bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Leakage Currents through PLD Grown Ultrathin a-LaGdO3 Based High-k Metal Gate Devices
Authors: Pavunny Shojan P. , Misra Pankaj , Thomas Reji , Kumar Ashok , Scott James F. , Katiyar Ram S. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTA detailed analysis of leakage current density-gate voltage measurements of gate stacks composed of PLD grown ultra thin films of LaGdO3 (LGO) on p-type silicon substrates with 8.4 Å EOT is presented. Temperature dependent leakage measurements revealed that forward bias current was dominated by Schottky emission over trap assisted tunneling below 1.2 MV/cm and quantum mechanical tunneling above this field. The physical origin of the reverse bias current was found to be a combination of Schottky emission and trap assisted tunneling. Low leakage current densities in the range from 2.3×10-3 to 29×10-3 A/cm2 were recorded for films with EOT from 1.8 to 0.8 nm, that are at least four or more orders below the ITRS specifications and its SiO2 competitors.
Ellipsometry Study on Nanoparticles Grown by Atomic Layer Deposition
Authors: Zhou Xueqi , Zhang Ying , Dong Zhengqiong , Liu Shiyuan , Zhang Chuanwei , Huang Bin , Cao Kun , Shan Bin , Chen Rong 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTSpectroscopic Ellipsometry (SE) was chosen to study thin film growth in atomic layer deposition (ALD). It was shown that Cauchy model had limitations in predicting the ultrathin film thickness at initial few deposition cycles, and the fitting results depend on wavelengths range greatly. Effective Medium Approximation (EMA) model is capable of predicting ultrathin film’s physical properties. Our experiments on Al2O3growth give supporting evidence on the applicability of EMA model, where it is used to successfully explain the initial nucleation and island like growth. EMA model can be extended to be used for Palladium thin film, which can give reasonable thickness and void content.
Electrical Contact Resistance of Electroless Nickel to Nanocrystalline Silicon and the Fabrication of a Thermoelectric Generator
Authors: Kessler V. , Dehnen M. , Chavez R. , Engenhorst M. , Stoetzel J. , Petermann N. , Hesse K. , Huelser T. , Spree M. , Schierning G. , Schmechel R. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTWe present the fabrication of a high-temperature stable thermoelectric generator based on nanocrystalline silicon. Highly doped silicon nanoparticles were sintered by a current activated sintering technique to get nanocrystalline bulk silicon. The metalization of silicon was realized by (electro-)chemical plating and the specific electrical contact resistance ρc of the semiconductor-metal interface was measured by a transfer length method. Values as low as $\rho _C < 1 \cdot 10^{ - 6} \,\Omega cm^2 $ were measured. The metalized nanocrystalline silicon legs were sintered to metalized ceramic substrates using a silver-based sinter paste. The device figure of merit of the thermoelectric generator was determined by a Harman measurement with a maximum ZT of approximately 0.13 at 600 °C.
Kinetics of Frenkel Defect Formation in TiO2 from First Principles
Authors: Barabash Sergey V. , Chen Charlene , Pramanik Dipu , Magyari-Köpe Blanka , Nishi Yoshio 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTMotivated by the unusual behavior of TiO2 films seen in electrical stress and defect annealing experiments, we studied the energy profile for forming a Frenkel defect in rutile TiO2, using first-principles calculations with a nudged-elastic-band method. We found strongly asymmetric diffusion barriers. The Frenkel pairs with small separation are exceedingly short-lived: the Ti interstitial position nearest to the the Ti vacancy is separated by only a 0.15eV barrier, and the next-nearest interstitial position is dynamically unstable. The formation enthalpies of Frenkel pairs with larger separation gradually vary between 4.2 and 5.0 eV, separated by 0.3-0.4eV barriers along the (001) direction. Contrary to some previous studies, we do not find Frenkel configurations with tetrahedrally bonded Ti interstitials. The very low barriers for Frenkel defect evolution are consistent with the observations from the electrical stress damage annealing experiments.
The New Food Package and Breastfeeding Outcomes Among Women, Infants, and Children Participants in Los Angeles County
Authors: Langellier Brent A. , Chaparro M. Pia , Wang May C. , Koleilat Maria , Whaley Shannon E. 
Published: December 2013

Objectives. We assessed the effect of the new Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) food package, implemented in October 2009, on breastfeeding outcomes among a predominately Latina sample of WIC participants in Los Angeles County, California. Methods. We used data from 5020 WIC participants who were interviewed in a series of repeated cross-sectional surveys conducted in 2005, 2008, and 2011. Participants were randomly selected from Los Angeles County residents who received WIC services during those years. Results. Consistent with the WIC population in Los Angeles, participants were mostly Latina and had low levels of income and education; more than half were foreign-born. We found small but significant increases from pre- to postimplementation of the new WIC food package in prevalence of prenatal intention to breastfeed and breastfeeding initiation, but no changes in any breastfeeding at 3 and 6 months. The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding at 3 and 6 months roughly doubled, an increase that remained large and significant after adjustment for other factors. Conclusions. The new food package can improve breastfeeding outcomes in a population at high risk for negative breastfeeding outcomes.
Implementation and Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluation of Universal Postnatal Nurse Home Visiting
Authors: Dodge Kenneth A. , Goodman W. Benjamin , Murphy Robert A. , O’Donnell Karen , Sato Jeannine , Guptill Susan 
Published: December 2013

Objectives. We evaluated whether a brief, universal, postnatal nurse home-visiting intervention can be implemented with high penetration and fidelity, prevent emergency health care services, and promote positive parenting by infant age 6 months.Methods. Durham Connects is a manualized 4- to 7-session program to assess family needs and connect parents with community resources to improve infant health and well-being. All 4777 resident births in Durham, North Carolina, between July 1, 2009, and December 31, 2010, were randomly assigned to intervention and control conditions. A random, representative subset of 549 families received blinded interviews for impact evaluation.Results. Of all families, 80% initiated participation; adherence was 84%. Hospital records indicated that Durham Connects infants had 59% fewer infant emergency medical care episodes than did control infants. Durham Connects mothers reported fewer infant emergency care episodes and more community connections, more positive parenting behaviors, participation in higher quality out-of-home child care, and lower rates of anxiety than control mothers. Blinded observers reported higher quality home environments for Durham Connects than for control families.Conclusions. A brief universal home-visiting program implemented with high penetration and fidelity can lower costly emergency medical care and improve family outcomes.
Preterm Birth and Prenatal Maternal Occupation: The Role of Hispanic Ethnicity and Nativity in a Population-Based Sample in Los Angeles, California
Authors: von Ehrenstein Ondine S. , Wilhelm Michelle , Wang Anthony , Ritz Beate 
Published: December 2013

Objectives. We investigated preterm birth (PTB) in relation to maternal occupational exposure and whether effect measures were modified by Hispanic ethnicity and nativity in a population-based sample with high proportion of Hispanics. Methods. We used a case-control study (n = 2543) nested within a cohort of 58 316 births in Los Angeles County, California, in 2003. We categorized prenatal occupations using the US Census Occupation Codes and Classification System and developed a job exposure matrix. Odds ratios for PTB were estimated using logistic regression. Results. Odds ratios for PTB were increased for all women in health care practitioner and technical occupations, but the 95% confidence intervals included the null value; effects were more pronounced among Hispanics. We estimated elevated odds ratios for foreign-born Hispanic women in building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations. Shift work and physically demanding work affected births among US-born but not foreign-born Hispanics. Conclusions. Hispanic women are at particular risk for PTB related to adverse prenatal occupational exposure. Nativity may moderate these effects on PTB. Maternal occupational exposures likely contribute to ethnic disparities in PTB.
The Public Health Impact of Training Physicians to Become Obstetricians and Gynecologists in Ghana
Authors: Anderson Frank W. J. , Obed Samuel A. , Boothman Erika L. , Opare-Ado Henry 
Published: December 2013

Objectives. We assessed the public health effect of creating and sustaining obstetrics and gynecology postgraduate training in Ghana, established in 1989 to reverse low repatriation of physicians trained abroad. Methods. All 85 certified graduates of 2 Ghanaian university-based postgraduate training programs from program initiation in 1989 through June 2010 were identified and eligible for this study. Of these, 7 were unable to be contacted, inaccessible, declined participation, or deceased. Results. Of the graduates, 83 provide clinical services in Ghana and work in 33 sites in 8 of 10 regions; 15% were the first obstetrician and gynecologist at their facility, 25% hold clinical leadership positions, 50% practice in teaching hospitals, and 14% serve as academic faculty. Conclusions. Creating capacity for university-based postgraduate training in obstetrics and gynecology is effective and sustainable for a comprehensive global approach to reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Policies to support training and research capacity in obstetrics and gynecology are an integral part of a long-term national plan for maternal health.
Use of Spatial Epidemiology and Hot Spot Analysis to Target Women Eligible for Prenatal Women, Infants, and Children Services
Authors: Stopka Thomas J. , Krawczyk Christopher , Gradziel Pat , Geraghty Estella M. 
Published: December 2013

Objectives. We used a geographic information system and cluster analyses to determine locations in need of enhanced Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program services. Methods. We linked documented births in the 2010 California Birth Statistical Master File with the 2010 data from the WIC Integrated Statewide Information System. Analyses focused on the density of pregnant women who were eligible for but not receiving WIC services in California’s 7049 census tracts. We used incremental spatial autocorrelation and hot spot analyses to identify clusters of WIC-eligible nonparticipants. Results. We detected clusters of census tracts with higher-than-expected densities, compared with the state mean density of WIC-eligible nonparticipants, in 21 of 58 (36.2%) California counties (P < .05). In subsequent county-level analyses, we located neighborhood-level clusters of higher-than-expected densities of eligible nonparticipants in Sacramento, San Francisco, Fresno, and Los Angeles Counties (P < .05). Conclusions. Hot spot analyses provided a rigorous and objective approach to determine the locations of statistically significant clusters of WIC-eligible nonparticipants. Results helped inform WIC program and funding decisions, including the opening of new WIC centers, and offered a novel approach for targeting public health services.
The Market Pricing of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments
Authors: Badertscher Brad A. , Burks Jeffrey J. , Easton Peter D. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACT
When the fair value of an investment security falls below amortized cost and there is significant doubt that the firm can hold the security until the fair value recovers, an other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) is recognized in net income. Thus, an OTTI is a disclosure about the prospect of recovering an unrealized loss. Our findings suggest that investors priced banks' OTTI recognition during and after the financial crisis. Investors were unable to fully anticipate reported OTTIs, and priced OTTIs incrementally to reported unrealized gains/losses. After banks were required to bifurcate OTTIs, investors priced only the portion of OTTI recognized in earnings. Our results suggest that reporting unrealized losses in earnings via an OTTI changes how investors price the losses. The results inform recent standard-setting initiatives to expand disclosure about changes in fair value.
JEL Classifications: M41; M42; M44.
Data Availability: Data are available from sources identified in the paper.
A Theory of Participative Budgeting
Authors: Heinle Mirko S. , Ross Nicholas , Saouma Richard E. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACT
This paper complements the ongoing empirical discussion surrounding participative budgeting by comparing its economic merits relative to a top-down budgeting alternative. In both budgeting regimes, private information is communicated vertically between a principal and a manager. We show that top-down budgeting incurs fewer agency costs than bottom-up budgeting whenever the level of information asymmetry is relatively low. Although the choice between top-down and bottom-up budgeting ultimately determines who receives private information within the firm, we find that both the principal and manager's preferences over the allocation of private information remain qualitatively similar across the two budgeting paradigms. Specifically, while the principal always prefers either minimal or maximal private information, the manager prefers an interim or maximal level of private information regardless of who is privately informed. Last, we use our model to address empirical inconsistencies relating the firm's choice of budgeting process, the resulting budgetary slack, and performance.
L'aménagement hydroélectrique de Kinguélé : rôle et savoir-faire des entreprises françaises au Gabon (1947-1973)
Authors: Lékoulékissa Rodrigue 
Published: December 2013

Rodrigue LEKOULEKISSA : L'aménagement hydroélectrique de Kinguélé : rôle et savoir-faire des entreprises françaises au Gabon (1947-1973).

Mis en service au début des années 1970, l'aménagement hydroélectrique de Kinguélé a marqué le paysage des travaux publics au Gabon. Dès la fin des années 1940, les scientifiques lancent le projet pour exploiter la dénivellation d'environ 100 mètres sur la rivière Mbei, à une centaine de kilomètres à l'Est de Libreville. Après l'accession à l'indépendance du pays, les nouvelles autorités, guidées par des objectifs industriels, creusèrent cette piste. En effet, il convenait de desservir Libreville, en pleine expansion économique, et d'alimenter l'usine de déroulés d'emballages et de cellulose dans la région de Kango, ainsi que le port en eau profonde à Owendo pour l'évacuation des produits industrialisés. Mais le pays, technologiquement moins avancé, manquait des ressources humaines et matérielles nécessaires. Cette délicate situation obligea le jeune Etat souverain à recourir à l'expertise et au savoir-faire des entreprises de l'ancienne puissance colonisatrice.
Si les travailleurs africains, notamment les agents de la Société d'Energie et d'Eau du Gabon, entreprise concessionnaire du secteur électrique sur l'ensemble du territoire, participèrent à la construction du complexe hydroélectrique, la présence sur le chantier des spécialistes venus de France fut patente. Cette étude qui s'inscrit dans le cadre des transferts de technologies est centrée sur la diffusion du savoir-faire français au travers de ses entreprises et entrepreneurs, de ses techniques et techniciens. De missions de prospection aux constructions industrielles, en passant par les études et les travaux de génie civil, les électriciens français vulgarisèrent de valeurs technologiques. Electricité de France, Les Chantiers Modernes, TRINDEL, NEYRPIC, HERLICQ et Fils, cette variété des firmes concernées par les marchés témoignent de l'influence française. Nous discernerons dans le cadre de ses interventions, les contributions françaises et les ambitions qu'elles portaient. Rôle et dynamisme d'ingénieurs et techniciens, part prise par les constructeurs, matériels électromécaniques fournis, formation du personnel local seront mis en lumière. Ces différents aspects permettront d'analyser le cadre dans lequel s'est réalisée la première grande entreprise du secteur électrique au Gabon.
Insurance Type and Withdrawal of Life-Sustaining Therapy in Critically Injured Trauma Patients
Authors: Hoit Graeme , Wijeysundera Duminda N. , Hamad Doulia M. , Nauth Aaron , Atrey Amit , Halai Mansur , Walser Eric , Nikouline Anton , Nathens Avery B. , Khoshbin Amir 
Published: July 2024

ImportanceWithdrawal of life-sustaining therapy (WLST) decisions for critically injured trauma patients are complicated and multifactorial, with potential for patients’ insurance status to affect decision-making.ObjectivesTo determine if patient insurance type (private insurance, Medicaid, and uninsured) is associated with time to WLST in critically injured adults cared for at US trauma centers.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis retrospective registry-based cohort study included reported data from level I and level II trauma centers in the US that participated in the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) registry. Participants included adult trauma patients who were injured between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2020, and required an intensive care unit stay. Patients were excluded if they died on arrival or in the emergency department or had a preexisting do not resuscitate directive. Analyses were performed on December 12, 2023.ExposuresInsurance type (private insurance, Medicaid, uninsured).Main Outcomes and MeasuresAn adjusted time-to-event analysis for association between insurance status and time to WLST was performed, with analyses accounting for clustering by hospital.ResultsThis study included 307 731 patients, of whom 160 809 (52.3%) had private insurance, 88 233 (28.6%) had Medicaid, and 58 689 (19.1%) were uninsured. The mean (SD) age was 40.2 (14.1) years, 232 994 (75.7%) were male, 59 551 (19.4%) were African American or Black patients, and 201 012 (65.3%) were White patients. In total, 12 962 patients (4.2%) underwent WLST during their admission. Patients who are uninsured were significantly more likely to undergo earlier WLST compared with those with private insurance (HR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.46-1.62) and Medicaid (HR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.39-1.55). This finding was robust to sensitivity analysis excluding patients who died within 48 hours of presentation and after accounting for nonwithdrawal death as a competing risk.Conclusions and RelevanceIn this cohort study of US adult trauma patients who were critically injured, patients who were uninsured underwent earlier WLST compared with those with private or Medicaid insurance. Based on our findings, patient’s ability to pay was may be associated with a shift in decision-making for WLST, suggesting the influence of socioeconomics on patient outcomes.
Stroke Risk Reduction in Atrial Fibrillation Through Pharmacist Prescribing
Authors: Sandhu Roopinder K. , Fradette Miriam , Lin Meng , Youngson Erik , Lau Darren , Bungard Tammy J. , Tsuyuki Ross T. , Dolovich Lisa , Healey Jeff S. , McAlister Finlay A. 
Published: July 2024

ImportanceMajor gaps in the delivery of appropriate oral anticoagulation therapy (OAC) exist, leaving a large proportion of persons with atrial fibrillation (AF) unnecessarily at risk for stroke and its sequalae.ObjectiveTo investigate whether pharmacist-led OAC prescription can increase the delivery of stroke risk reduction therapy in individuals with AF.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis prospective, open-label, patient-level randomized clinical trial of early vs delayed pharmacist intervention from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2022, was performed in 27 community pharmacies in Alberta, Canada. Pharmacists identified patients 65 years or older with 1 additional stroke risk factor and known, untreated AF (OAC nonprescription or OAC suboptimal dosing) or performed screening using a 30-second single-lead electrocardiogram to detect previously unrecognized AF. Patients with undertreated or newly diagnosed AF eligible for OAC therapy were considered to have actionable AF. Data were analyzed from April 3 to November 30, 2023.InterventionsIn the early intervention group, pharmacists prescribed OAC using guideline-based algorithms with follow-up visits at 1 and 3 months. In the delayed intervention group, which served as the usual care control, the primary care physician (PCP) was sent a notification of actionable AF along with a medication list (both enhancement over usual care). After 3 months, patients without OAC optimization in the control group underwent delayed pharmacist intervention.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe primary outcome was the difference in the rate of guideline-concordant OAC use in the 2 groups at 3-month follow-up ascertained by a research pharmacist blinded to treatment allocation.ResultsEighty patients were enrolled with actionable AF (9 [11.3%] newly diagnosed in 235 individuals screened). The mean (SD) age was 79.7 (7.4) years, and 45 patients (56.3%) were female. The median CHADS2 (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age, diabetes, and stroke or transient ischemic attack) score was 2 (IQR, 2-3). Seventy patients completed follow-up. Guideline-concordant OAC use at 3 months occurred in 36 of 39 patients (92.3%) in the early intervention group vs 23 of 41 (56.1%) in the control group (P &amp;lt; .001), with an absolute increase of 34% and number needed to treat of 3. Of the 23 patients who received appropriate OAC prescription in the control group, the PCP called the pharmacist for prescribing advice in 6 patients.Conclusions and RelevanceThis randomized clinical trial found that pharmacist OAC prescription is a potentially high-yield opportunity to effectively close gaps in the delivery of stroke risk reduction therapy for AF. Scalability and sustainability of pharmacist OAC prescription will require larger trials demonstrating effectiveness and safety.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03126214