Laundering Process Research Articles

Some physical properties of resin-treated 100% light-weight plain knitted cotton fabric

100 % cotton light-weight plain knitted fabrics were treated with resin using different concentration by conventional pad-dry-cure method so as to influence their physical properties such as wrinkle-resistant, smoothness, dimensional properties and bursting strength. After resin treatment, the wrinkle-resistant property, smoothness and dimension stability of the four fabrics were consequently improved even after simulated domestic laundering process. The experimental results were reported and discussed thoroughly.

The Correlation and Linear Regression Analysis between Annual GDP Growth Rate and Money Laundering in Albania during the Period 2007-2011*

This study is the first attempt to investigate the relationship between the annual GDP growth rate and money laundering in the Republic of Albania during the period 2007-2011. The main result of the study: there is a negative correlation between money laundering process and economic growth rate in Albania during the specified period; there is a negative correlation between money laundering and import, but there is a positive correlation between money laundering and the government expenditure, as well a positive correlation between money laundering and export.

Application of reactive UV-absorbers for increasing protective properties of cellulose fabrics during standard laundering process

A number of water-soluble colourless fibre-reactive UV-absorbers derivatives of symmetrical triazine were used as additives during commercial laundering process. UV-protection factor (UPF) of such treated cotton tricot samples was measured. Changes in protection properties of modified textiles after repeated standard laundering process were determined. Carried-out experiments gave evidence of covalent bond formation between applied absorbers and cellulose fibre during standard washing process at 40 °C or 60 °C. Textiles modified by this method have provided UV-protective properties for prolonged time.

Effect of repeated laundering on wicking and drying properties of fabrics of seamless garments

Good moisture transport and drying properties are quite important factors for garments worn next to the skin, especially sportswear, underwear, etc., and seamless technology, in comparison to circular knitting technology, may offer higher flexibility in designing such garments with optimized comfort properties. Accordingly, seamless garments were knitted at three stitch lengths (i.e. slack, medium and tight) using a plaiting technique. In doing so, Ne 40/1 yarns from cellulosic fibers (namely cotton, viscose and bamboo) were employed as face yarn whereas 33 denier 34 filament nylon, which was intermingled with 17 dtex spandex yarn, was utilized as the plaiting yarn. They were piece dyed under commercial conditions. After that, half of them were subjected to a repeated laundering process (five cycles) and then flat-dried. Liquid transporting and drying properties of the fabrics of the garments were measured and the data obtained were evaluated using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) as well as independent t-tests and the results were discussed comparatively. Finally, the relative importance of liquid transfer parameters was evaluated by using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method based on seamless garment requirements. Final ranking of the garments was discovered according to the relative closeness value determined by the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) method in order to be able to offer the best option from all of the feasible alternatives suggested with the work.

Cleaning up Dirty Money: The Illegal Narcotics Trade and Money Laundering

This paper will analyse the various global processes of money laundering in which drug dealers and criminal narcotics cartels are engaged and implicated. The scale of the processes involved will be outlined, and the diversity and variety of the different practices engaged in by the traffickers will also be adduced. This paper will outline the mechanisms and motivations of money laundering by narcotics dealers, and will break the process down into three distinct stages - placement, layering and integration - in order to explicate both the challenges faced by narcotics dealers and those which confront the law enforcement agencies that attempt to stop them. The implications and costs of drug trafficking will be analysed from the perspective of social outcomes, and the role of law enforcement agencies such as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in the context of the United States, and other federal and international bodies, will also be considered. The implications of the laundering process will be considered from the perspective of financial institutions and banks that do not want to become involved in the laundering process, and the various methods which can be employed by such institutions will be cursorily examined. However, it will also be shown in this article that money laundering has potential spill-over benefits, as in the case of the growth and development of Miami real estate in the 1990s through the investments of the cocaine cowboys. This will be examined from both an ethical and a financial perspective, to evaluate the degree to which money laundering can be said to have knock-on benefits.

Nurses’ uniforms: off the radar. A review of guidelines and laundering practices

There is historical and contemporary evidence that nurses’ uniforms, clothing, linen and inadequate laundering processes have been the primary source of healthcare associated infections (HAI). This theme is explored here using published scientific, social science and expert commentary. The relevant themes identified in the literature include: transfer of HAI via uniforms, clothing and linen; hospital laundering processes; home laundering processes and lack of guidelines on maintaining and laundering nurses’ uniforms. The literature reveals a disparity between hospital and home laundering practices, inconsistencies in current infection control guidelines and a lack of guidelines on maintaining and laundering nurses’ uniforms. Importantly, what is absent in the literature is the concept that nurses’ uniforms can act as a secondary source of HAI, acting as a reservoir to recontaminate clean hands. This has a direct impact on the outcomes of national hand hygiene programs. Despite the identified risks, Australia lacks any clear guidelines for nurses or healthcare institutions on how to maintain or launder uniforms to decrease this risk of HAI.

Design and development of embroidered textile electrodes for continuous measurement of electrocardiogram signals

Textile electrodes are a new and potential choice for long term and continuous monitoring of electrocardiogram measurements. In this research, textile electrodes have been designed and developed by embroidering conductive yarn on the polyester fabric to measure electrocardiogram biosignals of patients. Silver-coated nylon thread is embroidered on 100% polyester fabric in square form 11 mm × 11 mm with satin stitches in order to form three heart vectors (V3, V4, and V5). These electrodes are characterized based on electrode impedance and electrocardiogram measurement and the results are compared with the commercially available disposable Ag/AgCl electrodes. Further, additional tests have been performed using an electrode designed with 50% of the conductive thread used in the original sample. Real-time electrocardiogram signals, QRS-complex, P-wave, and T-wave were obtained for 10 subjects using existing hospital electrocardiogram equipment. The performance and repeatability of the electrode designed with 50% less conductive thread and effect of laundering were also studied. The results showed that the impedance of electrode has an acceptable value of 1.45 MΩ/cm2. Ageing tests showed that there is only a negligible deviation in the performance of the electrode. The results after laundering showed that the performance of the electrode is not affected by the laundering process.

Different Surface Modification of Poly (Ethylene Terephthalate) and Polyamide 66 Fibers by Atmospheric Air Plasma Discharge and Laser Treatment: Surface Morphology and Soil Release Behavior

The wettability of poly (ethylene terephthalate) and polyamide fabrics is important for industrial use. This property can be obtained by treatment of fabrics using chemical and physical methods such as alkaline etching, plasma discharge treatments and laser irradiation. Some treatments change the surface of the fibers and fabrics so that causes negative effects of soil release in laundering process for costumer usage. In this research, poly (ethylene terephthalate) and polyamide 66 fabrics were exposed to atmospheric air plasma discharge and Excimer laser instrument. Wettability and soil release behavior of treated fabrics were determined and surface characteristics of atmospheric air plasma discharge and laser treated fabrics were assessed by SEM and FTIR/ATR analysis. Laser treatment of poly (ethylene terephthalate) fabric makes carboxylic acid groups which causes hydrophilicity on the poly (ethylene terephthalate) surface. Despite chemical changes on fiber surface and hydrophilicity of chemical groups, morphological changes on fiber surface are responsible for soiling behavior of poly (ethylene terephthalate) and polyamide 66 fabrics. Laser treated poly (ethylene terephthalate) and polyamide 66 fibers have ripple like structure so that soil can penetrate into the gaps and remained on the fiber surface. Plasma treatment causes uneven surface which soil remove easily during laundering process.

A colorimetric quantification of softened polylactic acid and polyester filament knitted fabrics to ‘Water-spotting’

Water droplets falling onto finished fabrics can create spots which can spoil the appearance of the fabric. This study compares the propensity of softened filament polylactic acid and polyester fabrics to exhibit the adverse affects of ‘water-spotting’, and to identify suitable softeners and methods for their application to minimise and eliminate the problem. The degree of water spotting was greater on softened polylactic acid fabrics than on softened polyester fabrics. Polylactic acid and polyester fabrics with hydrophobic properties did not exhibit any water spotting. Softeners applied by an exhaustion process resulted in a finished fabric which exhibited no water spotting for either dyed polylactic acid or dyed polyester fabrics. The softening active agent was not responsible for the water spotting. The other components in the softener formulation (such as emulsifier, wetting agent), which carries the unfixed dyes with water, were found to be responsible. The water spot halo disappeared after a single machine laundering process.

Patients presenting with miliaria while wearing flame resistant clothing in high ambient temperatures: a case series

IntroductionClothing can be a cause of occupational dermatitis. Frequent causes of clothing-related dermatological problems can be the fabric itself and/or chemical additives used in the laundering process, friction from certain fabrics excessively rubbing the skin, or heat retention from perspiration-soaked clothing in hot working environments. To the best of our knowledge, these are the first reported cases of miliaria rubra associated with prolonged use of flame resistant clothing in the medical literature.Case presentationWe report 18 cases (14 men and 4 women, with an age range of 19 to 37 years) of moderate to severe skin irritation associated with wearing flame resistant clothing in hot arid environments (temperature range: 39 to 50°C, 5% to 25% relative humidity). We describe the medical history in detail of a 23-year-old Caucasian woman and a 31-year-old African-American man. A summary of the other 16 patients is also provided.ConclusionsThese cases illustrate the potential serious nature of miliaria with superimposed Staphylococcus infections. All 18 patients fully recovered with topical skin treatment and modifications to their dress ensemble. Clothing, in particular blend fabrics, must be thoroughly laundered to adequately remove detergent residue. While in hot environments, individuals with sensitive skin should take the necessary precautions such as regular changing of clothing and good personal hygiene to ensure that their skin remains as dry and clean as possible. It is also important that they report to their health care provider as soon as skin irritation or rash appears to initiate any necessary medical procedures. Miliaria rubra can take a week or longer to clear, so removal of exposure to certain fabric types may be necessary.

The new frontier of money laundering: how terrorist organizations use cyberlaundering to fund their activities, and how governments are trying to stop them

This note examines the relatively new crime of cyberlaundering, and explains how terrorist organizations are using the Internet and cyberlaundering to fund their activities. In addition, this paper examines the current money laundering laws of the United States, as well as the attempts taken by the United Nations, the G7, the Organization of American States, and the Council of Europe to stem the laundering of money. The basic process of money laundering is described in detail, and it is explained how terrorist organizations in particular may use the Internet to launder their funds. The paper points out loopholes with respect to cyberlaundering in the money laundering laws of the United States and the multinational organizations mentioned above, and methods are proposed to close those gaps. Although implementation of the proposed methods would be expensive and time consuming, such measures would help stem the use of the Internet by terrorists in funding their activities.

Towards Applying Interactive POMDPs to Real-World Adversary Modeling

We examine the suitability of using decision processes to model real-world systems of intelligent adversaries. Decision processes have long been used to study cooperative multiagent interactions, but their practical applicability to adversarial problems has received minimal study. We address the pros and cons of applying sequential decision-making in this area, using the crime of money laundering as a specific example. Motivated by case studies, we abstract out a model of the money laundering process, using the framework of interactive partially observable Markov decision processes (I-POMDPs). We address why this framework is well suited for modeling adversarial interactions. Particle filtering and value iteration are used to solve the model, with the application of different pruning and look-ahead strategies to assess the tradeoffs between solution quality and algorithmic run time. Our results show that there is a large gap in the level of realism that can currently be achieved by such decision models, largely due to computational demands that limit the size of problems that can be solved. While these results represent solutions to a simplified model of money laundering, they illustrate nonetheless the kinds of agent interactions that cannot be captured by standard approaches such as anomaly detection. This implies that I-POMDP methods may be valuable in the future, when algorithmic capabilities have further evolved.

Microbiological Benefits of Ozone in Laundering Systems

A major benefit of ozone in commercial laundry systems is the control, disinfection, and/or total eradication of microorganisms normally found in/on soiled laundry. In hospitals, health care, retirement facilities, as well as in locker rooms of academic and professional athletes, in particular, certain microorganism strains exist and proliferate that are particularly resistant to modern medications. Numerous infections from the two currently prevalent “superbugs” – Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Clostridium difficile (C. difficile, or C. diff) have created panics in recent years. Detailed studies conducted in the United Kingdom on both the “routine” microorganisms found in hospital and health care facilities (E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, etc.) as well as four types of viruses, and in particular, the two superbugs (MRSA and C. difficile) are rapidly eradicated by ozone cold water laundering within a few minutes. Not only are microorganisms eradicated, but the laundering with ozone saves about half of the cost of current conventional laundering systems not incorporating ozone. Details of many studies conducted in the UK on the microbiological benefits of ozone in disinfecting and ensuring the absence of microorganisms are presented in this paper. These have shown that C. difficile spores are not consistently eliminated from microfibre mops and wiping cloths by conventional laundering processes. This means that this superbug can be spread around the facility when reused after conventional laundering, thus increasing the potential for possible re-infection of patients, staff, and visitors. Fortunately, ozone laundering totally eradicates C. difficile spores and eliminates this danger. Studies of the effects of repeated ozone laundering of microfibre mops and wiping cloths showed that ozone laundering has much lesser effects on the longevity of microfibre mops and cloths than do the conventional laundering systems of today.

Effects of Diesel Exhaust Aftertreatment Devices on Concentrations and Size Distribution of Aerosols in Underground Mine Air

Three types of uncatalyzed diesel particulate filter (DPF) systems, three types of high-temperature disposable filter elements (DFEs), and one diesel oxidation catalytic converter (DOC) were evaluated in underground mine conditions for their effects on the concentrations and size distributions of diesel aerosols. Those effects were compared with the effects of a standard muffler. The experimental work was conducted directly in an underground environment using a unique diesel laboratory developed in an underground experimental mine. The DPF systems reduced total mass of aerosols in the mine air approximately 10-fold for light-load and 20-fold or more for high-load test conditions. The DFEs offered similar reductions in aerosol mass concentrations. The efficiency of the new DFEs significantly increased with accumulation of operating time and buildup of diesel particulate matter in the porous structure of the filter elements. A single laundering process did not exhibit substantial effects on performance of the filter element The effectiveness of DPFs and DFEs in removing aerosols by number was strongly influenced by engine operating mode. The concentrations of nucleation mode aerosols in the mine air were found to be substantially higher for both DPFs and DFEs when the engine was operated at high-load modes than at low-load modes. The effects of the DOC on mass and number concentrations of aerosols in mine air were relatively minor when compared to those of the DPF and DFE systems.

The United Nations Anti-Corruption Convention and Money Laundering

Corruption knows no boundaries and is not unique to developing countries, as the recent furore over the alleged BAE (British Aerospace) slush fund and the Al Yamamah defence contracts demonstrates. Furthermore, even where corruption takes place in developing countries, its proceeds are likely to be laundered through the international financial system. Indeed corruption is a crime which relies significantly on the laundering process, which is essential for the corrupt to be able to enjoy the proceeds of crime. It is therefore trite to say that the involvement and cooperation of western States in detecting and preventing the laundering of proceeds of corruption is essential. This paper explores the links between international measures to combat corruption, in particular the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), and international anti-money laundering regimes. Most countries have national laws that address both corruption and money laundering, albeit separately. However, most national laws are by themselves unable to address a problem that is international in character. In response, the international community has adopted a number of regional and international measures. Amongst these, the UNCAC has attracted over a hundred ratifications from both developed and developing countries. The UNCAC is one of the most comprehensive anti-corruption instruments. It criminalises money laundering (Article 23) and includes a range of preventive mechanisms as well as dealing with the proceeds of corruption (Article 14). The aim of this paper is to examine these provisions and assess it against the existing general framework of anti-money laundering measures, including the Financial Action Task Force Recommendations, the Guidelines issued by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and the Wolfsberg Principles on Money Laundering, with a view to seeing how the current framework in dealing with the proceeds of corruption can be improved further.

Sustainability in Industrial Laundering

Abstract The paper presents results concerning the sustainability of laundering processes which were achieved by BMBF research projects of the wfk Cleaning Technology Research Institute on reduction of energy and detergent in professional laundries (01 RT 9973) and by the development of economical laundering processes with optimised water-, energy- and detergent consumption to achieve an appropriate particle content for operating theatre textiles (0330466). General reduction of water and energy consumption was reached by optimisation of mechanical agitation in tunnel washers (continuous batch washers). Investigations in laundries showed significant increase of soil removal by rotating drum in comparison to oscillation drum systems with consequence of reduced dosage of detergents. This is especially for soil which is mainly removed by mechanical action. At the same time no higher values of textile damage occurred. In addition, the total water consumption was reduced to 4 L/kg. In research project 0330466 economical washing processes were developed with appropriate particle release for surgical textiles (drapes, gowns, clean air suits). The investigations were carried out with respect to textile material and its making up, washing and rinsing technology, drying technology as well as detergents and laundry aids. By use of suitable textiles, optimisation of laundering and drying processing, application of suitable detergents and installation of an online-particle control system in the tumble dryer, the specific water consumption was reduced from about 40 L/kg to 20 L/kg. In addition, the detergent dosage was reduced to 60%.

Commercial corruption and money laundering: a preliminary analysis

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze the relationship between commercial corruption and money laundering. The challenge of corruption in the private sector and its relationship with money laundering are neglected subjects. Corruption and money laundering often occur together with the presence of one reinforcing the other. Corruption generates billions of dollars of funds that will need to be concealed through the money laundering process. At the same time, corruption contributes to money laundering activity through payment of bribes to persons who are responsible for the operation of anti‐money laundering (AML) systems.

Money Laundering and its Economic Impacts in the Context of the Fight Against Terrorism

The sources of the process of “money laundering” and its influence on economic and law system of the country, the general sources of the capital obtained by criminal actions and the ways of its legalization are analyzed in the article. The rules of criminal capital in the Criminal Code of Lithuanian Republic or legalization of the capital, object, subject, objective and subjective aspects are reviewed. Having analyzed academic literature, also having used the personal and other specialists’ experience the concept of “money laundering” and its influence on the state economy are defined. International experience of the fight against “money laundering” is used in the article. The aim of the article is to study the conception of the process of “money laundering” on economic and juridical aspects. It is also important to envisage possible measures and methods which can help to fight with money laundering and disclose the connection between money laundering and financial support of terrorism. Besides, an assessment of the process of money laundering economically is offered in the article, and the general sources of illegal income are analyzed. It is pointed what influence is possible or takes place legalizing illegal money. Financial support of terrorism is one of the most important aims while using illegal money nowadays. Possible sources of financial support of terrorism and ways to conceal the real origin of illegal money, sources and organizers are found. Undoubtedly, the use of offshore companies is a concurrent of the process of money laundering. The bounds of possible amenability for money laundering are stated. To fight against financial support of terrorism Lithuanian Republic passed the law on the prevention of financial support of terrorism. The purpose of the law is to find out the remedies to prevent money laundering and (or) financial support of terrorism as well as institutions, which are responsible for these preventive measures realization. The law is passed with reference to European Union juridical acts and their ensured practice. Negative and positive aspects of the strategy of prevention of terrorism directed to fighting against terrorism are accentuated.

Mechanistic modelling of pilling. Part II: Individual-fibre computational model

A one-dimensional computational model of pilling of a fibre assembly has been created. The model follows a set of individual fibres, as free ends and loops appear as fuzz and are progressively withdrawn from the body of the assembly, and entangle to form pills, which eventually break off or are pulled out. The time dependence of the computation is given by ticks, which correspond to cycles of a wear and laundering process. The movement of the fibres is treated as a reptation process. A set of standard values is used as inputs to the computation. Predictions are given of the change with a number of cycles of mass of fuzz, mass of pills, and mass removed from the assembly. Changes in the standard values allow sensitivity studies to be carried out.

Factory-Based Permethrin Impregnation of Uniforms: Residual Activity againstAedes aegyptiandIxodes ricinusin Battle Dress Uniforms Worn under Field Conditions, and Cross-Contamination during the Laundering and Storage Process

The factory-based permethrin coating technique has only recently been developed. Consequently, no data are available on residual activity, laundering, and weathering resistance in impregnated battle dress uniforms (BDUs) worn under military deployment conditions, or on the cross-contamination potential of such uniforms. Herein, factory-impregnated BDUs worn-out during military deployment to Afghanistan were investigated for residual permethrin concentration, residual efficacy against arthropod vectors, and cross-contamination during laundering and storage. When compared with BDUs subjected to 50 defined washings using the U.S. Insect/Arthropod Repellent Fabric Treatment method, no significant differences in efficacy were observed against Aedes mosquitoes, but remaining knockdown activity in Ixodes ticks was significantly better in polymer-coated BDUs. BDUs impregnated by the polymer-coating method were found to be effective for the life of the uniform, ensuring protection of soldiers in the field from arthropod vectors, while causing less cross-contamination than those treated by the Insect/Arthropod Repellent Fabric Treatment method.