bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atomic Layer Deposition of Al2O3 Thin Films for Metal Insulator Semiconductor Applications on 4H-SiC
Authors: Schilirò Emanuela , Di Franco Salvatore , Fiorenza Patrick , Bongiorno Corrado , Gargouri Hassan , Saggio Mario , Lo Nigro Raffaella , Roccaforte Fabrizio
Published: May 2016

This work reports on the growth and characterization of Al2O3 films on 4H-SiC, by Plasma Enhanced-Atomic Layer Deposition (PE-ALD). Different techniques were used to investigate the morphological, structural and electrical features of the Al2O3 films, both with and without the presence of a thin SiO2 layer, thermally grown on the 4H-SiC before ALD. Capacitance-voltage measurements on MOS structures resulted in a higher dielectric constant (ε~8.4) for the Al2O3/SiO2/SiC stack, with respect to that of the Al2O3/SiC sample (ε~ 6.7). Moreover, Current density-Electric Field measurements demonstrated a reduction of the leakage current and an improvement of the breakdown behaviour in the presence of the interfacial thermally grown SiO2. Basing on these preliminary results, possible applications of ALD-Al2O3 as gate insulator in 4H-SiC MOSFETs can be envisaged.
Effects of Hydrogen Concentration on the Growth of High Purity 4H-SiC Single Crystal Grown by Sublimation Method
Authors: Wang Ying Min , Wei Ru Sheng , Wang Li Zhong , Mao Kai Li , Li Bin , Dai Xin
Published: May 2016

In this paper, the effects of hydrogen concentration on growth rate, micropipe density and nitrogen concentration of 4H-SiC crystals were discussed. It was shown that the growth rate is a linear function of the hydrogen concentration, which can be explained not only by C/Si ratio but also the temperature gradient. It was also found that the micropipe density was increased rapidly when the hydrogen concentration exceed a critical value, because the defects such as Si droplets, carbon inclusions and polytype formation were generated at that time. The results of secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) showed that with increasing the hydrogen concentration, the nitrogen concentration falls down but reaches a constant value which meets the requirements for high purity semi-insulating (HPSI) SiC single crystal growth. Finally, the HPSI 4H-SiC crystals were obtained using 15% hydrogen concentration, the resistivities of wafers cut from these crystals were more than 109Ω•cm, micropipe densities were less than 5cm-2, the full width at the half-maximum (FWHM) were between 30-40 arcsec, making these wafers suitable for microwave devices fabrication.
High-Voltage Ultra-Fast Pulse Diode Stack Based on 4H-SiC
Authors: Ilyin Vladimir A. , Afanasyev Alexey V. , Ivanov Boris V. , Kardo-Sysoev Alexey F. , Luchinin Victor V. , Reshanov Sergey A. , Schöner Adolf , Sergushichev K.A. , Smirnov A.A.
Published: May 2016

The paper reports on the results of the studies of static and dynamic characteristics of 4H-SiC drift step recovery diodes (DSRDs) assembled in diode stacks. Switching performance of single dies has been simulated and experimentally confirmed. It was established that the switching process is determined primarily by the incomplete ionization of acceptors in 4H-SiC and by the bandgap narrowing in heavily doped emitters. Based on the simulation results the optimized die size has been selected. For DSRD stacks of 4 and 8 dies I-V and C-V measurements are reported. The stacks were dynamically tested in a special oscillator circuit. Repetitive voltage pulses of 10.5 kV with the leading edge length of 900 ps were demonstrated.
High Voltage Diffusion-Welded Stacks on the Basis of SiC Schottky Diodes
Authors: Korolkov Oleg , Sleptsuk Natalja , Annus Paul , Land Raul , Rang Toomas
Published: May 2016

In the present work we have considered the prototype of the high-voltage diode stack made on the basis of commercial SiC Schottky diodes. Implementation of vertical integration for four diode chips yielded stack with the reverse current of 25 μA under reverse voltage of 6 kV. The capacitance of the stack at zero bias is reduced more than three times in comparison with initial diodes. Reverse recovery time of the stack was 8.0 ns. This paper proposes a convenient analytical approach to the estimation of parameters of modular compositions with vertical architecture.
Wide Band Gap Semiconductor Technology for Energy Efficiency
Authors: Agarwal Anant , Sung Woong Je , Marlino Laura , Gradzki Pawel , Muth John , Ivester Robert , Justice Nick
Published: May 2016

The attributes and benefits of wide-bandgap (WBG) semiconductors are rapidly becoming known, as their use in power electronics applications continues to gain industry acceptance. However, hurdles still exist in achieving widespread market acceptance, on a par with traditional silicon power devices. Primary challenges include reducing device costs and the expansion of a workforce trained in their use. The Department of Energy (DOE) is actively fostering development activities to expand application spaces, achieve acceptable cost reduction targets and grow the acceptance of WBG devices to realize DOEs core missions of more efficient energy generation, greenhouse gas reduction and energy security within the U.S. This paper discusses currently funded activities and application areas that are suitable for WBG introduction. A detailed cost roadmap for SiC device introduction is also presented.
Repetitive Short-Circuit Tests on SiC VMOS Devices
Authors: Berthou Maxime , Bevilacqua Pascal , Fonder Jean Baptiste , Tournier Dominique
Published: May 2016

SiC MOSFET are now commercially available and show promising performances when considering static losses, commutations and long term reliability. The devices may face short-circuit conditions and knowing their capibility in terms of critical time and repetitive fault is mandatory before integration in commercial systems. This paper presents the short-circuit performances for two families of commercial devices in terms of critical energy, time and repetitve SC stress. It shows that both devices show similar critical time but very different behavior when stressed under repetitive SC pulses. These results demonstrate that SiC MOSFET reliability under repetitive short-circuit pulses strongly depends on the pulse length and device provider. This information will be crucial to design the system in order to limit the SC length depending on the application requirements.
Comparative Simulation Study of Dynamic Behavior of the Body-Diode for 4H-SiC JFET and MOSFET
Authors: Elpelt Rudolf , Zippelius Bernd , Domes Daniel
Published: May 2016

In switching applications with half-bridge like configurations the load current is commutated to the so-called reverse or body-diode of a switching device once each switching cycle. The bipolar charge generated in the switch in principle leads to a reverse recovery current and to additional losses. Though it is well known, that in silicon carbide these reverse recovery losses are very low compared to e.g. silicon devices, it turns out that depending on device structure and switching conditions the reverse recovery charge for the JFET may become larger than can be explainable by the stored bipolar charge. In this paper therefore we focus on a simulation study comparing the body-diode operation of common lateral channel silicon carbide JFET and MOSFET devices in a so-called double pulse measurement. It is shown, that the MOSFET body-diode operation still remains uncritical under very fast switching conditions, while the JFET body-diode exhibits a pronounced recovery current peak originating from a partial channel turn-on, and thus higher losses.
SiC Power Switches Evaluation for Space Applications Requirements
Authors: Godignon Philippe , Massetti Silvia , Jordà X. , Soler V. , Moreno J. , Lopez D. , Maset E.
Published: May 2016

We have evaluated several SiC power switches available on the market, by defining and performing a global test campaign oriented to Space applications requirements, in order to define their main benefits but also the limits of current SiC technology. This allowed to identify a number of target applications where SiC could be used as a technology push for a new generation of space electronics units. Silicon devices qualified for space systems above 600V for the switches and 1200V for the rectifiers are not available due to performances limitations of Si. Among the typical static and dynamic characterization, we have performed temperature and power stress and HTRB tests. More remarkably, we have carried out a first batch of total dose and heavy ions radiation experiments on 3 types of power switches: normally-on JFET, normally-off JFET and power MOSFET. Due to its higher stability and radiation hardness, the normally-on JFET is today the more adequate and reliable switch for the space applications.
High Performance 1.2kV-2.5kV 4H-SiC MOSFETs with Excellent Process Capability and Robustness
Authors: Losee Peter A. , Bolotnikov Alexander , Kennerly Stacey , Collazo-Davila Christopher , Lilienfeld David , Dunne Greg , Gorczyca Thomas , Deeb Peter , Kretchmer James , Esler David , Stevanovic Ljubisa
Published: May 2016

In this paper, we show state of the art, low on-resistance, 25mW/1.2kV and 43mW/2.5kV SiC MOSFETs with excellent design robustness and process control such that the parametric spread of key device characteristics are approaching Si products. The impact of starting material variability on device performance is shown and design sensitivity curves are presented.
Design and Economic Considerations to Achieve the Price Parity of SiC MOSFETs with Silicon IGBTs
Authors: Sung Woong Je , Baliga B. Jayant
Published: May 2016

This paper aims to establish an intuitive model to determine the chip size of 1200V SiC MOSFET for a particular current rating. In order to provide the direction of next generation SiC MOSFETs, the most vital device parameters were investigated, and their quantitative influences are given. Cost analysis, based on the proposed method, shows that it is feasible to achieve the price parity to Silicon IGBTs by concurrent efforts such as improvements on the device innovation, advanced packaging technology, and reduced processing cost by leveraging high volume commercial 150 mm Si Foundries in US.
Electro-Thermal TCAD Model for 22 kV Silicon Carbide IGBTs
Authors: Hinojosa Miguel , Ogunniyi Aderinto , Bayne Stephen , van Brunt Edward , Ryu Sei Hyung
Published: May 2016

This paper presents the current progress in the development of an electro-thermal numerical model for 22 kV 4H-silicon carbide IGBTs. This effort involved the creation of a TCAD model based on doping profiles and structural layers to simulate the steady-state and switching characteristics of recently-fabricated experimental devices. The technical challenge of creating this high voltage SiC IGBT model was incorporating semiconductor equations with sub-models representing carrier mobility, generation, recombination, and lattice heat flow effects with parameters conditioned for 4H-silicon carbide material. Simulations of the steady-state and switching characteristics were performed and later verified with laboratory measurements for an N-type SiC IGBT rated for 22 kV with an active area of 0.37 cm2 and a drift region of 180 μm.
Geometrical Effect Dependency on the On-State Characteristics in 5.6 kV 4H-SiC BJTs
Authors: Salemi Arash , Elahipanah Hossein , Zetterling Carl Mikael , Östling Mikael
Published: May 2016

The influence of varying the emitter-base geometry, i.e., the emitter width (WE), emitter contact–emitter edge distance (Wn), and base contact–emitter edge (Wp) on the on-state characteristics in 5.6 kV implantation free 4H-SiC BJTs are investigated. The BJTs present a clear emitter size effect pointing out that surface recombination has a significant influence on current gain (β). The results show that the influence of varying Wp on the β is higher than Wn. A distance of 3 μm between emitter contact and base contact to the emitter edge (Wn = Wp = 3 μm) is the optimized value to have a BJT with a high β, and low on-resistance (RON) at a given WE.
3300V-Class 4H SiC Implantation-Epitaxial Mosfets with Low Specific On-Resistance of 11.6mΩcm2 and High Avalanche Withstanding Capability
Authors: Tsuji Takashi , Shiomi Hiromu , Ohse Naoyuki , Onishi Yasuhiko , Fukuda Kenji
Published: May 2016

In this paper, newly developed 3300V-class IEMOSFETs were presented. By means of the optimization of current spreading layers (CSLs), we could achieve low specific on-resistance (RONA) of 11.6mΩcm2, while maintaining high blocking voltage (BVDSS) of 3978V. The RONA analysis revealed drastic reduction of JFET resistance compared to a MOSFET without a CSL. High ruggedness with the avalanche withstanding energy of 4.6J/cm2 was achieved by the optimal device design of the edge termination. We could also confirm favorable characteristics of RONA, BVDSS and threshold voltage (VTH) at high temperatures up to 200○C, and the fast switching behavior.
Silicon Carbide MOSFETs for Medium Voltage Megawatt Scale Systems
Authors: Pala Vipindas , van Brunt Edward , Hull Brett , Allen Scott , Palmour John W.
Published: May 2016

Due to their low switching energies, knee-less forward characteristics, and a robust, low reverse recovery body diode, SiC MOSFETs are ideal candidates to replace silicon IGBTs in many high-power medium-voltage topologies. This paper demonstrates how SiC MOSFETs can be effectively combined in series and parallel to maximize the system power density and performance.
Preparation Process of BST Dielectric Ceramics
Authors: Zhao Li Ping , Tao Wen Hong , Fu Xing Hua , Cao Wen Zhe , Cheng Guo Yuan , Ma Wen Xin
Published: May 2016

Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3 powders were prepared via a new sol-gel method with titanium oxide, strontium nitrate, and barium nitrate as raw materials. The microstructure and electrical properties were characterized by field scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction and impedance analyser. When the PH = 4, n (CA): n (metal oins) = 3:1 and the synthesis temperature is 800 °C, Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3 powders were obtained with good crystallinity. BST ceramics sintered at 1250 °C for 2h exhibited good dielectric properties (εr = 930, tanδ = 0.08) at room temperature and f =1 KHz. The relatively low sintering temperature and excellent dielectric properties would make these ceramics promising for applications in electronics.
Preparation and Characterization of Hierarchical Pore Molecular Sieve with Large Pore Size
Authors: Li Min , Liu Dong , Wang Yue Lun , Zhang Ya Dong , Yu Ran , Cong Xing Shun
Published: May 2016

A series of hierarchical pore molecular sieves (HPMSs) with pore size up to 6.0 nm were prepared using triblock copolymer (P123) as mesoporous template agent and characterized by N2 adsorption-desorption. Cobalt-loaded catalysts were prepared by impregnating cobalt nitrate onto HPMSs and characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The result indicates that mesopore size of HPMS increased along with the increment of the amount of P123. The selectivity of the catalysts for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis was evaluated in a fixed-bed reactor, and the results show that the selectivity of C12+ hydrocarbons is increased with the increment of the pore size.
Electrochemical Properties of Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotubes as a Novel Negative Electrode for Calcium Secondary Batteries
Authors: Lee Chang Hee , Kim Chang Su , Jeong Yun Taek , Kim Jun Hwan , Jeong Soon Ki , Kim Yang Soo
Published: May 2016

We investigated the electrochemical behavior and properties of multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as a novel negative electrode for calcium ion batteries during charging and discharging. The second charge and discharge capacities were ~63 and ~43 mAh g–1 in propylene carbonate-based electrolyte and ~86 and ~60 mAh g–1 in ethylene carbonate-based electrolyte, respectively. X-ray diffraction analysis results showed that the inter-layer distance of the MWCNTs was increased after charging, indicating that calcium ions were intercalated into the MWCNT graphitic sheets during the charging. The electrochemical performance of the MWCNT electrode was improved by using ball milling to introduce defects.
Determinants of rental value for residential properties: A land owner’s perspective for boarding homes
Authors: Wickramaarachchi Nishan
Published: May 2016

Housing is the most representative land use in any urban area. At present renting of houses instead of buying is a significant phenomenon in the housing market. The ultimate goal of owning a rental property is to make profits with little additional effort. With the absence of a guideline, land owners arbitrary evaluate the property and charges unaffordable values. Since there is no alternative, depending on the need, tenant has to accept it. On the other hand, as each piece of property is unique, it is difficult to fix a rent. This becomes worse in boarding homes. With this background the focus of this paper is on developing an index as a guideline to determine the rental value in housing market. The case study specifies the renting based on higher education institute. Hence three types of renting units such as bed, room and annex selected. The data collection was completed through a structured questionnaire. The significant of each variable is evaluated through a multiple regression model. The findings categorized into levels on the basis of the coefficient values. The results indicate that distance to main junction is the most significant variable in the three types of properties.
Suitability of charcoal-cement passive evaporative cooler for banana ripening
Authors: Dharmasena D. A. N. , Kumari A. H. M. R. R.
Published: May 2016

The common banana ripening methods practiced by fruit sellers are application of calcium carbide or ‘ethrel’. Ethrel is expensive and therefore the ethylene analogue calcium carbide is commonly used although it contains heavy metals as it is readily available. Therefore a passive evaporative cooler made of charcoal, cement and sand was tested as a ripening chamber for banana as the internal relative humidity and temperature were ideal for banana ripening. The evaporative cooler maintained a high relative humidity of around 90-98% with a 30C temperature reduction than room temperature during the test period. In the experiment, banana cultivars were allowed to ripen with 1000ppm ethrel and without ethrel, in two evaporative coolers and in two corrugated fibreboard boxes with the same dimensions of the cooler, under room conditions. Fruits from a single hand were subjected to all treatments and four parameters; TSS, peel colour, firmness and weight were tested. There were no significant differences of TSS, peel colour and firmness among four treatments. However for all cultivars, the weight loss was 16-22% for fruits ripened in the boxes while the weight loss was 3 - 6% .for those ripened in the evaporative cooler.
Motivation of manual workers through safe use of pesticides
Authors: Rosiro H. S. R.
Published: May 2016

This exploratory study was undertaken in an attempt to analyse how safe working habits of the handling of pesticides by manual workers in foliage farms in Sri Lanka affect work motivation and to propose strategies to improve work motivation. The study was conducted on five foliage plant exporting companies located within the Negombo area in Sri Lanka and the sample consisted of ten executives and hundred manual workers. Data were collected using questionnaires administered through structured interviews and by observations. Work motivation has been measured indirectly through workers’ attitude, degree of happiness and satisfaction. Independent variables of the study were existing working conditions, safety precautions taken in the use of pesticides and workers’ attitude towards handling pesticides. Six other factors contributory towards work motivation were also studied. The study proved that work motivation has a relationship with three independent variables. Strategies of reinforcement of safe working habits and strategies on other aspects of working were recommended to improve work motivation.
Taeniasis in non-descript dogs in Ngorongoro, Tanzania: Prevalence and predisposing factors
Authors: Swai Emmanuel S. , Miran Miran B. , Kasuku Ayubu A. , Nzalawahe Jahashi
Published: May 2016

The prevalence of taeniasis was determined during the period January to April 2013 in a cross-sectional study of non-descript domestic dogs from the livestock–wildlife ecosystem of Ngorongoro, Tanzania. Taeniid eggs were determined by screening faecal samples using the formalin-ether sedimentation technique. Predisposing factors for dog infection were assessed in relation to demographic, husbandry and management data. Of the 205 faecal samples screened, 150 (73.2%) were positive for taeniid eggs. The prevalence of dogs harbouring taeniid eggs was 80%, 30.2% and 75.3% in the less than 1 year, 1–3 years and greater than 3 years of age groups, respectively. Age group and sex prevalence in dogs did not differ significantly (P > 0.05), although the females showed a marginally higher prevalence (73.8%) in comparison to the males (72.7%). Taeniid eggs were significantly more likely to be found in the faeces of dogs located in Waso (80.6%) and Endulen (75%) than in Malambo (63.2%, P < 0.05). The study revealed that dogs owned and raised by agro-pastoralists were at a lower risk of acquiring Taenia spp. infection (P = 0.001) than those that were raised by pastoralists. The majority of dog owners were not aware of the predisposing factors and the mode of transmission of taeniids. Dogs were frequently fed on viscera, trimmings and the heads of slaughtered animals, and they were not treated for parasitic infections. The findings of this study indicate that taeniasis is prevalent among non-descript dogs in Ngorongoro, underscoring the need for further research and active surveillance to better understand the transmission cycle of Taenia spp. in a wider geographical area in Tanzania.
Support Recovery from Noisy Measurement via Orthogonal Multi-Matching Pursuit
Authors: Dan Wei
Published: May 2016

In this paper, a new stopping rule is proposed for orthogonal multi-matching pursuit (OMMP). We show that, for ℓ2 bounded noise case, OMMP with the new stopping rule can recover the true support of any K-sparse signal x from noisy measurements y = Фx + e in at most K iterations, provided that all the nonzero components of x and the elements of the matrix Ф satisfy certain requirements. The proposed method can improve the existing result. In particular, for the noiseless case, OMMP can exactly recover any K-sparse signal under the same RIP condition.
Nonconforming Mixed Finite Element Method for Time-dependent Maxwell's Equations with ABC
Authors: Yao Changhui , Shi Dongyang
Published: May 2016

In this paper, a nonconforming mixed finite element method (FEM) is presented to approximate time-dependent Maxwell's equations in a three-dimensional bounded domain with absorbing boundary conditions (ABC). By employing traditional variational formula, instead of adding penalty terms, we show that the discrete scheme is robust. Meanwhile, with the help of the element's typical properties and derivative transfer skills, the convergence analysis and error estimates for semidiscrete and backward Euler fully-discrete schemes are given, respectively. Numerical tests show the validity of the proposed method.
A Non-Krylov Subspace Method for Solving Large and Sparse Linear System of Equations
Authors: Peng Wujian , Lin Qun
Published: May 2016

Most current prevalent iterative methods can be classified into the socalled extended Krylov subspace methods, a class of iterative methods which do not fall into this category are also proposed in this paper. Comparing with traditional Krylov subspace methods which always depend on the matrix-vector multiplication with a fixed matrix, the newly introduced methods (the so-called (progressively) accumulated projection methods, or AP (PAP) for short) use a projection matrix which varies in every iteration to form a subspace from which an approximate solution is sought. More importantly an accelerative approach (called APAP) is introduced to improve the convergence of PAP method. Numerical experiments demonstrate some surprisingly improved convergence behavior. Comparison between benchmark extended Krylov subspace methods (Block Jacobi and GMRES) are made and one can also see remarkable advantage of APAP in some examples. APAP is also used to solve systems with extremely ill-conditioned coefficient matrix (the Hilbert matrix) and numerical experiments shows that it can bring very satisfactory results even when the size of system is up to a few thousands.
Factors Associated With Activity Limitations in People With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Andrade Júnia A. , Brandão Marina B. , Pinto Maria Raquel C. , Lanna Cristina C. D.
Published: May 2016

OBJECTIVE. We evaluated factors contributing to activity limitations in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health model.

METHOD. In a cross-sectional study, we measured five activity constructs in 81 people with RA.

RESULTS. Multiple regression analysis revealed the following results for the five constructs: (1) RA Activities (R2 = .512) included handgrip strength, range of motion deficit, deformity, and mental health; (2) Upper-Limb Activities (R2 = .473) included time since diagnosis, dexterity, handgrip strength, and range of motion deficit; (3) Timed Activities (R2 = .320) included dexterity and work activities; (4) Physical Autonomy Activities (R2 = .562) included range of motion deficit, vitality, pain, and functional classification; and (5) Physical Conditions for Activities (R2 = .416) included functional classification and vitality.

CONCLUSION. Factors most associated with activity limitations were handgrip strength and hand range of motion deficits. Activity limitations in people with RA are multifactorial.
Assessing Therapeutic Communication During Rehabilitation: The Clinical Assessment of Modes
Authors: Fan Chia-Wei , Taylor Renée R.
Published: May 2016

OBJECTIVE. This study applied Rasch analysis to test four versions of the Clinical Assessment of Modes (CAM), an assessment based on Taylor’s Intentional Relationship Model: CAM–P, which assesses clients’ pretreatment preferences; CAM–E, clients’ treatment experience; CAM–T, therapists’ self-reported perspective; and CAM–O, an observer rating scale.

METHOD. The CAM–P was administered to 63 inpatients. The CAM–E was administered to 110 inpatients and outpatients. Trained raters rated therapists’ modes with 59 inpatients and outpatients on the CAM–O. The CAM–T was administered to 38 therapists. Analyses of reliability and validity were conducted.

RESULTS. The CAM demonstrated adequate construct validity. All versions showed acceptable internal consistency and unidimensionality within each of the subscales. Disorder between the 5 points on the ordinal rating scale was found for the client measures (CAM–P, CAM–E) and was resolved by modifying the ratings to encompass a 4-point scale.

CONCLUSION. The four CAM versions are reliable and valid measures of therapeutic communication in rehabilitation.
Environmental controls on seasonal ecosystem evapotranspiration/potential evapotranspiration ratio as determined by the global eddy flux measurements
Authors: Liu Chunwei , Sun Ge , McNulty Steve G. , Noormets Asko , Fang Yuan
Published: May 2016

Abstract. The evapotranspiration/potential evapotranspiration (AET/PET) ratio is traditionally termed as crop coefficient (Kc) and has been gradually used as ecosystem evaporative stress index. In the current hydrology literature, Kc has been widely used to as a parameter to estimate crop water demand by water managers, but has not been well examined for other type of ecosystems such as forests and other perennial vegetation. Understanding the seasonal dynamics of this variable for all ecosystems is important to project the ecohydrologcial responses to climate change and accurately quantify water use (AET) at watershed to global scales. This study aimed at deriving Kc for multiple vegetation cover types and understanding its environmental controls by analyzing the accumulated global eddy flux (FLUXNET) data. We examined monthly AET/PET data for 7 vegetation covers including Open shrubland (OS), Cropland (CRO), Grassland (GRA), Deciduous broad leaf forest (DB), Evergreen needle leaf forest (ENF) and Evergreen broad leaf forest (EBF), and Mixed forest (MF) across 81 sites. We found that, except for evergreen forests (EBF and ENF), Kc values had large seasonal variation across all land covers. The spatial variability of Kc was best explained by latitude suggesting site factors has a major control on Kc. Seasonally, Kc increased significantly with precipitation in the summer months. Moreover, Leaf Area Index (LAI) significantly influenced monthly Kc in all land covers except EBF. During the peak growing season, forests had the highest Kc values while Croplands (CRO) had the lowest. We developed a series of multi-variatelinear monthly regression models for a large spatial scale Kc by land cover type and season using LAI, site latitude and monthly precipitation as independent variables. The Kc models are useful for understanding water stress in different ecosystems under climate change and variability and for estimating seasonal ET for large areas with mixed land covers.
Sea-Ice Indicators of Polar Bear Habitat
Authors: Stern Harry L. , Laidre Kristin L.
Published: May 2016

Abstract. Abstract. Nineteen distinct subpopulations of polar bears (Ursus maritimus) are found throughout the Arctic, and in all regions they depend on sea ice as a platform for traveling, hunting, and breeding. Therefore polar bear phenology – the cycle of biological events – is tied to the timing of sea-ice retreat in spring and advance in fall. We analyzed the dates of sea-ice retreat and advance in all 19 polar bear subpopulation regions from 1979 to 2014, using daily sea-ice concentration data from satellite passive microwave instruments. We define the dates of sea-ice retreat and advance in a region as the dates when the area of sea ice drops below a certain threshold (retreat) on its way to the summer minimum, or rises above the threshold (advance) on its way to the winter maximum. The threshold is chosen to be halfway between the historical (1979–2014) mean September and mean March sea-ice areas. In all 19 regions there is a trend toward earlier sea-ice retreat and later sea-ice advance. Trends generally range from −3 to −9 days decade−1 in spring, and from +3 to +9 days decade−1 in fall, with larger trends in the Barents Sea and central Arctic Basin. The trends are not sensitive to the threshold. We also calculated the number of days per year that the sea-ice area exceeded the threshold (termed ice-covered days), and the average sea-ice concentration from 1 June through 31 October. The number of ice-covered days is declining in all regions at the rate of −7 to −19 days decade−1, with larger trends in the Barents Sea and central Arctic Basin. The June–October sea-ice concentration is declining in all regions at rates ranging from −1 to −9 percent decade−1. These sea-ice metrics (or indicators of change in marine mammal habitat) were designed to be useful for management agencies. We recommend that the National Climate Assessment include the timing of sea-ice retreat and advance in future reports.
Moviéndonos hacia el final de nuestros días.
Authors: Panhofer Heidrun , MacDonald Jeanette
Published: May 2016

Este capítulo presenta algunas de las aventajas que el trabajo de la Danza Movimiento Terapia (DMT) brinda para los cuidados paliativos. A través de dos viñetas clínicas se despliega la importancia de un acompañamiento empático kinestésico, una escucha y presencia más allá de las palabras. Se muestra como la DMT ofrece una posibilidad de una participación activa y constructiva hacía la resiliencia, trabajando así con memoria corporal de la persona. El trabajo corporal permite conectarse con memorias anteriores, rescatando así momentos valiosos de una vida llena y rica, momentos tal vez enterrados por el sufrimiento y dolor de esta última etapa de la vida.
Consideraciones alrededor de la Danza-movimiento Terapia y sus aplicaciones en el ámbito social
Authors: Rodríguez Jiménez Rosa María , Dueso Pla Elena
Published: May 2016

El artículo presenta aspectos generales sobre la Danza Movimiento Terapia (DMT). Aborda sus orígenes históricos y su evolución en las últimas décadas. La DMT es un modelo de intervención psicoterapéutica, que comparte numerosos elementos con otras terapias creativas, y cuya singularidad se encuentra en la consideración de las manifestaciones no verbales y el movimiento creativo dentro de un proceso terapéutico. Se hace hincapié en su aspecto multidisciplinar y en su creciente aplicación en entornos sociales y educativos como un modo de promover y potenciar la salud. Finalmente, se presenta brevemente la situación actual de la profesión en España enmarcada en el contexto europeo.
Analysis of the Use of Electronic Money in Efforts to Support the Less Cash Society
Authors: Wulandari Dwi . , Soseco Thomas , Narmaditya Bagus Shandy
Published: May 2016

Technological developments have had an impact on all aspects of life including changes to existing payment systems. Electronic money (E-Money) is a non cash payment instrument in addition to credit cards and debit cards. E-money offers advantages over debit cards and credit cards that give the ease, speed, and efficiency. The issue discussed in this research covers the intensity of the use of e-money, the volume of transactions, preferences, and perceptions about the use of e-money at the Faculty of Economics, State University of Malang. This study used a qualitative approach. The findings showed that only a small portion of the respondents (17.07%) has already been used BRIZZI card as a means of payment. Majority of students simply do as much as 3-5 times transaction per month. The volume of transactions in using E-money is still low. Student preference to use BRIZZI is relatively small. Most of the respondents supported less cash society because they believe it will promote economic growth and stability.
Tradeoff between Inflation and Unemployment in the Short Run: A Case of the Indian Economy
Authors: Singh Dolly , Verma Nmp
Published: May 2016

Unemployment and inflation are issues that are central to economic life of every developing country. This paper estimates the short-run tradeoff between inflation and unemployment for the Indian economy over the period 2009-2015, in order to know whether there is a tradeoff between inflation and unemployment. In short run there is inverse relationship of inflation with the unemployment, increase in inflation leads to decrease in unemployment and vice versa. This variable is subjected to Bi-variants regression analysis, with unemployment as its dependent variable in the first model, inflation in the second model and real GDP in the third model. The research outcomes proved the effective orientation of unemployment for the inflation and real GDP at statistically non-significance level. The findings proved the negative effect of unemployment for inflation and positive effect on real GDP. The unemployment is a continuously occurring phenomenon in all economies of developing countries where it is affecting highly the level of employment; price level, living standard of people, and real GDP. The findings proved the influential relationship between unemployment and inflation conditions, Unemployment and Real GDP conditions, but in our economic condition it is proved as non-significant. Consequently, the major policy implication of these results is that concerted efforts should be made by policy makers towards restructuring the economy, managing price instability and level of employment.
Health inequalities and the welfare state: perspectives from social epidemiology
Authors: Kaplan George A.
Published: May 2016

It might be assumed that welfare states that have done so much to reduce inequality of opportunity have also reduced inequality of health outcomes. While great advances have been seen in reducing the rates of many diseases in welfare states, disparities in health have not been eliminated. Is it the case that lowering risks overall will leave disparities that cannot be remediated, and that such efforts are at the point of diminishing returns? The evidence suggests that this is not true. Instead the lens of social epidemiology can be used to identify groups that are at unequal risk and to suggest strategies for reducing health inequalities through upstream, midstream, and downstream interventions. The evidence suggests that these interventions be targeted at low socioeconomic position, place-based limitations in opportunities and resources, stages of the life course and the accumulation of disadvantage across the life course, and the underlying health-related factors that are associated with the marginalization and exclusion of certain groups. In their commitment to the values of equity and social justice, welfare states have unique opportunities to demonstrate the extent to which health inequalities can be eliminated.
SÍNDROME DE INSENSIBILIDADE COMPLETA AO ANDROGÊNIO: RELATO DE CASO DE UM HOSPITAL PEDIÁTRICO DE CURITIBA
Authors: Kormann Mylena , Rahman Soraya , Gehlen Maiara , Moritz Marcela , Mamus Laysla , Graça Geraldo
Published: May 2016

A síndrome de insensibilidade periférica ao androgênio (CAIS), é a causa mais comum de pseudo hermafroditismo masculino. Nela ocorre insensibilidade periférica dos receptores à ação do androgênio, mas os níveis hormonais encontram-se dentro da normalidade até a puberdade. O resultado é o desenvolvimento de fenótipo feminino, apesar do genótipo masculino. Objetivo: Relatar um caso de CAIS de uma paciente acompanhada pelo serviço de endocrinologia de um hospital pediátrico de Curitiba. Método: Estudo retrospectivo. Discussão: Apresentamos o caso de uma paciente de um ano e três meses, com fenótipo feminino, diagnosticada com CAIS após realização de cirurgia por suspeita de hérnia inguinal. O diagnóstico foi firmado pela associação de fenótipo feminino, cariótipo 46XY e presença de testículos. Os testículos a princípio foram colocados dentro da cavidade abdominal. No início do acompanhamento, a paciente não apresentava sinais de puberdade. Foi realizado seguimento clínico-laboratorial com dosagens hormonais e manutenção dos testículos até o fim da puberdade. A paciente teve a adrenarca e início da puberdade aos 12 anos, com o aumento esperado das dosagens hormonais (FSH, LH e testosterona). Atualmente, espera-se o fim da puberdade para proceder à gonadectomia profilática, devido ao risco de neoplasia. Conclusão: Na CAIS, o hormônio masculino não é capaz de exercer seus efeitos biológicos na diferenciação da genitália externa, levando a um fenótipo feminino apesar do genótipo masculino. As gônadas devem ser removidas, devido ao risco neoplásico, eventualmente podendo aguardar a puberdade.
Effects of Music and Tonal Language Experience on Relative Pitch Performance
Authors: Ngo Mary Kim , Vu Kim-Phuong L. , Strybel Thomas Z.
Published: May 2016

We examined the interaction between music and tone language experience as related to relative pitch processing by having participants judge the direction and magnitude of pitch changes in a relative pitch task. Participants’ performance on this relative pitch task was assessed using the Cochran-Weiss-Shanteau (CWS) index of expertise, based on a ratio of discrimination over consistency in participants’ relative pitch judgments. Testing took place in 2 separate sessions on different days to assess the effects of practice on participants’ performance. Participants also completed the Montreal Battery of Evaluation of Amusia (MBEA), an existing measure comprising subtests aimed at evaluating relative pitch processing abilities. Musicians outperformed nonmusicians on both the relative pitch task, as measured by the CWS index, and the MBEA, but tonal language speakers outperformed non-tonal language speakers only on the MBEA. A closer look at the discrimination and consistency component scores of the CWS index revealed that musicians were better at discriminating different pitches and more consistent in their assessments of the direction and magnitude of relative pitch change.
Valuing Urban Tropical River Recreation Attributes Using Choice Experiments
Authors: Santiago Luis , Loomis John , V. Ortiz Alisa , L. Torres Ariam
Published: May 2016

While providing public access to rivers in urban areas is a first step, maintaining a high quality recreation experience can be expensive. Knowing the economic benefits of high quality recreation may help recreation managers in justifying budget increases and define priorities during a time of scarce resources. To provide that information we have conducted urban river recreation valuation using Choice Experiments (CE). We value user defined recreation attribute improvements for the following: reducing the presence of trash, increasing water clarity, reducing crowds and increasing vegetation. We also tested whether pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors influence visitors’ Willingness to Pay (WTP) for improvements in environmental attributes. Three of the four attribute improvements were statistically significant (marginal values are provided in parenthesis): reduction of trash ($173), improving water clarity ($52), and reducing crowding ($28). The results can help managers justify improved trash removal and littering enforcement strategies, and advocate improvement of water quality by means of enacting and enforcing more strict regulations on littering, off-roading use, gravel pit discharges, and maximum visitation levels.
Do Innovation and Offshoring Make a Difference? An Empirical Exploration of the Effects on the Performance of European Firms
Authors: Calia Pinuccia , D'Attoma Ida , Pacei Silvia
Published: May 2016

This study attempts to answer the question of whether European manufacturing firms that undertake offshoring, innovation or both benefit from higher productivity and profitability. From a methodological point of view, the driving forces that push firms to innovate and/or to offshore can be seen as self-selection mechanisms that make the estimation of their economic impact more difficult if the confounding factors affecting these mechanisms also affect the economic performance of the firms. To disentangle the effect of both offshoring and innovation on firms’ performances from the effect of firm characteristics, the propensity score matching methodology in a multi-overlapping treatment setting is used. The study targets European countries using the EU-EFIGE/Bruegel-Unicredit dataset. Decisions to offshore and innovate do not seem to have a significant effect on productivity, whereas the decision to innovate only has a significant effect on firm profitability.
Impacts of Monetary Policy on Stock Market through Survey from Investors
Authors: Nguyen Trung Thanh , Do Thi Linh , Nguyen Van Duy
Published: May 2016

Analyzing the impacts of the monetary policy on the stock market is very important to investors. There are many papers studying this relationship, but study based on investors is still limited. This paper is conducted by interviewing experts and Stock Investors in Vietnam. After having research results, the authors continue to use multi-variables method (EFA, regression analysis) and get the following outcomes: According to investors, the policy of interest rate, required reserved ration and exchange rate have impacts on Vietnam stock market; the policy of money supply does not have influence on the market. At the same time, interest rate has the strongest impact on stock market following by the required reserved ratio and the exchange rate.
Electrochemical Sensing of Bisphenol A by a Didodecyldimethylammonium Bromide-Modified Expanded Graphite Paste Electrode
Authors: Zhang Jing , Ma Sa , Wang Wenchang , Chen Zhidong
Published: May 2016

An electrochemical and sensitive sensing of 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) propane [bisphenol A (BPA)] was developed based on a didodecyldimethylammonium bromide-modified expanded graphite paste electrode (DDAB-EGPE). The DDAB-EGPE was prepared by suspending an EGPE in a DDAB aqueous solution, and allowing the DDAB to form a hydrophobic film on the expanded graphite surface. Compared with the EGPE, the DDAB-EGPE showed improved electrochemical response of BPA because of the preconcentration of BPA in DDAB via hydrophobic interaction. Due to the electrocatalytic activity of BPA, a sensor for BPA was constructed based on the DDAB-EGPE. The DDAB-EGPE exhibited a wide linear response to BPA ranging from 6.0 × 10−8 to 2.0 × 10−5 mol/L with a detection limit of 7.1 nmol/L at S/N = 3. The designed sensor showed good reproducibility and stability. The proposed sensor was successfully applied to the determination of BPA in three types of real plastic product samples. This sensor presented a simple, rapid, and sensitive platform for the determination of BPA and could become a versatile and powerful tool for food safety.
Vol. 20, n. 1, jan./abr. (2016). Geografia Ensino & Pesquisa.
Authors: . Comitê editorial
Published: May 2016

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From sanctuaries to prefigurative social change: Creating health-enabling spaces in East London community gardens
Authors: Guerlain Madeleine A. , Campbell Catherine
Published: May 2016

How do community gardens impact the psycho-social well-being of marginalized groups in urban settings? And to what extent are they examples of prefigurative social change, understood as the development of social relations that prefigure a more equal and empowering social world? We explore these issues through qualitative research with four community garden groups in East London, thematically analysing interviews and group discussions with 28 gardeners, Photovoice with 12 gardeners producing 250 photographs, and 40 hours of participant observation. We offer two unique insights: a novel understanding of how participation in community gardens affects well-being through creating ‘health-enabling social spaces’ (Campbell, C., & Cornish, F. (2010). Towards a “fourth generation” of approaches to HIV/AIDS management: Creating contexts for effective community mobilization. AIDS Care, 22(Suppl. 2), 1569-1579); and a discussion of how creating these spaces is an act of prefigurative social change. Our findings suggest that in East London, participation in community gardens is not based on a common political intention or self-conscious motive to prefigure a new society, but instead on the shared practice of gardening. This results in unintended benefits that often address participants’ personal adversities in ways that contribute to the material, relational and symbolic deprivation of their daily lives – opening up new possibilities for being, seeing and doing. In this sense, community gardens in East London offer an alternative to traditional notions of prefigurative social action that are predicated on strategic intention. We argue for an understanding of prefiguration that better accounts for what participants themselves would like to achieve in their own lives, rather than in relation to externally imposed notions of what counts as political change.
Psychological sense of community as an example of prefiguration among Occupy protesters
Authors: Permut Magda
Published: May 2016

This study examines psychological sense of community (PSOC) among participants in the Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, DC Occupy protests. The Occupy protests brought national attention to economic disparities in the United States. The movement was unique in its development of physical protest sites where participants developed communities, piloted direct democracy techniques, and tested out alternative ways of life. The current research examines 24 qualitative interviews using an integrative framework that draws upon sociology and community psychology concepts. This framework suggests that the Occupy movement created a protest space wherein participants experienced positive sense of community at the micro-level (the Occupy site), which often contrasted with their neutral or negative sense of community at the macro-level (the United States). Implications for the study of prefigurative politics are discussed. This research adds to extant literature in community psychology and prefigurative politics by systematically examining multi-level sense of community as an example of prefiguration within a social movement.