bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Hydrogen Content in Nitrogen-Based Sintering Atmosphere on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Fe-0.3%C-0.1%B Alloy
Authors: Loberto Amauri , da Silva Maria do Carmo Amorim , Ambrozio Filho Francisco , de Florio Daniel Zanetti , Yoshimura Humberto Naoyuki
Published: January 2015

For the sintered materials, the mechanical properties are strongly dependent on the density of the final product. A substantial reduction of the porosity can be achieved using additives in the powder mixture which promote the formation of a liquid phase during sintering. Boron is a potential liquid phase promoter in ferrous alloys, when sintering is carried out using hydrogen or argon atmospheres. These atmospheres, however, are costly, and the use of nitrogen containing low content of hydrogen could be beneficial. In this study the effects of 10 to 50% hydrogen in nitrogen atmosphere on the microstructure and mechanical properties of a Fe-0.3%C-0.1%B alloy sintered at 1120 and 1250°C were investigated. Boron addition increased the sintered densities, but lowered the transverse rupture strength and hardness in relation to the control alloy (Fe-0.3%C). No significant differences were observed among the samples sintered in different atmospheres for each alloy. Nitrogen containing up to 50% hydrogen atmosphere is not suitable to sinter Fe-C alloy containing boron since it lowers the mechanical properties with the formation of fragile boron nitride precipitates at the grain boundaries and lower perlite fraction.
Preparing Magnetocaloric LaFeSi Uniform Microstructures by Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Vicente N. , Ocanã J. , Bez H.N. , Teixeira C.S. , Machado Izabel Fernanda , Wendhausen P.A.P.
Published: January 2015

Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) of LaFeSi alloy powders was conducted to prepare magnetocaloric La-Fe-Si-based uniform microstructures. Two electrically insulating discs made of alumina were interposed between the punches and powder sample inhibiting the flow of electric current across the powder. This approaching aiming at improving the sample temperature distribution by deviating the electric current throughout the graphite die, since the electric current induces overheating by in situ Joule effect on powder. The LaFeSi powder with particles under 150 µm was obtained by mechanical milling of particles from hydrogenated and decrypted casting ingot. The characterizations of sintered samples were performed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Archimedes principle, Vicker’s hardness and microhardness. The uniformity of the microstructure was evaluated by checking the evidence of position on the Vicker’s microhardness by means of ANOVA statistics.
Quantitative Analysis of Titanium Samples by Means of the Pore-Throat Network Code Application
Authors: Anderson Camargo Moreira , Denise Prado Kronbauer , Cunha Andre Rafael , Ribeiro Alexandre Antunes , de Oliveira Marize Varella , Fernandes Celso Peres
Published: January 2015

Several studies about porous biomaterials indicate that surgical implants success is directly linked to its surface morphology and structural characteristics. Porous implants improve osseointegration at the implant-bone interface, since they induce new bone tissue formation inside the pores providing a better mechanical stability. One of the most important parameters is the size of the pores. However, if the connectivity among the pores is not large enough for good blood irrigation, the osteocytes cells cannot reach the pores, no matter its size. The aim of this work is to analyze the porous structure of titanium samples fabricated by powder metallurgy, by characterizing pores and connections separately. This kind of structure characterization is important to improve the design of porous biomaterials. To accomplish it, a numerical code which converts 3D images into a pore-throat network structure was adopted. With this code, parameters such as size, frequency and quantity of pores and their connections can be determined. To acquire the 3D images of the samples, X-ray microtomography was used. Two samples were analyzed with distinct pore morphological types. The main result showed marked differences between the structures related to the connections radius, which suggests the one with better blood permeability.
Microstructural Characterization of 66%Co-28%Cr-6%Mo Dental Alloy Powder Obtained by High-Energy Ball Milling
Authors: dos Santos Claudinei , Habibe Alexandre Fernandes , Rodrigues Durval , Minatti José C. , Lins Jefferson Fabrício Cardoso , dos Santos Luis Alberto
Published: January 2015

In this work, the microstructural features of the particles based on 66% Co-28% Cr-6% Mo alloy, were investigated by X-ray diffraction and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Powders obtained by high-energy ball milling in an inert atmosphere, and held in SPEX mill with times between 15min and 120min, about ball/powder ratio of 6:1, were characterized by X-ray diffraction indicating in all conditions, Co phase as the crystalline phase of the system. The powders have a morphology that indicate a continuous reduction in average particle size as a function of increasing time, however, the shape of the particles initially flat for times up to 30 minutes, becomes spherodized after 30 minutes of grinding.
Characterization of Titanium Powders Processed at Different Temperatures
Authors: Ribeiro Alexandre Antunes , Balestra R.M. , Barros T.S. , Carvalho S.S. , Guzela L.R. , Barbosa C. , Abud I.C. , Oliveira M.V. , Garcia de Blas J.C. , Pereira L.C.
Published: January 2015

Titanium is the most adequate metallic material for orthopedic or dental implants fabrication, due to a very favorable combination of properties, when compared with other metals, such as good corrosion resistance, good mechanical properties, relatively low density, elasticity modulus close to that of bone and good biocompatibility, which assures good adhesion/integration to bone. Powder metallurgy has been used for titanium based implants fabrication due to advantages such as the production of more complex shapes and reduction of machining operation. In this work, compacted pure titanium powders, consolidated by rolling at different temperatures, were characterized by means of optical microscopy, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) with Electron Back Scattering Diffraction (EBSD) analysis, automatic image analysis and hardness tests. The hardness of rolled samples increased from 200 to 400oC , which indicated that 300 to 400°C is the most adequate temperature range for this processing route, since it allowed obtaining low porosity with satisfactory and relatively high hardness.
Microstructural Characterization of a High Copper (Nd0.75Pr0.25)2Fe14B Magnet
Authors: de Campos Marcos F. , Rodrigues Daniel , Vitoretti Flavia P. , Tavares Leonardo V. , de Souza Kaio S.T. , de Castro José A.
Published: January 2015

A commercial magnet following the N 48 specification was submitted to a detailed microstructural characterization. The magnet presents 10 kOe of coercivity and good 2nd quadrant squareness. The grain size is around 10 micrometers. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) EDAX analysis shows that it is a high copper NdPrFeB alloy following the 3Nd:1Pr proportion, with some aluminum. The magnet was covered by a 15 micrometers layer, with nickel and copper. The microstructural data allow a better understanding of the effect of the alloying elements.
Sintered Fe50Ni Alloy Produced by Mixing Iron and Nickel Powders
Authors: Rodrigues Daniel , Concílio Gilberto V. , Filho Nelson Karsokas , de Castro José Adilson , de Campos Marcos Flavio
Published: January 2015

Fe50Ni alloys are used when very high magnetic permeabilities are necessary. Parts of these alloys can be produce by different mechanical processes. Metallurgical processes as investment casting and powder metallurgy can also be used. Sintered Fe50Ni parts have two disadvantages, in terms of magnetic properties: the presence of porosity and the limited grain size. This paper investigates the effects of compactation pressure on the final microstructure and density. Mixtures of atomized iron and carbonyl nickel powder were uniaxially pressed. Cylindrical samples with around 6.5g/cm3 of green density were vacuum sintered at 1220 °C. After sintering samples were cold deformed and then heat treated.
Grain Growth Kinetics of (NdPr)2Fe14B Magnets
Authors: de Souza Kaio Sérgio Torres , de Jesus Marcelo Célio , Rodrigues Daniel , de Castro José Adilson , de Campos Marcos Flavio
Published: January 2015

Two different effects need to be considered in the sintering: (i) The densification should be maximum, to optimize the energy product BHmax and the remanence, however, (ii) the .grain size should be small, in order to maximize the coercivity. Grain growth takes place during the sintering step of the magnets, usually performed at the range 1000-1100°C. In this study, the grain growth kinetics is investigated. Samples of NdPrFeB magnets (proportion 3 Nd : 1 Pr) were heat treated at the temperature of 1050 °C, for times between 1 to 12 hours. The knowledge of the grain growth and coarsening kinetics allows extrapolation to other temperatures, and this information is helpful to maximize coercivity and remanence at the same time.
Relation between Initial Magnetization Curve and Grain Size of Nanocrystalline NdFeB Magnets
Authors: de Campos Marcos Flavio , da Silva Fernanda A.S. , de Castro José Adilson
Published: January 2015

The volume fraction of the single domain size particles can be directly estimated from the initial magnetization of thermally demagnetized magnets. Multi-domain grains present initial magnetization curve with high initial susceptibility, whereas single-domain grains present low susceptibility initial magnetization curve. In the case of single domain size particles, the coercivity mechanism is coherent rotation and the Stoner-Wohlfarth (SW) model can be applied. From the initial magnetization curve of magnets, the volume fraction of grains with diameter less than 0.3 micrometers can be estimated in NdFeB magnets. This is possible because the Nd2Fe14B phase is single domain below 0.3 micrometers.
Coercivity Mechanism in Hard and Soft Sintered Magnetic Materials
Authors: de Campos Marcos Flavio
Published: January 2015

The coercivity in soft and hard magnetic materials has different origin. The high coercivity of barium ferrite, SmCo5, Sm2Co17 or Nd2Fe14B is due to high magnetocrystalline anisotropy, and the processing aims very small grain size (nanocrystalline). In the case of soft magnetic materials, the coercivity has origin in defects that are able to stop domain wall movement, as for example grain boundaries, inclusions or dislocations. Soft magnetic materials in general present large domain wall thickness (thousands of Angstroms for pure iron), whereas domain wall thickness is ~ 50 Angstroms for SmCo5 and Nd2Fe14B. The differences between hard and soft magnetic behavior are commented and discussed. The domain wall energy and thickness can be used as parameters for classifying soft and hard magnetic behavior. Other examples of soft magnetic materials are the amorphous alloys and the nanocrystalline soft magnetic materials with grain size very below the single domain particle size. The soft behaviour in amorphous and soft nanocrystalline materials is also discussed.
A Simple Device for Measuring Losses in Soft Magnetic Materials
Authors: Marinho Wagner S. , de Campos Marcos F. , Teixeira Julio C.
Published: January 2015

The aim of this work is the development of an electronic device for the rapid characterization of soft ferromagnetic materials for electrical purposes named single sheet tester (sst). The basis of this study consists in determining the magnetic induction, B and the magnetic field, H, by using a simplified circuit. Results are compared with classical epstein test and the obtained losses present an error less than 10%.
Synthesis of TiFe Compound from Ball Milled TiH2 and Fe Powders Mixtures
Authors: Falcão Railson Bolsoni , Dammann Edgar Djalma Campos Carneiro , da Rocha Cláudio José , Ichikawa Rodrigo Uchida , Durazzo Michelangelo , Martinez Luís Gallego , Neto Ricardo Mendes Leal
Published: January 2015

TiFe compound was produced by high-energy ball milling of TiH2 and Fe powders, followed by heating under vacuum. TiH2 was used instead of Ti in order to avoid the strong particles adhesion to grinding balls and vial walls. Mixtures of TiH2 and Fe powders were dry-milled in a planetary mill for times ranging from 5 to 40 hours. The amount of sample, number and diameter of the balls were kept constant in all experiments. After milling, samples were heated under dynamic high-vacuum for the synthesis reaction. As-milled and heat-treated materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). The mean crystallite sizes and microstrains were determined by XRD line profile analysis using the Warren-Averbach method. As-milled materials presented only Fe and TiH2 phases. Nanostructured TiFe compound was formed after heat treatment. TiH2 was effective for providing low adherence of the powders during milling.
Heat Treatment Design for NdFe and SmCo5 Magnets with Basis on the Phase Diagram
Authors: de Campos Marcos Flavio
Published: January 2015

The high coercivity region of the Nd-Fe-B and Sm-Co phase diagrams is discussed. Slow cooling heat treatments may eliminate lattice defects, which are responsible for nucleation of reverse magnetization. The concept of diffusion length can be used for the design of heat treatments. Analytical formulas for calculation of the diffusion length as function of the cooling rate of the heat treatment are presented.
Adherence Study of Diamond-Like Carbon Films Deposited on X45 CrSi 9-3 Steel with a Silicon Interlayer
Authors: Pereira Lânia Auxiliadora , de Mattos Marcelo Brison , Corat Evaldo José , Trava-Airoldi Vladimir Jesus
Published: January 2015

The martensitic stainless steel X45CrSi93 is widely used in the automotive industry. One way to improve its properties is the deposition of high adhesiveness DLC films, which are well known for their excellent properties such as high hardness, low friction coefficient, chemical inertness, biocompatibility and excellent wear resistance. In this work, the adhesion between substrate and film was studied, by growing silicon interfaces with different deposition parameters. The technique used for growing these films was PECVD pulsed-DC. In order to obtain information of the silicon interface formation, ionic sub-implantation simulations were performed, by the software SRIM/TRIM. Raman spectroscopy was used to verify the atomic structure of the films. Scratch tribological test was performed to study adhesion. It was observed that the mechanical and tribological properties were greatly improved with the deposition of DLC films on the silicon interface. A correlation between the residual stress and adhesion of DLC films was found.
Electrical, Mechanical and Microstructural Properties of Copper-Chromium-Silver-Alumina Composites Obtained by Powder Metallurgy
Authors: Monteiro Waldemar Alfredo , Carrió Juan Alfredo Guevara , Santos M.A.R. , Motta D.S. , Silva L.C.E.
Published: January 2015

It has been studied the correlation of the obtained microstructures in cermets of Cu-Cr-Ag-Al2O3 with the physical properties and the fabrication method varying the components proportions to obtain by powder metallurgy a material with good electrical conductivity and also good mechanical strength compared with pure copper allied to efficient fabrication and economical energetically process. The electrical conductivity data correspond to 40% IACS indicating that the utilized thermal treatments were relatively good for electrical contact applications and also mechanically.
Development of Fe-P Matrix Composites Containing Embedded Solid Lubricants
Authors: Ramos Filho Antonio Itamar , Schroeder Renan , Binder Cristiano , Klein Aloisio N.
Published: January 2015

In this work the processing of composites containing graphite or hexagonal boron nitride dispersed in a ferrous matrix alloyed with phosphorous was addressed, with the goal of developing self-lubricating sintered materials with high mechanical resistance. Phosphorous is an alloy element characteristic in powder metallurgy for promoting the formation of liquid phase and alpha phase at high temperature, wherein both phenomena are densification inducers. It is expected therefore with that to rearrange volumetrically the solid lubricant reservoirs, so permitting the composites to present better mechanical properties. In order to understand what really occurs at high temperature, sintering was studied in situ in a dilatometer. Furthermore, microstructural and mechanical properties were carried out to characterize the sintered parts. The main remark was that graphite reacts with the matrix going into solid solution and therefore not being disposed as solid lubricant after sintering. On the other hand, h-BN remains insoluble in the Fe-P matrix and without reducing drastically the strength of the composite.
Tribological Wear in the Complex Service Conditions
Authors: Tyczewski Przemysław
Published: January 2015

This paper presents an attempt to learn mechanical, corrosive and abrasive wear mechanisms and wear mechanisms in refrigerating compressor systems. The range of author’s examinations includes electrolytic liquids with abrasive material used in the food industry, especially in the sugar industry and lubricating oils polluted with refrigerant occurring in stationary and mobile refrigerating compressor systems. Tests on the wear mechanisms in complex service conditions show that the total wear occurring in tribological pairs due to simultaneous occurrence of destructive processes: frictional, corrosive and abrasive, is not a simple superposition of their individual effects occurring in conditions of their independent interactions. On the basis of carried out experiments with the use of mathematical methods for experimental designs, a statistical model describing the complex process of simultaneous wear was formulated. This model enables forecasting the wear and indicates that the abrasive wear is of dominating character. In the compressor refrigerating systems, the oil–refrigerant system is characterized by complex relations. Refrigerants andcompressor oils create compounds causing the accelerated wear of refrigerating compressors. The complex dependencies in case of the oil–refrigerant compound, cause that the lubricating and anti-wear properties are much worse than in case of pure oil. In case of exceeding their mutual miscibility, part of the agent is absorbed by oil. More stringent regulations concerning the protection of the ozone layer lead to the appearance of new agents creating new compounds with oils. In order to examine the influence of the compounds on the wear processes in the refrigerating compressors, we made a test stand. The stand is built of real elements of the refrigerating system consisting of, among others, a dismountable half-hermetic compressor. The stand, built for testing the model wear processes occurring in the refrigerating compressors, will be used for tribological tests in the atmosphere of refrigerants under regular loads conditions.The purpose of the performed examination is to develop methods of wear phenomena modelling in the complex service conditions in the sectors of food production and refrigerated storage .
Evaluation of Wear Resistance of Ti Alloys Used for Elements Friction of Knee Endoprosthesis
Authors: Majkowska Beata , Jażdżewska Magadalena , Miotke Damian , Wołowiec Emilia , Zieliński Andrzej
Published: January 2015

The paper presents research results of resistance to abrasive wear of titanium alloys: Ti6Al4V (commonly used) and Til3Nb13Zr (alloy of new generation) in association with polyethylene (UHMW-PE) predisposed for elements on pair of the knee endoprosthesis. The results were analysed from the point of possibility of an use of new generation titanium alloys as components of such implants. The tests of resistance to abrasive wear of selected kinematic pairs were conducted with the PT-3 tribometer in Ringer’s solution a constant load 2.0 kN, rotational speed of the rotating specimens (Ti13Nb13Zr and Ti6Al4V) 30 rev/min, and test duration 1 or 2 hrs.
Effect of some Sulphur Additives on the Degradation of 9Cr-1Mo Steel after its 10 Years Service in the CCR Platforming Unit
Authors: Dampc Jan , Szkodo Marek
Published: January 2015

The work shows the results of the tests of 9Cr-1Mo steel, which was for 10 years operated in the CCR platforming unit in Group Lotos SA in Gdańsk, and then in the laboratory was sulphidised during 166 h at a temperature of 600 °C. Sulphidation was performed in a mixture of H2-H2S gases at the vapour pressure of sulphur 4.1·10-14 atm, so the order of magnitude of vapour pressure was less than that of the dissociation pressure of FeS. Although sulphidising took place in conditions which preclude any iron sulphide formation, research results have demonstrated that after 166 hour exposure in reaction mixture in 9Cr-1Mo steel produces iron and chromium sulfides. Sulphide precipitates form under a layer of fine carbides, located directly on the surface of steel. Formation of scale sulphide here is most likely caused by the penetration of hydrogen sulphide through the porous layer of carbides that increases the pressure of hydrogen sulphide. Thus the vapour of sulphur in apertures and narrow passages occurs between the layer of carbides and the rest of oversaturated carbon layer top, until its pressure value is reached allowing the formation of sulphide scaling.
Complex XRD and XRF Characterization of TiN-TiCN-TiC Surface Coatings for Medical Applications
Authors: Banaszek Katarzyna , Januszewicz Bartłomiej , Wołowiec Emilia , Klimek Leszek
Published: January 2015

Article presents results of measurements of vital parameters of PVD coatings of potential application in medicine (joint replacements or medical tools). The phase identification, level of residual stresses and texture were determined for various coatings by X-ray diffraction method. Chemical composition of coatings was verified by means of XRF. A set of measurements reveled the existence of advantageous compressive stresses in coatings, the texture determination showed undesirable fiber texture in TiN coating and advantageous uniformity of TiCN ones. XRF analysis pointed out the necessity of careful preparation of samples during PVD process during which phenomena of inhomogeneity in chemical can be present as it is presented in the paper.
Hydrogen Diffusion in Metals Assisted by Stress: 2D Numerical Modelling and Analysis of Directionality
Authors: Toribio Jesús , Kharin Viktor , Vergara Diego , Lorenzo Miguel
Published: January 2015

Hydrogen diffusion within a metal or alloy is conditioned by the stress-strain state therein. For that reason it is feasible to consider that hydrogen diffuses in the material obeying a Fick type diffusion law including an additional term to account for the effect of the stress state represented by the hydrostatic stress. In this paper the hydrogen transport by diffusion in metals is modelled in notched specimens where loading generates a triaxiality stress state. To this end, two different approaches of stress-assisted hydrogen diffusion, one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D), were compared in the vicinity of the notch tip in four notched specimens with diverse triaxiality level at two different loading rates. The obtained results show that the 2D approach predicts lower values of hydrogen concentration than the 1D approach, so that a loss of directionality of hydrogen diffusion, depending on both notch geometry parameters (radius and depth) and loading rate, appears when a 2D approach is considered.
Investigating Fatigue Strength of Vacuum Carburized 17CrNi6-6 Steel Using a Resonance High Frequency Method
Authors: Kula Piotr , Dybowski Konrad , Lipa Sebastian , Pietrasik Robert , Atraszkiewicz Radomir , Klimek Leszek , Januszewicz Bartłomiej , Wołowiec Emilia
Published: January 2015

The bending fatigue strength of 17CrNi6-6 steel subjected to vacuum carburizing with high pressure gas hardening has been measured using a novel high-frequency technique. The test records the changes in resonance and consists of observing resonance frequency changes in a vibrating system with a single degree of freedom as a result of the forming of a fatigue crack. Moreover, a mechanism of fatigue nucleation and propagation in steel hardened by vacuum carburizing is presented.
Description of the Experimental Method and Procedure of Model Wear Test of Refrigeration Compressors’ Parts
Authors: Górny Kasper , Tyczewski Przemysław , Zwierzycki Wiesław
Published: January 2015

Friction nodes in refrigeration compressors are lubricated with a mixture of lubricating oil and refrigerant. The concentration of refrigerant in oil depends on temperature and pressure of the refrigerant. Determining the effect of this mixture on the size of wear in refrigeration compressors in laboratory conditions is only possible through an accurate reflection of friction parameters.The authors managed to prepare a prototype stand for a tribological test with a model block-on-ring friction node and the high-pressure chamber allowing for simulated conditions in refrigeration compressors. The present paper includes the description of the experimental method and procedure of model wear test of refrigeration compressors parts. The study itself constitutes the basis for the verification tests of the stand.
Physicians′ perception about electronic medical record system in Makkah Region, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Shaker Hani Abdulsattar , Farooq Mian Usman , Dhafar Khalid Obeid
Published: January 2015

Objectives: The study was done to determine the physicians′ perception about electronic medical record system (EMRS) in the context of its productivity in order to improve its functionality and advantages. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional survey was performed from July to August 2009 with structured questionnaire of 15 closed-ended questions with five points Likert scaling starting from strongly disagree to strongly agree as 1-5, reflecting the perception of physicians about EMRS. The physicians of the Makkah region working in six different hospitals were selected. "Positive" response means if percent of responses were rated 4 or 5 (agree/strongly agree), "neutral" if rated 3, and negative if rated 1 or 2 (strongly disagree/disagree). Descriptive data analysis techniques were used. Results: We selected 317 completed questionnaires. Majority of subjects were from King Fahd Hospital, Jeddah (83, 26.3%), residents (147, 46.4%), male (200,63.1%), expatriates (207, 65%), and age group 36-45 years (133, 42%) were dominant. The stem regarding importance of computers for practicing medicine and EMRS to improve quality of practice was appreciated by majority, that is, 77.7 and 71.2%, respectively. However, "It does not disrupt the workflow" (35.1%) and "EMRS is comfortable while entering the data instead of writing" (34.8%) were appreciated negatively. Consultants (53.9%), male (53.4%), expatriates (56.7%), physicians of King Abdul Aziz Hospital, Ta′if (56.9%), and age group of 46-55 years (53.8%) appreciated EMRS positively. Overall perception of EMRS was found positive by 52.8%. Conclusion: Majority appreciated the EMRS, but specific concerns about its usage easiness and workflow disturbance were opposed by them also.
Self-Assessment and Personalization in Occupational Therapy Services: A Managerial Perspective on the Challenges and Opportunities of a Service Innovation
Authors: Abendstern Michele , Hughes Jane , Tucker Sue , Clarkson Paul , Challis David
Published: January 2015

Introduction:

This article examines the introduction of self-assessment in occupational therapy services, focusing on the impact of new tools and approaches on professional culture and practice.

Method:

Qualitative data were collected via interviews with managers of five pilot projects and analysed using a mixture of predetermined and emergent themes.

Findings:

Within the implementation process, challenges and opportunities were identified, including the development of web-based assessment tools, extending the roles of staff groups not previously engaged in assessment, and refocusing the duties of qualified staff on the most complex cases. The involvement of staff in the design of new tools, bespoke training courses, and the use of ‘champions’ were reported to be effective means of supporting them through the change process. The development of new ways of delivering services through new technology was found to be in its infancy.

Conclusion:

Self-assessment complemented professional practice in occupational therapy services. It enabled the skills of qualified staff to be used appropriately whilst ensuring that people with needs requiring simple interventions had greater opportunity than previously to take charge of their situation and to receive a timely service that was tailored to their needs. New technology required further development to enhance service delivery.
The Integrating Theory, Evidence and Action (ITEA) Method: A Procedure for Helping Practitioners Translate Theory and Research into Action
Authors: Hitch Danielle , Pepin Genevieve , Stagnitti Karen
Published: January 2015

Introduction

The aim of this article is to describe and explain a new method for integrating theory and evidence that enables practitioners to translate evidence into action applied in their practice.

Method

A new multiple methods procedure called the Integrating Theory, Evidence and Action method is described. It is a mixed method that progresses through seven distinct steps: clinical question, framework, identification, deconstruction, analysis, reconstruction, and transfer/utilization. An example of using this method to review evidence around occupational therapy with people recovering from alcohol misuse and/or abuse is provided.

Findings

This method highlights the importance of theory, tests the empirical strength of theories, includes diverse forms of evidence, and encourages the integration of knowledge within clinical practice.

Conclusion

The Integrating Theory, Evidence and Action method is accessible and useful to practitioners and will support their efforts to make their practice evidence based. Current methods of evidence-based practice focus mostly on research evidence (particularly quantitative evidence); however, research is only one of the ways of knowing that practitioners draw upon to guide their practice. This method enables occupational therapists to integrate theory, evidence, and practice in a coherent and translatable way.
Evidencing What Works: Are Occupational Therapists Using Clinical Information Effectively?
Authors: Morley Mary
Published: January 2015

This practice analysis considers the extent to which mental health occupational therapists utilize standardized assessments and other tools within local electronic clinical records. There is further analysis of a clinical dataset from a single service that highlights limitations in its use to inform cost effectiveness evaluation. The paper highlights the opportunity for the profession to promote greater consistency across clinical datasets at a time when many electronic record systems are being updated. This will require a collaborative approach to allow cross-organizational benchmarking and to adopt a set of variables and other outcome measures in order to successfully undertake economic evaluation.
Gender Differences in Students' Self-Awareness of Their Handwriting Performance
Authors: Lahav Orit , Maeir Adina , Weintraub Naomi
Published: January 2015

Introduction

Self-awareness has been found to be an important factor in individuals' performance in daily activities. Yet, to date, the relationship between this factor and handwriting performance has not been examined. The purpose of this study was to compare the handwriting self-awareness (that is, self-knowledge and on-line awareness) and performance of girls and boys, and to examine the relationship between self-awareness and handwriting performance.

Method

Participants included 86 middle-school students (aged 12–14) enrolled in general education in Israel. A handwriting evaluation assessment was administered along with self-knowledge and on-line awareness questionnaires.

Results

Gender differences were found in relation to students' self-awareness of their handwriting performance. In comparison with girls, boys perceived their handwriting to be faster, even though their actual handwriting performance was slower. Regarding legibility, only boys showed a significant correlation between self-knowledge and performance, while both genders demonstrated significant correlations between on-line awareness and performance.

Conclusion

It appears that students aged 12–14 are only moderately aware of their handwriting performance, yet there are gender differences in relation to this awareness. These findings may assist educators and therapists in teaching, evaluating, and developing interventions to improve handwriting performance.
Using Writing as Therapy: Finding Identity
Authors: Cooper Pauline
Published: January 2015

This practice analysis describes a case study from qualitative research (Cooper 2008) using questionnaires and interviews. It explores the use of a writing intervention in occupational therapy practice that follows the journey of one female inpatient in an acute adult mental health setting, suffering with significant symptoms of depression as part of a diagnosis of schizophrenia. The new intervention, Using Writing as Therapy, is a six-session writing therapy intervention exploring identity and self-esteem. Results showed that Using Writing as Therapy enabled cognitive change and provided a number of ‘containers’ through which to explore life experiences that improved understanding of role and self-identity.
Sexual Orientation and Occupation: Some Issues to Consider When Working with Older Gay People to Meet Their Occupational Needs
Authors: Twinley Rebecca
Published: January 2015

The surge of people now entering their older adult lives in many societies, including the United Kingdom, makes understanding and meeting the occupational needs of this population paramount. For many older gay people, growing up presented a unique set of challenges, some of which may still be experienced as barriers to realizing and/or overcoming their occupational needs. Sexual orientation is understood as one of many factors that can impact upon the individual experience of occupation and justice, and this opinion piece highlights four of the potential threats to occupational justice for some older gay people. It proposes that such challenges have triggered associated occupational needs for some older gay people — needs that remain largely obscure and unrecognized in occupational therapy literature.

Please note: The term ‘gay’ has been chosen for the purpose of this opinion piece to refer to anyone who has intimate same-sex relationships or feelings.
Effects of global climate change and organic pollution on nutrient cycling in marine sediments
Authors: Sanz-Lázaro C. , Valdemarsen T. , Holmer M.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. Increasing ocean temperature due to climate change is an important anthropogenic driver of ecological change in coastal systems, where sediments play a major role in nutrient cycling. Our ability to predict ecological consequences of climate change is enhanced by simulating real scenarios especially when the interactions among drivers may not be just additive. Based on predicted climate change scenarios, we tested the effect of temperature and organic pollution on nutrient release from coastal sediments to the water column in a mesocosm experiment. PO43− release rates from sediments followed the same trends as organic matter mineralization rates, and increased linearly with temperature and were significantly higher under organic pollution than under non-polluted conditions. NH4+ release only increased significantly when the temperature rise was above 6 °C, and was significantly higher in organic polluted compared to non-polluted sediments. Nutrient release to the water column was only a fraction from the mineralized organic matter, suggesting PO43− retention and NH4+ oxidation in the sediment. Bioturbation and bioirrigation appeared to be key processes responsible of this behaviour. Considering that the primary production of most marine basins is N-limited, the excess release of NH4+ at temperature rise >6 ° could enhance water column primary productivity, which may lead to the deterioration of the environmental quality. Climate change effects are expected to be accelerated in areas affected by organic pollution.
Thenardite after mirabilite deposits as a cool climate indicator in the geological record: lower Miocene of central Spain
Authors: Herrero M. J. , Escavy J. I. , Schreiber B. C.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. Salt deposits are commonly used as indicators of different paleoclimates and sedimentary environments, as well as being geological resources of great economic interest. Ordinarily, the presence of salt deposits is related to warm and arid environmental conditions, but there are salts, like mirabilite, that form by cooling and a concentration mechanism based on cooling and/or freezing. The diagenetic transformation of mirabilite into thenardite in the upper part of the lower Miocene unit of the Tajo basin (Spain) resulted in the largest reserves of this important industrial mineral in Europe. This unit was formed in a time period (~18.4 Ma) that, in other basins of the Iberian Peninsula, is characterized by the existence of particular mammal assemblages appropriate to a relatively cool and arid climate. Determining the origin of the thenardite deposits as related to the diagenetic alteration of a pre-existing mirabilite permits the establishment and characterization of the sedimentary environment where it was formed and also suggests use as a possible analog with comparable deposits from extreme conditions such as Antarctica or Mars.
Effect of land management on soil properties in flood irrigated citrus orchards in Eastern Spain
Authors: Morugán-Coronado A. , García-Orenes F. , Cerdà A.
Published: January 2015

Abstract. Agricultural land management greatly affects soil properties. Microbial soil communities are the most sensitive and rapid indicators of perturbations in land use and soil enzyme activities are sensitive biological indicators of the effects of soil management practices. Citrus orchards frequently have degraded soils and this paper evaluates how land management in citrus orchards can improve soil quality. A field experiment was performed in an orchard of orange trees (Citrus Sinensis) in the Alcoleja Experimental Station (Eastern Spain) with clay-loam agricultural soils to assess the long-term effects of herbicides with inorganic fertilizers (H), intensive ploughing and inorganic fertilizers (P) and organic farming (O) on the soil microbial properties, and to study the relationship between them. Nine soil samples were taken from each agricultural management plot. In all the samples the basal soil respiration, soil microbial biomass carbon, water holding capacity, electrical conductivity, soil organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, available potassium, aggregate stability, cation exchange capacity, pH, texture, macronutrients (Na, Ca and Mg), micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu), calcium carbonate equivalent, calcium carbonate content of limestone and enzimatic activities (urease, dehydrogenase, β-glucosidase and acid phosphatase) were determined. The results showed a substantial level of differentiation in the microbial properties, which were highly associated with soil organic matter content. The management practices including herbicides and intensive ploughing had similar results on microbial soil properties. O management contributed to an increase in the soil biology quality, aggregate stability and organic matter content.
Surface drifters experiment in the south-eastern part of the Baltic Sea
Authors: Davulienė Lina , Kelpšaitė Loreta , Dailidienė Inga
Published: January 2015

In November 2013, the first short-term surface drifter experiment has been carried out along the Lithuanian coast. Three drifters were deployed from R/V Vėjūnas at a location ~6 km offshore and 2.5 km north of Klaipėda. During the period of observation from 22-30 November, the drifting direction has shifted up to five times by more than 90 degrees mainly due to changes in the mean wind direction. After seven days, the drifters have reached the coast approximately 30 km south of Klaipėda. The analysis of the relationships between the mean wind speed and the mean drift speed for the three periods differentiated based on meteorological conditions yielded a regression coefficient of 0.031, with the entire experiment period characterized by a lower value of 0.014.
Relationship between Human Resource Disclosure and Company Attributes: An Empirical Study on Textile Companies in Bangladesh
Authors: Ullah Md. Hafij , Uddin Md. Helal , Khanam Ruma
Published: January 2015

Human Resource (HR) disclosure in Textile companies in a developing country with abundance of human resources like Bangladesh is a new flavor in social accounting literature. The study is an investigation of HR disclosure practices and its relationship with the company specific attributes of all 29 listed Textile companies in Bangladesh. The study considered 81 human resource items under eight different classes which are expected to be disclosed in the annual report. The study found that though some graphs, charts and pictures were used for HR disclosure but most of the information was disclosed in narrative form. Sample companies on an average disclosed about 50% and about 60% companies disclosed less than 50% of the expected HR items and HR disclosure is significantly related with the size of the companies measured by gross revenue. The study expects that textile companies would disclose more HR information in future to attract more promising employees.
The feasibility of using compression bioimpedance measurements to quantify peripheral edema
Authors: Koziol Leo , Pitre John J. , Bull Joseph L. , Dodde Robert E. , Kruger Grant , Vollmer Alan , Weitzel William F.
Published: January 2015

The accurate assessment of body fluid volume is important in many clinical situations, especially in the determination of “dry weight” in a dialysis setting. Currently, no clinically applicable diagnostic system exists to determine the mechanical properties that accurately characterize peripheral edema in an objective and quantitative manner. We have developed a method for quantifying the impact of compression on the electrical properties of tissue by measuring stress-induced changes in bioimpedance (BIS). Using this method, we simultaneously measured the impedance and mechanical response of a tissue mimicking material (tofu) under both quasi-static and dynamic loading conditions. Our results demonstrate a temporal quantification of viscoelastic properties using a viscoelastic phantom tissue model.
Couple boundaries for social networking in middle adulthood: Associations of trust and satisfaction
Authors: Norton Aaron M. , Baptist Joyce
Published: January 2015

The present study examined married individuals’ boundaries and rules for online social networking and the relationship between these boundaries and relational trust and satisfaction. Participants included 205 married individuals who had been married for an average of 27 years (mean age = 51 years). Five specific boundaries were identified and tested using multiple sample structural equation modeling. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed two latent constructs for Internet boundaries: Openness and Fidelity. Trusting one’s partner, but not relationship satisfaction, was linked with behaviors that reflect sharing online social networking information, and decreased behaviors were associated with online flirting and relationships with former romantic partners. Trust was more strongly associated with men’s than women’s motivation to avoid flirtatious online interaction and communicating with former romantic partners online. These results indicate that the use of Internet boundaries is highly related to trust and also support the development theory of trust.
Cyber-bullying: An exploration of bystander behavior and motivation
Authors: Shultz Emily , Heilman Rebecca , Hart Kathleen J.
Published: January 2015

While previous research has examined mainly self-reported bystander behavior during cyber-bullying, the current study explored if and how bystanders responded when presented with a cyber-bullying simulation. We hypothesized that individuals high in empathy would supportively intervene (defend the victim) most frequently. College age participants (M = 20.34, SD = 1.26, range 18-27; N = 149), viewed a simulated Facebook conversation in which negative comments were directed towards another student and were provided open-ended opportunities to be involved in the Facebook conversation (i.e., “comment” to the other fictitious characters) and explain their reasoning for their behavior (“motivators”) at two time points in the conversation (Time 1 and Time 2). Using a deductive-inductive process, we categorized participants’ comments and motivators, the frequency of these responses, and their reasons for them. While the majority of participants (91%) asserted that cyber-bullying occurred in the conversation, most participants did not comment (Time 1: 69%, Time 2: 52%). Among those who commented, the most frequently cited motivators were either to defend the victim or mediate the situation. Consistent with our hypothesis, individuals who identified with the victim had higher empathy scores than those who identified with the bullies, although this was true only for the second part of the conversation (Time 2). Empathy scores did not differ by type of response at either time period. Future studies could utilize the categories and motivators established in this study as a framework for more extensive quantitative research to more comprehensively understand the underlying reasons for low intervention rates in cyber-bullying.
Authenticity and Learning: Implications for Reference Librarianship and Information Literacy Instruction
Authors: Klipfel Kevin Michael
Published: January 2015

This article articulates and defends a student-centered approach to reference and instructional librarianship defined by authentic engagement with students’ interests. A review of the history of the construct of authenticity in philosophy, humanistic and existential psychology, and contemporary educational psychology is traced. Connections are drawn between the philosophy of authentic engagement and the tradition in librarianship of “Counselor Librarianship.” Recommendations for applications to the library context are then outlined.
“Pretty Rad”: Explorations in User Satisfaction with a Discovery Layer at Ryerson University
Authors: Lundrigan Courtney , Manuel Kevin , Yan May
Published: January 2015

Web-scale discovery systems are becoming prevalent in research libraries. Although a number of studies have explored various impacts of discovery systems, few studies exist on user satisfaction. The investigators of this study evaluated user satisfaction with the discovery service Summon at Ryerson University, using online questionnaires and in-person focus groups. Results indicated a high level of satisfaction overall, although this was heavily influenced by the quality of search results over ease of use. The study provides insight into the information-seeking behavior and search preferences of a user when a discovery layer is implemented in a research library.