bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Article Commentary: Antiviral drug Resistance and Hepatitis B: A Continuing Public Health Problem
Authors: Littlejohn Margaret
Published: May 2017

The use of selective antiviral therapy has been very successful in controlling HBV replication in individuals, leading to a reduction in disease progression and mortality. However, the use of first-generation therapies, often the only available option in low-resource settings, can result in a high prevalence of drug resistance mutations. Variants selected by antiviral therapies targeting the viral polymerase can also result in variants in the viral envelope. These variants can allow the virus to escape the host immune response. The effect of antiviral selection pressure on viral variants that may contribute to immune escape requires further investigation.
Measuring Disease Exacerbation and Flares in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Comparison of Commonly Used Disease Activity Indices and Individual Measures
Authors: Voshaar Martijn A.H. Oude , Moghadam Marjan Ghiti , Vonkeman Harald E. , ten Klooster Peter M. , van Schaardenburg Dirkjan , Tekstra Janneke , Visser Henk , van de Laar Mart A.F.J. , Jansen Tim L.
Published: May 2017

Objective.

To evaluate and compare the utility of commonly used outcome measures for assessing disease exacerbation or flare in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods.

Data from the Dutch Potential Optimalisation of (Expediency) and Effectiveness of Tumor necrosis factor-α blockers (POET) study, in which 462 patients discontinued their tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitor, were used. The ability of different measures to discriminate between those with and without physician-reported flare or medication escalation at the 3-month visit (T2) was evaluated by calculating effect size (ES) statistics. Responsiveness to increased disease activity was compared between measures by standardizing change scores (SCS) from baseline to the 3-month visit. Finally, the incremental validity of individual outcome measures beyond the Simplified Disease Activity Score was evaluated using logistic regression analysis.

Results.

The SCS were greater for disease activity indices than for any of the individual measures. The 28-joint Disease Activity Score, Clinical Disease Activity Index, and Simplified Disease Activity Index performed similarly. Pain and physician’s (PGA) and patient’s global assessment (PtGA) of disease activity were the most responsive individual measures. Similar results were obtained for discriminative ability, with greatest ES for disease activity indices followed by pain, PGA, and PtGA. Pain was the only measure to demonstrate incremental validity beyond SDAI in predicting 3-month flare status.

Conclusion.

These results support the use of composite disease activity indices, patient-reported pain and disease activity, and physician-reported disease activity for measuring disease exacerbation or identifying flares of RA. Physical function, acute-phase response, and the auxiliary measures fatigue, participation, and emotional well-being performed poorly.
Longterm Hydroxychloroquine Therapy and Low-dose Aspirin May Have an Additive Effectiveness in the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Fasano Serena , Pierro Luciana , Pantano Ilenia , Iudici Michele , Valentini Gabriele
Published: May 2017

Objective.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Thromboprophylaxis with low-dose aspirin (ASA) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) seems promising in SLE. We investigated the effects of HCQ cumulative dosages (c-HCQ) and the possible synergistic efficacy of ASA and HCQ in preventing a first CV event (CVE) in patients with SLE.

Methods.

Patients consecutively admitted to our center who, at admission, satisfied the 1997 American College of Rheumatology and/or 2012 Systemic Lupus Collaborating Clinics classification criteria for SLE, and had not experienced any CVE, were enrolled. The occurrence of a thrombotic event, use of ASA, and c-HCQ were recorded. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to determine the c-HCQ associated with a lower incidence of CVE. Cox regression analysis served to identify factors associated with a first CVE.

Results.

For the study, 189 patients with SLE were enrolled and monitored for 13 years (median). Ten CVE occurred during followup. At Kaplan-Meier analysis, the CVE-free rate was higher in ASA-treated patients administered a c-HCQ > 600 g (standard HCQ dose for at least 5 yrs) than in patients receiving ASA alone, or with a c-HCQ dose < 600 g (log-rank test chi-square = 4.01, p = 0.04). Multivariate analysis showed that antimalarials plus ASA protected against thrombosis (HR 0.041 and HR 0.047, respectively), while antiphospholipid antibodies (HR 17.965) and hypertension (HR 18.054) increased the risk of a first CVE.

Conclusion.

Our results suggest that prolonged use of HCQ plus ASA is thromboprotective in SLE and provides additional evidence for its continued use in patients with SLE.
Importance of Obtaining Remission for Work Productivity and Activity of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Kim Dam , Kaneko Yuko , Takeuchi Tsutomu
Published: May 2017

Objective.

To identify the factors relevant to work and activity impairment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods.

In total, 1274 consecutive patients were included. Work and activity impairment were measured by the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire, and related clinical factors were examined.

Results.

Work and activity impairment was reported by 67.4% of the patients. Multivariable linear regression analyses revealed pain and non-remission to be associated with activity impairment and presenteeism. Patients in remission had significantly less activity impairment and presenteeism than those with low disease activity.

Conclusion.

Remission achievement is essential for ensuring work performance and activity.
Is the role of human female reproductive tract microbiota underestimated?
Authors: Kamińska D. , Gajecka M.
Published: May 2017

An issue that is currently undergoing extensive study is the influence of human vaginal microbiota (VMB) on the health status of women and their neonates. Healthy women are mainly colonised with lactobacilli such as Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus jensenii, and Lactobacillus iners; however, other bacteria may be elements of the VMB, particularly in women with bacterial vaginosis. The implementation of culture-independent molecular methods in VMB characterisation, especially next-generation sequencing, have provided new information regarding bacterial diversity in the vagina, revealing a large number of novel, fastidious, and/or uncultivated bacterial species. These molecular studies have contributed new insights regarding the role of bacterial community composition. In this study, we discuss recent findings regarding the reproductive tract microbiome. Not only bacteria but also viruses and fungi constitute important components of the reproductive tract microbiome. We focus on aspects related to the impact of the maternal microbiome on foetal development, as well as the establishment of the neonatal microbiomes, including the placenta microbiome, and the haematogenous source of intrauterine infection. We also discuss whether the role of the vaginal microbiome is currently understood and appreciated.
Exopolysaccharide-producing Streptococcus thermophilus CRL1190 reduces the inflammatory response caused by Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Marcial G. , Villena J. , Faller G. , Hensel A. , de Valdéz G. Font
Published: May 2017

This work evaluated the ability of the probioticStreptococcus thermophilusCRL1190 strain and its exopolysaccharides to adhere to gastric mucosa. Probiotic bacteria attachment to the human stomach epithelium was confirmed in human stomach tissue samples and the gastric epithelial cell line AGS. In addition, it was demonstrated thatS. thermophilusCRL1190 strain reducedHelicobacter pyloriadhesion and attenuated inflammatory response in AGS cells. This is the first demonstration of the capacity ofS. thermophilusCRL1190 to adhere to the stomach gastric mucosa, and improve protection againstH. pylorithrough the reduction of its adhesion and the modulation of the inflammatory response. Therefore,S. thermophilusCRL1190 fermented milk is a good candidate for furtherin vivostudying of the protective effect of functional food againstH. pyloriinfection and gastric inflammatory damage.
Influence of cross-fit footwear on patellofemoral kinetics during running activities
Authors: Sinclair J.K. , Taylor P.J. , Sant B.
Published: May 2017

The aim of this work was to examine the effects of barefoot, cross-fit, minimalist and conventional footwear on patellofemoral loading during running. Twelve cross-fit athletes ran at 4.0 m/s in each of the four footwear conditions. Lower limb kinematics were collected using an 8 camera motion analysis system and patellofemoral loading was estimated using a mathematical modelling approach. Differences between footwear were examined using one-way repeated measures ANOVA. The results showed the peak patellofemoral force and stress were significantly reduced when running barefoot (force = 3.42 BW & stress = 10.71 MPa) and in minimalist footwear (force = 3.73 BW & stress = 11.64 MPa) compared to conventional (force = 4.12 BW & stress = 12.69 MPa) and cross-fit (force = 3.97 BW & stress = 12.30 MPa) footwear. In addition, the findings also showed that patellofemoral impulse was significantly reduced when running barefoot (0.35 BW·s) and in minimalist footwear (0.36 BW·s) compared to conventional (0.42 BW·s) and cross-fit (0.38 BW·s) footwear. Given the proposed association between patellofemoral loading and patellofemoral disorders, the outcomes from the current investigation suggest that cross-fit athletes who select barefoot and minimalist footwear for their running activities may be at reduced risk from patellofemoral joint pathology in comparison to conventional and cross-fit footwear conditions.
Experimental mould growth and mycotoxin diffusion in different food items
Authors: Olsen M. , Gidlund A. , Sulyok M.
Published: May 2017

Isolates ofPenicillium commune, Penicillium crustosum, Penicillium expansum, Penicillium roqueforti and Aspergillus versicolor, were inoculated on different food items (hard cheese, crème fraiche, tomato purée, apple and blueberry jam) and incubated at 15 °C for 14 days at 50% relative humidity (RH). After incubation the food samples were divided into 3 subsamples; A was 0-2 cm from the surface and including the fungal colony, subsample B was 2-4 cm and subsample C was the rest from >4 cm from the surface. The subsamples were analysed with a multianalyte method capable of identifying more than several hundreds of fungal metabolites. The outcome showed that mouldy food can contain a cocktail of bioactive secondary metabolites including mycotoxins and sometimes at high concentrations. Measurements of the diffusion of fungal metabolites from the colony on the surface (layer A) into the food (layer B and C) showed that the fungal metabolites do not diffuse more than 2 cm into the inner core of the hard cheese. On the other hand in more liquid foods, such as crème fraiche, fruit jams and tomato purée, the toxins diffused quite readily throughout the entire food sample. The levels of patulin found in the apple jam indicate that the tolerable daily intake for patulin may easily be exceeded even if the mouldy layer A is removed. This limited study calls for more similar studies to be performed to give risk managers a sound basis for advice to consumers.
The application of the triple bottom line approach to sustainability assessment: The case study of the UK automotive supply chain
Authors: Azevedo Susana , Barros Miguel
Published: May 2017

Purpose: The objective of this paper is to assess the level of sustainability of the UK automotive supply chain considering simultaneously the three dimensions of sustainability (economic, social and environmental) representing the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) approach.Design/methodology/approach: The assessment of the automotive SC’ sustainability is based on the framework proposed by Salvado, Azevedo, Matias and Ferreira (2011) and uses the Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) method to aggregate economic, environmental and social indicators into a unique index. A case study on the UK automotive industry is used and the data do perform this study is collected from the sustainability reports of the UK’ automotive companies.Findings and Originality/value: The proposed framework represents an important benchmarking tool, offering managers the possibility for assessing the sustainability behaviour of its supply chain and compare it with other supply chains. Once identified the dimension of sustainability where the company or the supply chain is worst performer managers can work closer to their supply chain’ partners in order to improve the performance of those dimension of sustainability.Research limitations/implications: One limitation of the suggested approach is related to the ambiguity of the sustainability’ indicators selection and the definition of weights for each sustainability dimension.Practical implications: The assessment of the SC sustainability by using the suggested framework to compute a SC sustainability index offers managers an opportunity for assessing the level of sustainability of each individual company and the corresponding SC in a very easy way. It also represents an opportunity for improving company performance. In this way managers can use the information on the sustainability index to help adjust their company's behaviour and improve their economic, social and environmental performance.Originality/value: The proposed framework represents a contribution in the area of index construction and a valuable component of organizational management systems and monitoring programs.
Determining decoupling points in a supply chain networks using NSGA II algorithm
Authors: Ebrahimiarjestan Mina , Wang Guoxin
Published: May 2017

Purpose: In the model, we used the concepts of Lee and Amaral (2002) and Tang and Zhou (2009) and offer a multi-criteria decision-making model that identify the decoupling points to aim to minimize production costs, minimize the product delivery time to customer and maximize their satisfaction.Design/methodology/approach: We encounter with a triple-objective model that meta-heuristic method (NSGA II) is used to solve the model and to identify the Pareto optimal points. The max (min) method was used.Findings: Our results of using NSGA II to find Pareto optimal solutions demonstrate good performance of NSGA II to extract Pareto solutions in proposed model that considers determining of decoupling point in a supply network.Originality/value: So far, several approaches to model the future have been proposed, of course, each of them modeled a part of this concept. This concept has been considered more general in the model that defined in follow.  In this model, we face with a multi-criteria decision problem that includes minimization of the production costs and product delivery time to customers as well as customer consistency maximization.
Community of protozoans and metazoans parasitizing Auchenipterus nuchalis (Auchenipteridae), a catfish from the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Dias Marcos Tavares
Published: May 2017

This paper describes the first study on parasite diversity in Auchenipterus nuchalis Spix & Agassiz, 1829 (Auchenipteridae). In 31 fish caught in a tributary of the Amazon River, 10,708 parasites were collected, such as Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, Piscinoodinium pilullare, Cosmetocleithrum striatuli, metacercariae of Posthodiplostomum sp, and larvae and adults of Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus. These parasite species showed aggregated dispersion, except for C. striatuli, which had a uniform dispersion. The component community of parasites showed a low Brillouin diversity (0.67 ± 0.27), low species richness (3.5 ± 0.8) and low evenness (0.43 ± 0.17), and it was characterized by the presence of species with high prevalence and abundance. Protozoan species were the prevalent parasites, which may be a consequence of the host’s mode of life, while the low presence of endoparasites in A. nuchalis suggests that this fish may occupy an intermediate trophic level in the food web. These data represent the first record of such parasite species for this host.
Gerenciamento de resultado em empresas insolventes: um estudo com os países do Brics
Authors: Coelho Everton Galhoti , Edwards Claudio Marcelo , Scherer Luciano Marcio , Colauto Romualdo Douglas
Published: May 2017

A situação de insolvência se caracteriza com o agravamento da crise financeira interna da empresa, sendo uma situação em que a organização não possui recursos necessários para o cumprimento de suas obrigações e se mostra absolutamente incapaz de quitar suas dívidas. As características desse fenômeno e a pressão pela falência podem levar os gestores a utilizarem de técnicas discricionárias para influenciar a percepção do mercado acerca da viabilidade e credibilidade da empresa e diminuir a probabilidade de serem demitidos. Sob a teoria da agência e as premissas do gerenciamento de resultado, o objetivo do trabalho foi examinar a associação entre o gerenciamento de resultados contábeis e os estágios de insolvência em empresas de capital aberto que integram o BRICS no período de 2009-2013. Assim, para alcançar esse objetivo, a proxy de gerenciamento de resultado foi definida com o uso do modelo Jones Modificado (1995) para cálculo dos accruals discricionários, enquanto a variável insolvência foi abordada diante de dois aspectos gerais tratados por Altman (1993): fluxo e saldo. Com base no modelo proposto, foram utilizadas as técnicas de correlação de Spearman, teste U de Mann-Whitney e regressão com dados em painel em uma amostra balanceada de 9.330 observações. Os resultados da correlação e do teste de média corroboram a hipótese de que as empresas em estágios de insolvência possuem maiores incentivos a se envolverem em práticas discricionárias. Contudo, a regressão indicou que apenas a insolvência baseada em fluxo exerce influência estatisticamente significativa no nível de gerenciamento de resultado.
Condicionantes da Arrecadação Tributária: Uma análise para os Municípios de Minas Gerais
Authors: Vieira Michelle Aparecida , Abrantes Luiz Antonio , De Almeida Fernanda Maria , Da Silva Tarrara Alves , Ferreira Marco Aurélio Marques
Published: May 2017

Objetivando conhecer quais características municipais influenciam na arrecadação tributária própria dos municípios mineiros, o referencial bibliográfico desse artigo versa sobre o federalismo e a descentralização, indicando variáveis apontadas na literatura como condicionantes da arrecadação tributária municipal. A arrecadação própria depende principalmente das bases tributáveis no município e das alíquotas que incidem sobre essas bases. Assim, a renda do município, bem como o peso das atividades urbanas e o grau de formalização da atividade econômica, determinam o tamanho dessa base tributária e consequentemente, o montante de recursos arrecadados. Para analisar as características municipais, foram levantados dados secundários relativos à capacidade fiscal dos municípios de Minas Gerais para o ano de 2010, tendo em vista a disponibilidade de dados para este ano. Foi utilizada a Análise Fatorial para agrupar as variáveis, e a Regressão Quantílica (RQ) para verificar o efeito desses nos diferentes estágios de Arrecadação Própria Municipal (APM). Foram obtidos três fatores: “Aspectos Econômicos”; “Aspectos Estruturais” e “Aspectos Financeiros”, os quais agruparam as variáveis de acordo com a correlação apresentada entre elas. Com a RQ pôde-se perceber que esses fatores afetam de forma diferente os quantis de APM (q.10; q.25; q.50; q.75 e q.90), sendo que os maiores coeficientes são atribuídos a maiores níveis de arrecadação, demonstrando que esses fatores são mais influentes em municípios de arrecadação própria mais alta.  Conhecer os condicionantes da arrecadação própria dos municípios permite à gestão pública implementar ações que evitem a ineficiência arrecadatória, fomentando as principais atividades econômicas que compõem a sua base de tributação.
Um estudo sobre causalidade entre EBITDA e retorno das ações de empresas brasileiras (2008 - 2014)
Authors: Ritta Cleyton De Oliveira , Jacomossi Fellipe André , Fabris Thiago Rocha , Klann Roberto Carlos
Published: May 2017

O objetivo geral da pesquisa foi identificar a relação entre EBITDA e o retorno das ações de empresas brasileiras listadas na BM&FBovespa,por meio da aplicação do Teste de Causalidade de Granger. A pesquisa caracteriza-se como descritiva, do tipo documental e com abordagem quantitativa. Os resultados demostraram que a Margem EBITDA sobre a Receita Líquida foi, em média, de 30,43% no período investigado. Em 26 empresas ocorreram relações de causalidade entre as variáveis Retorno EBITDA (REBITDA) e Retorno da Ação (RACAO). Os resultados da pesquisa não possibilitam uma conclusão definitiva sobre a influência do indicador EBITDA no retorno das ações e vice-versa, uma vez que houve um equilíbrio nos resultados de acordo com o teste econométrico, corroborando estudos anteriores. Entretanto, contribuem com a literatura ao identificar relação causal em uma parcela de empresas, o que mostra a relevância das informações contábeis para o mercado de capitais.
Scientific Approaches to the Development of Economic Relations between Landowners and Mining Companies
Authors: Pivnyak Gennadiy , Vagonova Oleksandra , Prokopenko Vasiliy
Published: May 2017

The ways of improvement of the economic relations between a mining and processing plant and a landowner have been justified, basing on their purposes about the reclamation and further use of land resources. The regularities of formation of economically feasible level of reclamation of the land, disturbed by quarries in correlation with the profit of an agricultural enterprise and loss of the plant, have been revealed. The methodological basis of management of the unprofitableness of the plant, based on the rational direction of the reclaimed lands use, has been introduced.
Effectiveness of Geo-Energy Usage during Underground Mining of Deposits
Authors: Khomenko Oleh , Kononenko Maxim , Astafiev Denys
Published: May 2017

Topicality of rock pressure energy usage in technologies of underground mining of deposits is revealed. Methodology of geo-energy processes research in the interior of the Earth is described. Energy theory of zonal capsulation parameters research by massif of underground workings is proposed. Results verification of theoretical research is executed by laboratory and industrial tests conducting. Economic and mathematical model of determination of unit costs on types of mining operations is substantiated and volumes of savings during usage of geo-energy during mining operations conducting are determined.
Unsystematic Risk and Enterprise Investment Attractiveness
Authors: Vakulchyk Olena , Protasova Yelizaveta
Published: May 2017

The article is devoted to assessment of the enterprise investment attractiveness, based on the determining of degree of unsystematic risk in the part of capitalization rate. On the basis on certain integral indicators of economic performance of Ukrainian mining industry was calculated unsystematic risk premium that can serve as a criterion for investment decisions.
The Mechanism of Ensuring Ecological and Economic Efficiency of the Iron-Ore Deposit Exploitation
Authors: Prokopenko Vasiliy , Tymoshenko Olexandra
Published: May 2017

Components of constantly renewed cycle of formation the investment on maintaining of productivity fixed assets of production and a mechanism of ensuring the environmental and economic efficiency during exploitation of iron ore deposit is substantiated. The methodic fundamentals in investing of expanded reproduction of fixed assets on the mining enterprise for increasing the completeness of using the operational stocks of ore raw materials have been developed. The possibility and advisability of investing in reproduction of fixed assets due to additional revenue from the sale of products made from rich ore are proved, which creates a profitable conditions for processing low-grade ore stocks. It is achieved through the expanded reproduction of fixed assets, that is able to maintain the pit capacity depending on the degree and time of its deepening. On the example of Poltava MPP it is estimated the possibility of industrial complexes to accumulate profits from operations for the extended reproduction of fixed assets. It is proved that the plant will be able to allocate the necessary investment funds if mineral ore reserves is processed with a reduction of its quality.
Some Economic Indicators of Coal Mining from Thin Seams
Authors: Dychkovskyi Roman , Avdiushchenko Anna , Lozynskyi Vasyl
Published: May 2017

The method of investment attraction evaluation for the implementation of mining equipment was substantiated. Discounted financial results were taking into account. Pros and cons of chosen method were analyzed. The practical results of the method for definite technical and technology conditions at the SC “Lvivvuhillia” were presented. Values of investment attractiveness taking account monthly costs were determined. The methodology which was worked out by UNIDO were used for conditions of mining equipment implementation for coal reserves exploration of extraction area of mine taking into account cash flow values at the different periods of project realization. It was definite that chosen methodology gave possibility to estimate projects investment attractiveness and could be used for similar projects at the other mining enterprises.
Economic Justification of the Investment Project of Constructing Objects of Mining and Processing Enterprise
Authors: Bendravičienė Rita , Romaniuk Natalia
Published: May 2017

Methodical approach to assessing the investment programs of capital construction of technological facilities is suggested. It takes into account the specifics of the mining and processing enterprises. The ability to use borrowed funds as a source of financing is considered. The investment schedule of commissioning the crushing and shifting point is formed. It reflects the cash flows of the bank and mining and processing enterprise. Program of implementation of the investment projects is developed. It consists of four stages: the first stage – preparatory works; the second stage – beginning of construction works; the third stage – commissioning of the technological object, which gives the opportunity to profit before the appointed time; the fourth stage – commissioning technological object at full capacity, credit payment. Options of advance credit repayment are examined.
The Economic and Organizational Aspects of the Technogenic Manganese Ore Deposit Exploitation
Authors: Shapoval Vadim , Horpynich Alexander , Terekhov Eugene
Published: May 2017

The system of organizational and economic conditions, that precede to the making a decision regarding the transition of mineral processing plant to developing the technogenic deposits reserves was defined. The results of mineral processing plant activity were analyzed on the background of tendencies of manganese ore products international trade. The algorithm of organization of small and large mining companies activity on projects of technogenic deposits exploitation was developed.
Energy Effectiveness of Geotechnical Systems
Authors: Beshta Alexander S.
Published: May 2017

The trend of energy consumed growth all over the world demands to solve the problem of energy effectiveness of technological processes. Because of complexity of technological processes structure there is the main question to find a “worst link” in it. Effectiveness of technological process depends on type of process equipment and its links. There were formulated rules for choice most “weak” link of technological chain. Three strategic ways were learned for increasing of energy effectiveness: increasing productivity of the process equipment without increasing of its efficiency; increasing efficiency of the process equipment without increasing of its productivity; increasing both productivity and efficiency of the process equipment. Corresponding recommendations for growth of productivity or efficiency were given. There were proved that variation of average level of productivity of process equipment must be up to 50...60% and the variation of productivity relative to the average in duty cycle of process equipment operation must not be more than 10%.
Activation Process on Sustainable Business Development in Ukraine
Authors: Solianyk Liudmyla
Published: May 2017

Causes were systematized and groups of factors influencing the efficiency of functioning and developing of small business enterprises were related. A mechanism of stabilization of economic growth for small business has been suggested which includes mechanisms of government and non-government support as well as an internal mechanism of managing small business entities and provides the interaction of all the elements of the system.
Anti-Crisis Methods of Renewal Tourist Image of Territory
Authors: Vynogradova Olena , Smykova Mariia
Published: May 2017

This article is devoted to analysis of foreign experience of renewal attractive tourist image for countries and regions after military-political conflicts. Several approaches to defining the image of a territory were considered. In analysis of foreign experience the research focuses on instruments of crisis management in countries such as Turkey, Egypt and Thailand as a part of territory’s image-building that could use for restoring tourist image. Tourism is one of the main sources of income to the state budget in these countries. Also, all these countries have suffered from military-political conflicts that caused spontaneous formation of negative tourist image and a decline in tourist flow. We can observe a similar situation today in Ukraine. The research was briefly analyzed the negative consequences of the political crisis for Ukrainian tourism industry. In conclusion the basic directions to neutralize of negative tourist image of the territory are given. Also it was noted that without a deep analysis of the current tourist image, involvement of highly qualified specialists, investment and funds, close and trustful cooperation between public and private sectors to achieve the objectives for restoring the tourist image can become long-term and time-consuming process, that can adversely influence not only on the tourist activity in the country, but also on the whole economy.
Principles of Formation of State Financial Policy in Economic Development of Region
Authors: Metelenko Natalya
Published: May 2017

In the article it is solving problems of effective functioning of the financial system in the direction of economic development of regions of Ukraine.
Enterprise’s Potential Content and Methodological Approaches to the Definition
Authors: Turilo Anatoly
Published: May 2017

Theoretical and methodological approaches to the definition of content of the category “enterprise’s potential” are considered in the paper. The notions “economic”, “production” and “market” potential are distinguished and the major indicators of their evaluation are determined. Features of evaluation of enterprise’s innovative potential are marked out.
Development of Long Term Sustainability-Programmes for Ukrainian Mining Enterprises under Unstable Economic Conditions
Authors: Temchenko Oleksandr
Published: May 2017

The article deals with developing long-term sustainability programmes as a means of ensuring the effective functioning of mining enterprises. The authors focus on specific problems of Ukrainian mining enterprises’ activity, substantiation of implementing environmentally sustainable natural resource management. The system of strategic factors for ensuring mining enterprises’ sustainable development under unstable economic conditions is formed.
Analysis of 4H-SiC MOS Capacitors on Macro-Stepped Surfaces
Authors: Camarda Massimo , Woerle Judith , Soulière Véronique , Ferro Gabriel , Sigg Hans , Grossner Ulrike , Gobrecht Jens
Published: May 2017

In this study, we compare the electrical properties of MOS capacitors fabricated on different surface morphologies. Comparing a standard, low-roughness (<1nm), surface with one with a roughness of ~40nm, characterized by big macrosteps and large terraces. We compared the two surfaces for different thermal oxide thicknesses, ranging from dOx = 3.6 nm to dOx = 32 nm. The extracted interface state traps (Dit) shows a small, but systematic, decrease of ~10-15 % for the samples with macrosteps.
Analysis of Interface Trap Density and Channel Mobility in 4H-SiC NMOS Capacitors and Lateral MOSFETs
Authors: Domeij Martin , Franchi Jimmy , Gumaelius Krister , Lee K. , Allerstam Fredrik
Published: May 2017

Lateral implanted SiC MOSFETs and NMOS capacitors were fabricated and used to extract channel mobility and interface state density DIT for three different gate oxides. DIT values were extracted using the high(1 MHz)-low(1 kHz) method for NMOS capacitors and the subthreshold slope for MOSFETs. The subthreshold slope extraction gave 6-20 times higher DIT values compared to the high-low method, presumably because the high-low method cannot capture the fastest traps [1]. None of the methods resulted in clear proportionality between the inverse channel mobility and DIT. The subthreshold slope gave similar DIT values for samples with different surface p-doping concentrations indicating that the method is not sensitive to the threshold voltage.
Oxidation Effect for the Carbon Related Defect Formation in SiC/SiO2 Interface by First Principles Calculation
Authors: Chokawa Kenta , Shiraishi Kenji
Published: May 2017

We used first principles molecular dynamics calculations to study the formation of defects at the 4H-SiC(0001)/SiO2 interface by thermal oxidation. O2 molecules introduced at the interface easily form the C-C-C defect structure along with the Si-O-Si structure. The central carbon atom in the C-C-C defect is three-fold coordinated and it induces mid-gap states, which correspond to the energy level of the (C2)Si defect structure, known as the dumb-bell structure.
Low Density of Near-Interface Traps at the Al2O3/4H-SiC Interface with Al2O3 Made by Low Temperature Oxidation of Al
Authors: Khosa Rabia Y. , Sveinbjörnsson E.Ö. , Winters Michael , Hassan Jawad , Karhu Robin , Janzén Erik , Rorsman Niklas
Published: May 2017

We report on a very low density (<5×1011 cm-2) of near-interface traps (NITs) at the Al2O3/4H-SiC interface estimated from capacitance-voltage (CV) analysis of MOS capacitors at different temperatures. The aluminum oxide (Al2O3) is grown by repeated deposition and subsequent low temperature (200°C) oxidation for 5 min of thin (1-2 nm) Al layers using a hot plate. We refer to this simple method as hot plate Al2O3. It is observed that the density of NITs is significantly lower in the hot plate Al2O3 samples than in samples with Al2O3 grown by atomic layer deposition (ALD) at 300°C and in reference samples with thermally grown silicon dioxide grown in O2 or N2O ambient.
Non-Contact Photo-Assisted Charge-Based Characterization of Dielectric Interfaces in SiC: Evidence of Slow States
Authors: Savtchouk Alexandre , Wilson Marshall , Lagowski Jacek
Published: May 2017

In this work we present novel photo-assisted characterization of dielectric interfaces in SiC using a modified non-contact corona-Kelvin technique. This technique eliminates the cost and time associated with fabrication of electrical test structures. UV illumination in deep depletion is used to generate minority carriers that empty deep interface states too slow to be emptied by thermal emission. After illumination, the interface state charging current is measured with time resolved voltage decay. This enables novel non-contact corona-Kelvin characterization of hole emission and electron capture processes involving slow interface states. This novel application complements standard corona-Kelvin measurement of dielectric, interface and semiconductor parameters.
Conductance Signal from Near-Interface Traps in n-Type 4H-SiC MOS Capacitors under Strong Accumulation
Authors: Khosa Rabia Y. , Sveinbjörnsson E.Ö.
Published: May 2017

We find a clear correlation between the density of near-interface traps (NITs) in n-type 4H-SiC MOS capacitors and the strength of a conductance signal observed under strong accumulation. The conductance signal strength can be described by tunneling of electrons between the SiC conduction band and NITs at a rate close to the ac test signal frequency. The findings here show that the signal in dry thermal oxides depends on temperature which suggests that the electron capture cross section of the NITs is thermally activated. Direct tunneling is more prominent in samples containing low density of NITs such as oxides made by sodium enhanced oxidation (SEO).
3C-SiC Bulk Sublimation Growth on CVD Hetero-Epitaxial Seeding Layers
Authors: Schuh Philipp , Litrico Grazia , La Via Francesco , Mauceri Marco , Wellmann Peter J.
Published: May 2017

We report on the growth of bulk 3C-SiC by sublimation on epitaxial seeding layers (3C-SiC/Si) from chemical vapor deposition. We have reached a materials thickness of 0.85 mm and an area of 10.5 cm2 which can be enlarged further. The high crystalline quality is characterized by the absence of secondary polytype inclusions and the absence double position grain boundaries.
Physical Characterisation of 3C-SiC(001)/SiO2 Interface Using XPS
Authors: Li Fan , Vavasour Oliver James , Walker Marc , Martin David M. , Sharma Yogesh K. , Russell Stephen , Jennings Michael R. , Pérez-Tomás Amador , Mawby Philip  Andrew
Published: May 2017

Normally-on MOSFETs were fabricated on 3C-SiC epilayers using high temperature (1300 °C) wet oxidation process. XPS analysis found little carbon at the MOS interface yet the channel mobility (60 cm2/V.s) is considerably low. Si suboxides (SiOx, x<2) exist at the wet oxidised 3C-SiC/SiO2 interface, which may act as interface traps and degrade the conduction performance.
Universal Parameter Evaluating SiO2/SiC Interface Quality Based on Scanning Nonlinear Dielectric Microscopy
Authors: Chinone Norimichi , Nayak Alpana , Kosugi Ryoji , Tanaka Yasunori , Harada Shinsuke , Kiuchi Yuji , Okumura Hajime , Cho Yasuo
Published: May 2017

Oxidized both silicon-face (Si-face) and carbon-face (C-face) wafers with various post-oxidation-annealing conditions were measured by scanning nonlinear dielectric microscopy (SNDM) and method for evaluating SiO2/SiC interface quality using SNDM was investigated. We found that the normalized standard deviation of SNDM image was good parameter to evaluate SiO2/SiC interface of Si and C-face. SNDM measurement does not need electrode fabrication to measure C-V curve, but needs just scan on the oxidized wafer with conductive tip, which is easier and quicker. This technique enables us to quickly examine the effect of variation of process parameters in MOS fabrication and to effectively reduce the time needed for R&D cycle.
Electrical Properties and Interface Structure of SiC MOSFETs with Barium Interface Passivation
Authors: Lichtenwalner Daniel J. , Dycus J. Houston , Xu Wei Zong , Lebeau James M. , Hull Brett , Allen Scott , Palmour John W.
Published: May 2017

A Barium-rich interface process provides SiO2/SiC interface conditions suitable for obtaining SiC field-effect (FE) channel mobility twice that of a nitric oxide (NO) passivation anneal. The temperature dependence of the field-effect mobility indicates clear differences in their interface properties. Secondary-ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) indicates that Ba remains predominantly at the SiO2/SiC interface, with only ~1×1017 cm-3 Ba in the oxide.The interface structure and chemistry of the Ba-modified MOS devices was investigated using scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). High-angle annular dark-field (HAADF) imaging reveals that the Ba interface layer results in an oxide-interface region not present in the NO annealed control sample. EDS mapping shows that this is a Ba-rich oxide interface layer. Using a new technique “revolving STEM” (RevSTEM) to correct drift and image distortion, SiC strain maps were generated. With an NO anneal there is tensile strain within SiC at the SiO2/SiC interface, along the C-axis direction. With the Ba interlayer, however, there is no observable strain relative to the bulk SiC. This interface strain may correlate with the inversion layer mobility, with an unstrained interface preferred.
The Effect of Charge Redistribution on Flat-Band Voltage Turnaround in 4H-SiC MOS Capacitors
Authors: Moghadam Hamid Amini , Dimitrijev Sima , Han Ji Sheng , Haasmann Daniel
Published: May 2017

The existence of a turnaround in flat-band voltage shift of stressed MOS capacitors, fabricated on N-type 4H–SiC substrates, is reported in this paper. The turnaround is observed by room-temperature C–V measurements, after two minutes gate-bias stressing of the MOS capacitors at different temperatures. The existence of this turnaround effect demonstrates that a mechanism, in addition to the well-stablished tunneling to the near-interface oxide traps, is involved in the threshold voltage instability of 4H–SiC MOSFETs. This newly identified mechanism occurs due to charge redistribution of the compound polar species that exist in the SiO2–SiC transitional layer.
Investigation of the Surface Morphology and Stacking Fault Nucleation on the (000-1)C Facet of Heavily Nitrogen-Doped 4H-SiC Boules
Authors: Ohtomo Kohei , Matsumoto Nana , Ashida Koji , Kaneko Tadaaki , Ohtani Noboru , Katsuno Masakazu , Sato Shinya , Tsuge Hiroshi , Fujimoto Tatsuo
Published: May 2017

The stacking fault formation during physical vapor transport growth of heavily nitrogen-doped (mid-1019 cm−3) 4H-SiC crystals was investigated. Low-voltage scanning electron microscopy (LVSEM) observations detected the stacking fault formation on the (000-1) facet of heavily nitrogen-doped 4H-SiC crystals. Stacking faults showed characteristic morphologies, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) studies revealed that these morphologies of stacking faults stemmed from the interaction between surface steps and stacking faults. Based on these results, the stacking fault formation mechanism in heavily nitrogen-doped 4H-SiC crystals is discussed.
Reduction of Dislocation Density of SiC Crystals Grown on Seeds after H2 Etching
Authors: Chen Xiu Fang , Zhang Fu Sheng , Yang Xiang Long , Peng Yan , Xie Xue Jian , Li Tian , Hu Xiao Bo , Xu Xian Gang , Li Guang Lei , Wang Rui Qi
Published: May 2017

Three-inch 6H-SiC bulk crystals were grown by the PVT method on the seeds processed by different treatments. The influences of seed surface morphology and subsurface damage on the dislocation density were investigated. The seed surface morphology was characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The extent of the subsurface damage was estimated by electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD) and Band Contrast (BC) value. The distribution and density of the dislocations were observed by optical microscopy (OM). The results showed that the pit density performed by H2 1400°C etching was nearly one order of magnitude lower than that by mechanical polishing (MP) process. So H2 etching processed at 1400°C for 2h could completely remove the subsurface damage, compared with the MP process with the deep surface damage.
On Deep Level Transient Spectroscopy of Extended Defects in n-Type 4H-SiC
Authors: Weber Jonas , Weber Heiko B. , Krieger M.
Published: May 2017

We have performed capacitance-voltage (C-V) and deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) measurements on Schottky contacts fabricated on triangular defects in 4H-SiC epitaxial layers. These measurements are a case study on the effect of a specific extended defect on the DLTS spectrum in order to contribute to the physical understanding of curious features occasionally observed in DLTS spectra. Our measurements reveal an inversion of the DLTS signal depending on applied voltages and filling pulse lengths, and a step in the C-V characteristic of the Schottky diode. We present a model that qualitatively describes the experimentally obtained data. In this model, we assume that stacking faults within a triangular defect form quantum wells, which can capture electrons from other defects during the DLTS measurement leading to the inversion of the DLTS spectrum. Moreover, by calculating the differential capacitance using a self-consistent Schrödinger-Poisson-Solver, the step in the C-V measurements is reproduced by our model.
Modeling of Stacking Fault Expansion Velocity of Body Diode in 4H-SiC MOSFET
Authors: Konishi Kumiko , Fujita Ryusei , Shima Akio , Shimamoto Yasuhiro
Published: May 2017

We present a model to explain forward voltage degradation of body diode in 4H-SiC MOSFET, and evaluate the velocity of SF expansion. First, by using in-situ photoluminescence (PL) observation, we investigated how a stacking fault (SF) expands from a basal plane dislocations (BPD) in the 4H-SiC epitaxial layer. Second, double-diffused MOSFETs were developed and measured before and after degradation. Then, the characteristics of the forward voltage degradation were modeled by a combination of PL imaging and electrical measurement, and the calculated characteristics are in good agreement with the measured ones. Finally, we tested the SiC MOSFETs under various stress conditions and evaluated the velocity of the SF expansion by calculation. This results indicate that the velocity of SF expansion increased with increasing forward current density and junction temperature.
Extension of Stacking Faults in 4H-SiC pn Diodes under a High Current Pulse Stress
Authors: Iwahashi Yohei , Miyazato Masaki , Miyajima Masaaki , Yonezawa Yoshiyuki , Kato Tomohisa , Fujiwara Hirokazu , Hamada Kimimori , Otsuki Akihiro , Okumura Hajime
Published: May 2017

We investigated the expansion of stacking faults (SFs) under a high current pulse stress in detail. In situ observations showed bar-shaped SFs and two types of triangle SFs with different nucleation sites. The calculated partial dislocation velocity of the bar-shaped SFs was four times faster than that of the triangle SFs. The temperature dependence of the partial dislocation velocity was used to estimate activation energies of 0.23±0.02 eV for bar-shaped SFs and 0.27±0.05 eV for triangle SFs. We also compared the electrical characteristics before and after the stress. The forward voltage drop slightly increased by 0.05 V, and the leakage current did not increase.
Detection of Crystal Defects in High Doped Epitaxial Layers and Substrates by Photoluminescence
Authors: Das Hrishikesh , Sunkari Swapna , Naas Hans , Domeij Martin , Konstantinov Andrei , Allerstam Fredrik , Neyer Thomas
Published: May 2017

In this work, the detection and characterization of various crystal defects in high doped silicon carbide by photoluminescence (PL) is explored. The detection of basal plane dislocations in high doped epitaxial buffer layers is demonstrated using the near ultraviolet (NUV) spectra. Several characteristic defects in high doped 150mm substrates like grain boundaries and screw dislocations are also detected and characterized using the NUV PL spectra. Further characterization using molten potassium hydroxide etching is presented.