Preparation of dilute magnetic semiconductor films by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition

A method for preparation of a dilute magnetic semiconductor (DMS) film is provided, in which a Group II metal source, a Group VI metal source and a transition metal magnetic ion source are pyrolyzed in the reactor of a metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) system by contact with a heated substrate. As an example, the preparation of films of Cd(sub 1-x)Mn(sub x)Te, in which 0 is less than or equal to x less than or equal to 0.7, on suitable substrates (e.g., GaAs) is described. As a source of manganese, tricarbonyl (methylcyclopentadienyl) manganese (TCPMn) is employed. To prevent TCPMn condensation during its introduction into the reactor, the gas lines, valves and reactor tubes are heated. A thin-film solar cell of n-i-p structure, in which the i-type layer comprises a DMS, is also described; the i-type layer is suitably prepared by MOCVD

Preparation of dilute magnetic semiconductor films by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition

A method for preparation of a dilute magnetic semiconductor (DMS) film is provided, wherein a Group II metal source, a Group VI metal source and a transition metal magnetic ion source are pyrolyzed in the reactor of a metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) system by contact with a heated substrate. As an example, the preparation of films of Cd.sub.1-x Mn.sub.x Te, wherein 0.ltoreq..times..ltoreq.0.7, on suitable substrates (e.g., GaAs) is described. As a source of manganese, tricarbonyl (methylcyclopentadienyl) maganese (TCPMn) is employed. To prevent TCPMn condensation during the introduction thereof int the reactor, the gas lines, valves and reactor tubes are heated. A thin-film solar cell of n-i-p structure, wherein the i-type layer comprises a DMS, is also described; the i-type layer is suitably prepared by MOCVD

Facet modulation selective epitaxy–a technique for quantum-well wire doublet fabrication

The technique of facet modulation selective epitaxy and its application to quantum-well wire doublet fabrication are described. Successful fabrication of wire doublets in the AlxGa1–xAs material system is achieved. The smallest wire fabricated has a crescent cross section less than 140 Å thick and less than 1400 Å wide. Backscattered electron images, transmission electron micrographs, cathodoluminescence spectra, and spectrally resolved cathodoluminescence images of the wire doublets are presented

A Survey of Student's Academic Problems and the Duty and Roles of Counselors in Resolving them

Background & Objective: Students are faced with many problems that can be associated with irreversible damage and devastating effects. Psychological pressure is caused by changes in living conditions, separation from family, economic and financial problems, marriage, employment while studying, and consequently educational problems including academic failure, unnecessary transfer and changing of field of study, and lack of scientific competence and dropping out, reduced performance, poor educational achievement. All these show that the authorities have a grave responsibility in recognizing, controlling, and preventing educational damages. Thus the aim of the present study was to identify student's academic problems and the role of lecturers and counselors in resolving these problems from the view of students of Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran. Methods: The present research is a cross-sectional study. The data collection tool was a questionnaire consisting of 4 parts; demographic characteristics, the opinion of students about the counseling duties of lecturers, student's problems, and the role of lecturers in reducing problems. Validity and reliability of the questionnaire were determined using content validity and test-retest (r = 0.78), respectively. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software. Results: Our findings indicate that of the 500 students studied, 351 were female (70.2%) and 149 (29.8%) male. The average age of the participants was 21.7 years. The mean and standard deviation of the students' psycho-emotional problems was 14.4 ± 6.29, educational problems 97.11 ± 11.51, social and communicative problems 98.6 ± 7.96, and financial and economic problems 23.4 ± 6.1. Based on the view of students, the mean and standard deviation of the role of counselors in the mentioned academic problems was 98.2 ± 33.46. Conclusion: The majority of the problems expressed by students were related to social and educational issues, which can cause problems for the students in respect to their educational and professional goals. As a result of these problems, students may require guidance and counseling services. Students' inadequate knowledge of consulting services may be the cause of their lack of use of these services for solving their problems. With careful planning, and updating and expanding counselors' activities and knowledge, more effective steps can be taken to reduce educational problems and promote the academic status of students Keywords Academic problems Counselors' role Students Teacher

Medical and Dental Students' Attitudes toward Their Study Field before and after Experiencing Clinical Practice in Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Iran

Background & Objective: Learning environment should be opportunities for positive change in students' attitude to encourage them and create more interest, leading to sustainable learning. To make constructive changes, having information on the current status and about students' attitudes toward their discipline is essential. This study was designed to assess the medical and dental students' attitude toward their study field (learning environment, practicability, attraction, social rank, and future employment) before and after experiencing clinical practice in Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional analytic study was conducted in 2012. The study population were 95 medical and dental students of Kerman University of Medical Sciences, as census of students. A researcher-made questionnaire was designed consisting 33 questions in five areas of the components of medical education and health care (education environment, applicability of the course, the attractiveness of the field, career and social status). Data were analyzed using paired t, ANOVA, and Mann-Whitney U tests via SPSS software. Results: There were significant differences between the medical students' attitude toward educational environment and practicability of the field before and after experiencing clinical practice; but there was no significant difference between their attitude toward attraction, future employment, and social rank of the field. On the other hand, there were significant differences between dental students' attitudes toward educational environment and future employment before and after experiencing clinical practice; but there was no significant difference between their attitudes toward practicability, attraction and social rank of the field. In addition, there was no significant difference between the two groups based on gender and age. Conclusion: The results showed significant differences only in three educational components between two groups of students. According to obtained data, short- and long-time plans could be designed for increasing the efficiency of education, improving educational structure, and obtaining welfare and economical possibilities for students. Key Words: Major, Education, Attitude, Medical, Dental, Students, Clinical course

Effect of Study-Skills Training on Learning and Study Strategies, Self-Efficacy and Satisfaction in Nursing and Midwifery Students, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Iran

Background & Objective: Neglect to the principles study principles has reduced the level of human productivity and efficiency and is a cause of demoralization and loss of self-esteem, research boredom and disenchantment. Some learning special skills, such as methods of receiving, storing and recalling the correct content are needed to perform an effective study. This study aimed to show the role and impact of academic learning skills and study strategies in improving students' study styles and their self-efficacy and satisfaction. Methods: This interventional study, using pre-and post-training tests, was conducted on 75 new-entrant nursing and midwifery students of Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Iran, in 2011. Students completed a researcher-made questionnaire including four parts: demographic information, learning and study strategies, self-efficacy, and satisfaction, before and after the training. The data were analyzed using paired t-test. Results: There were significant difference between the mean pre- (10.5 ± 2.6) and post-intervention (13.6 ± 1.8) learning strategies, pre- (10.6 ± 1.8) and post-intervention (13.3 ± 1.3) study strategies, pre- (10.5 ± 3.2) and post-intervention (12.3 ± 2.4) self-efficacy, and pre- (9.4 ± 3.4) and post-intervention (12.08 ± 2.9) satisfaction scores. Conclusion: Learning and study strategies can be taught and learned. Upgrading learning and study strategies increases students' sense of self-efficacy and satisfaction. According to our results, designing a course for training study and learning strategies is suggested to improve college students' learning and study skills. Keywords Study skills Learning strategies Study strategies Satisfaction Self-efficac

Competence in Evidence-Based Medicine among Residents of Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Iran

Background & Objective: Evidence-based medicine (EBM) is a systematic review process for evaluating and using results of the best clinical trials for diagnosis and treatment of diseases. It must comply with the values and specific circumstances of each patient in need of treatment. Since very few studies have examined the competence of different groups of medical professionals in this area, this study was conducted to assess the competence of residents in EBM. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 90 residents from 4 main clinical departments in Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Iran, in 2013. The data collection tool was the Berlin Standard Questionnaire. The samples were selected using census method and data were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: Among the participants in the study 42.2% were male and 57.8% female with the mean age of 31.17 ± 3.32 years. Based on the results of the study, residents had little competence in the field of evidence-based medicine their scores ranged from 0 to 8 and their mean score was 2.54 ± 1.43 of a total of 15. Conclusion: Considering the mean score and low competence of residents in evidence-based medicine, short-term programs by the relevant departments seem essential to rapidly promote knowledge of evidence-based medicine. Keywords Competence Evidence-based medicine Resident

Determining valid criteria for evaluating clinical and theoretical teaching of the faculty of Kerman University of Medical Sciences

Background: To improve the quality of education, evaluating clinical and theoretical teaching and giving feedbacks to the teachers to obviate the drawbacks is of important value. Evaluation results are reliable if the gathered data are correct and precise and it can be achieved only if there are precise tools to gather data. This study was performed to prepare valid forms to evaluate theoretical and clinical teaching. An appropriate weight has been allocated to each item. Method: Separate checklists were designed for students, in order to evaluate theoretical and clinical teaching. Also special forms were developed for teacher evaluations by heads of departments and school deans .School deans ,on the other hand, completed special checklists to evaluate vice-deans and head of departments. Using the expert’s attitudes, the validity was calculated by Delphi method and the weight of different items was calculated by trim mean. Findings: The questionnaire had different categories including discipline, teaching method, scientific level and evaluation. The longest forms had 17 items (theoretical and practical teaching). The highest validity coefficient was 0.9 0.07 and the lowest was 0.83 0.03. The most important item in theoretical teaching was scientific level of teachers and in clinical teaching, it was on time attendance. Conclusion. Designing checklist for assessment of achievement in educational objectives is very essential and it must be precise and correct. The item must be checked because of changing educational context