Movement of Pt markers in MgO during a solid-state reaction

The effectiveness of Pt in marking the initial location of heterophase boundaries between two reactants in a thin-film solid-state reaction is discussed. The Pt markers were produced by dewetting a continuous Pt film at elevated temperatures, thus forming an array of small isolated particles. These particles can then serve as fine-scale markers for tracking the motion of interfaces. The thin-film diffusion couples with Pt markers were used, in this study, to investigate the effect of an applied electric field on a spinel-forming reaction. The reacted diffusion couples with Pt markers were analysed using both transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Analysis of the diffusion couples showed that the Pt markers could be affected by, or themselves affect, the reaction process. The interface between the Pt marker and surrounding oxide matrix plays an important role in the reliability of Pt as an effective marker.     

Perception-of-Relationships Test and Bricklin Perceptual Scales: Validity and Reliability Issues,Part II of Two Parts

In Part I we considered the requirements of a paradigm that could generate child custody data in a scientifically acceptable manner. Part II presents test-retest data obtained over an eight-month interval from the PORT (n = 127) and the BPS (n = 93). We address when concurrent validity data will be similar to future validity data, and the desirability of distinguishing errors of measurement from true changes in measured variables. We also present system-specific validity data for the PORT.     

Predicting Support From an Intimate Partner After a Traumatic Injury1

Support from an intimate partner predicts recovery in individuals who have survived a traumatic injury, but not all partners are willing or able to provide support. To account for support provision after a traumatic injury, both members of 58 young couples were interviewed shortly after one member experienced a traumatic injury. Characteristics of the situation, the support recipient, and the support provider accounted for unique variance in support provision. Specifically, partners of trauma survivors reported providing more support when the injury was more severe, they were more religious, and their partners were higher in neuroticism. Contrary to expectations, no relationship variables were significantly associated with support provision. Results highlight the need to examine predictors of support in real‐world contexts.     

ARE THE 100 BEST BETTER? AN EMPIRICAL INVESTIGATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BEING A “GREAT PLACE TO WORK” AND FIRM PERFORMANCE

We argue that positive employee relations effectively serves as an intangible and enduring asset, and may, therefore, be a source of sustained competitive advantage at the firm level. We survey a number of measures of firm-level performance and conceptualize how each measure is likely to be affected by highly positive firm-level employee relations. We then empirically investigate whether positive employee relations is related to firm performance, focusing on publicly traded firms included in the "100 Best Companies to Work for in America." The relative performance of these "Best Companies" is examined via comparisons to both companies in the broad market and a group of matched firms. Our analyses suggest that companies on the 100 Best list enjoy not only stable and highly positive workforce attitudes, but also performance advantages over the broad market, and in some cases, over the matched group.