Notes: An expression is derived for the spin-wave stiffness constant D in a ferromagnetic metallic alloy. The formalism is based on a multiorbital tight-binding model and the Hartree–Fock approximation. Both diagonal and off-diagonal disorder are taken into account. Results for Ni-Fe, Ni-Co, and Ni-Cu alloys are obtained within the coherent potential approximation (CPA) and compared with previous calculations and experimental data.

Notes: A new transparent conducting oxide (TCO), which can be expressed as Ga3−xIn5+xSn2O16; 0.2≤x≤1.6, has been identified. The equilibrium phase relationships of this new material with respect to three other TCOs in Ga2O3–In2O3–SnO2 are reported. The optical properties of this phase are slightly superior to Sn-doped indium oxide (ITO) and depend on composition. A room-temperature conductivity of 375 Ω cm−1 was obtained for H2-reduced Ga2.4In5.6Sn2O16. This value is an order of magnitude lower than commercial ITO films, but comparable to values reported for bulk, polycrystalline Sn-doped In2O3. © 1997 American Institute of Physics.

Notes: Flow fields within spatially periodic arrays of cylinders arranged in square and hexagonal lattices are calculated, with microscale Reynolds number ranging between zero and 200, employing a finite element numerical scheme. The terminology of an "apparent permeability'' is introduced to establish a relationship existing between mean velocity and macroscopic pressure gradient characterized by a finite Reynolds number flow. In contrast with the low Reynolds number "true '' permeability, the apparent permeability is shown here to generally depend upon the direction of the applied pressure gradient, owing to nonlinearities existing within the local fluid motion. The orientation-dependent permeabilities of both square and hexagonal monodisperse arrays are observed to diminish with increasing Reynolds number. Similar behavior is also observed for a bidisperse square array, though the apparent permeability of the latter is shown less sensitive to Darcy velocity orientation at large Reynolds numbers in comparison to the corresponding monodisperse square array, for all cylinder concentrations examined.

Notes: Ion-beam mixing of tin on iron provides corrosion protection against high-temperature oxidation. Previous studies have been inconclusive as to the exact composition and distribution of alloys produced at the Fe/Sn interface. This study provides a detailed diagram of Fe-Sn specimens after ion-beam mixing with Ar+ at 40 keV and a dose of 5×1016 ions/cm2 . The interface was isotopically labeled with 7.5 nm of 57 Fe and 119 Sn so that dual perspective conversion electron Mössbauer spectroscopy could be performed. Analyses in this manner allowed comparison of 119 Sn conversion electron Mössbauer spectroscopy (CEMS) and 57 Fe CEMS spectra to accurately assign spectral components which could not be conclusively assigned using a single CEMS perspective. Information from Rutherford backscattering spectrometry confirmed the layered nature of specimens prior to implantation and was used for depth determination of the mixed region after implantation. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, secondary ion mass spectrometry, and scanning electron microscopy also provided information after implantation. Data indicate the formation of a uniform amorphous surface during implantation resulting in a heterogeneous mixture of components consisting mainly of dilute tin in iron (approximately 8-at. % Sn) and FeSnx (x≈1). About 80% of the 37.5-nm tin overlayer was removed by sputtering. The components identified are somewhat more iron rich than previous assignments and illustrate the difference in surface structures resulting from various implantation parameters.

Notes: A stepwise multivariate analysis of factors that contribute to stress for mental health nurses working in the community Aims. The aim of the study was to examine the variety, frequency and severity of stressors experienced by community mental health nurses (CMHNs) in Wales. Background. Numerous studies undertaken throughout the United Kingdom (UK) have indicated that those health professionals working as part of community teams are experiencing increasing levels of stress and burnout. Sample sizes have tended to be small and participants have been drawn mainly from sites in England. Methods. A questionnaire booklet, which included a number of validated measures, was distributed to 614 CMHNs. These included Maslach Human Services Survey, Community Psychiatric Nursing (CPN) Stress Questionnaire, PsychNurse Coping Questionnaire, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and General Health Questionnaire GHQ-12. The study was the largest of its kind conducted in the UK. Results. Data were collected from 301 CMHNs, representing a response rate of 49%. Community mental health nurses identified the most stressful issues as trying to maintain a good quality service in the midst of long waiting lists and poor resources and having too many interruptions while trying to work in the office. The best demographic predictors of high stress scores were having an unsupportive line manager, working with a specific client group and not having job security. These factors accounted for 20% of the variance in the total stress score. When the results from the psychometric instruments were included, 46% of the variance in the total stress score was accounted for. The predictive variables were emotional exhaustion, working with a specific client group, job security and alcohol consumption. Conclusions. These findings indicate that there is a need to create more supportive environments both in terms of job security and management support, especially for those working in the fields of severe mental illness and rehabilitation.

Notes: Background.  Health care professionals in the United Kingdom (UK) appear to have higher absence and sickness rates than staff in other sectors, and stress may be a reason for nurses leaving their jobs. These problems need to be addressed, particularly in the mental health field, if current service provision is to be maintained. Aim.  The aim was to identify stressors, moderators and stress outcomes (i.e. measures included those related to stress, burnout and job satisfaction) for mental health nurses, as these have clear implications for stress management strategies. Method.  A systematic review of research published in English between 1966 and 2000 and undertaken in the UK that specifically identified participants as mental health nurses was carried out to determine the effectiveness of stress management interventions for those working in mental health nursing. Studies from non-UK countries were examined as potential models of good practice. The study was limited to primary research papers that specifically involved mental health nurses, where the health outcomes measured were stressors, moderators and stress outcomes and where sufficient data was provided. Results.  The initial search identified 176 papers, of these 70 met the inclusion criteria. Seven studies have been reported since the completion of the review and have been included in this article. Sixty-nine focused on the stressors, moderators and stress outcomes and eight papers identified stress management techniques. Relaxation techniques, training in behavioural techniques, stress management workshops and training in therapeutic skills were effective stress management techniques for mental health nurses. Methodological flaws however, were detracted from the rigour of many of the studies. Conclusions.  The review demonstrated that a great deal is known about the sources of stress at work, about how to measure it and about the impact on a range of outcome indicators. What was found to be lacking was a translation of these results into practice, into research that assessed the impact of interventions that attempt to moderate, minimize or eliminate some of these stressors.