bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oklahoma Healthy Homes Initiative
Authors: Khan Fahad
Published: January 2017

Compelling scientific evidence suggests that a strong association exists between housing-related hazards and the health and safety of their residents. Health, safety, and environmental hazards (such as asthma and allergy triggers), unintentional injury hazards, lead-based paint hazards, and poor indoor air quality are interrelated with substandard housing conditions. This article describes a Healthy Homes initiative to address these hazards in a coordinated fashion in the home, rather than taking a categorical approach, even in the presence of multiple hazards. It also provides an overview of Oklahoma's Healthy Homes initiative and its pilot project, the Tulsa Safe and Healthy Housing Project, which is currently administered in Tulsa in collaboration with Children First, Oklahoma's Nurse-Family Partnership program. This pilot project seeks to open new areas of research that can lead to a greater understanding of environmental health issues related to substandard housing in the United States, which will eventually make homes safer and healthier.
Primary Prevention of Lead Exposure: The Philadelphia Lead Safe Homes Study
Authors: Campbell Carla , Tran Mary , Gracely Edward , Starkey Naomi , Kersten Hans , Palermo Peter , Rothman Nancy , Line Laura , Hansen-Turton Tine
Published: January 2017

Objective.

Lead exposure in children can lead to neuropsychological impairment. This study tested whether primary prevention interventions in the newborn period prevent elevated blood lead levels (BLLs).

Methods.

The Philadelphia Lead Safe Homes (LSH) Study offered parental education, home evaluation, and lead remediation to the families of urban newborns. Households were randomized to a standard lead education group or maintenance education group. We conducted home visits at baseline, six months, and 12 months. To compare BLLs, we identified a matched comparison group.

Results.

We enrolled and randomized 314 newborns in the intervention component; 110 completed the study. There were few significant differences between the randomized groups. In the combined intervention groups, positive results on visual inspection declined from baseline to 12 months (97.0% to 90.6%, p=0.007). At baseline, 36.9% of homes were above the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's lead dust standard, compared with 26.9% at 12 months ( p=0.032), mainly due to a drop in windowsill dust levels. Both groups showed a significant increase in parental scores on a lead education test. Children in the intervention and matched control groups had similar geometric mean initial BLLs (2.6 vs. 2.7, p=0.477), but a significantly higher percentage of children in the intervention group had an initial blood lead screening compared with those in the matched group (88.9% vs. 84.4%, p=0.032).

Conclusions.

A study of primary prevention of lead exposure showed a higher blood lead screening rate for the combined intervention groups and mean BLLs at one year of age not statistically different from the comparison group. Most homes had lead hazards. Lead education significantly increased knowledge.
Nurse Case Management and Housing Interventions Reduce Allergen Exposures: The Milwaukee Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Breysse Jill , Wendt Jean , Dixon Sherry , Murphy Amy , Wilson Jonathan , Meurer John , Cohn Jennifer , Jacobs David E.
Published: January 2017

Objective.

We examined the impact of a combination of home environmental interventions and nurse case management services on total settled dust loadings and on allergen concentrations in the homes of asthmatic children.

Methods.

Using a randomized longitudinal controlled trial study design, we randomly assigned homes of asthmatic children in Milwaukee to either a control ( n=64) or an intervention ( n=57) group. Control group homes received a visual assessment, education, bed/pillow dust mite encasings, and treatment of lead-based paint hazards. The intervention group received these same services plus nurse case management that included tailored, individual asthma action plans, provision of minor home repairs, home cleaning using special vacuuming and wet washing, and integrated pest management. Dust vacuum samples were collected from measured surface areas of floors in the TV room, kitchen, and child's bedroom at baseline and at three-, six-, and 12-month follow-up visits. Dust loading (mass per surface area) is a means of measuring total dust and the total amount of allergen present.

Results.

For the intervention group, geometric mean dust loadings declined significantly from baseline (39 milligrams per square foot [mg/ft2]) to post-intervention (11 mg/ft2) ( p<0.001). Baseline dust loading, treatment group, visit, and season were significant predictors of follow-up dust loadings. Mean post-intervention dust loadings were 72% higher in the control group. The total amount of allergen in settled house dust declined significantly following the intervention because total dust loading declined; the concentration of allergens in settled dust did not change significantly.

Conclusion.

The combination of nurse case management and home environmental interventions promotes collaboration between health and housing professionals and is effective in reducing exposures to allergens in settled dust.
Hazards of Illicit Methamphetamine Production and Efforts at Reduction: Data from the Hazardous Substances Emergency Events Surveillance System
Authors: Melnikova Natalia , Welles Wanda Lizak , Wilburn Rebecca E. , Rice Nancy , Wu Jennifer , Stanbury Martha
Published: January 2017

Objectives.

Methamphetamine (meth) is a highly addictive drug of abuse that can easily be made in small illegal laboratories from household chemicals that are highly toxic and dangerous. Meth labs have been found in locations such as homes, outbuildings, motels, and cars. Its production endangers the “cook,” neighbors, responders, and the environment. This article describes surveillance data used to examine the emergence and public health impacts of illicit clandestine meth labs, as well as two states' efforts to thwart lab operations and prevent responder injuries.

Methods.

We analyzed data collected from 2001 to 2008 by 18 states participating in the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry's Hazardous Substances Emergency Events Surveillance (HSEES) Program to examine the occurrence and public health impacts of clandestine meth production.

Results.

HSEES data indicate that the majority of clandestine meth lab events occurred in residential areas. About 15% of meth lab events required evacuation. Nearly one-fourth of these events resulted in injuries, with 902 reported victims. Most victims (61%) were official responders, and one-third were members of the general public. Since 2004, with the implementation of local and federal laws and prevention activities, the number of meth lab events has declined. Increased education and training of first responders has led to decreased injuries among police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel.

Conclusions.

HSEES data provided a good data source for monitoring the emergence of domestic clandestine meth production, the associated public health effects, and the results of state and federal efforts to promote actions to address the problem.
Residential Light and Risk for Depression and Falls: Results from the LARES Study of Eight European Cities
Authors: Brown Mary Jean , Jacobs David E.
Published: January 2017

Objectives.

We examined the relationship between self-reported inadequate residential natural light and risk for depression or falls among adults aged 18 years or older.

Methods.

Generalized estimating equations were used to calculate the odds of depression or falls in participants with self-reported inadequate natural residential light vs. those reporting adequate light ( n=6,017) using data from the World Health Organizations Large Analysis and Review of European Housing and Health Survey, a large cross-sectional study of housing and health in representative populations from eight European cities.

Results.

Participants reporting inadequate natural light in their dwellings were 1.4 times (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2,1.7) as likely to report depression and 1.5 times (95% CI 1.2, 1.9) as likely to report a fall compared with those satisfied with their dwellings light. After adjustment for major confounders, the likelihood of depression changed slightly, while the likelihood of a fall increased to 2.5 (95% CI 1.5, 4.2).

Conclusion.

Self-reported inadequate light in housing is independently associated with depression and falls. Increasing light in housing, a relatively inexpensive intervention, may improve two distinct health conditions.
Poverty, Sprawl, and Restaurant Types Influence Body Mass Index of Residents in California Counties
Authors: Gregson Jennifer
Published: January 2017

Objectives.

This article examines the relationships between structural poverty (the proportion of people in a county living at ≤130% of the federal poverty level [FPL]), urban sprawl, and three types of restaurants (grouped as fast food, chain full service, and independent full service) in explaining body mass index (BMI) of individuals.

Methods.

Relationships were tested with two-tiered hierarchical models. Individual-level data, including the outcome variable of calculated BMI, were from the 2005, 2006, and 2007 California Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey ( n=14,205). County-level data ( n=33) were compiled from three sources. The 2000 U.S. Census provided the proportion of county residents living at ≤130% of FPL and county demographic descriptors. The sprawl index used came from the Smart Growth America Project. Fast-food, full-service chain, and full-service independently owned restaurants as proportions of the total retail food environment were constructed from a commercially available market research database from 2004.

Results.

In the analysis, county-level demographic characteristics lost significance and poverty had a consistent, robust association on BMI ( p<0.001). Sprawl demonstrated an additional, complementary association to county poverty ( p<0.001). Independent restaurants had a large, negative association to BMI ( p<0.001). The coefficients for chain and fast-food restaurants were large and positive ( p≤0.001), indicating that as the proportion of these restaurants in a county increases, so does BMI.

Conclusions.

This study demonstrates the important role of county poverty and urban sprawl toward understanding environmental influences on BMI. Using three categories of restaurants demonstrates different associations of full-service chain and independent restaurants, which are often combined in other research.
Feasibility of Shelter-Based Mental Health Screening for Homeless Children
Authors: Lynch Sean , Wood Julia , Livingood William , Smotherman Carmen , Goldhagen Jeffrey , Wood David
Published: January 2017

Homeless children are known to be at risk for mental health and behavioral disorders due to housing instability and family and environmental risk factors, such as domestic violence. However, homeless children seldom receive screening for mental health and behavioral disorders with validated instruments. Moreover, few examples exist of programs that integrate outreach, screening, referral to appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic services, and care coordination. We describe early results of the Medical Home for Homeless Children Project, whose nurse care coordinators work with homeless families to conduct standardized nursing assessments that include evidence-based screening for child mental health and behavioral disorders with referral and case management for mental and behavioral health services. Screening identified a group of children with mental health issues that warranted referral, and many of those referrals were successfully completed.
Validation of Selected Items on the 2003 U.S. Standard Certificate of Live Birth: New York City and Vermont
Authors: Dietz Patricia , Bombard Jennifer , Mulready-Ward Candace , Gauthier John , Sackoff Judith , Brozicevic Peggy , Gambatese Melissa , Nyland-Funke Michael , England Lucinda , Harrison Leslie , Farr Sherry
Published: January 2017

Objective.

We assessed the validity of selected items on the 2003 revised U.S. Standard Certificate of Live Birth to understand the accuracy of new and existing items.

Methods.

We calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of select variables reported on the birth certificate using the medical record as the gold standard for a representative sample of live births in New York City ( n=603) and Vermont ( n=664) in 2009.

Results.

In both sites, sensitivity was excellent (>90%) for Medicaid coverage at delivery, any previous live births, and current method of delivery; sensitivity was moderate (70%–90%) for gestational diabetes; and sensitivity was poor (<70%) for premature rupture of the membranes and gestational hypertension. In both sites, PPV was excellent for Medicaid coverage, any previous live births, previous cesarean delivery, and current method of delivery, and poor for premature rupture of membranes. In both sites, almost all items had excellent (>90%) specificity and NPV.

Conclusion.

Further research is needed to determine how best to improve the quality of data on the birth certificate. Future revisions of the birth certificate may consider removing those items that have consistently proven difficult to report accurately.
Targeting the Use of Pooled HIV RNA Screening to Reduce Cost in Health Department STD Clinics: New York City, 2009–2011
Authors: Borges Christine M. , Pathela Preeti , Pirillo Robert , Blank Susan
Published: January 2017

Objective.

Staff at public New York City sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics screen patients for acute HIV infection (AHI) using pooled nucleic acid amplification tests. AHI screening is expensive but important for populations at high risk of acquiring HIV. We analyzed if targeting AHI screening in STD clinics could reduce program costs while maintaining AHI case detection.

Methods.

From January 2009 through May 2010, we screened all patients with negative rapid HIV tests for AHI. Using risk information on cases detected during this universal screening period, we developed criteria for targeted AHI screening and compared case yields and testing costs during 12 months of universal screening (June 2009 through May 2010) vs. 12 months of targeted screening (June 2010 through May 2011).

Results.

During the defined period of universal screening, we identified 40 AHI cases, and during targeted screening, we identified 35 AHI cases. Because of targeting efforts, the number needed to test to find one AHI case dropped from 1,631 to 254. With targeted screening, it cost an average of $4,535 per case detected and 39.3 cases were detected per 10,000 specimens; using universal screening, $29,088 was spent per case detected and 6.1 cases were detected per 10,000 specimens processed.

Conclusion.

Targeted screening identified similar numbers of AHI cases as when screening all clinic patients seeking HIV testing, but at one-seventh the cost.
Distribution of Cardiovascular Disease and Associated Risk Factors by County Type and Health Insurance Status: Results from the 2008 Ohio Family Health Survey
Authors: Kariisa Mbabazi , Seiber Eric
Published: January 2017

Objectives.

Epidemiologic studies have documented a disproportionate burden of chronic diseases in Appalachia, showing the area to be underserved by the health-care system. Nothing is known about how the health status of the Appalachian population compares with other rural or non-rural populations in the same state. We examined the associations among county type, health insurance category, and health outcomes in poorer adult Ohioans.

Methods.

We obtained data from the 2008 Ohio Family Health Survey, a complex landline- and cell phone-based survey of 50,944 noninstitutionalized households. We constructed bivariate analyses examining health status measures across various insurance categories and metropolitan, suburban, rural, and Appalachian counties in Ohio.

Results.

Medicaid enrollees living in Appalachian and rural counties tended to be in poorer health and have a greater prevalence of smoking than non-Medicaid enrollees. Within rural and Appalachian regions, Medicaid enrollees were more likely than non-Medicaid enrollees to have lower self-rated health (54.8%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 44.1, 65.5 in rural regions and 52.1%, 95% CI 44.7, 59.5 in Appalachian regions). Appalachian and rural Medicaid enrollees were at an increased likelihood of having several chronic diseases compared with non-Medicaid enrollees.

Conclusion.

Our findings suggest that rural and Ohio Appalachian Medicaid enrollees were more likely to have hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and overall poorer health than non-Medicaid enrollees. These findings have important policy implications for health-care reform, highlighting regional disparities in provider coverage. These underserved regions would need an increase in the provider base to positively impact proposed Medicaid expansion programs.
Adding Industry and Occupation Questions to the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System: New Opportunities in Public Health Surveillance
Authors: Towle Meredith , Tolliver Rickey , Bui Alison Grace , Warner Amy , Van Dyke Mike
Published: January 2017

Objectives.

Industry and occupation variables are overlooked in many public health surveillance efforts, yet they are useful for describing the burden and distribution of various public health diseases, behaviors, and conditions. This study is the first ever analysis of the Colorado Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) to describe chronic conditions and risk behaviors by occupation. It is intended to provide a new perspective on this existing data source and demonstrate the value of occupation as a core demographic variable for public health research, policy, and practice.

Methods.

Two standardized employment questions were included in the 2012 Colorado BRFSS survey and administered to eligible survey respondents who were employed, self-employed, or out of work for less than one year. Occupation data were coded using the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Industry and Occupation Computerized Coding System. We analyzed health behaviors and conditions by major occupation groups. We calculated prevalence estimates and 95% confidence intervals (Cls).

Results.

The prevalence of chronic conditions, health statuses, and risk behaviors (e.g., smoking and seatbelt use) varied significantly by occupation. For example, compared with all workers (93.6%, 95% CI 92.7, 94.5), significantly fewer workers in farming, forestry, fishing and construction, extraction jobs (87.0%, 95% CI 82.0, 92.0) reported always or nearly always wearing a seatbelt while driving. Additionally, significantly more office and administrative support workers (27.5%, 95% CI 22.5, 32.4) compared with all workers (20.6%, 95% CI 19.3, 22.0) were obese. Further observation and research is needed to understand the effects of occupation on health outcomes and behaviors.

Conclusion.

There are no other Colorado state-level datasets that link health behaviors and chronic conditions with occupation. This study shows that the prevalence of chronic conditions and risk behaviors varies substantially by occupation. Other states conducting the BRFSS may choose to adopt the NIOSH industry and occupation module and add other questions to further investigate health issues by occupation.
Addressing Immunization Registry Population Inflation in Adolescent Immunization Rates
Authors: Robison Steve G.
Published: January 2017

Objective.

While U.S. adolescent immunization rates are available annually at national and state levels, finding pockets of need may require county or sub-county information. Immunization information systems (IISs) are one tool for assessing local immunization rates. However, the presence of IIS records dating back to early childhood and challenges in capturing mobility out of IIS areas typically leads to denominator inflation. We examined the feasibility of weighting adolescent immunization records by length of time since last report to produce more accurate county adolescent counts and immunization rates.

Methods.

We compared weighted and unweighted adolescent denominators from the Oregon ALERT IIS, along with county-level Census Bureau estimates, with school enrollment counts from Oregon's annual review of seventh-grade school immunization compliance for public and private schools. Adolescent immunization rates calculated using weighted data, for the state as a whole, were also checked against comparable National Immunization Survey (NIS) rates.

Results.

Weighting individual records by the length of time since last activity substantially improved the fit of IIS data to county populations for adolescents. A nonlinear logarithmic (ogive) weight produced the best fit to the school count data of all examined estimates. Overall, the ogive weighted results matched NIS adolescent rates for Oregon.

Conclusion.

The problem of mobility-inflated counts of teenagers can be addressed by weighting individual records based on time since last immunization. Well-populated IISs can rely on their own data to produce adolescent immunization rates and find pockets of need.
CDC's Early Response to a Novel Viral Disease, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), September 2012–May 2014
Authors: Williams Holly Ann , Dunville Richard L. , Gerber Susan I. , Erdman Dean D. , Pesik Nicki , Kuhar David , Mason Karen A. , Haynes Lia , Rotz Lisa , St. Pierre Jeanette , Poser Sarah , Bunga Sudhir , Pallansch Mark A. , Swerdlow David L.
Published: January 2017

The first ever case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) was reported in September 2012. This report describes the approaches taken by CDC, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners, to respond to this novel virus, and outlines the agency responses prior to the first case appearing in the United States in May 2014. During this time, CDC's response integrated multiple disciplines and was divided into three distinct phases: before, during, and after the initial activation of its Emergency Operations Center. CDC's response to MERS-CoV required a large effort, deploying at least 353 staff members who worked in the areas of surveillance, laboratory capacity, infection control guidance, and travelers' health. This response built on CDC's experience with previous outbreaks of other pathogens and provided useful lessons for future emerging threats.
Tuberculosis Elimination Efforts in the United States in the Era of Insurance Expansion and the Affordable Care Act
Authors: Balaban Victor , Marks Suzanne M. , Etkind Sue C. , Katz Dolly J. , Higashi Julie , Flood Jennifer , Cronin Ann , Ho Christine S. , Khan Awal , Chorba Terence
Published: January 2017

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act can enhance ongoing efforts to control tuberculosis (TB) in the United States by bringing millions of currently uninsured Americans into the health-care system. However, much of the legislative and financial framework that provides essential public health services necessary for effective TB control is outside the scope of the law. We identified three key issues that will still need to be addressed after full implementation of the Affordable Care Act: ( 1) essential TB-related public health functions will still be needed and will remain the responsibility of federal, state, and local health departments; ( 2) testing and treatment for latent TB infection (LTBI) is not covered explicitly as a recommended preventive service without cost sharing or copayment; and ( 3) remaining uninsured populations will disproportionately include groups at high risk for TB. To improve and continue TB control efforts, it is important that all populations at risk be tested and treated for LTBI and TB; that testing and treatment services be accessible and affordable; that essential federal, state, and local public health functions be maintained; that private-sector medical/public health linkages for diagnosis and treatment be developed; and that health-care providers be trained in conducting appropriate LTBI and TB clinical care.
Water Intake by Outdoor Temperature among Children Aged 1–10 Years: Implications for Community Water Fluoridation in the U.S.
Authors: Beltrán-Aguilar Eugenio D. , Barker Laurie , Sohn Woosung , Wei Liang
Published: January 2017

Objective.

The U.S. water fluoridation recommendations, which have been in place since 1962, were based in part on findings from the 1950s that children's water intake increased with outdoor temperature. We examined whether or not water intake is associated with outdoor temperature.

Methods.

Using linked data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999–2004 and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, we examined reported 24-hour total and plain water intake in milliliters per kilogram of body weight per day of children aged 1–10 years by maximum outdoor temperature on the day of reported water intake, unadjusted and adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and poverty status. We applied linear regression methods that were used in previously reported analyses of data from NHANES 1988–1994 and from the 1950s.

Results.

We found that total water intake was not associated with temperature. Plain water intake was weakly associated with temperature in unadjusted (coefficient = 0.2, p=0.015) and adjusted (coefficient = 0.2, p=0.013) linear regression models. However, these models explained little of the individual variation in plain water intake (unadjusted: R2=0.005; adjusted: R2=0.023).

Conclusion.

Optimal fluoride concentration in drinking water to prevent caries need not be based on outdoor temperature, given the lack of association between total water intake and outdoor temperature, the weak association between plain water intake and outdoor temperature, and the minimal amount of individual variance in plain water intake explained by outdoor temperature. These findings support the change in the U.S. Public Health Service recommendation for fluoride concentration in drinking water for the prevention of dental caries from temperature-related concentrations to a single concentration that is not related to outdoor temperature.
A Framework to Reduce Infectious Disease Risk from Urban Poultry in the United States
Authors: Tobin Molly R. , Goldshear Jesse L. , Price Lance B. , Graham Jay P. , Leibler Jessica H.
Published: January 2017

Objectives.

Backyard poultry ownership is increasingly common in U.S. cities and is regulated at the local level. Human contact with live poultry is a well-known risk for infection with zoonotic pathogens, notably Salmonella, yet the ability of local jurisdictions to reduce the risk of infectious disease transmission from poultry to humans is unstudied. We reviewed urban poultry ordinances in the United States and reported Salmonella outbreaks from backyard poultry to identify regulatory gaps in preventing zoonotic pathogen transmission. Based on this analysis, we propose regulatory guidelines for U.S. cities to reduce infectious disease risk from backyard poultry ownership.

Methods.

We assessed local ordinances in the 150 most populous U.S. jurisdictions for content related to noncommercial poultry ownership using online resources and communications with government officials. We also performed a literature review using publicly available data sources to identify human infectious disease outbreaks caused by contact with backyard poultry.

Results.

Of the cities reviewed, 93% ( n=139) permit poultry in some capacity. Most urban poultry ordinances share common characteristics focused on reducing nuisance to neighbors. Ordinances do not address many pathways of transmission relevant to poultry-to-human transmission of pathogens, such as manure management.

Conclusions.

To reduce the risk of pathogen exposure from backyard poultry, urban ordinances should incorporate the following seven components: limited flock size, composting of manure in sealed containers, prohibition of slaughter, required veterinary care to sick birds, appropriate disposal of dead birds, annual permits linked to consumer education, and a registry of poultry owners.
Contentious sites: Cultural memory, collective organizing, and symbolic struggles over the Park51 Islamic center
Authors: Gonzalez-Vaillant Gabriela , Savio Gianmarco
Published: January 2017

Working from a Goffmanian dramaturgical perspective, this article analyzes the struggle between two opposing social movement coalitions formed in response to the proposed construction of an Islamic center near Ground Zero. To this end, the authors conducted in-depth interviews with leaders from key organizations involved in the conflict, in addition to participant observation at rallies and meetings of the different organizations involved. The authors find that despite great differences between the two conflicting sides, both coalitions experienced similar internal challenges that had to be managed when staging the performance for the public eye. The struggle over memory, space, and language strongly impacted how these actors understand coalition-building and mobilization. The article makes a contribution at the intersection between memory and dramaturgical studies applied to collective action.
Continuity and change in sexual attitudes: A cross-time comparison of tolerance towards non-traditional relationships
Authors: Watt Laura , Elliot Mark
Published: January 2017

This article explores how attitudes towards different types of sexual relationships have changed over time. Data from the National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (1990, 2000 and 2010) are used to investigate whether people living in Britain have become more (or less) tolerant of one night stands, same-sex relationships and extra-marital relations, and whether any observed changes result from period or cohort effects. While attitudes towards same-sex relationships became far more tolerant between 1990 and 2010, the pattern was not the same for one night stands or extra-marital relationships. Based upon these results the article argues that the proposition made by individualisation theory regarding the loosening of traditional norms is far too simplistic when talking about change over time in intimate life. It is argued instead that a more nuanced theory of social change is required, consistent with the finding that some norms are strengthening rather than weakening. The article also claims that certain elements of individualisation theory might in fact be consistent with the strengthening of those norms.
Re-visiting NIMBY: From conflicting interests to conflicting valuations
Authors: Eranti Veikko
Published: January 2017

This article presents a new way of understanding local land-use conflicts, also called NIMBY, developing from justification theory and literature from the sociology of engagements. The article builds on the multiple systems of valuation used by people to perceive local land-use cases as conflicts, following the pragmatic sociology of Boltanski and Thévenot. The conflicts are shown to be not only about conflicting interests of the residents, but also about broader conflicting systems of valuation. Empirically, land-use cases in Helsinki, Finland are analysed to show the variety of argumentation used by residents opposing land-use. Over 500 dispute letters are analysed, the vast majority of which base their argumentation on common good. About 40% also use argumentation based on individual interest. Argumentation based on close familiar affinities is rare but existing, which might be because of the type of data used in the article. The framework used allows for the non-moralizing use of the concept NIMBY when describing the conflicts.
Class, Culture and Culinary Tastes: Cultural Distinctions and Social Class Divisions in Contemporary Norway
Authors: Flemmen Magne , Hjellbrekke Johs. , Jarness Vegard
Published: January 2017

In this article we analyse class cultures by mapping out differences in ‘original taste’; that is, respondents’ classed preferences for food and drink. By employing Multiple Correspondence Analysis, we produce a relational model of tastes. Using three indicators of social class – occupational class, income and education – we find clear class divisions. The upper and middle classes exhibit diverse and what are typically regarded as ‘healthy’ tastes; this contrasts with the more restricted and what are typically regarded as ‘less healthy’ tastes found among the working classes. Our findings challenge ongoing debates within cultural stratification research where it has become almost usual to demonstrate that the contemporary upper and middle classes exhibit playful tastes for the ‘cosmopolitan’ and the ‘exotic’. We find that upper- and middle-class households also enjoy very traditional foodstuffs. We argue that this illustrates a need for a relational understanding of taste: even the consumption of the traditional peasant food of pre-capitalist Norway can be refashioned as a badge of distinction in the 21st century.
Relationship of Ginning and Fiber Properties to Dyeing Imperfections
Authors: Hughs S. E. , Lalor W. F. , Wahba F. T.
Published: January 2017

This study compares the effects of different levels of ginning and lint cleaning, raw cotton quality factors, and yarn quality factors on the level of dyeing imperfections in finished cloth. Seven cotton varieties were included in the test; all were both saw and roller ginned, and processed through both zero and two stages of lint cleaning. All test treatments were processed into carded 16/1 yarn used to make corduroy cloth and combed 40/1 yarn used to make broadcloth. A statistical analysis showed that neither the yarn nor most of the fiber quality measurements were useful in predicting levels of neps in finished cloth. What relationships did exist between raw fiber quality measurements and dyed cloth nep levels, while statistically very significant, resulted in statistical models that left a great deal of the variability in cloth dyeing imperfections unexplained. Including variety and gin treatment in the statistical analysis decreased the level of unexplained variability, but still did not result in a useful predictive model. The conclusion was that there are one or more fiber parameters that have a large effect on cloth nep levels, but these are not currently being measured. One possibility is that the level of small motes from unfertilized ovules or other sources may be partially responsible for the observed levels of cloth dyeing imperfections.
Dynamics of Water Vapor Transmission through Fabric Barriers
Authors: Wehner John A. , Miller Bernard , Rebenfeld Ludwig
Published: January 2017

An experimental apparatus has been developed to permit the simultaneous measurement of moisture sorption by a fabric and moisture flux through a fabric during the transient period after the fabric is exposed to a humidity gradient. By suitable manipulation of the experimental conditions, the method demonstrates that moisture flux occurs predominantly through the air spaces of the fabric; the role of the fibers is to act as a moisture source or sink. Two mathematical descriptions of the transient period have been developed, in which the interaction between moisture sorption by the fibers and moisture flux through the air spaces of a fabric is modeled. In the first model, the dominant mass transfer resistance for the sorption process is considered to be diffusion of water molecules through the air to the fiber surface. Diffusion within the fiber is considered to be so rapid that the fiber moisture content is always in sorptive equilibrium with the air at the fiber surface. This simple model correctly predicts the qualitative trends exhibited by experimental data collected on fabrics of widely varying sorptive capacity, but it under-predicts the duration of the transient period for a large proportion of these fabrics. A more realistic and complex model is also presented, in which the dominant mass transfer resistance is molecular diffusion of water molecules within the fiber interior. In this case the fiber moisture content lags behind the changes in the moisture content of the air at the fiber surface. The added complexity of this model provides a more accurate fit to the experimental data, although the correction provided by accounting for intrafiber diffusional resistance is small compared to the effect of sorptive capacity.
Yarn Package Inspection with Computer Vision and Robotics
Authors: Emery N. B. , Buchanan D. R.
Published: January 2017

A system for the automatic inspection of open-end polyester/cotton blend yarn packages, including package transportation and inspection algorithms, has been developed and implemented. An American robot was used to move and position the yarn packages during the inspection procedure. The robot controller served as the host computer and directed the sequence of inspection routines. An IRI P256 computer vision system performed the inspection steps for eleven of the most common package flaws. Several hundred packages were inspected with this system and its accuracy was comparable to that of human inspectors. Although over 85% of the inspection cycle was spent in package manipulation, the computer vision portion of the inspection process was as fast as human inspectors.
Examining the dynamics of the interaction between the development of creative industries and urban spatial structure by agent-based modelling: A case study of Nanjing, China
Authors: Liu Helin , Silva Elisabete
Published: January 2017

Much of the focus of research on creative industries’ influence upon urban land use has been around the investment in specific regeneration projects or flagship developments rather than addressing the nature and location of the infrastructure, networks and agents engaged. In other words, the complexity of the institutional/temporal and spatial interaction among the involved elements is overlooked or not well understood. This paper presents an agent-based model named CID-USST (Creative Industries Development-Urban Spatial Structure Transformation) that examines the dynamics of the interaction between the development of creative industries and urban spatial structure by outputting a set of adaptive scenarios through time and space. It reveals that the spatial distribution of both the creative firms and the creative workers evolves in a repeating up-and-down pattern even when the exogenous urban economic condition is set to be steady. Moreover, the analysis also points to the policy implication that more open job/rent market information will lead to more rapid geographical clustering of the creative firms and the creative workers, which possibly may reduce the time cost in their spatial evolvement, and perhaps accelerate innovation if we accept that geographical proximity can enhance knowledge and information spill-over.
Development of underdevelopment : Facets of deforestation and displacement in Orissa
Authors: Nayak Kunj Bihari
Published: January 2017

Secondary sources are tapped to show how dams, mining, deforestation, construction of roads, railways, etc. in the State of Orissa have unleashed unintended consequences for the deprived sections, particularly the displaced and victimised tribals in the western inland regions who, without proper rehabilitation, have not only been completely alienated from their original habitat and culture but have also been estranged from their traditional sources of sustainable livelihood in the forest economy. If ‘development’ is to be seen in a proper perspective, there is need for the policy makers to reorient themselves and take cognisance of the unintended negative consequences of their development projects, in terms of ecological sustainability, socio-cultural relevance, as well as local needs and demands, long before those projects are initiated.
Women's anti-alcohol movement in Haryana: Successes and failures
Authors: Maheshwari Belu
Published: January 2017

The green revolution brought prosperity to Haryana, but much of the increase in disposable income, instead of being ploughed back into infrastructure development, was frittered away in alcohol consumption, leading to major domestic problems all over the State, with wife beating and alcoholism, according to one study, seen to be inseparable. An anti alcohol movement, spearheaded by women, took root in this fertile soil, and spread. Though the political establishment sought to gain mileage by imposing prohibition, a mafia emerged to fill the void, and the consumption of liquor and related problems did not disappear. The women who spearheaded the anti liquor movement did not however raise their voices in protest, due to a number of reasons. When men usurped the frontal roles, they were inhibited by purdah and social mores, they lacked the resources to sustain the movement, they were adversely affected when the State turned enforcer and their menfolk were sent to jail, they were stymied when patriarchy reasserted itself via links with the mafia, which the women were not able to withstand, and there was no social support for the agitators, who came to be blamed for the fall in government revenues. Yet the anti liquor movement helped women organise themselves, and brought their voices into the political limelight.
Status of women in the Naai community of Uttar Pradesh
Authors: Tewari Suruchi
Published: January 2017

Among the Naai, a backward (OBC) community of Uttar Pradesh, the status of women is still very low, according to this study of the Naai of Tharauli village of Siddharthnagar, a district on the northeastern border of Uttar Pradesh. These women suffer from restrictions on mobility and are denied participation in decision-making, and the domestic violence inflicted on them has social acceptance. The evil of child marriage is also prevalent in this community. The majority of these women are ignorant about their rights, and social resistance also prevents them from getting their legitimate share. The women of this community confine themselves to the boundaries of the family and are not allowed to evolve and have access to the modern world
Freedom or Sobriety? : Reflections on capacity-building in the new millennium
Authors: Maiti Prasenjit
Published: January 2017

Do we prefer freedom backed up by minimum government or would we be merely satisfied with sobriety that is imposed on our lives and liberty by the dictates of high politics from above? It is amply clear that at the beginning of a new millennium already imperiled by the grim possinility of a nuclear war that civilised human beings organised as systems of politics across porous international borders can no longer afford to unquestioningly follow the policy prescriptions of their domestic governments, foreign offices and State departments. More intense people-to-people contacts should be sustained on a long-term basis. As such transnational networks can better work toward the so-called Track two diplomacy between intellectuals and academics, social activists, policy analysts, development consultants and the common people. It is the unknown citizen who should really be brought back into primary focus by Rolling Back the State-'nowhere men and women’ should have basic empowerment, freedom and development. Yet another fundamental war should be waged against hunger, poverty and illiteracy-based on endurable peace, better quality of education for all and a higher quality of material and ethical well-being in general.
Functioning of panchayats in Andhra Pradesh
Authors: Reddy T. Prabhakar
Published: January 2017

Panchayats in Andhra Pradesh are not only obstructed by a lack of power and resources, the Secretariat system introduced by the State government has been perceived to erode the power of elected representatives in favour of Secretaries who have been appointed to each grampanchayat to look after its day to day affairs. Caste domination and marginalisation of women representatives are other problems afflicting panchayati raj in the State. Moreover, panchayats in A.P. are stymied by parallel structures that have obstructed their functioning, which suggests a need for organic links between the activities of panchayats, committees and the like, through a mobilisation process along the lines advocated by some NGOs. To that end, a VHS (Village Development Sangham) should be set up at the local level, comprising of members of panchayats, village level committees, self help groups, and politically conscious people, with the mandate of prioritising works based on the feelings and aspirations of the people, to be executed by the panchayats. Empowerment of theorem sabha, people's participation and capacity building for elected representatives are some of the other emerging concerns.
Empowerment status of rural women: Insights from dairy cooperatives
Authors: Gangwar Manisha , Kandekar Nita , Mandai M.K. , Kandekar Prakash
Published: January 2017

Our study shows that membership of a dairy cooperative helped women to become economically independent and self-confident, with improved prestige in the community. Formal social participation and group actions increased and hence the overall empowerment of cooperative members was more. Women's participation should be ensured in cooperatives, training institutions, credit institutions, agricultural labour institutions etc, so that they can be able to organise themselves, identify their needs, build a positive image, and be aware of their rights and responsibilities.
The situation of women in Dharavi, Asia's largest slum
Authors: Chodankar Smita R.
Published: January 2017

The women of Dharavi, in many cases, are engaged in the dual roles of homemaker and breadwinner in the informal sector. In the work place, they have to contend with mental and physical stress, long hours of work, and harassment of middlemen and supervisors. On the domestic front, they manage meagre resources to feed a large family, and have to submit to both beatings from their husbands as well as torture from their in-laws, who resort to it as a way of venting frustrations. In spite of their adverse circumstances, the women perform their dual role with utmost sincerity and integrity.

The government agency Jan Shikshan Sansthan has sought to help Dharavi's women contribute to family income through better types of income generating activities and also, to imbue them with self-respect and good moral and social values. As a consequence, there has been an overall sea change in the beneficiaries, both in their inner and outer lives. However, a government agency like the Jan Shikshan Sansthan has more of a role to play in making the slum women self reliant and empowering them with the capacity for rational thinking and prudent decision making.
The vitality of India
Authors: Bandyopadhyay D.
Published: January 2017

Though ‘one person, one vote’ was a gift of the Constitution, which came into effect from January 26, 1950, it has now become a major source of the vitality of India. The poor, having tasted power, will be unwilling to part with it. This democratic consciousness of the masses is getting deepened and widened, particularly through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment, which introduced a three tier system of panchayats, from villages to the district. The second major element which has a role to play in providing vitality to the Indian nation is the Indian peasantry. Nehru described how thousands of kisans joined the non-cooperation movement, shedding their fear of the Zamindars and the police. Released from feudal and semi-feudal bondage after the abolition of Zamindari and all other types of rent receiving interests in the fifties and early sixties of the last century, the Indian peasantry blossomed into a great productive force. Finally, the soul of India resides in accommodation and tolerance, in assimilation and absorption, in plurality and diversity, in an ethos of inclusiveness. Militant ‘Hindutva”, as propagated by a political party and its front organisations is totally un-Hindu-it goes against the very essence of Hindu inclusiveness and catholicity.