Browsing by Subject "methodology"

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    Developing Levitation Laser-Fused Glasses as Proxies for Lower Mantle Experiments: a Methodological Approach
    (2019-06) zur Loye, Thomas Edwards; Macris, Catherine; Barth, Andrew; Licht, Kathy
    Observations of heterogeneities in Earth’s mantle motivate studies of mantle phase assemblages with variable composition. As samples cannot be directly collected from these regions, synthetic glasses can act as analogues for mantle melt and starting materials for high-pressure synthesis of stable mantle minerals in experiments. Here, I develop a specific methodology to produce homogeneous glasses that accurately span the composition space from enstatite (MgSiO3) to forsterite (Mg2SiO4), as well as Fe-bearing enstatite ((Mg0.1Fe0.9)SiO3 and ((Mg0.95Fe0.05)(Si0.95Fe0.05)O3) with variable oxidation states. This study systematically tests and iterates upon glass synthesis methods using an aerodynamic levitation laser furnace, in which a spherical glass sample levitates on a gas stream flowing vertically through a conical nozzle, while being heated from above with a 400 W CO2 laser. With sample diameters of 0.6-2.0 mm, shutting off the laser results in supercooling of levitated spheres at rates between 350 and 1350 °C/s. Sample preparation begins with grinding and mixing pure oxide powders in an agate mortar and pestle, followed by heating in a high temperature oven to devolatilize the mixture. Powders (0.5-7 mg aliquots) are fused into spheres in a copper hearth plate. To tune Fe valency and vitrify each sphere, samples are then levitated on flows of Ar, O2, 5% CO in Ar, 5% CO2 in Ar, or combinations of two of these gases, while being heated with the laser to temperatures above the liquidus for each composition for ~10 s before quenching. After x-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses confirm vitrification, a dual polish is applied, exposing parallel flat polished surfaces for scanning electron microscope (SEM) and electron probe microanalyzer analyses (EPMA). Back-scattered electron images and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analyses of the spheres are obtained first on the SEM to gauge compositional accuracy and homogeneity, then EPMA analyses determine quantitatively the samples’ compositions. Once fully characterized, these glasses can be used in diamond anvil cell experiments, where they can act as proxies for an otherwise inaccessible area of the Earth. In addition to the development of this methodology, two web applications produced during this research aid in visualization of both data logs and analytical results.
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    Integrating the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health Model into Massage Therapy Research, Education, and Practice
    (2010-12) Munk, Niki; Harrison, Anne
    Without an increase in clearly defined and clinically significant outcomes research in massage therapy (MT), the practice is in jeopardy of remaining on the fringes of accepted and utilized therapeutic care. This reality will slow the integration of MT into routine preventive, rehabilitative, curative, and supportive care. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) developed by the World Health Organization is a comprehensive model of functioning and disability that provides a universal taxonomy of human functioning that is recognized globally. Integration of the ICF model into MT research, education, and practice would provide a foundation for a common language, particularly in regard to examining outcomes of MT. Here, we review the dynamic and respected ICF model as it applies to massage research, outcomes dissemination, education, and practice, with these specific objectives: To describe the specific domains of the ICF model To apply the described ICF domains to current massage practice and research To discuss how integration of the ICF model enhances communication and translation among those within and to those outside the MT field The ICF model is ideal for application to MT interests because it works outside the typical focus on pathology or a specific organ system. Instead, the ICF focuses on impairment or limitations in functioning associated with health conditions. The ICF also highlights and incorporates the complex interactions of environment and personal factors and the impact that those factors exert on the domains of body structure, activity, and participation. This interaction has unique implications for MT practitioners, researchers, and clients/patients. Furthermore, the ICF model provides a framework for classifying outcomes, which is a critical aspect of clinical research.