bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antireflective and passivation properties of the photovoltaic structure with Al2O3 layer of different thickness
Authors: Swatowska Barbara 
Published: May 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to verify the possibility of applying alumina (Al2O3) as the passivation and antireflective coating in silicon solar cells.

Design/methodology/approach
Model of a studied structure contains the following layers: Al2O3/n+/n-type Si/p+/Al2O3. Optical parameters of the aluminium oxide films on silicon wafers were measured in the range of wavelengths from 250 to 1,400 nm with a spectrophotometer Perkin Elmer Lambda 900. The minority carrier lifetime at the start of the n-type Si base material and after each of the next technological process was analysed by a quasi-steady-state photoconductance technique. The electrical parameters of the solar cells fabricated with four different thickness of the Al2O3 layer were determined on the basis of the current-voltage (I-V) characteristics. The silicon solar cells of 25 cm2 area and 300 µm thickness were investigated.

Findings
The optimum thickness of alumina as passivation layer is 90 nm. However, considering also antireflective properties of the first layer of a photovoltaic cell, the best structure is silicon with alumina passivation layer of 30 nm thickness and with TiO2 antireflective coatings of 60 nm thickness. Such solution has allowed to produce the cells with the fill factor of 0.77 and open circuit voltage of 618 mV.

Originality/value
Measurements confirmed the possibility of applying the Al2O3 as a passivation and antireflective coating (obtained by atomic layer deposition method) for improving the efficiency of solar cells.
Application of microwave heating in ceramic-based microfluidic module
Authors: Malecha Karol , Macioszczyk Jan , Slobodzian Piotr , Sobkow Jacek 
Published: May 2018

Purpose
This paper aims to focus on the application of low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) technology in the fabrication of a microfluidic module with integrated microwave components. The design, technology and performance of such an LTCC-based module is investigated. The rapid heating of liquid samples on a microliter scale is shown to be possible with the use of microwaves.

Design/methodology/approach
The developed microwave-microfluidic module was fabricated using well-known LTCC technology. The finite element method was used to design the geometry of the microwave circuit. Various numerical simulations for different liquids were performed. Finally, the performance of the real LTCC-based microwave-microfluidic module was examined experimentally.

Findings
LTCC materials and technology can be used in the fabrication of microfluidic modules which use microwaves in the heating of the liquid sample. LTCC technology permits the fabrication of matching circuits with appropriate geometry, whereas microwave power can be used to heat up the liquid samples on a microliter scale.

Research limitations/implications
The main limitation of the presented work is found to be in conjunction with LTCC technology. The dimensions and shape of the deposited conductors (e.g. microstrip line, matching circuit) depend on the screen-printing process. A line with resolution lower than 75 µm with well-defined edges is difficult to obtain. This can have an effect on the high-frequency properties of the LTCC modules.

Practical implications
The presented LTCC-based microfluidic module with integrated microwave circuits provides an opportunity for the further development of various micro-total analysis systems or lab-on-chips in which the rapid heating of liquid samples in low volumes is needed (e.g. miniature real-time polymerase chain reaction thermocycler).

Originality/value
Examples of the application of LTCC technology in the fabrication of microwave circuits and microfluidic systems can be found in the available literature. However, the LTCC-based module which combines microwave and microfluidic components has yet to have been reported. The preliminary work on the design, fabrication and properties of the LTCC microfluidic module with integrated microwave components is presented in this paper.
High voltage applications of low temperature co-fired ceramics
Authors: Dabrowski Arkadiusz , Rydygier Przemyslaw , Czok Mateusz , Golonka Leszek 
Published: May 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to design, fabricate and test devices based on transformers integrated with low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) modules with isolation between primary and secondary windings at the level between 6 and 12 kV.

Design/methodology/approach
Insulating properties of the LTCC were examined. Dielectric strength and volume resistivity were determined for common LTCC tapes: 951 (DuPont), 41020, 41060 (ESL), A6M (Ferro) and SK47 (KEKO). According to the determined properties, three different devices were designed, fabricated and tested: a compact DC/DC converter, a galvanic separator for serial digital bus and a transformer for high-voltage generator.

Findings
Breakdown field intensity higher than 40 kV/mm was obtained for the test samples set, whereas the best breakdown field intensity of about 90 kV/mm was obtained for 951 tape. The materials 41020 and 951 exhibited the highest volume resistivity. Fabricated devices exhibited safe operation up to a potential difference of 10 kV, limited by minimum clearance. Long-term stability was assured by over 20 kV strength of inner dielectric.

Practical implications
This paper contains description of three devices made in the LTCC technology for application in systems with high-voltage isolation requirement, for example, for power or railway power networks.

Originality/value
The results show that LTCC is a suitable material for fabrication of high-voltage devices with integrated passives. Technology and properties of three examples of such devices are described, demonstrating the ability of the LTCC technology for application in reliable high-voltage devices and systems.
Capacitive touch sensor
Authors: Zuk Samuel , Pietrikova Alena , Vehec Igor 
Published: May 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyse the possibilities of mechanical switch replacement by capacitive film touch sensor in applications requiring high reliability and short response time. Advantage of replacing mechanical switch by capacitive touch sensor is no mechanical wear and possible implementation of sensor in application where the switch could not be used or where the flexibility of the sensor substrate is required. The aim of this work is to develop a capacitive touch sensor with the advantage of maximum mechanical resistance, short response time and high sensitivity.

Design/methodology/approach
Based on various possible sensors layouts, the authors realized 18 different (14 self-capacitance and four mutual capacitance) topologies of capacitive sensor for touch applications. Three different technologies – PCB, LTCC and polymer technology – were used to characterize sensor’s behaviour. For precise characterization of different layouts realized on various substrates, the authors used integrated circuit FDC2214 capacitance-to-digital converter.

Findings
Sensing range of the capacitive touch (proximity) sensor is affected by the per cent of area covered by the sensor, and it does not depend on topology of sensor. The highest sensing range offers PCB technology. Flexible substrates can be used as proper substituent to rigid PCB.

Originality/value
The novelty of this work lies in finding the touch capacitive sensors that allow shorter switching times compared to standard mechanical switches.
Borosilicate spray-on glass solutions for fabrication silicon solar cell back surface field
Authors: Filipowski Wojciech , Drabczyk Kazimierz , Wróbel Edyta , Sobik Piotr , Waczynski Krzysztof , Waczynska-Niemiec Natalia 
Published: May 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop a method of preparing spray-on dopant solutions that enable obtaining a p+ region forming a back-surface field (BSF) during the diffusion doping process. The spray-on method used allows to decrease the costs of dopant solution application, which is particularly significant for new low-cost production processes.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper presents steps of production of high concentration boron dopant solutions enabling diffusion doping of crystalline p-type silicon surfaces. To check the fabricated dopant solutions for stability and suitability for spray-on application, their viscosity and density were measured in week-long intervals. The dopant solutions described in this paper were used in a series of diffusion doping processes to confirm their suitability for BSF production.

Findings
A method of preparing dopant solutions with parameters enabling depositing them on silicon wafers by the spray-on method has been established. Due to hygroscopic properties of the researched dopant solutions, a maximum surrounding atmosphere humidity has been established. The solutions should not be applied by the spray-on method, if this humidity value is exceeded. The conducted derivatographic examination enabled establishing optimal drying conditions.

Originality/value
The paper presents a new composition of a dopant solution which contains high concentration of boron and may be applied by the spray-on method. Derivatographic examination results, as well as equations describing the relation between dopant solution density and viscosity and storage time are also original for this research. The established dependencies between the sheet resistance of the fabricated BSF and the diffusion doping time are other new elements described in the paper.
The effects of enactment on communicative competence in aphasic casual conversation: a functional linguistic perspective
Authors: Groenewold Rimke , Armstrong Elizabeth 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundPrevious research has shown that speakers with aphasia rely on enactment more often than non‐brain‐damaged language users. Several studies have been conducted to explain this observed increase, demonstrating that spoken language containing enactment is easier to produce and is more engaging to the conversation partner. This paper describes the effects of the occurrence of enactment in casual conversation involving individuals with aphasia on its level of conversational assertiveness.AimsTo evaluate whether and to what extent the occurrence of enactment in speech of individuals with aphasia contributes to its conversational assertiveness.Methods & ProceduresConversations between a speaker with aphasia and his wife (drawn from AphasiaBank) were analysed in several steps. First, the transcripts were divided intomoves, and all moves were coded according to the systemic functional linguistics (SFL) framework. Next, all moves were labelled in terms of their level of conversational assertiveness, as defined in the previous literature. Finally, all enactments were identified and their level of conversational assertiveness was compared with that of non‐enactments.Outcomes & ResultsThroughout their conversations, the non‐brain‐damaged speaker was more assertive than the speaker with aphasia. However, the speaker with aphasia produced more enactments than the non‐brain‐damaged speaker. The moves of the speaker with aphasia containing enactment were more assertive than those without enactment.Conclusions & ImplicationsThe use of enactment in the conversations under study positively affected the level of conversational assertiveness of the speaker with aphasia, a competence that is important for speakers with aphasia because it contributes to their floor time, chances to be heard seriously and degree of control over the conversation topic.
MRπ: Inside the meat pie
Authors: Massie John , Kean Michael , Cain Tim ,   from the Society for the Advancement of Humour in Medicine
Published: May 2018

SummaryMeat pies have been adopted as one of Australia's favourite foods, and considered an icon by many. The hand‐held convenience of the pie has made them a culinary necessity while watching sport, also beloved in Australia. An enduring question about the meat pie is what exactly is inside. This can be difficult to ascertain by digital, ocular or oral exploration. In this study we use MR imaging to study the contents of some of Australia's best loved pies.
Multiscale movements of golden perch (Percichthyidae: Macquaria ambigua) in the River Murray, Australia
Authors: Zampatti Brenton P. , Leigh Sandra J. , Bice Christopher M. , Rogers Paul J. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractUnderstanding the spatio‐temporal characteristics of animal movement is integral to effective conservation and management. Golden perch (Macquaria ambigua) is a potamodromous species known to undertake long‐distance movements, putatively in response to elevated flow in spring and summer. In this study, 52 adult golden perch from the lower River Murray were surgically implanted with radio transmitters and passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags, and tracked for 2 years. Strong site fidelity was common, with 19 fish (~36%) remaining at the site of capture throughout the study. This included a spawning season (spring‐summer) and a period of elevated flow. Eighteen fish (35%) made small‐ to medium‐scale (2–22 km) movements that included the establishment of new home sites. Fifteen fish (29%) migrated long distances (33–270 km) upstream in spring–summer, coincident with steady, falling and rising flows. These movements were correlated with seasonal variation in mean daily water temperature, and to a lesser extent, short‐term (10‐day) flow variability, and did not coincide with spawning or recruitment during the year of migration. This contrasts previous studies that have associated long‐distance movements of golden perch with increased flows and spawning. Upstream migration continued until passage was blocked by a weir, or fish were captured by anglers. Our results highlight the need for a broad spatio‐temporal perspective when investigating the movement of long‐lived potamodromous fishes, to integrate the range of behaviours exhibited by individuals and population contingents. We advocate that life history models that incorporate behavioural plasticity and a river‐scale perspective will advance conservation.
Effects of seed dispersal and microsite features on seedling establishment in New Zealand fleshy‐fruited perennial mountain plants
Authors: Young Laura May , Kelly Dave 
Published: May 2018

AbstractFactors determining the effectiveness of animals as seed dispersers include effects of gut passage on seed viability and germination, the microsite into which seeds are deposited, and potential post‐dispersal impacts on establishment through predation and herbivory. We determined the relative importance of key pre‐ and post‐ seed dispersal processes for eight fleshy fruited montane and subalpine woody species that occur naturally in montane‐subalpine mixed shrub‐grassland in New Zealand's Southern Alps. A full factorial field experiment measuring the effects of fruit pulp removal, beneath‐canopy microsite (shade/open), vegetative competition (turf dug/not), and seed/seedling herbivore exclusion (caged/uncaged) on germination, seedling survival and height growth was carried out for 3.5 years. Only three species began germination within one year of sowing while all species experienced at least some germination by 3.5 years, showing the importance of long‐term studies in the subalpine environment. The shade treatment gave the highest germination success, seedling survival and seedling heights for seven of the eight species. Fruit pulp removal, herbivore exclusion and reduced competition were all retained in some final top models, but less often than shade and with smaller effects on means. The seed disperser fauna of New Zealand's mountain flora has transformed from predominantly native birds to exotic mammals over the past century. Birds and mammals likely move seeds to different microsites. Since shady microsites were more important than fruit pulp removal, any changes in plant recruitment caused by changing disperser faunas are likely to come from different seed deposition sites.
Size or quality. What matters in vegetation restoration for bird biodiversity in endangered temperate woodlands?
Authors: Lindenmayer David B. , Blanchard Wade , Crane Mason , Michael Damian , Florance Daniel 
Published: May 2018

AbstractVegetation restoration is a globally important form of management intervention designed to both remediate degraded land and to restore biodiversity. Using a 15‐year controlled experimental study in endangered Australian temperate woodlands, we quantified the response of bird biota to vegetation enhancement leading to the re‐establishment of an understorey, an increase in woodland patch size, or a combination of both. Our empirical results were characterized by marked variation in species richness and in the response of individual species to both time since enhancement and type of enhancement. For example, overall bird species richness initially responded negatively to enhancements but the effects were mitigated over time. Similar responses were identified for individual species such as the Rufous Songlark (Megalurus mathewsii). In the case of the Noisy Miner (Manorina melanocephala), responses to enhancement were negative and remained so over time. Conversely, the White‐plumed Honeyeater (Ptilotula penicillata), Yellow‐rumped Thornbill (Acanthiza chrysorrhoa) and Superb Fairy‐wren (Malarus cyaneus) responded positively to enhancements. We also found evidence for variable responses to the kind of enhancement with some species responding to increased woodland patch size (e.g. Yellow‐rumped Thornbill), others to a combination of enhancements (e.g. White‐plumed Honeyeater), whereas yet others were agnostic to the kind of intervention that was implemented (e.g. Noisy Miner). Positive effects of enhancement were often time lagged for 6–8 years following instigation of underplanting and/or increases in woodland patch size. The negative effects of patch enhancement on the Noisy Miner indicate that underplanting and/or increases in woodland patch size may represent ways in which the impacts on other bird taxa of this despotic, hyper‐aggressive species might be mitigated.
A new method for correcting locational error from aerial surveys improves habitat model performance
Authors: Ndaimani Henry , Murwira Amon , Masocha Mhosisi 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe utility of aerial survey data in modelling the distribution of wildlife has been questioned due to locational errors. Yet, little effort has been made to correct these errors. Here, a new method is proposed for correcting locational errors associated with aerial survey data. We further tested whether the correction improves model performance using elephant aerial survey data collected at three protected sites in Zimbabwe. Our correction method succeeded in shifting location by 143–177 m from the line of flight. Based on the true skill statistic, models built using corrected data in Hwange and Mana Pools national parks were significantly better than those from uncorrected data and only in Gonarezhou national park were no significant differences in model performance observed. These results underscore the benefit of applying the new correction method in modelling wildlife distribution. The other key result is that the correction seems to be more beneficial in heterogeneous landscapes than homogeneous ones for in the former, a small shift in location results in the sampling of different habitats than where sightings were made. The proposed method opens new opportunities for improving the accuracy of aerial survey data in species distribution modelling.
Bone graft in posterior spine fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Kirzner Nathan , Hilliard Luke , Martin Catherine , Quan Gerald , Liew Susan , Humadi Ali 
Published: May 2018

BackgroundsThe aim of this study was to systematically analyse and perform a meta‐analysis on the current available literature comparing the fusion rates and complications associated with use of autograft, allograft and bone substitutes to supplement posterior spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).MethodsThe electronic databases including Embase, PubMed, Medline, Cinahl and Cochrane Library were searched to identify relevant studies. A total of 12 studies with 2389 patients were included for meta‐analysis. The primary outcome was fusion rate, while the secondary outcomes included blood loss, operation time, infection rates and post‐operative pain.ResultsThe current meta‐analysis found no difference in fusion rates between groups with an overall fusion rate of 100% (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.99–1.00; P < 0.05). Total estimated blood loss was significantly higher in the iliac crest bone graft (ICBG) group compared with control group (1018 versus 861 mL; P < 0.01). In addition, the mean operative time was significantly higher in the ICBG group (259 versus 237 min; P < 0.001). The ICBG group also had increased post‐operative pain issues compared with the control group (26 versus 9%; P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in terms of post‐operative wound infection between groups with an overall infection rate of 1% (95% CI 0.0–0.02; P = 0.06).ConclusionICBG confers no advantage over the other graft options in achieving fusion in AIS surgery. Furthermore, crest harvesting was associated with significant increases in blood loss, operative time and post‐operative pain issues. Therefore, allograft and bone substitutes are attractive alternatives to autogenous grafting during posterior fusion in AIS.
Attentional selection and suppression in children and adults
Authors: Sun Meirong , Wang Encong , Huang Jing , Zhao Chenguang , Guo Jialiang , Li Dongwei , Sun Li , Du Boqi , Ding Yulong , Song Yan 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe fundamental role of covert spatial attention is to enhance the processing of attended items while simultaneously ignoring irrelevant items. However, relatively little is known about how brain electrophysiological activities associated with target selection and distractor suppression are involved as they develop and become fully functional. The current study aimed to identify the neurophysiological bases of the development of covert spatial attention, focusing on electroencephalographic (EEG) markers of attentional selection (N2pc) and suppression (PD). EEG data were collected from healthy young adults and typically developing children (9–15 years old) as they searched for a shape singleton target in either the absence or the presence of a salient‐but‐irrelevant color singleton distractor. The ERP results showed that a lateral shape target elicited a smaller N2pc in children compared with adults regardless of whether a distractor was present or not. Moreover, the target‐elicited N2pc was always followed by a similar positivity in both age groups. Counterintuitively, a lateral salient‐but‐irrelevant distractor elicited a large PD in children with low behavioral accuracy, whereas high‐accuracy children exhibited a small and “adult‐like” PD. More importantly, we found no evidence for a correlation between the target‐elicited N2pc and the distractor‐elicited PD in either age group. Our results provide neurophysiological evidence for the developmental differences between target selection and distractor suppression. Compared with adults, 9–15‐year‐old children deploy insufficient attentional selection resources to targets but use “adult‐like” or even more attentional suppression resources to resist irrelevant distractors. A video abstract of this article can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhWapx0d75I