.

In this paper, I will discuss selected patents in the MB history chronologically and focus on their novelty.
Charge Characterization of an Electrically Charged Fiber via Electrostatic Force Microscopy
Authors: Kim Joyoun , Jasper Warren J. , Hinestroza Juan P.
Published: November 2018

The charge of a corona charged electret fiber as well as an uncharged glass fiber was characterized via Electrostatic Force Microscopy (EFM). Electrostatic force gradient images were obtained by monitoring the shifts in phase between the oscillations of the biased EFM cantilever and those of a piezoelectric driver. EFM measurements were performed using noncontact scans at a constant tip-sample separation of 75 nm with varied bias voltages applied to the cantilever. A mathematical expression, based on the Coulombic and induced polarization effects, were used to model the EFM phase shifts as a function of the applied tip bias voltages. There was quantitative agreement between the experimental data and the mathematical expression, and the quantitative interpretation for charges on the fiber was made.
Simulation and Analysis of Unbonded Nonwoven Fibrous Structures
Authors: Pourdeyhimi Behnam , Mazé Benoit , Tafreshi Hooman Vahedi
Published: November 2018

In this work we report on our algorithm for generating 3–D virtual structures resembling un-bonded fibrous webs. The paper discusses short and infinitely long fibers, each emulating a category of nonwoven fibrous medium. The structure Solid Volume Fraction (SVF), being the most important characteristic of a fibrous porous medium, is calculated for different fiberwebs and discussed in details. It is shown that the SVF of the fibrous structures generated by our algorithm is independent of the basis weight. In other words, the porosity of the medium is only a function of the fiber properties – this is as expected. It is also demonstrated that by decreasing the fiber diameter while keeping other properties of the virtual fiberweb constant causes the SVF to decrease almost linearly. The same is not observed for the fiber rigidity. The capability of our algorithm for generating fibrous webs made up of layers of different fibers is demonstrated and their properties are discussed. The application of such virtual fibrous structures in modeling transport phenomena in nonwoven materials and their potential applications in load-deformation studies are discussed.
Contributions of Strain Energy and PV-work on the Bending Behavior of Uncoated Plain-woven Fabric Air Beams
Authors: Cavallaro Paul V. , Sadegh Ali M. , Quigley Claudia J.
Published: November 2018

The bending performance of fabric air beams varies significantly from conventional beams. Both are dependent upon the constitutive relations of the material, but air beams are further dependent upon the thermodynamics of the internal air. As the governing energy balance demonstrates, air beam bending is dependent upon strain energy and PV-work (air compressibility). The relative importance of these terms will vary with pressure, volume changes and shear deformations. To this point, a swatch of uncoated plain-woven fabric was subjected to mechanical tests and its material properties determined. Attempts at using the stress-strain measurements in air beam models, assumed constructed with the same fabric, were made. The models accounted for fluid-structure interactions between the air and fabric. Homogenization methods were used and were necessary to provide computational efficiencies for the macro-scale air beam model while attempts were made to incorporate the combined extension and shear behaviors observed during the material tests. Bending behavior was numerically investigated for several constitutive cases. The models were solved with the ABAQUS-Explicit program over a range of pressures. The fabric strain energy and PV-work were tracked and compared. It was concluded that strain energy and PV-work must be considered in deflection analyses of uncoated plain-woven fabric air beams.
Immune Response Testing of Electrospun Polymers: An Important Consideration in the Evaluation of Biomaterials
Authors: Smith Matthew J. , Smith Donna C. , White Kimber L. , Bowlin Gary L.
Published: November 2018

Due primarily to cell sourcing issues, many in the field of tissue engineering have opted to create scaffolds that promote in situ regeneration, using the body as both the bioreactor and the cell source for the remodeling of scaffolds, resulting in the formation of native tissue. This practice raises many concerns, with the body's immune response to such an implant often being neglected as a potential problem in preliminary design and biocompatibility testing. More importantly, what happens over time in terms of the immune responses as the biodegradable scaffold structures being utilized to promote in situ regeneration begin to degrade, forming structural fragments and degradation products? In summary, immune response evaluations are critical considerations that must be conducted when evaluating bioresorbable scaffolds. In addition, it is essential that these evaluations analyze materials for their potential dose-response and time-course effects on the various components of innate and acquired immunity.
Splitting of Islands-in-the-Sea Fibers (PA6/COPET) during Hydroentangling of Nonwovens
Authors: Ndaro Mbwana Suleiman , Jin Xiang-yu , Chen Ting , Yu Chong-wen
Published: November 2018

This paper summarizes the investigations of hydroentangled islands-in-the-sea (PA6/COPET) fiber webs. An increase in water jet pressure improved the tensile strength and fiber splitting while elongation at break decreased. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) micrographs and ANOVA (MS Excel ™) were used for characterizing fiber splitting and data analyses respectively. It can be concluded that with a new innovation in spinnerette design and modification of co-polyester structure, PA6/COPET, fibers can be split in the hydroentanglement process without dissolution of the sea component.