The influence of counter-ion adsorption on the ψ0/pH characteristics of insulator surfaces

The site-binding theory of Yates, Levine, and Healy is extended to include the possibility that counter-ion binding of anions and cations occurs at different distances from the insulator surface. A method for straightforward computation of the ψ0/σ0/pH characteristics is given. This theory is applied to the study of electrolyte/insulator/silicon structures, which makes it possible to measure the ψ0/pH characteristics. Measurements are presented for structures where the insulator is γ-Al2O3 deposited by chemical vapour deposition at 900°C. The influence of counter-ion binding on the ψ0/pH curves is a second-order effect compared to the site-dissociation acid/base reactions, but it is clearly visible. Consideration of the influence of the ionic strength of the electrolyte leads to an estimated anion adsorption equilibrium constant in the range of 0.05 to 0.4 mol−1 dm3 in chloride solutions, although no significant influence of the type of ions present could be observed. Application of the theory to existing measurements of the ψ0/pH and σ0/pH curves of SiO2 surfaces indicates that for this material the cation adsorption equilibrium constant is in the order of 0.1 mol−1 dm3

Change in Families Participating in Parent Management Training Oregon: a Replicated Single Case Experimental Study:Verandering in families die een PMTO behandeling volgen: een herhaalde single case experimentele studie

Objectives : Several randomized controlled trials showed positive effects of the behavioral parent training Parent Management Training Oregon (PMTI) on child behavior, parenting stress and parenting behavior. However, we do know less about the processes of change. In this study we therefore aimed to unravel individual processes of change in families receiving PMTO. Study design: We conducted a replicated single case experimental study with 5 families(children aged between 4-12 years). We followed the families regarding their parenting, parenting stress, child behavior and motivation to use the learned parenting strategies in three ways: 1) standardized questionnaires pre, post, and 4 months after ending PMTO, 2) assessments during each sessions, 3) daily assessments (baseline, during treatment and after PMTO ended). In addition to assessing changes in every construct, we assessed how changes in a construct were related to changes in the other constructs over time. Reliable change indices were calculated for individual pre-to post- and follow-up PMTO changes. Individual treatment effect sizes, using Simulation Modeling Analysis, were calculated for both level and slope changes from baseline to the PMTO phase, but also during PMTO, and to post-PMTO. Cross-lagged correlations were calculated as to identify how unique courses of change unfolded over time. Results: The results showed that each participating family, and mothers, fathers and children within these families, had unique individual trajectories of change. While post-assessment showed improvements during PMTO, the directions of changes between post-test and follow-up varied (sustained, further improvements, or deteriorations). Some participants changed on multiple outcomes, others on just a few. Patterns of change were sometimes linear, but sometimes showed ups and downs. When relationships between parental perceptions of parenting, parenting stress, child behavior and motivation to use the learned parenting strategies were observed, the correlations mostly (and for some families only) indicated moment-to moment associations, but hardly any associations over time. Conclusions : The five families all experienced improvements on the primary goal of PMTO: the childs’ behavior or the escalations between children and the parents. Among the 5 families who participated in PMTO, no general pattern of change could be identified. Each family and each family member seem to encounter own and unique change at its own pace

Surface-micromachined Ta–Si–N beams for use in micromechanics

Realization and characterization of free-standing surface-microstructures based on Ta-Si-N films are presented. Due to their significant physical and chemical properties, such ternary films are promising candidates for application in microelectromechanical devices