Surface oxidation of a quasicrystalline Al–Cu–Fe alloy: No effect of surface orientation and grain boundaries on the final state

We have used x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Auger electron spectroscopy to examine the characteristics of oxides on two types of quasicrystalline Al–Cu–Fe samples. One type was formed by consolidation of powders, resulting in multiple grains with random surface orientations. The other was a single grain, oriented to expose a fivefold surface. Both were oxidized to saturation in a variety of environments at room temperature. We measured the elemental constituents that oxidized, the extent of oxygen-induced Al segregation, and the depth of the oxide. Under the conditions of our experiments, there was little, if any, significant difference between the two types of samples. Hence, surface orientation and bulk microstructure played little or no role on the final state of the oxide under these conditions

Structure and Stability of the Twofold Surface of Icosahedral Al-Pd-Mn by Low-Energy Electron Diffraction and X-Ray Photoemission Spectroscopy

We have used low-energy electron diffraction and x-ray photoemission spectroscopy to investigate the structure of the twofold surface of icosahedral Al-Pd-Mn. The regrowth of the surface by annealing after sputtering took place in two distinct stages. The first stage was the appearance of a fine-grained surface phase with icosahedral, or near-icosahedral, symmetry. For higher annealing temperatures (above 800 K) a bulk terminated face-centered icosahedral surface was observed

Associations Among Healthcare Utilization and Binge Drinking

Objective. To examine associations among routine healthcare services and binge drinking in Vermont adults. Methods. We analyzed a cross-sectional sample of randomly selected 6516 adults who participated in the self-reported 2017 Vermont Behavioral Risk Surveillance System survey. We estimated odds ratios for responses indicative of binge drinking in association with length of time since last routine checkup using a bivariate logistic regression model. Results. Participants who reported binge drinking were 31% (OR = 0.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.56, 0.83) less likely to engage in a healthcare visit within the past year controlling for age, employment status, annual household income, and sex with all tests holding statistical significance (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusion. Findings indicated that binge drinking coincided with a decrease in likelihood of using routine healthcare services within one year. Policy recommendations. Binge drinking remains a costly form of substance misuse, physically to the individual and financially to the public. Addressing perceived barriers and encouraging those who binge drink to seek annual routine healthcare services is vital to ensuring these at-risk populations receive car

Limited evidence exists on the effectiveness of education and training interventions on trial recruitment; a systematic review

Objective: To examine the effectiveness of education and training interventions on recruitment to randomised and non-randomised trials. Study Design and Setting: A systematic review of the effectiveness of education and training interventions for recruiters to trials. The review included randomised and non-randomised controlled trials of any type of education and training intervention for recruiters to trials, within any healthcare field. The primary outcome was recruitment rates, and secondary outcomes were: quality of informed consent, recruiter self-confidence, understanding/knowledge of trial information, numbers of potential trial participants approached, satisfaction with training, retention rates. Results: Of the 19 records reviewed at full text level, six met the inclusion criteria for our review. Due to heterogeneity of outcomes and methods between the included studies, meta-analysis was not possible for the primary outcome. Of the three studies that reported recruitment rates, one favoured the education and training intervention for increased recruitment; the remaining two found no differences between the groups. Of the reported secondary outcomes, quality of informed consent was improved, but no differences between groups in understanding/knowledge of trial information were found. Conclusion: There is limited evidence of effectiveness on the impact of education and training interventions on trial recruitment. Further work on developing a substantial evidence base around the effectiveness of education and training interventions for recruiters to trials is required. Keywords: trial recruitment, educational intervention, training intervention, systematic revie

Crystalline surface structures induced by ion sputtering of Al-rich icosahedral quasicrystals

Low-energy electron diffraction patterns, produced from quasicrystal surfaces by ion sputtering and annealing to temperatures below ∼700 K, can be assigned to various terminations of the cubic CsCl structure. The assignments are based upon ratios of spot spacings, estimates of surface lattice constants, bulk phase diagrams vs surface compositions, and comparisons with previous work. The CsCl overlayers are deeper than about five atomic layers, because they obscure the diffraction spots from the underlying quasicrystalline substrate. These patterns transform irreversibly to quasicrystalline(like) patterns upon annealing to higher temperatures, indicating that the cubic overlayers are metastable. Based upon the data for three chemically identical, but symmetrically inequivalent surfaces, a model is developed for the relation between the cubic overlayers and the quasicrystalline substrate. The model is based upon the related symmetries of cubic close-packed and icosahedral-packed materials. The model explains not only the symmetries of the cubic surface terminations, but also the number and orientation of domains

Depression in the Elderly: Attitudes of Seniors and Practices of Healthcare Providers

Introduction: Support & Services at Home (SASH) is a model for independent housing for seniors that was developed in 2009 by a partnership of community providers and Cathedral Square Corporation. Results of a 2010 PHQ-9 screen on depression administered to seniors living at Heineberg Senior Housing, a Cathedral Square community, found that 30% of residents had mild depression, 6% moderate depression, and 6% moderate to severe depression. This topic has been targeted by SASH coordinators so that they may provide more support for their residents. Furthermore, a high prevalence of depression amongst the elderly population has been well-documented and this disease is often under-diagnosed, under-treated, or missed altogether.https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/comphp_gallery/1069/thumbnail.jp

Health and Housing in an Aging Population: Identifying Risk Factors of Seniors Living Independently

Background: Aging is associated with numerous risk factors for declining physical and mental health. As a result, many elder individuals are forced to relocate to nursing homes, assisted living centers or just closer to adequate medical facilities. Studies have shown: • Relocation of elders is associated with depression, anxiety, memory loss, and decreased social adjustment and life satisfaction • Persistently lonely people exhibit a 2-fold greater risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) than those who are not chronically lonely • Increased social interaction improves cognitive function in individuals with AD By helping seniors to age in place, many of the deleterious risks of relocation, such as social isolation, depression, and cognitive decline could be avoided. In addition to relocation, other risk factors that affect cognition have been identified: • Physical activity is associated with higher cognitive functioning in elders • Polypharmacy is a risk factor for impaired cognition Thus, simple modifications that allow seniors to age in place may reduce morbidity and enhance quality of life. Cathedral Square Corporation (CSC) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to develop, manage, and own housing that provides community services to promote the health and well-being of elders, low income persons, and persons with disabilities. Students from the University of Vermont College of Medicine (UVM) partnered with CSC in a project to promote aging in place via evaluation of seniors’ current needs and the development of a service model to meet these needs at home.https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/comphp_gallery/1010/thumbnail.jp

Exploration into Expanding the Burlington SASH (Seniors Aging Safely at Home) Program

Background: In 2009, the Cathedral Square Corporation partnered with community provider organizations* to design a model for in-home services and support known as Seniors Aging Safely at Home (SASH). This comprehensive program, implemented at Heineberg Senior Housing in the New North End of Burlington, VT., combines health support, education, and social activities to create a safe and fulfilling environment for participants. Cathedral Squareplans to extend their SASH program to New North End (NNE) seniors residing in their own homes. However, the current and future needs of the NNE senior population (defined here as individuals age 50 and older) are not well known. NORCs are communities in which the population has aged in place, resulting in a high proportion of seniors living in one area. Neighborhoods with this dynamic have begun to organize programs which provide a variety of services to their seniors, including yard-work, educational workshops, social opportunities, and access to health care services. Village models are similar, but tend to be designed more intentionally as senior-supporting neighborhoods rather than arising naturally as the local population ages. By looking into current community models and by investigating the needs of the NNE senior population, Cathedral Square will be further equipped to offer important services to those who are interested.https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/comphp_gallery/1050/thumbnail.jp