bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Etch Process Optimization and Electrical Improvement in TiN Hard Mask Ultra-Low K Interconnection
Authors: Chang Chih-Yang , Kang Sean , Kao Chia-ling , Citla Bhargav S. , Bekiaris Nikos , Chen Yongmei , Chan-Sew Lothar , Lill Thorsten
Published: July 2012

As critical dimensions decrease, key dimension-related dielectric etch challenges emerge, including via and trench uniformity and etch depth profile. The transition to ultra-low-k films such as BDIII (Black Diamond; k=2.55) dielectrics requires consideration of film sensitivity to compositional modification, polymer interactions at pores, and the effect of diffusion. Use of N2/O2 plasma at 60 ˚C to modify the M1 trench profile has been demonstrated to lower the RC delay by 14% as compared to traditional CO2 plasmas at 60˚C. Use of a DHF solution to clean the etching residue in the dual damascene structure results in >97% yield with a tight range of via chain resistance.
Molecular beam epitaxy growth of Sr1-xKxFe2As2 and Ba1-xKxFe2As2
Authors: Naito Michio , Ueda Shinya , Takeda Soichiro , Takano Shiro , Mitsuda Akihiro
Published: July 2012

Single-crystalline films of superconducting Sr1-xKxFe2As and Ba1-xKxFe2As2 were grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). The most crucial problem in MBE growth of these compounds is the high volatility of elemental K. The key to incorporating K into films is low-temperature growth (≤ 350 ºC) in reduced As flux. We performed a systematic study of the doping dependence of Tc in Ba1-xKxFe2As2 for x = 0.0 to 1.0. The highest Tcon (Tcend) so far attained for Ba1-xKxFe2As2 is 38.3 K (35.5 K) at x ~ 0.3.
Nonlinear Optics in Silicon Wire Waveguides: Towards Integrated Long Wavelength Light Sources
Authors: Kuyken Bart , Liu Xiaoping , Osgood Richard M. , Baets Roel , Roelkens Gunther , Green William M.
Published: July 2012

Most of the research on silicon-on-insulator integrated circuits has been focused on applications for telecommunication. By using the large refractive index of silicon, compact complex photonic functions have been integrated on a silicon chip. However, the transparency of silicon up to 8.5 μm enables the use of the platform for the mid infrared wavelength region, albeit limited by the absorption in silicon oxide from 4 μm on. This could lead to a whole new set of integrated photonics circuits for sensing, given the distinct absorption bands of many molecules in this wavelength region. These long wavelength integrated photonic circuits would preferably need broadband or widely tunable sources to probe these absorption bands.

We propose the use of nonlinear optics in silicon wire waveguides to generate light in this wavelength range. Nonlinear interactions in just a few cm of silicon wire waveguides can be very efficient as a result of both the high nonlinear index of silicon and the high optical confinement obtained in these waveguides. We demonstrate the generation of a supercontinuum spanning from 1.53 μm up to 2.55 μm in a 2 cm dispersion engineered silicon nanowire waveguide by pumping the waveguide with strong picoseconds pulses at 2.12 μm [1]. Furthermore we demonstrate broadband nonlinear optical amplification in the mid infrared up to 50 dB [2] in these silicon waveguides. By using this broadband parametric gain a silicon-based synchronously pumped optical parametric oscillator (OPO) is constructed [3]. This OPO is tunable over 70 nm around a central wavelength of 2080 nm.

Finally, we also demonstrate the use of higher order dispersion terms to get phase matching between optical signals at very different optical frequencies in silicon wire waveguides. In this way we demonstrate conversion of signals at 2.44 μm to the telecommunication band with efficiencies up to +19.5 dB [4]. One particularly attractive application of such wide conversion is the possibility of converting weak signals in the mid-IR to the telecom window after which they can be detected by a high-sensitivity telecom-band optical receiver.
Micromechanical Process Integration and Material Optimization for High Performance Silicon-Germanium Bolometers
Authors: Malm Gunnar B. , Kolahdouz Mohammadreza , Forsberg Fredrik , Roxhed Niclas , Niklaus Frank
Published: July 2012

Semiconductor-based thermistors are very attractive sensor materials for uncooled thermal infrared (IR) bolometers. Very large scale heterogeneous integration of MEMS is an emerging technology that allows the integration of epitaxially grown, high-performance IR bolometer thermistor materials with pre-processed CMOS-based integrated circuits for the sensor read-out. Thermistor materials based on alternating silicon (Si) and silicon-germanium (SiGe) epitaxial layers have been demonstrated and their performance is continuously increasing. Compared to a single layer of silicon or SiGe, the temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) can be strongly enhanced to about 3 %/K, by using thin alternating layers. In this paper we report on the optimization of alternating Si/SiGe layers by advanced physically based simulations, including quantum mechanical corrections. Our simulation framework provides reliable predictions for a wide range of SiGe layer compositions, including concentration gradients. Finally, our SiGe thermistor layers have been evaluated in terms of low-frequency noise performance, in order to optimize the bolometer detectivity.
Growth of CVD graphene on copper by rapid thermal processing
Authors: Kim W. , Riikonen J. , Arpiainen S. , Svensk O. , Li C. , Lipsanen H.
Published: July 2012

We have investigated the fabrication of graphene by chemical vapor deposition using a conventional rapid thermal processing system with infrared heating. Graphene films were grown on the pretreated copper foil in RTP at 935-960°C at pressure of 6~7 mbar. The grown films were characterized by scanning electron microscope and Raman spectroscopy to investigate morphology of graphene. The growth of graphene was initiated by small flakes that spread rapidly covering the whole copper surface as a single-layer film in ~20 seconds. Room temperature mobility and sheet resistance extracted by transfer-length method (TLM) for the graphene film transferred onto the SiO2/Si substrate were around 1,800 cm2/Vs and 260 Ω/ð with the gate voltage, respectively.
Monodispersed Nanodiamonds Produced by Laser Ablation
Authors: Zousman Boris , Levinson Olga
Published: July 2012

Nanodiamond powder (ND) has become one of the most promising and well-studied nanomaterials applied in various fields of science, technology and medicine. Recent achievements in the development of advanced ND applications present new demands to ND quality: purity, homogeneity of primary particle dimensions and surface area chemistry. ND produced by state-of-the-art technology of detonation synthesis doesn’t meet requirements for biomedical and optical applications. Therefore, alternative methods of ND synthesis from pure carbon raw materials enabling to control the process are of especial importance.

The novel technology for ND laser synthesis has been developed by Ray Techniques Ltd. The method is based on high-intensive laser radiation treatment of the specially prepared target containing non-diamond carbon soot and hydrocarbons, placed in a liquid media. As a result, carbon atoms collect to form a cubic diamond crystalline lattice. To reach that, the appropriate parameters of the laser radiation, special composition of the target and the liquid media, as well as the treatment procedures were determined. The “winning” combination of these factors enables to obtain pure nanodiamonds (RayND). In contrast to the existing technology, the RT method is highly controllable, environment-friendly and efficient.

RayND obtained under different conditions were studied and compared with detonation ND currently available at the market. It is proved that the higher level of purity and homogeneity of RayND constitutes significant advantages for most ND applications. Using RayND opens new frontiers in biomedicine (drug- and gene-delivery and bio-imaging agents), electronic industry (abrasives for wafer polishing, heat-conductive electrical-insulating compounds, CVD coatings, emitters, etc) and optics (displays, protective transparent films, laser lenses, optical windows and filters).
Pore sealing of SiOCH ultra low-k dielectrics with polyimide Langmuir-Blodgett film
Authors: Goloudina S.I. , Ivanov A. S. , Krishtab M. B. , Luchinin V.V. , Pasyuta V.M. , Gofman I. V. , Sklizkova V. P. , Kudryavtsev V. V. , Baklanov M. R.
Published: July 2012

Continuous decrease of the feature size of transistors in modern integrated circuits (ICs) constrains thickness of auxiliary dielectric layers in interconnects because of their relatively high dielectric constant, which reduces the efficiency of low-k material integration. Dielectric materials used today as barrier or etch-stop layers are usually SiN (k ∼ 7.0) and SiCN (k ∼ 4.8), which k-value significantly exceeds that of recent ultra low-k materials (k < 2.2). In our work we have investigated thin films of rigid-chain polyimide (PI) with a k-value of about 3.2-3.3. This film was deposited using a Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) technique and can be as thin as several monolayers. The intermolecular interaction of densely packed precursor macromolecules within a monolayer formed at the water-air interface makes it possible to avoid penetration of precursor material inside the pores. The latter peculiarity of the deposition process results in a pore sealing effect using a 4 nm PI film.
Development of a Suite of Computational Models for the Design of Ultralow-k SiCOH-based Materials
Authors: Cooper Alexandra , Clancy Paulette
Published: July 2012

A computational model of amorphous SiCOH materials is described that will facilitate studies of SiCOH behavior under different thermal and mechanical stresses. This involved developing an atomic-scale model of an SiCOH thin film, which exhibited structural, mechanical and electrical properties in agreement with experimental studies. We developed a unique process for computationally creating the structure of SiCOH films. We created an algorithm for introducing and estimating porosity in the system, which provides detailed information about the system’s pore size distribution on multiple length scales. We used Density Functional Theory (DFT) to develop a simple correlation that calculates the dielectric constant of a large SiCOH structure based only on its atomic composition and volume. Finally, we confirmed the mechanical properties of the model using established Molecular Dynamics techniques. We verified that essential electronic and mechanical properties of the model structure reproduce experimental data for a representative SiCOH material within acceptable accuracy. We find the mechanical properties are significantly weakened by the presence of pendant carbon groups.
Cu CMP and its Challenge for 20nm Nodes and Beyond
Authors: Zhang John H. , Tseng Wei-Tsu , Economikos Laertis , Fang Qiang , Zheng Jianping , Yang Lin , Canaperi Donald F. , Lofaro Michael , Kim Ben , Hu Chao-Kun , Liniger Eric G. , Murphy Richard , Leo Tai Tsong L. , Kleemeier Walter , Goldberg Cindy , Muncy Jennifer , Chen Xiaomeng , Sampson Ron
Published: July 2012

The challenges associated with meeting 20nm technology requirements for better Cu CMP process uniformity and lower defectivity have been studied. Required improvements in uniformity were obtained through platen process optimization along with evaluation & selection of specific Cu slurries and pads and their performance reported. The principal factors influencing defect formation, including Cu barrier metallurgy, interconnect pattern density and process queue times were studied. Specific new post CMP clean chemistries were evaluated to assess their capability to suppress defect formation and their performance reported. The trade off between uniformity and defect suppression as a function slurry, pad and post Cu CMP clean chemistry is described.
Advanced Slurry Formulations for New Generation Chemical Mechanical Planarization (CMP) Applications
Authors: Basim Bahar , Karagoz Ayse , Ozdemir Zeynep
Published: July 2012

Chemical Mechanical Planarization (CMP) is widely used to ensure planarity of metal and dielectric surfaces to enable photolithography and hence multilevel metallization in microelectronics manufacturing. The aim of this study is to establish a fundamental understanding on the dynamic growth of nano-scale protective oxide thin films during CMP to enable the selection of proper oxidizer concentrations for slurry formulations. Tungsten was selected as the model metal film to study the formation of these metal oxide films in various oxidizers and Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) was used to measure the surface roughness of the samples conditioned in the oxidizer environment before and after the CMP was conducted. The affect of surface roughness on wettability of the surfaces were also studied through contact angle measurements on the treated tungsten films. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy with Attenuated Total Reflectance FTIR/ATR technique in combination with the X-Ray Reflectivity (XRR) were utilized to determine the thicknesses of the oxidized nano films on the tungsten surface. The results were evaluated through the material removal responses reported in the literature for the W-CMP in addition to the comparison of the Pilling-Bedworth ratios of the oxidized nano films to determine the ability of the created oxide film as a self-protective oxide.
Silicon Interposer Reliability Optimization through Process-Oriented Stress Modeling
Authors: Kappaganthu Sri Ramakanth , Karmarkar Aditya , Xu Xiaopeng
Published: July 2012

A process-oriented stress modeling methodology is developed to investigate the stress evolution during the silicon interposer packaging process. An FEM based 3D TCAD simulator is used to perform the process steps to construct the silicon interposer stack in sequential order. These steps include TSV fabrication for passive silicon interposer, micro-bumping and reflow process for integrating active dies and passive interposer, C4-bumping and reflow for interposer BT-substrate stacking, and epoxy mold curing for interposer encapsulation. Stress simulations are carried out for each process step to obtain accurate stress evolution history. To resolve micron features within millimeter structures, the modeling strategy employs symmetry conditions, and equivalent materials for regions away from structure features of interest. The detailed structure includes 3x3 arrays of microbumps, TSV arrays, and C4-bumps with multiple material layers at the stack corner. Important design parameters include interposer thickness and edge clearance. For different silicon interposer configurations critical stresses in the outmost microbump and C4-bump are analyzed and compared. The reliability implications are discussed.
Photocatalytic Activity of Anatase Fiber-Mats
Authors: Alves Annelise K. , Berutti Felipe A. , Bergmann Carlos P.
Published: July 2012

Nanostructured fiber-mats have large surface area, high reactivity, low weight and low agglomeration tendency. These are advantages if compared with nanoparticles for photocatalytic application. Fiber-mats can be used not only as a photocatalytic material on their own, but also incorporated in different surfaces or fabrics and as well as a filtration membrane. In this work, high temperature stable anatase titanium dioxide fiber-mats doped with silica (0.5 to 30 %) or doped with tin (0.5 to 15 %) were produced by electrospinning technology. The precursors used were titanium propoxide (TiP), tetrapropoxysilane (TPS) and tin 2-ethylhexanoate. They were hydrolyzed in acetic acid and mixed with an alcoholic solution of 10 wt% polyvinylpirrolidone. The effect of heat treatment on the microstructure characteristics and the photocatalytic activity of the fiber-mats in comparison with a commercial TiO2 powder (Evonik P-25) were studied. After the electrospinning process, a thin, porous fiber-mat was obtained. This material was dried in air at room temperature for 24h. These fibers were then heat treated from 500 to 800°C for 3 hours at a heating rate of 1.4°C/min. The fiber-mats were then characterized using N2 adsorption (BET method) for surface area measurements, X-ray diffraction for phase determination, SEM and TEM analyses for morphological characterization. The photocatalytic activity was studied using as model system the degradation of methyl orange in water (20ppm) under UV-A light. As-obtained fibers are amorphous but become crystalline after heat treatment. As the heat treatment temperature increases the surface area decreases significantly. Quite the opposite happens with the rutile to anatase ratio and the anatase and rutile crystallite sizes, which increase with higher heat treatment temperatures. The photoactivity increases with the increment in heat treatment temperature until 650°C, when the fibers start to become denser and the surface area drops due to sintering. Fibers produced at higher temperatures and with lower amounts of Si and Sn are predominantly anatase and are generally more photoactive under UV-A radiation.
Synthesis and Characterization of Nanoparticulate Sols of TiO2 Doped with Erbium (III) for Photoinduced Applications
Authors: Borlaf M. , Moreno R. , Colomer M. T.
Published: July 2012

Colloidal sol-gel is a common method used for the preparation of stable and homogeneous nanoparticulate sols. In this work, TiO2 and Er3+ doped-TiO2 sols (1, 2 and 3 mole % Er3+) have been prepared. The peptization time, viscosity and isoelectric point increase at higher Er3+ concentration indicating that erbium (III) delays the peptization process, increases the viscosity and adsorbs onto the surface of the TiO2 nanoparticles. When the sols of TiO2 are doped with Er3+ lower values of the band gap are obtained. After drying, in all cases, anatase was obtained as major phase although traces of brookite are also detected. The microstructure was observed by TEM and shows direct evidence that the xerogels are polycrystalline.
Hierarchical Transformation of Silver Morphologies on Clay Film from Spheres, Cubes, Rods to Lengthy Nano-Wires
Authors: Liang Kai-Ling , Wang Ya-Chi , Lin Jiang-Jen
Published: July 2012

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in silicate clay matrix films were fabricated from solution casting method. The Ag/clay dispersion was first prepared from in situ reduction of silver nitrate in the presence of silicate clay platelets and ethanol as the reducing agent. The morphologies of AgNPs have changed in a hierarchical manner, from sphere to cube and then to rod and wire morphologies during the annealing at 200 °C. The originally homogeneous AgNPs distribution in the clay matrix underwent the transformation of AgNPs in moving to the film surface and coalescing to larger sizes. The hierarchical change continued to form other morphologies. We observed the self-assembled morphologies including spherical (diameter ∼ 50 nm), cubic (length ∼100 nm), rod-like (length ∼ 1.6 μm and width ∼300 nm) and then to lengthy wire Ag (length ∼10μm). The kinetic mobility of AgNPs to surface and the characterization of Ag composition were confirmed through energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD).
Soil profile internal drainage for a central pivot fertigated coffee crop
Authors: Bortolotto Rafael Pivotto , Bruno Isabeli Pereira , Dourado-Neto Durval , Timm Luís Carlos , Silva Adilson Nunes da , Reichardt Klaus
Published: July 2012

Coffee cultivation via central-pivot fertigation can lead to fertilizer losses by soil profile internal drainage when water application is excessive and soils have low water retention and cation adsorption capacities. This study analyses the deep water losses from the top 1 m sandy soil layer of east Bahia, Brazil, cultivated with coffee at a high technology level (central-pivot fertigation), using above normal N fertilizer rates. The deep drainage (Q) estimation is made through the application of a climatologic water balance (CWB) program having as input direct measures of irrigation and rainfall, climatological data from weather stations, and measured soil water retention characteristics. The aim of the study is to contribute to the understanding of the hydric regime of coffee crops managed by central-pivot irrigation, analyzing three scenarios (Sc): i) rainfall only, ii) rainfall and irrigation full year, and iii) rainfall and irrigation dry season only. Annual Q values for the 2008/2009 agricultural year were: Sc i = 811.5 mm; Sc ii = 1010.5 mm; and Sc iii = 873.1 mm, so that the irrigation interruption in the wet season reduced Q by 15.7%, without the appearance of water deficit periods. Results show that the use of the CWB program is a convenient tool for the evaluation of Q under the cited conditions.
Avaliação funcional de idosos com déficit cognitivo
Authors: Macêdo Ana Macli Leite , Cerchiari Ednéia Albino Nunes , Alvarenga Márcia Regina Martins , Faccenda Odival , Oliveira Maria Amélia de Campos
Published: July 2012

OBJETIVO: Descrever o perfil social e a capacidade funcional de idosos com déficit cognitivo. MÉTODOS: Estudo de abordagem quantitativa, descritivo, transversal, com 503 idosos de 60 anos e mais com déficit cognitivo, residentes em Dourados, (MS) e assistidos pela Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF). A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de entrevistas domiciliares, com um questionário estruturado para variáveis sociodemográficas e condições de saúde, o Miniexame do Estado Mental e a Medida de Independência Funcional. RESULTADOS: Foram identificados 215 idosos com déficit cognitivo, dos quais 32 (14,9%) apresentavam algum grau de dependência. Houve maior grau de dependência no sexo masculino e na faixa etária de 80 anos e mais. As dimensões locomoção e cognição apresentaram os menores valores. CONCLUSÃO: Os diagnósticos cognitivos e funcionais são fundamentais para o planejamento de ações que favoreçam a promoção e manutenção da capacidade funcional do idoso.
Aspectos psicológicos da gestação e da maternidade no contexto da infecção pelo HIV/Aids
Authors: Gonçalves Tonantzin Ribeiro , Piccinini Cesar Augusto
Published: July 2012

A epidemia de HIV/aids tem atingido cada vez mais mulheres em idade reprodutiva, sendo que muitas já são mães ou se tornam mães quando descobrem a infecção. Os estudos revisados indicam que a infecção pelo HIV/Aids pode alterar de muitas formas a experiência da gestação e da maternidade, gerando uma sobrecarga psicológica relacionada ao estigma e ao risco de transmissão para a criança. Apesar disso, pesquisas sugerem que muitas mulheres portadoras do HIV/Aids buscam transmitir uma identidade materna positiva para os filhos e se preocupam intensamente com o futuro deles. Foram encontrados poucos estudos brasileiros sobre aspectos psicológicos da maternidade nesse contexto, em especial a respeito do impacto da profilaxia para prevenção da transmissão vertical sobre a experiência da gestação, do parto e do puerpério. As dificuldades em aderir ao tratamento e a práticas sexuais seguras denotam a falta de atenção às demandas específicas dessas mães, sendo que o foco das políticas de saúde permanece sobretudo dirigido para a criança.
Identificação de indivíduos vulneráveis no entorno de um hospital universitário: conectando vulnerabilidade, solidariedade e saúde
Authors: Sthal Hellen Cristina , Berti Heloisa Wey
Published: July 2012

No entorno de um hospital universitário do interior do estado de São Paulo há pessoas dormindo, se alimentando ou descansando nos gramados e arredores, permanecendo nestes locais durante horas. Este estudo objetivou identificar e caracterizar indivíduos vulneráveis em área externa deste hospital, oferecendo ajuda. A coleta dos dados foi realizada no período de novembro de 2007 a outubro de 2008, semanalmente, em dias e horários sorteados. Identificaram-se pessoas que permaneciam nesses locais, sendo entrevistados 52 sujeitos. Esses indivíduos são, predominantemente, do sexo feminino (67,3%), brancos (51,9%), casados (59,6%), com escolaridade de até quatro anos de estudo (44,2%) e sem profissão definida (84,6%). A maioria aguardava o horário do ônibus da prefeitura de seu município de origem; o tempo médio de espera foi de aproximadamente 90 minutos e grande parte dos sujeitos apresentou necessidades durante os períodos de espera. Foi oferecida ajuda a 15 pessoas que referiram necessidades no momento da entrevista. Concluiu-se que esses indivíduos se encontram em situação de vulnerabilidade individual, social e programática, destacando-se a vulnerabilidade sócio-econômica, apresentam capacidade de autodeterminação reduzida, submetendo-se a condições desfavoráveis por dependerem dos serviços públicos.
Effects of Impervious Cover on the Surface Water Quality and Aquatic Ecosystem of the Kyeongan Stream in South Korea
Authors: Lee Bum‐Yeon , Park Shin‐Jeong , Paule Ma. Cristina , Jun Woosong , Lee Chang‐Hee
Published: July 2012

The extent of impervious cover in a watershed has been linked to the quality of an urban aquatic environment. The Kyeongan watershed in South Korea was investigated to evaluate the relationship between the total impervious area (TIA) and the aquatic ecosystem of the watershed, including water quality and aquatic life using a relatively high‐resolution (0.4m) image. The TIA was found to be approximately 12% of the watershed, which indicates that the quality of its environment was being adversely affected by it. For water quality, Pearson correlation analyses showed that all water quality parameters studied were found to be positively correlated with TIA at p < 0.01, except for nitrate (NO3−). In addition, the zone with a higher TIA was found to have worse water quality. Some water quality parameters, such as nitrite (NO2−), total phosphorus, and phosphate (PO43−) were highly affected by discharges from wastewater treatment plants. Water quality data suggest that TIA could be used to predict the water quality of streams. For ecological parameters, the diatom index for organic pollution and trophic diatom index were found to be highly correlated with TIA, whereas physical habitat and benthic macroinvertebrates were poorly correlated with TIA. However, the results indicate that the extent of impervious cover can be a useful indicator for predicting the status of specific ecosystem of streams.
A New Approach for the Assessment of Groundwater Quality and Its Suitability for Irrigation: A Case Study of the Korba Coastal Aquifer (Tunisia, Africa)
Authors: El Ayni Foued , Cherif Semia , Jrad Amel , Trabelsi‐Ayadi Malika
Published: July 2012

Groundwater is the main source of water in Mediterranean, water‐scarce, semiarid regions of Tunisia, Africa. In this study of the Korba coastal aquifer, 17 water wells were studied to assess their suitability for irrigation and drinking purposes. Assessment parameters include pH, salinity, specific ion toxicity, sodium adsorption ratio, nutrients, trace metals pollutants, and fecal indicators and pathogens. Results indicate that salinity of groundwater varied between 0.36 dS/m and 17.4 dS/m; in addition, its degree of restriction is defined as “none”, “slight to moderate”, and “severe” for 18, 23, and 59% of the studied wells, respectively. To control salts brought in by irrigation waters, the question arises as to how much water should be used to reach crop and soil requirements. To answer this question, a new approach that calculates the optimum amount of irrigation water considering the electrical conductivity of well water (ECw), field crops, and the semiarid meteorological local conditions for evapotranspiration and rainfall is developed. This is applied to the authors' case study area; barley and lettuce were selected among the commonly grown crops because they are high‐ and low‐salinity tolerant, respectively. Leaching requirements were found to be independent of the crop selected, and depend only on the season, that is, 250 to 260 mm/month in the driest season, with a minimum of 47 mm/month though all seasons. A high bacteriological contamination appears in almost all samples. However, if disinfected and corrected for pH, all the well waters can be used for animal farming (including livestock and poultry), although only 29% could be used for human consumption.
Comparison of the nest materials of Polistes Gallicus (L.), Polistes dominulus (Christ) and Polistes nimpha (Christ) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)
Authors: Bagriaçik Nil
Published: July 2012

The aim of this study was to determine and compare the nest materials and
some physical features and elemental composition of the nests of Polistes
gallicus (L.), Polistes dominulus (Christ) and Polistes nimpha (Christ)
collected in similar ecological conditions. The nest architectures of the
three species were similar. In the P. gallicus nest, the average thickness of
the fibers was 5.73 ?m, the nitrogen concentration was 26.14%, and
percentages of the fibers and saliva were 77% and 23%, respectively. In the
P. dominulus nest, the average thickness of the fibers was 8.7 ?m, and the
nitrogen concentration was 27.42%; the percentages of fiber and saliva were
78% and 22%, respectively. In the P. nimpha nest, the average thickness of
the fibers was 9.04 ?m, the nitrogen concentration was 25.82%, and the
percentages of the fiber and saliva were 42% and 58%, respectively. There
were differences in the amount of saliva and nitrogen concentrations.
On two new cave pseudoscorpions from Dalmatia, Croatia (Chthoniidae and Neobisiidae, Pseudoscorpiones)
Authors: Curcic B.P.M. , Radja T. , Dimitrijevic R.N. , Curcic S.B.
Published: July 2012

Two new endemic species from the Jama Bezdan Pit between the villages of
Komaji and Vignje, southeast from Cilipi and Dubrovnik, Dalmatia (Croatia) -
Chthonius (Chthonius) croaticus n. sp. B. Curcic & Radja (Chthoniidae) and
Roncus ragusae n. sp. B. Curcic & Radja (Neobisiidae), are herein erected,
described and thoroughly illustrated. Their main morphometric features and
important diagnostic characters are analyzed and compared to their closest
congeners, Chthonius (Chthonius) pristani Curcic and Roncus podaga Curcic,
respectively.
Diatom species composition of the Nisava river and its tributaries Jerma and Temska rivers (southern Serbia)
Authors: Andrejic Jelena , Krizmanic Jelena , Cvijan M.
Published: July 2012

The main objective of this paper is to report the diatom taxa identified from
the Nisava River and its tributaries, the Jerma and Temska rivers. The study
area included 11 sampling sites along the Nisava River, with one site on the
Jerma River and one on the Temska River. Monthly samples (from stones,
sediments and macrophytes) were collected from May 2008 to May 2009. Diatom
frustules were cleaned with chemical agents, and mounted on permanent slides.
In total, 194 diatom taxa were identified. The most species rich genera are
Navicula (25), Nitzschia (17) and Gomphonema (13), while other genera are
presented with one or more species. Detailed floristic analysis of the
benthic diatom flora has not been conducted before on these rivers.
Therefore, this paper provides a baseline for future research.
A new genus and a species of trechine ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Trechinae) from the Republic of Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Authors: Curcic S.B. , Curcic B.P.M. , Pecelj M. , Pecelj Jelena , Curcic Nina , Pecelj Milica , Milincic M. , Radja T. , Makarov S.E. , Mitic B.M.
Published: July 2012

A new genus (Punctoduvalius gen. n.) and a species of trechine ground beetles
(Punctoduvalius orlovacensis sp. n.) from Bosnia and Herzegovina have been
described and diagnosed. Punctoduvalius gen. n. is clearly distinct from all
other phenetically close genera in many important respects, such as: the
presence of depigmented reduced eyes, the presence of a pigmented eye border,
the presence of deep and complete frontal furrows, the presence of tiny setae
on the genae, the presence of distinct longitudinal fissures on the
protibias, the ratio of length/width of the first protarsal article in males,
the presence of two elytral discal setae, the presence of numerous setiferous
punctures in interstrial spaces, the specific position of the humeral setae,
and the specific shape of the copulatory piece. This new genus comprises four
species: Punctoduvalius pilifer (Ganglbauer, 1891) (endogean from Mts.
Treskavica and Bjelasnica, and from a cave on Mt. Visocica, Bosnia and
Herzegovina), P. protectus (Winkler, 1926) (from the Pecina kod Ostojica
Cave, Mt. Treskavica, and endogean from Mt. Jahorina, Bosnia and
Herzegovina), P. brevipilosus (Knirsch, 1927) (endogean from Lupoglav Peak,
Mt. Prenj, Bosnia and Herzegovina), and P. orlovacensis sp. n. (from the
Orlovaca Cave, village of Donje Bisevo, near Pale, Bosnia and Herzegovina).
The four species clearly differ in many important respects. The following
three taxonomic changes are proposed: Punctoduvalius pilifer (Ganglbauer,
1891), comb. n., P. protectus (Winkler, 1926), comb. n., and P. brevipilosus
(Knirsch, 1927), comb. n. The new genus and its members belong to an old
separate phyletic lineage, distinct from all other existing species groups.
Additionally, these forms are relict and endemic to the deep soil and caves
of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Protective effect of probiotic bacteria against cadmium-induced genotoxicity in rat hepatocytes in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Jama Adel , Mitic-Culafic Dragana , Kolarevic S. , Djurasevic Sinisa , Knezevic-Vukcevic Jelena
Published: July 2012

The protective effect of probiotic bacteria against cadmium (Cd)-induced
genotoxicity was studied in rat hepatocytes in vivo and in vitro. Male Wistar
rats, Rattus norvegicus, were treated for five weeks with (i) CdCl2 (70 ppm
in the drinking water), (ii) a mixture of lyophilized probiotic bacteria
Lactobacillus rhamnosus, L. acidophilus and Bifido-bacterium longum (5?108
cfu/g of food), or (iii) CdCl2 and probiotic bacteria. In addition, single
cells obtained from the untreated rat liver were exposed to CdCl2 (70 ppm),
probiotic bacteria (1.28 mg/ml), or CdCl2 and probiotic bacteria, for 15 min
at 22?C in the dark. The level of Cd-induced DNA damage in hepatocytes was
determined by the comet assay. The obtained results show that probiotic
bacteria significantly reduced Cd-induced genotoxicity, both in vivo and in
vitro (20% and 48%, respectively). Moreover, the toxicity of Cd to
lactobacilli in the gastrointestinal tracts of rats was significantly
decreased in the probiotic-treated animals. The binding of Cd2+ to probiotic
bacteria was proposed as the most probable protection mechanism.
Glucosinolates in plant protection strategies: A review
Authors: Bohinc Tanja , Ban Goreta , Ban D. , Trdan S.
Published: July 2012

This review discusses the importance of glucosinolates in plant protection.
The Brassicaceae, which are cultivated worldwide, use glucosinolates and
their decomposition products to defend themselves against attacks by harmful
organisms. The glucosinolate content varies among individual plant species,
plant organs and developmental stages. The glucosinolate content in plants is
also affected by biotic and abiotic factors, while the type or quantity of
glucosinolate determines the susceptibility of the plants to insect pests.
These facts can pose a problem when implementing this knowledge in
cultivation of the Brassicaceae, especially in regions with moderate climates
where Brassicaceae crops are exposed to attacks by a large number of harmful
organisms. Under these circumstances, it is essential to research new, or to
improve the existing environmentally acceptable methods of protecting
Brassicaceae plants against economically important pests.
Effect of metabolic transformation of monoterpenes on antimutagenic potential in bacterial tests
Authors: Nikolic Biljana , Mitic-Culafic Dragana , Stajkovic-Srbinovic Olivera , Vukovic-Gacic Branka , Knezevic-Vukcevic Jelena
Published: July 2012

The effect of metabolic transformation of the monoterpenes Linalool (Lin),
Myrcene (Myr) and Eucalyptol (Euc) was evaluated on their antimutagenic
potential against t-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BOOH) and 2-nitropropane (2NP) in
E. coli WP2 and in S. typhimurium reversion assays, respectively. Spontaneous
mutagenesis was also monitored in both assays. Mammalian metabolic
transformation was provided by rat liver microsomes (S9 fraction). None of
the monoterpenes was mutagenic, either with or without S9. Results obtained
without S9 showed the antimutagenic potential of Lin against t-BOOH, of Myr
against both t-BOOH and 2NP, and of Euc against spontaneous and mutagenesis
induced with both mutagens. Mammalian enzymes significantly reduced the
antimutagenic effect of Lin, completely diminished the antimutagenic effect
of Myr, but did not alter the antimutagenic effect of Euc. Considering the
results, metabolic transformation by host enzymes could significantly
influence antimutagenic potential and should be included in antimutagenicity
studies in prokaryotic assays.
Evaluation of culturable, nitrifying, ammonium-oxidizing, and metabolically active bacteria in shrimp farm effluents of Kino Bay, Sonora, México
Authors: Huerta-Aldaz Nolberta , López-Torres M.A. , Valdez-Holguín J.E. , Barraza-Guardado R.H.
Published: July 2012

Bacteria from shrimp farm effluents in Kino Bay, Sonora, M?xico were
evaluated during the 2008 production cycle. The culturable bacterial
populations considered were viable heterotrophic bacteria (VHB) and
Vibrio-like bacteria (VLB). In addition, total bacteria (TB), metabolically
active bacteria (MAB), nitrifying bacteria (NB), and ammonium-oxidizing
bacteria (AOB) were quantified by epifluorescence microscopy. Three sampling
sites were established in the influence area of drain and one control site
far from the discharge area. Average concentrations of VHB and VLB were 103
and 102 CFU mL-1, respectively. The TB ranged from 107 to 109 cells mL-1. The
mean values of Mrelated to TB counts in the affected area were higher
throughout the culture cycle compared to the control site, ranging from 1.09
to 27.35%. These results indicate that effluents modify the natural loads of
bacteria in the discharge area, which could affect natural populations and
the microbial balance of the area.
Antimicrobial activity of methanol extracts of Abietinella abietina, Neckera crispa, Platyhypnidium riparoides, Cratoneuron filicinum and Campylium protensum mosses
Authors: Bukvicki Danka , Veljic M. , Sokovic Marina , Grujic Slavica , Marin P.D.
Published: July 2012

The antibacterial and antifungal activity of methanol extracts of the genuine
mosses Abietinella abietina, Neckera crispa, Platyhypnidium riparoides,
Cratoneuron filicinum var. filicinum and Campylium protensum were evaluated.
Antibacterial activity was tested against Gram (+) Staphylococcus aureus,
Micrococcus flavus, Bacillus cereus and Gram (-) bacteria Escherichia coli
and Salmonella typhimurium. Antifungal activity was tested using micromycetes
Trichoderma viride, Penicillium funiculosum, Penicillium ochrochloron,
Aspergillus flavus, A. niger and A. fumigatus. The methanol extracts of all
moss species showed an antimicrobial effect against the tested
microorganisms. Significant antibacterial effect was achieved for Cratoneuron
filicinum and Neckera crispa. The most sensitive bacteria were Bacillus
subtilis and Micrococcus flavus. Abietinella abietina and Neckera crispa
showed an antifungal effect against micromycetes Trichoderma viride,
Penicillium ochrachloron, P. funiculosum and Aspergillus flavus.
The antimicrobial activity of honey, bee pollen loads and beeswax from Slovakia
Authors: Kacániová Miroslava , Vukovic N. , Chlebo R. , Hascík P. , Rovná Katarína , Cubon J. , Dzugan Malgorzata , Pasternakiewicz Anna
Published: July 2012

The aim of this study was to test the antimicrobial activity of propolis, bee
pollen loads and beeswax samples collected in the year 2009 from two
locations in Slovakia to pathogenic bacteria, microscopic fungi and yeasts.
The antimicrobial effect of the bee product samples were tested using the
agar well diffusion method. For extraction, 99.9% and 70% methanol (aqueous,
v/v) and 96% and 70% ethanol (aqueous, v/v) were used. Five different strains
of bacteria, i.e. Listeria monocytogenes ccM 4699, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ccM
1960; Staphylococcus aureus ccM 3953; Salmonella enterica ccM 4420,
Escherichia coli ccM 3988, three different strains of microscopic fungi,
Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, and seven
different strains of yeasts Candida krusei, Candida albicans, Candida
glabrata, Candida parapsilosis, Candida tropicalis, Geotrichum candidum,
Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, were tested. After 48 hours S. aureus was the
bacterium most sensitive to the 70% ethanol extract of pollen, A. fumigatus
was the most sensitive microscopic fungus (70% ethanol) and C. glabrata the
most sensitive yeast (70% methanol). Microorganisms most sensitive to
propolis extracts were L. monocytogenes, A. fumigatus (70% ethanol) and G.
candidum (70% methanol). Most sensitive to beeswax extracts were E. coli, A.
niger and C. tropicalis.
The influence of field margins on the presence and spatial distribution of the European mole Talpa europaea L. within the agricultural landscape of northern Poland
Authors: Zurawska-Seta Ewa , Barczak T.
Published: July 2012

European moles are widespread in both cultivated and uncultivated areas in
Poland. Their occurrence and distribution in relation to the physical and
chemical characteristics of soil has been already studied in previous
research. However, there is still an open question about the impact of the
structure of anthropogenic habitats produced by agriculture on moles. The
main aim of this study is to assess the influence of different kinds of field
margins on the presence and spatial distribution of the European mole Talpa
europaea L. in farmlands. Methods included the monitoring of six
investigative sites in northern Poland. Observations were made during three
six-month periods in 2005-2008 of the presence or absence of moles as
recognized by recent molehills and surface tunnels. There was a very clear
tendency by moles to occupy areas within arable fields close to field
boundaries with wide verges containing ruderal and woodland communities with
a spacious zone of ecotones. Narrow boundary strips were avoided by moles. In
conclusion, the conducted research confirms that field margins have an impact
on the presence and spatial distribution of moles within ploughed lands. Our
results may be helpful in improving the relation between agricultural
development and biodiversity conservation, and the rational use of nature by
humankind.
Scardinius knezevici Bianco & Kottelat, 2005 and Alburnus scoranza Bonaparte, 1845: New species of ichthyofauna of Serbia and the Danube basin
Authors: Simic V. , Simic Snezana , Paunovic M. , Simonovic P. , Radojkovic Natasa , Petrovic Ana
Published: July 2012

Research into the ichthyofauna of the Vlasina Lake reservoir in south Serbia,
which is part of the Danube basin, was carried out in 1993, 40 years after
its formation. The results of the research reveal the presence of several
species of fish belonging to the Adriatic and Aegean basin, such as Alburnus
albidus, Rutilus basak, Scardinius graecus and Pachychilon macedonicus. These
findings are of great importance from the aspect of conservation, because the
species Scardinius graecus and Alburnus albidus are on the European list of
endangered fish species. In the latest study of the Vlasina Lake reservoir
ichthyofauna (70 years after its formation), the above-mentioned species were
not found. However, the presence of naturalized populations of two species
from the Adriatic basin were confirmed: Scardinius knezevici and Alburnus
scoranza. These findings represent the first known areal expansion of these
species, which are new to the ichthyofauna of Serbia, from the Adriatic into
the Danube (Black Sea) basin.
On the spacecraft attitude stabilization in the orbital frame
Authors: Antipov Kirill , Tikhonov Alexey
Published: July 2012

The paper deals with spacecraft in the circular near-Earth orbit. The
spacecraft interacts with geomagnetic field by the moments of Lorentz and
magnetic forces. The octupole approximation of the Earth?s magnetic field is
accepted. The spacecraft electromagnetic parameters, namely the electrostatic
charge moment of the first order and the eigen magnetic moment are the
controlled quasiperiodic functions. The control algorithms for the spacecraft
electromagnetic parameters, which allows to stabilize the spacecraft attitude
position in the orbital frame are obtained. The stability of the spacecraft
stabilized orientation is proved both analytically and by PC computations.
Significance of pregnancy-associated plasma protein a (PAPP-a) concentration determination in the assessment of final outcome of pregnancy
Authors: Loncar Dragan , Varjacic Mirjana , Arsenijevic Slobodan
Published: July 2012

Background/Aim. Pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) is high
molecular matrix metalloproteinase originally isolated in the serum of
pregnant women. The aim of this study was to analyze the values of
concentration of PAPP-A in assessment of progress and outcome of pregnancy in
pregnant women diagnosed with threatening preterm delivery, preeclampsia and
fetal growth restriction in relation to physiological pregnancy of the same
gestational age. Methods. The study included 60 pregnant women that were
divided into three groups according to gestational age and the diagnosis of
imminent premature birth upon reception, preeclampsia and fetal growth
restriction as follows: the group I from 28 to 32 weeks of gestation, a total
of 25 pregnant women, the group II from 33 to 36 weeks of gestation, a total
of 23 pregnant women, and the group III from 37 to 41 weeks of gestation, a
total of 12 pregnant women. The control group consisted of 60 pregnant women
without complications of pregnancy that were identically divided into three
groups according to gestational age as in the sample. We performed
quantitative determination of PAPP-A from the venous blood of patients by
using commercial tests of the company Diagnostics Product Corporation (DPC),
Los Angeles, California, USA. Results. There was a statistically significant
difference in PAPP-A values in the examined groups in all gestational ages (p
< 0.01). The value of the PAPP-A concentration in different gestational ages
with equal statistical significance indicated the possibility of
complications, which was examined during pregnancy in relation to the control
group of pregnant women with physiological pregnancies. This study confirmed
that there was a statistically significant difference in fetal body weight at
birth (p < 0.05), Apgar score in 5 min after birth (p < 0.05), and
gestational age at birth (p < 0.05), as parameters of the outcome of
pregnancy course, between the examined groups of pregnant women in relation
to the value of PAPP-A concentration. The age of pregnant women was not
statistically different in the examined groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion.
Differences in PAPP-A concentration should point out to the obstetrician the
need for more intensive antepartum fetal surveillance in order to increase
the chances of favorable perinatal outcome, regardless gestational age.