Electron Probe X-Ray Microanalysis Applied to Thin Surface Films and Stratified Specimens

The basic principles of X-ray microanalysis of thin surface films and stratified targets are summarized. The influence of the electron beam accelerating voltage on the analyzed depth is discussed. It is shown that in the field of soft X-rays, the effective depth of analysis is most often limited by the absorption of the radiation in the specimen itself. For high energy radiations, the importance of the secondary emission due to fluorescence excited by the continuous radiation and by the characteristic lines is outlined. The main concepts of the recent ø(ρz) models used for quantitation in the recent software packages are reminded. The performance of the technique for the simultaneous determination of the mass thicknesses and the compositions of the layers in a stratified target is illustrated with several examples. These examples also illustrate the capability and the limitations of the iterative procedure used in the recent software packages such as Strata or Multifilm

Does accreditation stimulate change? A study of the impact of the accreditation process on Canadian healthcare organizations

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>One way to improve quality and safety in healthcare organizations (HCOs) is through accreditation. Accreditation is a rigorous external evaluation process that comprises self-assessment against a given set of standards, an on-site survey followed by a report with or without recommendations, and the award or refusal of accreditation status. This study evaluates how the accreditation process helps introduce organizational changes that enhance the quality and safety of care.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We used an embedded multiple case study design to explore organizational characteristics and identify changes linked to the accreditation process. We employed a theoretical framework to analyze various elements and for each case, we interviewed top managers, conducted focus groups with staff directly involved in the accreditation process, and analyzed self-assessment reports, accreditation reports and other case-related documents.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The context in which accreditation took place, including the organizational context, influenced the type of change dynamics that occurred in HCOs. Furthermore, while accreditation itself was not necessarily the element that initiated change, the accreditation process was a highly effective tool for (i) accelerating integration and stimulating a spirit of cooperation in newly merged HCOs; (ii) helping to introduce continuous quality improvement programs to newly accredited or not-yet-accredited organizations; (iii) creating new leadership for quality improvement initiatives; (iv) increasing social capital by giving staff the opportunity to develop relationships; and (v) fostering links between HCOs and other stakeholders. The study also found that HCOs' motivation to introduce accreditation-related changes dwindled over time.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>We conclude that the accreditation process is an effective leitmotiv for the introduction of change but is nonetheless subject to a learning cycle and a learning curve. Institutions invest greatly to conform to the first accreditation visit and reap the greatest benefits in the next three accreditation cycles (3 to 10 years after initial accreditation). After 10 years, however, institutions begin to find accreditation less challenging. To maximize the benefits of the accreditation process, HCOs and accrediting bodies must seek ways to take full advantage of each stage of the accreditation process over time.</p

EXTENSION DES POSSIBILITÉS QUANTITATIVES DE LAMICROANALYSE PAR UNE FORMULATION NOUVELLE DES EFFETS DE MATRICE

Quelques applications d'un nouveau modèle de calcul en microanalyse, combinant les effets d'absorption et de numéro atomique, sont présentées. Un accent particulier est mis sur l'amélioration notable des corrections d'absorption, ainsi que sur la possibilité d'aborder quantitativement l'étude d'échantillons chimiquement inhomogènes en profondeur.Some applications of a new model for microanalysis,involving a combined computation of absorption and atomic number effects, are presented. A special attention is paid to the improvement of absorption corrective factors. The capability of a genuine quantitative approach for studying in-depth chemical heterogeneities is also emphasized

ANALYSE D'ÉCHANTILLONS STRATIFIÉS À LA MICROSONDE ÉLECTRONIQUE

Quelques applications d'un nouveau modèle de calcul adapté à l'étude quantitative d'échantillons inhomogènes en profondeur sont présentées.Some applications of a new model allowing quantitative study of in-depth heterogeneous samples are presented

Utilisation d'un alliage de niobium dans la réalisation d'un véhicule hypersonique

The use of a niobium-base alloy in an experimental structure of a hypersonic glider model (VERAS project) has required specific studies by each contributor to the project. The PECHINEY Group improved the formulation and the fabrication process of the alloy and accumulated data on its properties (tensile and creep strengths, oxidation resistance...). NORD-AVIATION Company worked out the technology of manufacturing the sandwich panels as described in the paper, and carried out the in-plant application of the protective coatings. ONERA performed a preliminary study of the protective system (coating selection — set up of process for applying the coating) ; this research work is summarized and the most interesting results for the related application are given. It is worthwhile to notice that the technology developed for this project has been selected for the design of parts of the Space Shutlle Vehicle.L'utilisation d'un alliage de Niobium pour une étude de structure d'un planeur hypersonique (projet VERAS) a nécessité des études spécifiques pour les divers participants. Le Groupe PECHINEY a mis au point la formulation et la transformation de l'alliage et en a déterminé les caractéristiques générales (propriétés mécaniques, résistance à l'oxydation...) qui sont résumées sous forme de tableau. La Société NORD-AVIATION s'est attachée à la technologie de fabrication des éléments sandwich, décrite dans le texte, et à la réalisation industrielle des revêtements protecteurs. L'ONERA a réalisé l'étude de la protection contre l'oxydation (choix du revêtement et mise au point de la méthode de protection) ; les travaux entrepris à cette occasion sont résumés et les résultats les plus intéressants pour l'application envisagée sont présentés. Il est intéressant de noter que des techniques mises au point au cours de cette étude ont été retenues pour la réalisation du projet de navette spatiale

Quantitative EDS analysis in the SEM applying the XPP procedure

Tire de XIIth International congress for electron microscopy, Seattle (Calif.), August 12-18, 1990SIGLEAvailable at INIST (FR), Document Supply Service, under shelf-number : 22419, issue : a.1990 n.99 / INIST-CNRS - Institut de l'Information Scientifique et TechniqueFRFranc

The XPP procedure applied to quantitative EDS X-ray analysis in the SEM

Tire du 12eme congres international de microscopie electronique (ICEM 12), Seattle (USA), August 12-18, 1990SIGLEAvailable at INIST (FR), Document Supply Service, under shelf-number : 22419, issue : a.1990 n.109 / INIST-CNRS - Institut de l'Information Scientifique et TechniqueFRFranc