bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Legal Issues in the Promotion of Microtrade: From the Perspective of International Economic Law
Authors: Lee Jaemin , Lee Y.S. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThis article provides a legal analysis of microtrade from the perspective of international economic law with the introduction of the basic concept and the mechanism of microtrade. The article analyzes whether the proposed microtrade scheme complies with relevant rules of international trade under the GATT/WTO system. The article also discusses the facilitation of microtrade through government procurement in the context of Aid for Trade and examines the applicability of the WTO Government Procurement Agreement, which has been recently amended, to microtrade with consideration to potential legal implications.
Fabrication and Characterization of Low-Cost, Large-Area Spray Deposited Cu2ZnSnS4 Thin Films for Heterojunction Solar Cells
Authors: Das Sandip , Zavalla Kelvin J. , Mannan M. A. , Mandal Krishna C 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTLarge-area Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) thin films were deposited by low-cost spray pyrolysis technique on Mo-coated soda-lime glass (SLG) substrates at varied substrate temperatures of 563-703°K. Deposition conditions were optimized to obtain best quality films and effect of post deposition thermal processing of the as-deposited films under H2S ambient were investigated. Structural, morphological, and compositional characterization of as-deposited and H2S treated CZTS absorber layers were carried out by x-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDX). Optical and electrical properties were measured by UV-Vis spectroscopy, van der Pauw, and Hall-effect measurements. Films grown at ∼360°C substrate temperature showed superior optoelectronic properties, improved stoichiometry and smoother morphology compared to films grown at much higher or lower temperatures. Film properties were significantly improved after the H2S processing. Our results show that large area high quality CZTS films can be fabricated by low-cost spray pyrolysis technique for high throughput commercial production of CZTS based heterojunction solar cells.
Point Contact Admittance Spectroscopy of Thin Film Solar Cells
Authors: Vasko Anthony , Wieland Kristopher , Karpov Victor 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTWe present the new characterization technique of multi-dimensional admittance measurements. In standard admittance measurements, a semiconductor device is probed in the transverse dimension, between flat plate contacts. We extend such measurements to distributed, possibly non-uniform solar cells where one of the two contacts has very small (point-like) dimensions. As a result, both the real and displacement currents spread into lateral directions while flowing between the electrodes. Correspondingly, the probing electric field may result in contact voltages that are laterally not equipotential. The spatial voltage distribution will depend on the probing DC bias and AC frequency. The resulting measurement will give information about the system’s lump parameters, such as open circuit voltage, sheet and shunt resistances, as well as the presence and location of shunts. Understanding of the measurement is developed through intuitive and analytic models. Numerical models, utilizing finite element circuits, are used to verify the analytic results, and also may be directly compared to or used to fit experimental data. While our focus is on introducing the physical theory, early experimental results demonstrating spatial scaling are shown.
Electrical Properties of Photoconductor Using Ga2O3/CuGaSe2 Heterojunction
Authors: Kikuchi Kenji , Imura Shigeyuki , Miyakawa Kazunori , Kubota Misao , Ohta Eiji 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTThe feasibility of using a photoconductor with a Ga2O3/CuGaSe2 heterojunction for visible light sensors was investigated. CIGS chalcopyrite semiconductors have both a high absorption coefficient and high quantum efficiency. However, their dark current is too high for image sensors. In this study, we applied gallium oxide (Ga2O3) as a hole-blocking layer for CIGS thin film to reduce the dark current. Experimental results showed that the dark current was drastically reduced, and an avalanche multiplication phenomenon was observed at an applied voltage of over 6 V. However, this structure had sensitivity only in the ultraviolet light region because its depletion region was almost completely spread in the Ga2O3 layer since the carrier density of the Ga2O3 layer was much lower than that of the CIGS layer. These results indicate that the Ga2O3/CuGaSe2 heterojunction has potential for use in visible light sensors but that we also need to increase the carrier density of the Ga2O3 layer to shift the depletion region to the CIGS film.
Air-stable solution processed Cu2ZnSn(Sx,Se(1-x))4 thin film solar cells: influence of ink precursors and preparation process
Authors: Lin Xianzhong , Kavalakkatt Jaison , Lux-Steiner Martha Ch. , Ennaoui Ahmed 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTQuaternary semiconductors, Cu2ZnSnS4 and Cu2ZnSnSe4 which contain only earth-abundant elements, have been considered as the alternative absorber layers to Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) for thin film solar cells although CIGS-based solar cells have achieved efficiencies over 20 %. In this work we report an air-stable route for preparation of Cu2ZnSn(Sx,Se(1-x))4 (CZTSSe) thin film absorbers by a solution process based on the binary and ternary chalcogenide nanoparticle precursors dispersed in organic solvents. The CZTSSe absorber layers were achieved by spin coating of the ink precursors followed by annealing under Ar/Se atmosphere at temperature up to 580°C. We have investigated the influence of the annealing temperature on the reduction or elimination of detrimental secondary phases. X-ray diffraction combined with Raman spectroscopy was utilized to better identify the secondary phases existing in the absorber layers. Solar cells were completed by chemical bath deposited CdS buffer layer followed by sputtered i-ZnO/ZnO: Al bi-layers and evaporated Ni/Al grids.
CuO and Cu2O Nanoparticles for Thin Film Photovoltaics
Authors: Flohre Jan , Nuys Maurice , Leidinger Christine , Köhler Florian , Carius Reinhard 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTLaser annealing experiments on commercially available phase pure tenorite (CuO) nanoparticles (NPs) were performed in air and nitrogen atmosphere to improve the structural and electronic properties, with respect to their suitability for photovoltaic applications. The particles exhibit size variations from about 30 nm to 100 nm. The influence of the thermal treatment is investigated by photoluminescence (PL) and Raman spectroscopy. Annealing of the particles in air by a laser treatment improved the material quality by defect reduction. Additional laser annealing in N2 atmosphere leads to a phase transition of the NPs from tenorite to cuprite (Cu2O). Due to the low partial oxygen pressure, the transition is initiated at about 1/3 of the maximum laser power used for the series in air, which is indicated by a drastic increase of the band edge emission from Cu2O. However, annealing with higher laser power leads to strong defect luminescence, which originates from copper and oxygen vacancies. A weak remaining tenorite band edge emission shows an incomplete phase transition.
Impact of maximum copper content during the 3-stage process on CdS thickness tolerance in Cu(In,Ga)Se2-based solar cell
Authors: Lepetit Thomas , Arzel Ludovic , Barreau Nicolas 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTThe tolerance of photovoltaic performances of Cu(In,Ga)Se2-based (CIGSe) solar cells prepared from 3-stage grown absorbers to cadmium sulfide (CdS) buffer layer thickness was investigated. We focus on the influence of the maximum Cu content y = [Cu]/([In]+[Ga]) reached during the co-evaporation process on this tolerance. By increasing the duration of the 2nd stage we varied ymax from 0.93±0.11 up to 1.06±0.12. Although final Cu content and CIGSe surface morphology seem to be similar for all absorbers, the photovoltaic performance of cells with higher maximum Cu content are better; moreover they tolerate much thinner CdS buffers (down to 10 nm-thick) without open circuit voltage or fill factor loss. Cells with lower ymax exhibit more erratic performance and J(V,T) measurements show a specific voltage distribution for thin CdS. From these results it appears possible to decrease the CdS buffer layer thickness if it is deposited on adapted absorbers.
Characterization of Electron-Induced Defects in Cu (In, Ga) Se2 Thin-Film Solar Cells using Electroluminescence
Authors: Kawakita Shirou , Imaizumi Mitsuru , Ishizuka Shogo , Shibata Hajime , Niki Shigeru , Okuda Shuichi , Kusawake Hiroaki 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTCIGS solar cells were irradiated with 250 keV electrons, which can create only Cu-related defects in the cell, to reveal the radiation defect. The EL image of CIGS solar cells before electron irradiation at 120 K described small grains, thought to be those of the CIGS. After 250 keV electron irradiation of the CIGS cell, the cell was uniformly illuminated compared to before the electron irradiation and the observed grains were unclear. In addition, the EL intensity rose with increasing electron fluence, meaning the change in EL efficiency may be attributable to the decreased likelihood of non-irradiative recombination in intrinsic defects due to electron-induced defects. Since the light soaking effect for CIGS solar cells is reported the same phenomena, the 250 keV electron radiation effects for CIGS solar cells might be equivalent to the effect.
Low-temperature Photoluminescence Studies of CdTe Thin Films Deposited on CdS/ZnO/Glass Substrates
Authors: Rotaru Corneliu , Vatavu Sergiu , Merschjann Christoph , Ferekides Chris , Fedorov Vladimir , Tyborski Tobias , Caraman Mihail , Gaşin Petru , Lux-Steiner Martha Ch. , Rusu Marin 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTThe CdTe photoluminescence spectra of CdTe/CdS/ZnO heterojunctions annealed in the presence of CdCl2 have been analyzed in the 4.7-100K temperature range. The analysis has been performed for laser excitation power between 0.01 mW and 30 mW. The analysis showed that the photoluminescence spectrum in the 1.1-1.6 eV region consists of a defect band (1.437 eV) having complex structure and revealing well contoured LO phonon replicas and bound exciton annihilation in the 1.587-1.593 eV region. The band analysis has been carried out by deconvoluting the spectra. It has been shown that the defect band consists of two elementary bands and their phonon replica. An “unusual” temperature dependence of the defect band has been found.
Incorporation of Sb, Bi, and Te Interlayers at the Mo/Cu-In-Ga Interface for the Reaction of Cu(In,Ga)(Se,S)2
Authors: Kim Kihwan , Han Jaesung , Shafarman William N. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTIn this work, we investigate the effects of Sb, Bi, or Te interlayers at the Mo/Cu-In-Ga interface on the reaction to form Cu(In,Ga)(Se,S)2 in order to control void formation and improve adhesion. Interlayers with 10 nm thickness were evaporated onto the Mo back contact prior to sputtering the metal precursors. CIGSS absorber layers were formed by a three-step H2Se/Ar/H2S reaction and solar cells were fabricated. The influences of each interlayer were characterized in the precursor and reacted films in terms of the density of the void formation, film structure and morphology, adhesion, and device performance.
Paradigm Shifts in Disability and Health: Toward More Ethical Public Health Research
Authors: McDonald Katherine E. , Raymaker Dora M. 
Published: October 2013

Disability is often considered a health outcome disproportionately experienced by minority groups. It is also possible to view people with disabilities as a minority group that itself experiences health disparities. Calls to reduce these disparities necessitate the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in research, although resulting ethical issues can thwart scientific progress. Using disability rights principles can help address ethical challenges and promote safe, respectful public health research. Examples include applying human rights frameworks, providing accommodations, attending to power, countering legacies of deficits-based models of disability, and transforming access to science more broadly. Collectively, these strategies can encourage broader engagement in safe, respectful, inclusive public health research aimed at promoting the health and well-being of people with developmental disabilities.
The Effectiveness of Cigarette Price and Smoke-Free Homes on Low-Income Smokers in the United States
Authors: Vijayaraghavan Maya , Messer Karen , White Martha M. , Pierce John P. 
Published: October 2013

Objectives. We examined the effectiveness of state cigarette price and smoke-free homes on smoking behaviors of low-income and high-income populations in the United States. Methods. We used the 2006–2007 Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey. The primary outcomes were average daily cigarette consumption and successful quitting. We used multivariable regression to examine the association of cigarette price and smoke-free home policies on these outcomes. Results. High state cigarette price (pack price ≥ $4.50) was associated with lower consumption across all income levels. Although low-income individuals were least likely to adopt smoke-free homes, those who adopted them had consumption levels and successful quit rates that were similar to those among higher-income individuals. In multivariable analysis, both policies were independently associated with lower consumption, but only smoke-free homes were associated with sustained cessation at 90 days. Conclusions. High cigarette prices and especially smoke-free homes have the potential to reduce smoking behaviors among low-income individuals. Interventions are needed to increase adoption of smoke-free homes among low-income populations to increase cessation rates and prevent relapse.
Effects of the Minimum Legal Drinking Age on Alcohol-Related Health Service Use in Hospital Settings in Ontario: A Regression–Discontinuity Approach
Authors: Callaghan Russell C. , Sanches Marcos , Gatley Jodi M. , Cunningham James K. 
Published: October 2013

Objectives. We assessed the impact of the minimum legal drinking age (MLDA) on hospital-based treatment for alcohol-related conditions or events in Ontario, Canada. Methods. We conducted regression–discontinuity analyses to examine MLDA effects with respect to diagnosed alcohol-related conditions. Data were derived from administrative records detailing inpatient and emergency department events in Ontario from April 2002 to March 2007. Results. Relative to youths slightly younger than the MLDA, youths just older than the MLDA exhibited increases in inpatient and emergency department events associated with alcohol-use disorders (10.8%; P = .048), assaults (7.9%; P < .001), and suicides related to alcohol (51.8%; P = .01). Among young men who had recently crossed the MLDA threshold, there was a 2.0% increase (P = .01) in hospitalizations for injuries. Conclusions. Young adults gaining legal access to alcohol incur increases in hospital-based care for a range of serious alcohol-related conditions. Our regression–discontinuity approach can be used in future studies to assess the effects of the MLDA across different settings, and our estimates can be used to inform cost-benefit analyses across MLDA scenarios.
We Can Have It All: Improved Surveillance Outcomes and Decreased Personnel Costs Associated With Electronic Reportable Disease Surveillance, North Carolina, 2010
Authors: Samoff Erika , DiBiase Lauren , Fangman Mary T. , Fleischauer Aaron T. , Waller Anna E. , MacDonald Pia D. M. 
Published: October 2013

Objectives. We assessed the timeliness, accuracy, and cost of a new electronic disease surveillance system at the local health department level. We describe practices associated with lower cost and better surveillance timeliness and accuracy. Methods. Interviews conducted May through August 2010 with local health department (LHD) staff at a simple random sample of 30 of 100 North Carolina counties provided information on surveillance practices and costs; we used surveillance system data to calculate timeliness and accuracy. We identified LHDs with best timeliness and accuracy and used these categories to compare surveillance practices and costs. Results. Local health departments in the top tertiles for surveillance timeliness and accuracy had a lower cost per case reported than LHDs with lower timeliness and accuracy ($71 and $124 per case reported, respectively; P = .03). Best surveillance practices fell into 2 domains: efficient use of the electronic surveillance system and use of surveillance data for local evaluation and program management. Conclusions. Timely and accurate surveillance can be achieved in the setting of restricted funding experienced by many LHDs. Adopting best surveillance practices may improve both efficiency and public health outcomes.
Comparative Effectiveness of a Faith-Based HIV Intervention for African American Women: Importance of Enhancing Religious Social Capital
Authors: Wingood Gina M. , Robinson LaShun R. , Braxton Nikia D. , Er Deja L. , Conner Anita C. , Renfro Tiffaney L. , Rubtsova Anna A. , Hardin James W. , DiClemente Ralph J. 
Published: October 2013

Objectives. We assessed the effectiveness of P4 for Women, a faith-based HIV intervention. Methods. We used a 2-arm comparative effectiveness trial involving 134 African American women aged 18 to 34 years to compare the effectiveness of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention–defined evidence-based Sisters Informing Sisters about Topics on AIDS (SISTA) HIV intervention with P4 for Women, an adapted faith-based version of SISTA. Participants were recruited from a large black church in Atlanta, Georgia, and completed assessments at baseline and follow-up. Results. Both SISTA and P4 for Women had statistically significant effects on this study’s primary outcome—consistent condom use in the past 90 days—as well as other sexual behaviors. However, P4 for Women also had statistically significant effects on the number of weeks women were abstinent, on all psychosocial mediators, and most noteworthy, on all measures of religious social capital. Results were achieved by enhancing structural social capital through ministry participation, religious values and norms, linking trust and by reducing negative religious coping. High intervention attendance may indicate the feasibility of conducting faith-based HIV prevention research for African American women. Conclusions. P4 for Women enhanced abstinence and safer sex practices as well as religious social capital, and was more acceptable than SISTA. Such efforts may assist faith leaders in responding to the HIV epidemic in African American women.
Creating Research Capacity Through a Tribally Based Institutional Review Board
Authors: Morton Deborah J. , Proudfit Joely , Calac Daniel , Portillo Martina , Lofton-Fitzsimmons Geneva , Molina Theda , Flores Raymond , Lawson-Risso Barbara , Majel-McCauley Romelle 
Published: October 2013

Tribal groups work tirelessly to maintain sovereignty rights, preserving and upholding tribal authority and protection over their land, people, businesses, and health. Moreover, the conduct of health science research by outsiders has had its share of an unethical, misguided, and abusive past. Tribally based institutional review boards (IRBs) are addressing these issues in an effort to control new health science research, set their own research agenda, and protect their people in the same spirit as has been accomplished through the perpetuation of sovereignty rights. We describe the success of a tribally based IRB at creating new capacity for health research and enhanced levels of trust, including bidirectional cultural education between academic researchers and tribal IRB committee members.
First, Do No Harm: The US Sexually Transmitted Disease Experiments in Guatemala
Authors: Rodriguez Michael A. , García Robert 
Published: October 2013

Beginning in 1946, the United States government immorally and unethically—and, arguably, illegally—engaged in research experiments in which more than 5000 uninformed and unconsenting Guatemalan people were intentionally infected with bacteria that cause sexually transmitted diseases. Many have been left untreated to the present day. Although US President Barack Obama apologized in 2010, and although the US Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues found the Guatemalan experiments morally wrong, little if anything has been done to compensate the victims and their families. We explore the backdrop for this unethical medical research and violation of human rights and call for steps the United States should take to provide relief and compensation to Guatemala and its people.
Research Ethics and Indigenous Communities
Authors: Kelley Allyson , Belcourt-Dittloff Annie , Belcourt Cheryl , Belcourt Gordon 
Published: October 2013

Institutional review boards (IRBs) function to regulate research for the protection of human participants. We share lessons learned from the development of an intertribal IRB in the Rocky Mountain/Great Plains Tribal region of the United States. We describe the process through which a consortium of Tribes collaboratively developed an intertribal board to promote community-level protection and participation in the research process. In addition, we examine the challenges of research regulation from a Tribal perspective and explore the future of Tribally regulated research that honors indigenous knowledge and promotes community accountability and transparency. We offer recommendations for researchers, funding agencies, and Tribal communities to consider in the review and regulation of research.
Risk, Reward, and the Double-Edged Sword: Perspectives on Pharmacogenetic Research and Clinical Testing Among Alaska Native People
Authors: Shaw Jennifer L. , Robinson Renee , Starks Helene , Burke Wylie , Dillard Denise A. 
Published: October 2013

Objectives. Pharmacogenetic research and clinical testing raise important concerns for individuals and communities, especially where past medical research and practice has perpetrated harm and cultivated distrust of health care systems and clinicians. We investigated perceptions of pharmacogenetics among Alaska Native (AN) people.Methods. We held four focus groups for 32 ANs in south central Alaska to elicit views about pharmacogenetics in general and for treatment of cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, depression, and nicotine addiction. We analyzed data for perceived risks and rewards of pharmacogenetics.Results. Potential risks of pharmacogenetics included health care rationing, misuse of information, and stigma to individuals and the AN community. Potential rewards included decreased care costs, improved outcomes, and community development. Participants also discussed 8 contingent conditions that could mitigate risks and increase pharmacogenetic acceptability.Conclusions. Alaska Natives perceive pharmacogenetics as potentially benefitting and harming individuals, communities, and health systems, depending on methods and oversight. Researchers, clinicians, and administrators, especially in community-based clinic and health care systems serving minority populations, must address this “double-edged sword” to effectively conduct pharmacogenetics.