bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modification of the Cuticle and Primary Wall of Cotton by Corona Treatment
Authors: Thorsen Walter J.
Published: October 2007

Transmission electron microscope studies of the surface of air-corona and air-chlorine corona treated cotton fibers reveal essentially no topographical changes. Air-chlorine coronas apparently modify the wax, causing increased wettability, and C-chlorination occurs in about one of every three carbon atoms in the cuticle. About one half of the chlorine that reacts with cotton is covalently bonded to carbon in the wax, the remainder to nonextractable constituents of the cuticle or the primary wall. The secondary wall remains essentially unchanged by corona treatment as indicated by tenacity, crystallinity, solubility in cupriethylenediamine hydroxide, iodine uptake, and moisture regain (the latter may be marginally decreased). Increased accessibility of the fiber interior or secondary wall component to swelling reagents such as caustic, and yarn setting reagents such as benzyltrimethylammonium hydroxide, indicates that corona treatments modify the surface layer or primary wall in such a way as to weaken it and possibly to increase its permeability. However, marginally diminished regain and unchanged iodine sorption values do not support such conclusions. Corona treated cotton exposed to an electron beam develops cracks several thousands of angstroms deep, parallel to the spiral ridges— further evidence of a weakened surface layer. Potential practical applications of corona treatmemt are indicated by improved mercerization, better yarn stretch and setting properties, increased dyeability, and the localized heating indicated by the generation of free radicals which may make possible heat-induced localized polymerization.
Static Electricity in Carpets
Authors: Blakemore J.E.
Published: October 2007

The corona-discharge method of measuring static charge susceptibility of carpets is used to evaluate the static propensity of fibers in various carpet samples. Triboelectric balancing, addition of internal or external antistatic agents, and inclusion of conductive fibers are suggested as approaches toward controlling problems associated with static electricity accumulation in carpets. Emphasis is placed on the use of conductive filers, and possible mechanisms are given by which conductive fibers reduce static electricity buildup.
A Preliminary Report on the Hydrophilic Characteristics of Poly (Calcium Acrylate)-Cotton
Authors: Cirino Vidabelle O. , Rowland Stanley P.
Published: October 2007

The product of polymerization of calcium acrylate in cotton print cloth was found to exhibit increases in hydrophilic characteristics over the original fabric in water of imbibition, moisture regain; drop absorbency, sinking time, wicking time, water vapor permeability, and wet wrinkle recovery angle.
Relation Between the Rotproofing Properties and Chemical Structure of Some Reactive Compounds and Their Chromophoric Derivatives
Authors: Amin Sanaa A. , Abdou Laila A.W. , Kamel M.
Published: October 2007

The synthesis of reactive rotproofing agents based on dichloro- and monochloro-s-triazines and their application on cotton fabric has been attempted. The combination of both chromophoric and antimicrobial properties in the same molecule was achieved by development of reactive cotton with the appropriate amines.
Partly-Reduced-Alkylated Wool
Authors: Friedman Mendel , Tillin Sandra
Published: October 2007

Conditions were devised for partial reduction of disulfide bonds in wool fibers. Rates of reduction were followed by alkylating the generated sulfhydryl groups with 2-vinylpyridine and estimating the concentration of the resulting cysteine derivative by ultraviolet spectroscopy and/or amino acid analysis. Unreacted cystine residues were estimated by amino acid analysis. Breaking strepgth of wool fibers decreases with increase in time of reduction.
Binding of (1:1)-Metal-Complex Dyes to Proteins, Studied by the Monolayer Method
Authors: Giles Charles H. , Macewan Thomas H. , Mciver Norman
Published: October 2007

The reactions of monolayers of model proteins (edestin and a wool derivative) on acid solutions of a number of 1:1-chromium-ligand dyes, of both monosulphonated and disulphonated types, and certain nonmetallized sulphonated dyes of similar structure, have been studied. Measurements of film area, pressure, compressibility, and viscosity have been made. All sulphonate groups appear to enter the water. Thus monosulphonated dye molecules penetrate between the protein chains, reducing the film viscosity, whereas disulphonates orient horizontally beneath the protein. A free —OH group present in the dye molecule causes it to bind more firmly to the protein, with increase in film viscosity and in surface compressional modulus (scm).

All the dyes appear to act just as do the nonmetallized counterparts: film areas are increased; monosulphonates form mixed films and reduce both viscosity and scm of the film; disulphonates produce no change in viscosity or slope of the π/A curve but slightly increase the scm; the pressure-area changes are reversible. The viscosity of the protein film over a simple chromium salt solution alone, however, is very greatly increased.

Evidence is obtained that reactions of the present protein films with dyes can reasonably be used to interpret dye-wool bonding reactions.

There is no evidence from the present tests that the chromium atom in the dye molecule forms any bond with the protein. The good wash fastness which these dyes in wool have in technical practice must, therefore, be due solely to their high molecular weight and to mechanical effects of the structure of the fiber.
Studies in Accelerated Oxidation of Cellulose
Authors: Shenai V.A. , Prasad R.B.
Published: October 2007

Sodium hypochlorite oxidation of cotton cellulose in the presence of traces of cobaltous hydroxide has been studied. The oxycellulose thus formed has been further chemically modified by subjecting it separately to aqueous solutions of chlorous acid and sodium borohydride. Cobaltous hydroxide has been shown to possess more intense catalytic activity in the hypochlorite oxidation of cellulose than nickel hydroxide, ferrous hydroxide, and manganous hydroxide reported earlier.
The Development of Abrasion Resistance and Breaking Strength in Durable-Press Cotton Fabrics
Authors: Rowland S.P. , Bertoniere N.R. , Martin L.F.
Published: October 2007

Textile properties of the cured fabric resulting from the wet-fixation process are functions of the duration of the fixation step. As duration of this step is extended with reagent systems involving dimethyloldihydroxyethyleneurea together with highly methylated hexamethylolmelamines, resilience of cured fabric is high and constant, whereas Stoll flex abrasion resistance and breaking strength (strength properties) show progressive increases. This is evidently the first observation of increasing strength properties at a constant high level of resilience during a durable-press finishing process. The development of strength properties is considered to be critically dependent upon the penetration of reagent into the fabric, yarns, and fibers for reaction on elementary structural units of the cotton fibers. This unique degree of penetration to the less accessible regions in cotton fibers is believed to relieve internal strains within the fibers before crosslinking takes place. Other features of the mechanism of develolment of strength properties in durable-press cottons are discussed.
Shrinkage Control for Cotton and Cotton Blend Knitted Fabrics
Authors: Black David H.
Published: October 2007

Knitting machine settings and their effect on fabric distortion are examined, and this information is related to finishing procedures involving heat setting and chemical finishing systems. Experiments with a cotton/polyester double knit show that acceptable shrinkage values can be achieved by a combination of careful yarn selection and controlled knitting and finishing procedures.
The Nature of Fiber Loss in an Air-Vortex System
Authors: Sengupta A.K. , Tarafder N.
Published: October 2007

Polyester yarns, viscose yarns, and yarns of varying blends of polyester and viscose fibers were spun on an air-vortex system. Fiber loss increased with the polyester content of the blend. It is postulated that static electrification rather than differences in fiber flexibility is the principal reason for increased fiber loss. However, segregation of components in the waste does depend on relative fiber flexibility. It is concluded that the air-vortex system is poorly qualified for processing blends, especially when different deniers of individual fibers are used.
The Felting of Wool Fabrics Washed at Various Values of pH, and the Isoelectric Point Determined by Streaming Potential Measurements
Authors: Algie J.E. , Baird K. , Foulds R.A. , Robinson V.N.
Published: October 2007

The zeta potentials of wools treated by chlorination and by chlorine/Hercosett have been found to differ markedly. Fabrics made from the two wools and from a blend of the two were washed together at two values of pH. Under these conditions there is no evidence that surface charge effects make any contribution to felting shrinkage.
Photographic Investigation of High-Speed Missile Impact upon Nylon Fabric
Authors: Wilde Anthony F.
Published: October 2007

Investigation has been continued of missile impact (116 to 537 meter/sec) upon single layers of high-tenacity nylon fabric by further analyses of high-speed photographs described previously. The results have been compared with prior analogous experiments conducted with yarn bundles of similar material. It appears that the fabric interacts with the missile in a shorter time and along a smaller distance, resulting in a larger normalized retarding force on the missile than observed with the yarn bundles. Comparison of various specimen geometries of this material has led to an estimate of 600 to 650 meter/sec for its transverse critical velocity.
The Distribution of End Breaks Over the Chase of a Cop-Build Ringframe: The Effects of Winding-On Angle and Ringrail Movement
Authors: Subramanian T.A. , Salhotra K.R. , Grover J.M.
Published: October 2007

The distribution of end breaks over the chase of a cop-build ringframe has been investigated with reference to the effects of the winding-on diameter and the direction and speed of the movement of the ringrail. Some of the interesting findings are as follows. Contrary to general belief, the nose and its vicinity is not always the region of the chase which is most vulnerable for end breaks to occur. In fact, there are cases in which the end breaks are markedly high in the lowest and middle part of the chase. These observations can be explained on the basis of the counter-balancing effect of the twist and tension cycles over a chase. The ratio of the rate of end breaks in the upward to that in the downward movement is invariably higher for the fast-up slow-down ringrail movement than for the reverse type of movement. The collected data also show that this ratio is generally less than unity for very low levels of yarn tension and increases to a value much higher than unity for very high levels of yarn tension.
The Effect of Warp and Filling Variables on the Tensile Failure and Joint Strength of Kevlar® 29 Parachute .Webbing
Authors: Ericksen R.H. , Abbott N.J. , Donovan J.G. , Coskren R.J.
Published: October 2007

The effect of filling and warp yarn variables on the strength of a nominally designated 60 kN, 2.9 cm Kevlar® 29 parachute webbing was investigated. The goal was to increase webbing and jointed webbing strength without in creasing the weight of the structure. Webbing of varying pick spacing, filling yarn strength, and amount of warp yarn twist was fabricated and tested at quasi-static and high strain rates. Improved strength was obtained when: a the filling was reduced from two to single-ply yarn, b) pick spacing was increased to 6.3 picks per cm, and c twist was removed from the warp. Kevlar® webbing strength was not reduced at high strain rates of 3000% s compared with quasi-static values. The strength of jointed samples at high strain rate loading was higher than that obtained in quasi static tests.
Composition of Weave-Room Dust
Authors: Brown David F. , Wall James H. , Berni Ralph J.
Published: October 2007

Total-dust samples were collected at four weave-room sites and one card room site in each of twelve southeastern U.S. cotton mills. The cotton content of the fabrics being produced ranged from 35% to 100%. Sizings were starch, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), and mixtures of starch PVA, starch CMC, and PVA CMC. A serial solvent extraction-gravimetric technique was developed for proximate analysis of samples. Sizing was extracted with boiling water. Iodometric methods were used to determine the extracted starch and PVA, and CMC was determined by titration of the free acid with NaOH. Weaving dust averaged 20-50% sizing, 10-30% cellulose, 0.4% synthetic fiber, and 1-4% protein. Higher total dust levels were'associated with starch sizing, increased loom speeds, and higher yarn counts. Fine dust levels increased with loom speed percentage of cotton in the product, and the use of starch as sizing. The major differences between carding and weaving dusts were the presence of sizing and the much higher average water solubility of weaving dust, 47% vs. 10%. The carding dust also contained small amounts of starch (1-2%) and protein (9-16%), plus traces of polyester in dust from card rooms in which synthetic was carded or blended simultaneously.
Effect of Carding Conditions on Trash Release in Open-End Spinning
Authors: Supanekar S.D. , Nerurkar S.K.
Published: October 2007

A mechanism is proposed for the observation that poor carding results in more trash release in open-end spinning. This fact is attributed to the differential size of tuftlets formed during carding. It is also noted that the combination of dirty cotton and good carding produces superior spinning performance to clean cotton and poor carding— i. e., better processing can partially offset deficiencies in the input material.
Evaluation of Cotton/Kevlar® Blends
Authors: Rhodes P.L. , Graham C.O.
Published: October 2007

Tests were made of Kevlar® fiber blends of 5, 10, 15, and 20% with cotton. The processing efficiency of cotton/Kevlar blends compared favorably with that of blends of cotton with 15, 25, 35, and 50% of polyester or 15% nylon. Lower twists were required for yarns spun from the cotton/Kevlar blends for optimum strength, and stronger fabrics were produced than with comparable cotton blends with polyester or nylon, Blending Kevlar with cotton did not significantly increase either elongation of DP fabric or abrasion resistance, but it substantially increased tensile and tearing strength. Cotton/Kevlar fabrics treated with THPOH-NH 3 are more flame-resistant and are stronger than similarly treated all-cotton fabrics.
Effect of Tension Level on Texturizing of Nylon 6 Multifilament Yarn
Authors: Mukherjee A.K. , Sengupta A.K. , Bhattacharya T.K.
Published: October 2007

Nylon 6 multifilament yarn was textured using various tension levels at the twisting zone. It was found that the breaking-stress and breaking-elongation values of the textured yarns are more dependent on the nature of change in the distribution of the intrinsic viscosities than on average intrinsic viscosity values of the samples. With increase in the tension level, the degradation on the molecular level increases, which in turn leads to an increase in the reformative processes. The final shape of the distribution curve (and as a consequence, the mechanical properties of the yarn) is dependent on the net effect of these two opposing processes.
Bending Properties of Warp-Knitted Outerwear Fabrics
Authors: Gibson Viki L. , Dhingra R.C. , Postle R.
Published: October 2007

In this paper an experimental study is reported of the low-stress mechanical properties in pure bending for a wide range of synthetic and wool-synthetic warp-knitted apparel outerwear fabrics, including commercially-finished fabrics, laboratory-produced samples, and "laid-in" warp-knitted constructions. A rheological approach is used to describe various frictional and elastic parameters of the fabric-bending hysteresis curves. Mechanisms have been proposed to account for the features of fabric-bending and recovery curves such as their shape, asymmetry, linearity, and degree of hysteresis for bending in the two principal directions of warp-knitted fabrics. The effect of warp-knit construction on fabric-bending properties is examined for a series of laboratory-produced fabrics and the effects of fabric relaxation studied. The bending deformations for a series of laid-in warp-knitted fabrics are analyzed in terms of fabric construction —viz . the manner in which laying-in threads are introduced in the basic warp-knit construction. Fabric-bending properties, particularly for the direction of bending about an axis parallel to the wales, are shown to depend largely on such structural variables as fabric thickness and weight per-unit-area of fabric. The bending behavior of warp-knitted fabrlcs is compared with corresponding properties of both woven and plain weft-knitted fabrics.
Calibration of the CSIRO Fiber-Fineness-Distribution Analyzer
Authors: Irvine P.A. , Lunney H.W.M.
Published: October 2007

The procedure for calibrating the CSIRO Fiber Fineness Distribution Analyzer in such a way as to bring its read nes into conformity with internationally accepted wool fiber diameter standards is descried using two wool tops measured by projection mieroscope as reference standard material.
Experimental and Numerical Analysis of the Drying Characteristics of Modular Carpet Tiles
Authors: Francis Nicholas D. , Wepfer William J.
Published: October 2007

Various backing materials developed for modular carpet tiles can be heat sensitive and may be damaged if exposed to high temperatures for prolonged periods. This paper presents a model to predict the drying characteristics of carpet tiles for a batch drying process. Drying characteristics are also determined experimentally in a controlled laboratory environment. The analytical framework consists of a three-layer lumped parameter configuration to calculate temperature and moisture profiles. The capillary movement of liquid water is not explicitly calculated in the model, but a sufficient amount of moisture in the solid is assumed to be available to maintain a constant rate drying period.

The three-layer model comprises a moist top fiber layer, a middle layer also containing moisture, and a backing layer. To estimate the falling rate drying period, the middle layer is incorporated into the model. In the mathematical model, the top layer is initially saturated with water, but then dries out, providing greater resistance to mass transfer. Governing equations are obtained from mass and energy balances as well as relevant rate equations. A lumped parameter approach is applied to each layer. The energy balance for each layer provides a first-order ordinary differential equation with variable coefficients. A numerical routine is constructed to solve the governing equations.
Photo-Induced Acrylamide Graft Polymerization onto Polyamide-6
Authors: Bogoeva-Gaceva G. , Pimonenko N. Yu. , Petrov G.
Published: October 2007

The graft copolymer of polyamide (PA) and polyacrylamide (PAA) (with up to 80% PAA) is synthesized by a direct photo-induced graft polymerization in the presence ofbenzophenone, using profiled PA filament fibers as a matrix. The grafting procedure consists of pretreating fibers in a mixture of benzophenone with organic solvents and then the UV-initiated reaction in monomer solution. The optimal reaction conditions are determined for process efficiency. The grafted polymer distribution in the backbone polymer matrix is followed by SEM and is uniform for the proposed reaction conditions. Modified fibers are characterized by IR-polarization spectra ( IR dichroism), TGA, and DTA. There are no changes in the mechanical properties with respect to initial fibers for grafting degrees less than 25% PAA, but there is improvement in fiber hydrophilicity, even at low degrees of grafting.
The Effect of Tourism Services on Travelers' Quality of Life
Authors: Neal Janet D. , Uysal Muzaffer , Sirgy M. Joseph
Published: October 2007

The objective of this study was to develop a model explaining the effect of tourism services on the quality of life (QOL) of travelers. The model posits that overall life satisfaction is determined by satisfaction within the major life domains, including leisure life. Satisfaction experienced with life events within the leisure domain “spills over” upward vertically to the most superordinate domain (life in general), thus influencing life satisfaction. Satisfaction with aspects of services plays a significant role in determining overall satisfaction with travel/tourism services, which in turn plays an important role in satisfaction in the leisure domain. Furthermore, the model posits that these relationships are moderated by length of stay. A survey of travelers confirmed this model.
Estimating the Relationship Between Tourism and Economic Growth in Barbados
Authors: Archer Ewart
Published: October 2007

This article examines tourism as a means for economic development in Barbados, applying an econometric model to evaluate tourism as a growth generator. Application of this model indicates that tourism was responsible for about 40% of the growth in per capita income during the measured period.
Establishing a Measure of Airline Preference for Business and Nonbusiness Travelers
Authors: Etherington Lois D. , Var Turgut
Published: October 2007

This article re-examines passenger airline selection criteria and, using travel agents as expert passenger surrogates, develops a measure and ranking of passenger selection criteria for business travelers and for nonbusiness passengers. It then demonstrates an application.
An Actuarial Method for Assessing the Direction of Influence Between Two Datable Life Events
Authors: Robins Lee N. , Taibleson Mitchell , LeVine Susan M. , Richardson Marsha
Published: October 2007

A method is presented which can be used to assess the probability that one life event influences the chances of occurrence of a second event when the two events have overlapping periods of risk. The method takes into account the order of occurrence of the two events, corrects for the fact that persons who experience the first event have fewer years at risk of the second event than do persons without that experience, and allows holding precursors of both events constant, to detect spurious relationships. The method can be used for samples too small to permit using age-specific rates. Its use is illustrated with data from a study which attempts to answer the question "Does marijuana use lead to six outcomes: school dropout, arrest, jail, alcoholism, leaving the parental home early, and marrying early?"
Methodological Issues in the Study of Premarital Sexuality
Authors: DeLamater John D.
Published: October 2007

The value of existing literature on premarital sexual behavior is limited by both methodological problems in and the descriptive orientation of most past research in this area. Five methodological issues are identified: the terminology used (1) to refer to the two sexes and (2) to characterize the quality of personal relationships; the order of measures of (3) current relationships and current behavior, (4) personal and friends' sexual ideology; and (5) the sex of the interviewer. Data from a methodological study of a sample of 238 undergraduates indicate that the methodological variations employed did not have substantial or systematic effects on the major variables in past research in this area: sexual ideology or standards, lifetime, and current sexual behavior.
Profile Analysis in the Search for Structure Underlying Role Expectations
Authors: MacKinnon Neil J.
Published: October 2007

Beginning with a brief review of the properties of profiles, alternative methods of profile analysis for studying the similarity of individual and group profiles in role analysis are discussed, proceeding from the simple-Jackson's method for studying the structural properties of norms-to the more complex-the factor analysis of cross-products matrices of raw scores as a technique for clustering profiles. The relationship of cross-products analysis to Cronbach and Gleser's distance measure D and to Q-technique factor analysis is examined, and a special case of cross-products analysis is illustrated with an example drawn from its use in actual research.
Investigating Group Differences
Authors: Bibb Robert , Roncek Dennis W.
Published: October 2007

Frequently, sociologists encounter research problems which call for assessing the extent to which two or more categories of people or events can be maximally distinguished from one another with respect to a number of common variable attributes. Unfortunately, predictive models which evidently accomplish just this, in addition to providing rules for the classification of new entities, have been conspicuously absent from the literature. Discriminant analysis, a multivariate technique extensively employed in physical anthropology, clinical psychology, and the biological sciences, has made scant headway in sociology, even though many of our most interesting substantive investigations are clearly amenable to it. The purpose of this paper, then, is first to suggest numerous research situations in which two-group and multiple discriminant analyses might be productively applied. By way of illustration, a brief example of the use of discriminant analysis for data on student politics will be presented. Second, the principal methodological problems attributed to discriminant analysis will be summarized and possible solutions suggested.
Standardized and Unstandardized Coefficients in Causal Analysis
Authors: Kim Jae-On , Mueller Charles W.
Published: October 2007

The inadvisability of using standardized regression coefficients for the purpose of comparing causal relationships across populations or establishing causal laws is addressed by explicating, both abstractly and by example, the relationship between the underlying causal structure and the variance-covariance structure of a system of variables.
Problems in Estimating Measurement Error From Panel Data
Authors: Hargens Lowell L. , Reskin Barbara F. , Allison Paul D.
Published: October 2007

In this paper we apply recently developed models for the estimation of reliability and stability coefficients from panel data to a study of scientific productivity. The models, which assume a first-order autoregressive process among true-score variables, yield either reliability and stability estimates which seem implausible when the statistical fits of the models to the data are good, or poor statistical fits when more plausible estimates are produced. We then examine an alternative model encompassing a latent variable which causes true scores and which is itself governed by a first-order autoregressive process. The results for this model are acceptable, and we conclude that the panel models developed for the estimation of measurement reliability are not appropriate representations of the causal processes involved in scientific productivity. We suggest that this type of misspecification will often occur in the application of models which assume independent disturbances for true-score variables.
Conventional and Optimal Interval Scores for Ordinal Variables
Authors: Allen Michael Patrick
Published: October 2007

Sociologists are often confronted with a discrepancy between the level of measurement required by the linear statistical model and that characteristic of most variables of sociological interest. This problem is typically resolved by the use of conventional scores which assign equal interval scores to the categories of ordinal variables subject only to a monotonicity constraint. Alternatively, it is often possible to obtain optimal interval scores which maximize the average interitem correlation within a set of variables. However, since optimal scores can be seen as simply nonlinear transformations of conventional scores, these optimal scores can increase the correlations between the variables only to the extent that the conventional scores yield nonlinear relationships among the variables. Therefore, it is possible to assess the optimality of conventional scores for a particular set of variables by comparing the squared correlation coefficients with the monotonic correlation ratios for those variables. Differences between the correlation coefficients obtained from conventional and optimal scores are limited, even in the presence of nonlinear relationships among the conventionally scored variables, by the "quasi-invariance" property of the correlation coefficient under nonlinear transformations of the variables.
Interpretational Confounding of Unobserved Variables in Structural Equation Models
Authors: Burt Ronald S.
Published: October 2007

The problem of assigning empirical meaning to unobserved variables in structural equation models is discussed. Interpretational confounding is discussed as the assignment of the other than a priori assigned empirical meaning of an unobserved variable. Hypotheses conceming the possibility of interpretational confounding as a concomitant of a lack of point variability in unobserved variables are specified, and corresponding chi-square statistics are given. Numerical illustration is provided
Alternative Methods for Handling Panel Data When Analyzing Duration-Related Phenomena
Authors: Schroeder Larry
Published: October 2007

Alternative data-manipulation methods are designed to cope with the problems inherent in testing duration-related hypotheses on panel data. Primary emphasis is given to the problems of missing observations and unknown duration status during the first period of the panel. The methods are then tested on a set of artificially generated panel data to indicate how the techniques can be operationalized and how results might differ under the various alternatives.
The Difference That Quality Makes
Authors: Yin Robert K. , Bingham Eveleen , Heald Karen A.
Published: October 2007

This paper addresses a traditional problem in the cumulation of scientific knowledge: the need to aggregate evidence from previous studies. Typically, the existence of many individual studies on a given topic makes such a step highly desirable, yet the procedures for "reviewing the literature" have not been developed in a methodologically rigorous manner. In particular, reviewers make many subjective judgments to distinguish those studies that are to be reviewed from those to be discarded because of poor quality; the resulting review may contain unknown biases. This paper demonstrates one way of making the effects of any discarding explicit by: (a) developing operational criteria for quality, (b) applying the criteria to 140 case studies on technological innovations in local services, and (c) indicating the differences between higher and lower quality cases. The results showed that the discarding of lower quality cases would have affected the universe of cases (higher quality cases focused more on hardware innovations, public works and transportation services, efforts supported by federal funds, larger sized efforts in terms of dollar support, and efforts with client participation), but not the overall outcomes of the innovative experience (no relationship was found between quality and service improvement or incorporation).
A Generalized Index of Concentration
Authors: Taagepera Rein , Lee Ray James
Published: October 2007

A generalized nth power index of concentration is defined; for n = 1 it yields the entropy-based "relative redundancy, " and for n = 2 it yields the Ray and Singer (1973) concentration coefficient. Relations are established with a dozen other indices of concentration, diversity, fragmentation, differentiation, and inequality used in social science literature. Explicit conversion formulas are given for these often apparently unrelated indices. For multicomponent systems, equivalent two-component systems are defined.
Notes On the Contamination Method
Authors: Berman John , McCombs Harriet , Boruch Robert
Published: October 2007

The contamination method of obtaining confidential information was compared to more standard methods of interviewing, with the criterion being the degree to which the methods elicited candid responses. Two experiments were conducted in which college students were asked whether or not they had engaged in a variety of behaviors which were illegal, immoral, and/or embarrassing to admit. The results of both studies showed no differences between the interviewing methods in affirmation rates. A plausible explanation for the contamination method's failure to produce more candid responses than standard interviewing methods was provided in Study II, where it was found that the use of contamination method caused subjects to perceive the questions as significantly more sensitive. Implications and qualifications of these results were discussed.
A Logarithmic Technique for Decomposing Change
Authors: O'Connor James F.
Published: October 2007

Building upon informal practices, this paper describes a logarithmic technique for decomposing change in a quantity which is assumed to be the product of several factors. Using logs, one can decompose change expressed as a ratio and allocate the change to changes in the factors. The technique is appropriate for examining change in a quantity which is assumed to be the product of several factors; in such situations this technique is much easier to use and produces simpler results than the usual decomposition of differences (Kitagawa, 1955). The technique is applied to data originally examined using the usual decomposition of a difference.
A Note on Theta Reliability and Metric Invariance
Authors: Greene Vernon L.
Published: October 2007

A basic problem in empirical research using internal consistency reliability coefficients such as Cronbach's alpha is that the coefficients are sensitive to scale changes in the data. This leads to problems in cross-study comparison where the same variables are perhaps being measured, but in different units, and in substantive theoretical generalization, which must always be qualified in terms of a specified metric. In this note we show that coefficient theta, recently put forth by David J. Armor, does not have this defect—a property which should commend its application in sociological research.
On a General Model for Social and Cognitive Consistency
Authors: Taylor Howard F. , Hornung Carlton A.
Published: October 2007

Theories of cognitive consistency are formally integrated and compared by applying a multiple regression modeling strategy that has developed in the analysis and formal integration of theories of social consistency. Several important studies of cognitive consistency theories are reviewed to locate conceptual omissions in tests of the theory. In addition, several issues that are problematic in testing consistency theories are reviewed, alternative solutions are discussed, and areas in which additional work is needed are noted.
On Determining Critical Health Problem Areas
Authors: Borgatta Edgar F. , Borgatta Marie L.
Published: October 2007

Factor analytic study of small area units of a city may be used as an approach to identification ofparticular indices, such as that of "Critical health problem areas." Problems with such indices have been discussed in the literature. A reanalysis of a data set is presented to illustrate some problems and to suggest that use of a single index may be questionable.
Communication of Agricultural Innovations in Latin America
Authors: Bordenave Juan Díaz
Published: October 2007

This article reviews the eras in the development of communication as a discipline in Latin America, and then concentrates on the recent period when agricultural diffusion became the most frequent type of communication research. The author is critical of diffusion research in Latin America because of its too-close copying of the "made-in-the-USA" classical diffusion model. The theoretical approach of Paulo Freire's "conscientization" is recommended as one corrective influence on the diffusion model in Latin America and elsewhere.
The Dimensional Structure of Children's Perceptions of Television Reality
Authors: Hawkins Robert Parker
Published: October 2007

Children's awareness of the dramatic and unreal nature of most of television (perceived reality) has been proposed as playing an important part in children's responses to television, although there is some disagreement as to just what that important part is. More basically, however, perceived reality has been assumed to be a unitary concept measurable by widely varying questionnaire items and experimental manipulations. Based on an explication of perceived reality that proposed a division into a variety of subdimensions, questionnaire items were constructed and responded to by children from nursery school. first. third, and sixth grades. Factor analyses revealed a basic important distinction between the degree to which children believe they are viewing either ongoing life or drama (Magic Window reality), and the degree to which they believe television characters and events do or do not match their expectations about the world (Social Expectations). An "adult discount" with age was found only for Magic Window reality; Social Expectations reality either increased with age or followed curvilinear trends. Given the breakdown of perceived reality into its component parts, further research should be much better equipped to examine its potential as in intervening variable in television effects.
Media Interaction
Authors: Nordlund Jan-Erik
Published: October 2007

In order to analyse "person-to-person" involvement in mass media content between an audience member and a "media personality," the concept of media interaction, which implies that the audience member experiences "interaction" with, and in many cases identifies with persons in the media content, was defined, operationalized and used in an empirical study. Guiding the empirical analysis was a model of individual mass media use which brings together: (1) those social/psychological structures that affect need fulfillment possibilities, relating these to (2) mass media exposure, and (3) media interaction, and ending with (4) some consequences of the latter. The results shown how media interaction can be related to certain characteristics of the audience member's individual and social situation as well as to certain patterns regarding consumption of various types of media fare. The results also indicate that media interaction may possibly lead to increased dependency on the mass media as well as to tendencies to use the media, as opposed to other sources of "company," at times of loneliness.
Riot News
Authors: Rosenthal Marilyn M.
Published: October 2007

Using material collected in the aftermath of the 1967 Detroit ghetto outburst, this study attempts to establish a correlation between the demographic characteristics of a community, its geographic proximity to a large black population, and the manner in which riot-related news was presented in a selection of suburban newspapers. The self-interest of competing groups appears to influence both the selection of "news" and the manner in which it is presented to reading publics.
Rethinking the Unthinkable
Authors: Maranto Robert
Published: October 2007

In "Thinking the Unthinkable in Public Administration: A Case For Spoils in the Federal Bureaucracy" in the last issue, Robert Maranto argued for ending tenure in the federal civil service. His essay was critiqued by Robert F Durant, Charles Goodsell, Jack Knott, and William Murray. In this article, Maranto responds.
Public Administration, Social Science, and Political Association
Authors: Spicer Michael W.
Published: October 2007

Public administration writers have placed considerable faith in the power of social science to improve the practice of public administration. This article argues that such faith derives from their vision of the state as a purposive association. However, because we live in what is essentially a civil association rather than a purposive association, there are severe limits on the knowledge that social science can provide for practice. Public administration inquiry, it is concluded, needs to devote more attention to the nature of the civil association in which it operates, particularly in regard to our constitutional system of governance.
Fostering Organizational Trust in North Carolina
Authors: Daley Dennis M. , Vasu Michael L.
Published: October 2007

Theoretically, organizational trust establishes the framework for productivity. Trust creates an environment that encourages cooperation and allows employees to concentrate their attention on the task. Employing regression analysis with cross-sectional data from the 1994 State Employee Survey, this research examines employee attitudes of organizational trust toward those in top management positions. Demographic controls (education, pay level, race, and gender) exhibit no substantive effect. Attitudes assessing internal job characteristics (benefits, extrinsic rewards, and work environment) demonstrate a relationship in fostering trust. External work characteristics (job satisfaction, supervisory evaluation, and political interference) also emerge as determinants of organizational trust.
Improving Measurement Quality and Efficiency with Adaptive Testing
Authors: Weiss David J.
Published: October 2007

Approaches to adaptive (tailored) testing based on item response theory are described and research results summarized. Through appropriate combinations of item pool design and use of different test termination criteria, adaptive tests can be designed (1) to improve both measurement quality and measurement efficiency, resulting in measurements of equal precision at all trait levels; (2) to improve measurement efficiency for test batteries using item pools designed for conventional test administration; and (3) to improve the accuracy and efficiency of testing for classification (e.g., mastery testing). Research results show that tests based on item response theory (IRT) can achieve measurements of equal precision at all trait levels, given an adequately designed item pool; these results contrast with those of conventional tests which require a tradeoff of bandwidth for fidelity/precision of measurements. Data also show reductions in bias, inaccuracy, and root mean square error of ability estimates. Improvements in test fidelity observed in simulation studies are supported by live-testing data, which showed adaptive tests requiring half the number of items as that of conventional tests to achieve equal levels of reliability, and almost one-third the number to achieve equal levels of validity. When used with item pools from conventional tests, both simulation and live-testing results show reductions in test battery length from conventional tests, with no reductions in the quality of measurements. Adaptive tests designed for dichotomous classification also represent improvements over conventional tests designed for the same purpose. Simulation studies show reductions in test length and improvements in classification accuracy for adaptive vs. conventional tests; live-testing studies in which adaptive tests were compared with "optimal" conventional tests support these findings. Thus, the research data show that IRT-based adaptive testing takes advantage of the capabilities of IRT to improve the quality and/or efficiency of measurement for each examinee.
Influence of Test and Person Characteristics on Nonparametric Appropriateness Measurement
Authors: Meijer Rob R. , Molenaar Ivo W. , Sijtsma Klaas
Published: October 2007

Appropriateness measurement in nonparametric item response theory modeling is affected by the reliability of the items, the test length, the type of aberrant response behavior, and the percentage of aberrant persons in the group. The percentage of simulees defined a priori as aberrant responders that were detected increased when the mean item reliability, the test length, and the ratio of aberrant to nonaberrant simulees in the group increased. Also, simulees "cheating" on the most difficult items in a test were more easily detected than those "guessing" on all items. Results were less stable across replications as item reliability or test length decreased. Results suggest that relatively short tests of at least 17 items can be used for person-fit analysis if the items are sufficiently reliable. Index terms: aberrance detection, appropriateness measurement, nonparametric item response theory, person-fit, person-fit statistic U3.
A Simulation Study of Methods for Assessing Differential Item Functioning in Computerized Adaptive Tests
Authors: Zwick Rebecca , Thayer Dorothy T. , Wingersky Marilyn
Published: October 2007

Simulated data were used to investigate the performance of modified versions of the Mantel-Haenszel method of differential item functioning (DIF) analysis in computerized adaptive tests (CATs). Each simulated examinee received 25 items from a 75-item pool. A three-parameter logistic item response theory (IRT) model was assumed, and examinees were matched on expected true scores based on their CAT responses and estimated item parameters. The CAT-based DIF statistics were found to be highly correlated with DIF statistics based on nonadaptive administration of all 75 pool items and with the true magnitudes of DIF in the simulation. Average DIF statistics and average standard errors also were examined for items with various characteristics. Finally, a study was conducted of the accuracy with which the modified Mantel-Haenszel procedure could identify CAT items with substantial DIF using a classification system now implemented by some testing programs. These additional analyses provided further evidence that the CAT-based DIF procedures performed well. More generally, the results supported the use of IRT-based matching variables in DIF analysis. Index terms: adaptive testing, computerized adaptive testing, differential item functioning, item bias, item response theory.
The Influence of Multidimensionality on the Graded Response Model
Authors: De Ayala R.J.
Published: October 2007

Most item response theory models assume a uni-dimensional latent space. This study extended previous work on the effects of dimensionality on parameter estimation for dichotomous models to the polytomous graded response model. A multidimensional graded response model was developed to generate data in one, two, and three dimensions. The two- and three-dimension conditions contained datasets that varied in their interdimensional association. The effects of test length and the ratio of sample size to the number of item parameters estimated also were investigated. For the unidimensional data, a sample size ratio of 5:1 provided reasonably accurate estimation; increasing test length from 15 to 30 items did not have a significant impact on the accuracy of item parameter estimation. Regardless of the dimensionality of the data, the difficulty parameters were well estimated. For the multidimensional data, the correlations between the estimated item discrimination and the average (as well as the sum of the) dimensional discrimination were greater than the correlations between the estimated item discrimination and the individual dimensional discriminations. Fidelity coefficients between the mean trait level and the trait level estimate (θ) were greater than those between θ and the latent traits. The impact of equating on accuracy indexes in a multidimensional context is discussed. Index terms: dimensionality, graded response model, IRT, marginal maximum likelihood estimation, polytomous models.