The wash-off of dyeings using interstitial water Part 5: Residual dyebath and wash-off liquor generated during the application of disperse dyes and reactive dyes to polyester/cotton fabric

Both 2% and 5% omf dyeings of polycotton fabric which had been produced using commercial grade disperse dyes and reactive dyes can be washed-off using two, novel processes that utilise polyamide beads. The bead wash-off processes provided dyeings that were of similar colour, depth of shade and fastness compared to those which had been subjected to a conventional reduction clearing process in the case of the disperse dyes and a conventional wash-off in the case of the reactive dyes. The wastewater obtained from the bead wash-off of disperse dyes contained considerably lower concentrations of chloride ion as well as lower TDS compared to that secured using a conventional reduction clearing process, which was attributed to the beads having adsorbed vagrant chloride ions. In contrast, bead wash-off of reactive dyes did not reduce either the chloride ion concentration nor TDS content of the wastewater produced, because of the swamping effect of the very high chloride ion concentration. Bead wash-off also enabled significant reductions in both heat energy and water consumption to be achieved

Strategies to prevent HIV transmission among heterosexual African-American women

BACKGROUND: African-American women are disproportionately affected by HIV, accounting for 60% of all cases among women in the United States. Although their race is not a precursor for HIV, the socioeconomic and cultural disparities associated with being African American may increase their risk of infection. Prior research has shown that interventions designed to reduce HIV infection among African-American women must address the life demands and social problems they encounter. The present study used a qualitative exploratory design to elicit information about strategies to prevent HIV transmission among young, low-income African-American women. METHODS: Twenty five low income African American women, ages 18–29, participated in five focus groups of five women each conducted at a housing project in Houston, Texas, a large demographically diverse metropolitan area that is regarded as one of the HIV/AIDS epicenters in the United States. Each group was audiotaped, transcribed, and analyzed using theme and domain analysis. RESULTS: The participants revealed that they had most frequently placed themselves at risk for HIV infection through drugs and drinking and they also reported drug and alcohol use as important barriers to practicing safer sex. The women also reported that the need for money and having sex for money to buy food or drugs had placed them at risk for HIV transmission. About one-third of the participants stated that a barrier to their practicing safe sex was their belief that there was no risk based on their being in a monogamous relationship and feeling no need to use protection, but later learning that their mate was unfaithful. Other reasons given were lack of concern, being unprepared, partner's refusal to use a condom, and lack of money to buy condoms. Finally, the women stated that they were motivated to practice safe sex because of fear of contracting sexually transmitted diseases and HIV, desire not to become pregnant, and personal experience with someone who had contracted HIV. CONCLUSION: This study offers a foundation for further research that may be used to create culturally relevant HIV prevention programs for African-American women