bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trade Policy and Its Implications for Sourcing Fashion Goods
Authors: Curran Louise
Published: May 2016

This chapter builds on trade data and a wide range of existing research in the Global Value Chain (GVC) and international economics literature, to highlight the importance of trade policy to sourcing decisions in the fashion sector. Using the EU as an example, it highlights how preferential access through unilateral or bilateral trade regimes, provides incentives to source fashion goods in certain countries and how the conditions attached to market access can impact, both on sourcing and on governance in producing countries. Finally, the issue of anti-dumping action and its actual and potential impacts on the fashion sector is explored. The chapter concludes with some observations on the growing importance of effective oversight of supply chains, in a context where retailers are increasingly being called to account for the impacts of their sourcing choices.
Fashion Blog's Engagement in the Customer Decision Making Process
Authors: Sadaba Teresa , SanMiguel Patricia
Published: May 2016

Little but increasing research has been done about the influence of blogs in the consumer decision-making process. This paper tries to shed some light on this new scenario, analyzing how bloggers are now a key player in the fashion industry, and explaining how they create a closer and more qualified relationship with customers, so they can be more influential. Based on a case study, and considering different approaches to bloggers influence, this article makes it clear that measuring the engagement between bloggers and readers is significant for brands and their marketing strategies with bloggers.
TechCouturism, an Alternative Showcase for New Fashion Designers
Authors: Carciani Cristiano , Bagnaschino Luca
Published: May 2016

In the age of the new millennium a global phenomenon has emerged where many products and designers have explored the infinite possibilities of the fashion and technology interaction. The digital means of the communication industry coined a varied and interchangeable array of terminologies, such as wearables, fashion technology, and wearable devices, without considering evident conceptual and purpose differences between the artifacts. The authors recognize the creative and widespread communication potential of this trend and understand the importance of defining precise characteristics of a distinguishable technology-fashion integration. After analyzing the case studies of Hussein Chalayan, CuteCircuit and Iris van Herpen, the authors suggest the neologism TechCouturism as an ideological movement that reconciles technology and the combination of textile crafts and design typical of haute couture. Finally, research on the topic has come to recognize the term TechCouturism as a marketing means for innovative and creative talents searching for acknowledgement among multiple competitors.
Multi-Sensory Fashion Retail Experiences
Authors: Alexander Bethan , Nobbs Karinna
Published: May 2016

In an increasingly competitive and digitally driven fashion market, retailers have to find innovative ways to gain consumers' attention and amplify their brand (Brakus et al, 2011; Barclay & Odgen-Barnes, 2011). This paper examines how fashion retailers can reinforce their brand through integrating multi-sensory experiences within the physical store, specifically sound, smell, sight, touch and taste and analyses if sensory retailing really can have a direct influence on consumer perceptions of a fashion retailer and consequently on the strength of its brand.
Brand Experiences, Retail Scenarios, and Brand Images in the Fashion Industry
Authors: Valta Manuela , Vianelli Donata
Published: May 2016

Postmodern consumers experience fashion brands within numerous in-store and out-of-store contexts, and they tend to focus on their holistic experience with the brands across various retail scenarios. In a fashion brand context, the interaction of multiple retail environments greatly affects consumer behavior towards the brands. The objective of this chapter is to provide a review of the main issues related to brand management and customer experience management in a co-creation perspective. By overviewing the literature on brand management, retailing, and consumer behavior, the authors provide relevant insights for academics and practitioners to arrive at a more comprehensive understanding of the fashion brand experience and fashion brand image.
The Impact of E-Commerce on the Clothing Retailers
Authors: Ge Tianlong , Liu Zheng , Ma Lei
Published: May 2016

In the past 10 years, e-commerce has developed rapidly in the clothing industry. Many companies seek strategies to expand, innovate, and restructure, and the traditional impact from manufacturing is gradually replaced by customer relationship. E-commerce provides opportunities for both large clothing companies and small retailers. In China, the largest emerging country, there is also a trend for clothing companies to market and establish customer relationship online. This chapter focuses on how Chinese clothing retailers compete through e-commerce platform. It starts with an introduction of clothing industry, supply chain and e-commerce practice from literature perspectives. Then, there are industry review and cases studies into five Chinese clothing companies with a highlight on their management in the context of e-commerce and customer relationship. Discussion will be made to address the critical issues, followed by a summary of the chapter.
Methods for Docking and Drug Designing
Authors: Naqvi Ahmad Abu Turab , Hassan Md. Imtaiyaz
Published: May 2016

Molecular docking is the prediction of conformational complementarity between ligand and receptor molecule. The process of docking integrates two schematic approaches namely sampling of ligand conformations and ranking of selected conformations based on scoring functions. The authors have discussed established methodologies for molecular docking and well-known tools implementing these methods. A brief account of different classes of scoring functions such as force field based, empirical, knowledge based, and descriptor based scoring functions is given along with the exemplary implementations of these scoring functions. By replacing test and trial based ligand screening with structure based virtual screening, molecular docking has helped in shortening the duration of novel drug discovery up to some extent. However, the developments made in the field of drug discovery are assisted by the advances in the techniques of molecular docking, but there is strong need of enrichment in the techniques, especially in scoring functions, to tackle the inbound problems of de novo drug discovery.
Protein Ligand Interaction Fingerprints
Authors: HajiEbrahimi Ali , Ghafouri Hamidreza , Ranjbar Mohsen , Sakhteman Amirhossein
Published: May 2016

A most challenging part in docking-based virtual screening is the scoring functions implemented in various docking programs in order to evaluate different poses of the ligands inside the binding cavity of the receptor. Precise and trustable measurement of ligand-protein affinity for Structure-Based Virtual Screening (SB-VS) is therefore, an outstanding problem in docking studies. Empirical post-docking filters can be helpful as a way to provide various types of structure-activity information. Different types of interaction have been presented between the ligands and the receptor so far. Based on the diversity and importance of PLIF methods, this chapter will focus on the comparison of different protocols. The advantages and disadvantages of all methods will be discussed explicitly in this chapter as well as future sights for further progress in this field. Different classifications approaches for the protein-ligand interaction fingerprints were also discussed in this chapter.
Different Types of Molecular Docking Based on Variations of Interacting Molecules
Authors: Das Amit , Bhattacharya Simanti
Published: May 2016

Molecular docking plays an important role in drug discovery research by facilitating target identification, target validation, virtual screening for lead identification and lead optimization. Depending upon the nature of the disease of interest, targets can be either protein or DNA while drugs are mostly organic small molecules. Different types of molecular docking techniques like protein-protein or protein-DNA or protein-small molecule or DNA-small molecule are employed for achieving the above mentioned objectives. This chapter provides a clear idea of the position of molecular docking in drug discovery with detailed discussion on different types of molecular docking based on the varieties of interacting partners. Subsequently the authors provide a detailed list of tools that can be used for docking in drug discovery and discus some examples of molecular docking in drug discovery before concluding with a remark on future areas of improvement in molecular docking related to drug discovery.
Recent Advancements in Docking Methodologies
Authors: Srivastav Vijay Kumar , Singh Vineet , Tiwari Meena
Published: May 2016

Nowadays molecular docking has become an important methodology in CADD (Computer-Aided Drug Design)-assisted drug discovery process. It is an important computational tool widely used to predict binding mode, binding affinity and binding free energy of a protein-ligand complex. The important factors responsible for accurate results in docking studies are correct binding site prediction, use of suitable small-molecule databases, consistent docking pose, high dock score with good MD (Molecular Dynamics), clarity whether the compound is an inhibitor or agonist, etc. However, still there are several limitations which make it difficult to obtain accurate results from docking studies. In this chapter, the main focus is on recent advancements in various aspects of molecular docking such as ligand sampling, protein flexibility, scoring functions, fragment docking, post-processing, docking into homology models and protein-protein docking.
Docking Methodologies and Recent Advances
Authors: Kumar Ashwani , Goyal Ruchika , Jain Sandeep
Published: May 2016

Docking, a molecular modelling method, has wide applications in identification and optimization in modern drug discovery. This chapter addresses the recent advances in the docking methodologies like fragment docking, covalent docking, inverse docking, post processing, hybrid techniques, homology modeling etc. and its protocol like searching and scoring functions. Advances in scoring functions for e.g. consensus scoring, quantum mechanics methods, clustering and entropy based methods, fingerprinting, etc. are used to overcome the limitations of the commonly used force-field, empirical and knowledge based scoring functions. It will cover crucial necessities and different algorithms of docking and scoring. Further different aspects like protein flexibility, ligand sampling and flexibility, and the performance of scoring function will be discussed.
Online Molecular Docking Resources
Authors: Isvoran Adriana
Published: May 2016

This chapter aims to present the available online resources that are used for protein modeling with accent to online molecular docking resources. SwissDock, MTiAutoDock, and PatchDock online docking tools are described and a few illustrative examples concerning the molecular docking studies for the cytochrom P450 interactions with the fungicide difenoconazole. The results obtained using different servers based on distinct approaches are compared and the advantages and/or disadvantages of every server are illustrated.
An Algorithm to Supply Chain Configuration Based on Ant System
Authors: Moncayo-Martínez Luis A.
Published: May 2016

This work proposes a new approach, based on Ant Colony Optimisation (ACO), to configure Supply Chains (SC) so as to deliver orders on due date and at the minimum cost. For a set of orders, this approach determines which supplier to acquire components from and which manufacturer will produce the products as well as which transportation mode must be used to deliver products to customers. The aforementioned decisions are addressed by three modules. The data module stores all data relating to SC and models the SC. The optimization engine is a multi-agent framework called SC Configuration by ACO. This module implements the ant colony algorithm and generates alternative SC configurations. Ant-k agent configures a single SC travelling by the network created by the first agent. While Ant-k agent visits a stage, it selects an option to perform a stage based on the amount of pheromones and the cost and lead time of the option. We solve a note-book SC presented in literature. Our approach computes pareto sets with SC design which delivers product from 38 to 91 days.
Logistics Practices in Small and Medium Enterprises (SME)
Authors: Escalante Jesus , Monsreal Ileana , Casanovas Josep
Published: May 2016

The present study explored the logistics practices of the managers of Small and Medium Enterprises facing associated risks and hydro-meteorological phenomena. The aim was to study the similarities and relationships between different groups of variables. The methodology, analysis and conclusions are described based on the ERRS-2014 survey, which measures the perception of the environment, capacity to react, prospective and collaboration. Finally, the results obtained show significant views perspectives to diversify diagnostic tools, which are useful to evaluate, to plan and to assess scenarios as well as their impacts on resource management in the context of risks due to hydro-meteorological phenomena (i.e. hurricanes) in metropolitan areas.
An Ergonomic Compatibility Perspective on the Selection of Advanced Manufacturing Technology
Authors: Maldonado-Macías Aidé Aracely , García-Alcaraz Jorge Luis , Hernández-Arellano Juan Luis , Cortes-Robles Guillermo
Published: May 2016

Evaluation and Selection of Advanced Manufacturing Technology (AMT) is a complex problem involving multiple attributes difficult to consider in their entirety. The Axiomatic Design Theory have been used successfully to solve this problem. This chapter presents a literature review for applications of Axiomatic Design Theory in decision making and develops an Ergonomic Compatibility Evaluation Perspective case study for the selection of two vertical CNC machining centers. A new Hierarchical Fuzzy Axiomatic Design methodology was used as a decision aid for evaluation of technology in a more complete manner, while considering human factors and ergonomics aspects neglected in actual AMT evaluation and selection models. Methodology for the data analysis is described. A group of three experts was conformed for the case study. 26 articles were organized in a data matrix. The alternative which best meet established Design Ranges in terms of Ergonomic Compatibility was selected among two alternatives, according to the Ergonomic Incompatibility Content (EIC) in a fuzzy environment.
Uncertainty in Industrial and Technological Diversification Processes
Authors: Muerza Victoria , Larrodé Emilio , Moreno-Jiménez José María
Published: May 2016

Industrial and Technological Diversification (ITD) is one of the few strategies available to companies that are aiming to respond to the requirements and challenges of the contemporary economic climate. The interdependencies derived from globalization mean that businesses must diversify their portfolio of products and increase the number of markets in which they operate. The large numbers of scenarios, actors and criteria (tangible and intangible) that can be considered make ITD processes highly complex and provoke uncertainty concerning the robustness of the conclusions extracted by means of the existing ITD methodologies. Based on the methodological framework proposed by the authors in previous works, this chapter analyzes the suitability of diversification processes by studying the stability of results in order to gain more knowledge about the associated uncertainty. Using the AHP with absolute measurements as the methodological support and modifying the attributes´ weights and categories, simulation techniques assess the stability of the suitability diversification scorings.
CAD Applied to the Design and Cost Reduction in the Use of Molds for DIE Casting Process
Authors: Aguilar-Duque Julian Israel , Salinas-Coronado Jesus , Ruiz-yRuiz Hector E. , Amaya-Parra Guillermo , Juarez-Luna Victor M. , Sanchez-Gonzalez Jose L. J.
Published: May 2016

During the last three decades the increase of utilities is the principal aim of the international companies, focus on this topic, many companies have been invested resources on investigation and innovation, develop new techniques and implementation of procedures standardized by the global competitors. According to the references mentioned before, a case of study is used to improve the productivity of a die casting process, the methodology used consists in the integration of a design technique and the methodology DMAIC. The results showed that the new design of the casting mold weight reduced by 18% percent the quantity of material requires for the original product, from an initial weight of 2.77 lb to 2.20 lb. Also, through the modification of gates and metal runners in the mold, a 60% reduction of material waste was achieved. With the new prototype, the scrap was reduced from 13.65% to a new 6.45% of the piece. This is a 54% reduction on the SCRAP. With the information above mentioned, it has been achieved a save of $2.23 USD per unit, a total of $25,958.00 USD by year.
Improved Laser Cutting Process in Textile-Automotive Industry
Authors: Ruiz-yRuiz Hector E. , Salinas-Coronado Jesus , Aguilar-Duque Julian Israel , Juarez-Luna Victor M. , Sanchez-Gonzalez Jose L. J. , Amaya-Parra Guillermo
Published: May 2016

Increase productivity is the aim of any international company. Focus on achieve their goals many of them invest their resources to survive in a global competition. Under this paradigm, the present chapter exposes the problem that one automotive organization had with a CNC laser cutting machine used in the production process of airbags. The cutting process was identified as a botleneck slowing down the rest of the production process causing problems. TO overcome this problems a continuous improvement team was assembled. The problem was model as a travelling salesman problem and improvement was achieve. The economic benefits of the solution are presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed methodology.
SMED
Authors: Reza Jose Roberto Diaz , Gayosso Deysi Guadalupe Márquez , Fernández Julio Blanco , Macías Emilio Jiménez , Muro Juan Carlos Sáenz Diez
Published: May 2016

Short changeover times have always been critical in manufacturing and are a necessity nowadays in all types of industries, due every wasted minute means inefficiency. Single Minute Exchange of Dies (SMED) is a methodology developed by Shigeo Shingo in 1985, which seeks to reduce the setup time of a machine to less than ten minutes (Shingo, 1985). It provides a rapid and efficient way of converting a manufacturing process from a current product that is been running in the production process, to the next product (Tharisheneprem, 2008), aimed always to decrease the setup time in industrial machinery, given flexibility in product and their characteristics. Through this research, we found that we can achieve some benefits through the implementation of the SMED methodology such as: the reduction of changeover time up to 90% with moderate investments (Cakmakci, 2009), reduce waste and increase quality, it makes low cost flexible operations possible.
Blended Learning
Authors: Gawande Virendra
Published: May 2016

Higher Education in developing countries like Oman offers several unique circumstances that suggest curriculum delivery using Blended Learning is a rational choice. Research has been conducted to identify the factors affecting blended learning adoption and to determine whether the teaching and learning process is amenable to its adoption at HEIs in Oman. Based on the findings a model, Blended Learning Acceptance Model (BLAM), has been developed. It was inferred from the findings that there is a positive relationship among the demographic factors and behavioral Intention i.e. blended-learning adoption. In addition, the teaching and learning styles also had significant influence on adoption of blended learning. BLAM was primarily intended to be used at HEIs in Oman, but may also be used in other developing countries as a reference for the adoption of blended learning.
Is Flipped Classroom a Tendency or a Fad?
Authors: Plaisent Michel , Dayagbil Filomena , Pogoy Angeline M. , Bernard Prosper
Published: May 2016

This chapter presents an overview of the challenges facing teachers and education students with regard to the growing interest in the flipped classroom, and the results of an exploratory study, conducted in the Philippines, about the intention to adopt this pedagogy by students training to be teachers. After a brief definition and a description of this pedagogical approach, a review of recent research explores the relevance and effectiveness of this method. The chapter questions if it is to be a fad or a revolution and presents the pro and cons of its implementation. A survey has been conducted with 153 fourth year education students of to determine their knowledge of this pedagogical approach, portraying their perception of the flipped classroom and associated concepts as well as their future behavior intention.
A Remote Mobile Experiment in Brazilian Public Basic Education
Authors: Nicolete Priscila Cadorin , Bento da Silva Juarez , Cristiano Marta Adriana da Silva , Bilessimo Simone Meister Sommer , Ferreira de Farias Giovanni , Filho Silvio Serafim da Luz
Published: May 2016

The STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) are very important for education, but the lack of experimental laboratories for these subjects in a school might decrease the interest of its students in STEM fields. This chapter explores these issues in the Brazilian context where, in order to address this issue, remote experiments are used to share real experiments manipulated through the Internet. Teachers and students can use remote laboratories, equipped with real experiments, to put in practice theoretical concepts learned in class. This chapter presents a report on a pilot project that aims to explore the use of Mobile Remote Experimentation (MRE) by teachers and students of public high schools in Brazil. It involves the use of mobile devices to access remote experiments in STEM subjects through the Internet. The report demonstrates the effectiveness of using such educational resources to improve pedagogical results by applying the TPACK (Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge) model to measure the impact of MRE by STEM teachers.
Upgrading a Numerical Methods Course into New Mobile Technologies for Mathematical Education
Authors: Delgado-Cepeda Francisco Javier
Published: May 2016

Quality and diffusion of science and engineering education is a world challenge for the coming decades. It will require better and differentiated schemes of instruction able to reach the desired standards to combine science, technology and applied knowledge to solve future problems. Current vision is still limited in spite of the incipient use of educative technology in the universities, and despite its continuous growth based on mobile technologies in recent years. This chapter presents an updated vision of the educative evolution in a Numerical Methods course based on the integration of Math and Physics curricula, together with a Blended Learning approach. It describes the current movement towards a flexible scheme powered by mobile applications, the experience gained in the last ten years, and a strong collaborative faculty.
 gênero questão interpretativa como ferramenta de ensino de leitura
Authors: Duran Guilherme Rocha , Menegassi Renilson José
Published: May 2016

A aprendizagem da interpretação é negligenciada na esfera educacional, contrariando proposições teóricas da concepção interativa da linguagem. Os gêneros discursivos típicos do ambiente escolar – como as questões – não são, de modo geral, ensinados formalmente. Nossa proposta neste artigo é apresentar o gênero discursivo Questão Interpretativa enquanto ferramenta de aprendizagem da interpretação, levando em conta sua produção colaborativa entre interlocutores para a realização do texto-questão e do texto-resposta. Para tanto, apoiamo-nos nos pressupostos teóricos da Linguística Aplicada, respeitando a orientação teórica proposta pelo Círculo de Bakhtin de concepção de linguagem enquanto interação, bem como sua concepção sobre os gêneros do discurso e as orientações teórico-metodológicas da Análise Dialógica do Discurso, suportados ainda pelos pesquisadores respondedores a questões dessa natureza, como Menegassi, Sobral, Fiorin, Travaglia, Rojo etc. Nosso corpus constitui-se de um texto-questão e textos-respostas produzidos por professores em formação inicial do primeiro ano de Letras da Universidade Estadual de Maringá. Os resultados da investigação indicam que a interpretação configura a interação entre o sujeito que a produz e seu(s) interlocutor(es), os textos retomados no gesto interpretativo. Assim, a interação social ocorre através da interpretação, ratificando a Questão Interpretativa como ferramenta de aprendizagem dessa etapa da leitura.
Es kommt net raus: redes sociais, manutenção linguística e identidades dos falantes de Hunsrückisch de Santa Maria do Herval-RS
Authors: Kersch Dorotea Frank
Published: May 2016

Após mais de 190 anos de imigração, em algumas regiões do sul do Brasil, principalmente em pequenas cidades e áreas rurais, os moradores ainda têm línguas de imigração como língua materna. Este estudo foi desenvolvido numa pequena cidade situada ao pé da serra gaúcha, com cerca de 6.000 habitantes, cuja população, em sua maioria, é bilíngue português e Hunsrückisch, uma variedade desprestigiada do alemão. O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar o papel das redes sociais no processo de manutenção ou substituição da língua materna minoritária e as questões de identidade decorrentes dele. O relativo abandono a que a comunidade esteve submetida há até pouco tempo parece haver contribuído para sua organização multiplex, o que levou à manutenção linguística. Com a crescente urbanização, o acesso amplo aos meios de comunicação – televisão, telefone e internet –, essa realidade tende a mudar, transformando a cultura eminentemente rural em urbana, o que também impactará fortemente a língua falada ali.
Phase-Variable Heptose I Glycan Extensions Modulate Efficacy of 2C7 Vaccine Antibody Directed against Neisseria gonorrhoeae Lipooligosaccharide
Authors: Chakraborti Srinjoy , Lewis Lisa A. , Cox Andrew D. , St. Michael Frank , Li Jianjun , Rice Peter A. , Ram Sanjay
Published: May 2016

Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the causative agent of the sexually transmitted infection, gonorrhea, has developed resistance to most conventional antibiotics. Safe and effective vaccines against gonorrhea are needed urgently. A candidate vaccine that targets a lipooligosaccharide (LOS) epitope recognized mAb 2C7 attenuates gonococcal burden in the mouse vaginal colonization model. Glycan extensions from the LOS core heptoses (HepI and HepII) are controlled by phase-variable LOS glycosyltransferase (lgt) genes; we sought to define how HepI glycan extensions affect mAb 2C7 function. Isogenic gonococcal mutants in which the lgt required for mAb 2C7 reactivity (lgtG) was genetically locked on and the lgt loci required for HepI variation (lgtA, lgtC, and lgtD) were genetically locked on or off in different combinations were created. We observed 100% complement-dependent killing by mAb 2C7 of a mutant that expressed lactose (Gal-Glc) from HepI, whereas a mutant that expressed Gal-Gal-Glc-HepI fully resisted killing (>100% survival). Mutants that elaborated 4- (Gal-GlcNAc-Gal-Glc-HepI) and 5-glycan (GalNAc-Gal-GlcNAc-Gal-Glc-HepI) structures displayed intermediate phenotypes (<50% killing with 2 μg/ml and >95% killing with 4 μg/ml mAb 2C7). The contrasting phenotypes of the lactose-HepI and the Gal-Gal-Glc-HepI LOS structures were recapitulated with phase variants of a recently isolated clinical strain. Despite lack of killing of the Gal-Gal-Glc-HepI mutants, mAb 2C7 deposited sufficient C3 on these bacteria for opsonophagocytic killing by human neutrophils. In conclusion, mAb 2C7 showed functional activity against all gonococcal HepI LOS structures defined by various lgtA/C/D on/off combinations, thereby providing further impetus for use of the 2C7 epitope in a gonococcal vaccine.
Adaption of Functional Ceramic Materials for the Laser Sintering Process in Integrated Sensor Applications
Authors: Gradmann Rena , Seuthe Thomas , Vedder Christian , Eberstein Markus , Partsch Uwe
Published: May 2016

The ceramic thick-film technology allows the build-up of miniaturised and robust integrated multilayer-circuits and sensors by means of sequential screen-printing and firing of different functional materials. However, the manufacturing of integrated electronics does not succeed if the components are temperature sensitive or too large for the process in a sintering furnace. At present, large components like wind power rotors, axles or roller bearings are monitored by vulnerable hybrid sensor systems. In order to implement the advantages of integrated devices, like the direct surface contact and the high thermomechanical stability, functional ceramic-based materials are adapted or newly developed to accommodate the needs of laser sintering techniques of printed sensor layers on structural components. In a first approach, screen printed thick films on steel components are investigated. The defect-free densification of functional layers crucially depends on the particular material composition in combination with adapted laser treatment. A first generation of functional layers is presented, comprising isolating, conductive, and resistive electrical materials. The films are tested in demonstrator setups and show functional properties comparable to those of the furnace sintering technology. Future aspects of material optimization and the adaption to specific application requirements will be discussed.
Wire-bondable multilayer ceramic capacitors
Authors: Gu Yan , Feng Yilong , Yang Junfeng , Liu Zhifu , Zhuang Tong , Li Yongxiang
Published: May 2016

The development of small, smart, high working frequency and robust electronic system derives the development of new packaging technology. Much work has been done to integrate the passive components in 3D through embedding and wire bonding connection to reduce the volume of the electronic parts. Thus, there is emerging needs of small size, thin, wire-bondable passive components which can be embedded in the circuit boards. In this work, the wire-bondable multilayer ceramic capacitors have been developed using a modified MLCCs process. The terminal electrodes of the capacitors were introduced to the top and bottom surface using vertical inner electrodes. The reliability of the capacitors could be improved by applying cold isostatic pressing before sintering. A series of wire-bondable capacitors with capacitance of 5~100 nF were developed.
Sensor stack for Tian-Calvet Calorimeter made in LTCC-Technology
Authors: Schubert Franz , Kita Jaroslaw , Gollner Michael , Linseis Florian , Moos Ralf
Published: May 2016

The paper presents the construction and first tests of a new sensor stack for a Tian-Calvet Calorimeter made in LTCC Technology. In contrast to typical construction where wired thermocouples are directly connected, the here-presented solution replaces wired thermocouples by screen-printed thick-film thermocouples placed on a structured disc made of Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramics (LTCC). The advantage of screen-printed thermocouples is the ease of integration of them into thick-film hybrid structures, and to simplify the device setup. Moreover, using thermocouples integrated into a ceramic disc can increase the sensitivity of the system and simultaneously reduce the production costs.

The paper shows the design and fabrication of the sensor stacks. It consists of several LTCC discs and ceramic spacers. On each LTCC disc, 34 Au/Pt thermocouples were deposited. The design of the disc was supported by FEM-modelling under consideration of device specific requirements. The very initial measurements, which we conducted using two sensor stacks already exhibited a sensitivity of 8 μV/mW, which is more than satisfactory in this stage of development.
Design of a Low Inductance Power Module Based on Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramic
Authors: Dutta Atanu , Ang Simon S.
Published: May 2016

Efficient, compact, and reliable power electronic modules are building blocks of modern day power electronic systems. In recent times, wide bandgap semiconductor devices, such as, silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN), are widely investigated and used in the power electronic modules to realize power dense, highly efficient, and fast switching modules for various applications. For high power applications is it required to parallel and series several devices to achieve high current and high voltage specifications, which results in larger current conducting traces. One of the major obstacles in using these wideband gap power semiconductor devices are the internal module stray inductance that is associated with these current conducting traces. With increasing demand for higher switching frequency, the internal module parasitic inductance must be reduced to as minimum as possible in order to utilize the full potential of the wide bandgap devices. A multi-layer approach of low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) to package the wide bandgap devices is investigated. The multi-layer design freedom by using LTCC can be utilized to reduce the footprint of the overall power module, electrical interconnects, hence, reducing the package parasitic inductance. LTCC also facilitates high temperature operations and has a coefficient of thermal expansion matching with wide bandgap devices. In this paper, we report on a LTCC based power module design where LTCC is utilized as an isolation layer between the source and the drain of the power devices. A simulation based parasitic inductance analysis and electro-thermal-mechanical study is performed using ANSYS Workbench Tools to investigate the feasibility of this LTCC based design.
Advanced DBC - Highly Reliable and Conductive Copper Ceramic Substrates
Authors: Gundel Paul , Miric Anton , Herbst Kai , Bawohl Melanie , Reitz Jessica , Modes Christina , Zier Gabriel , Nikolaidis Ilias , Challingsworth Mark
Published: May 2016

So far Direct Bonded Copper (DBC) substrates have been the standard for power electronics. They provide excellent electrical and thermal conductivity at low cost. Weaknesses of DBC technology are the inevitable warpage and the relatively low reliability under thermal cycling. The low reliability poses a significant hurdle in particular for automotive applications with high lifetime requirements. Thick Print Copper (TPC) substrates with low warpage and excellent reliability overcome these weaknesses, but also provide a reduced conductivity at a higher cost. We present two thick-film/DBC hybrid technologies which combine the best properties of DBC and TPC: excellent conductivity, low cost, reduced warpage and excellent reliability.
Fabrication of LTCC Micro-fluidic Devices For Wireless Lab-On-A-Chip Applications
Authors: Amar Achraf Ben , Amor Houssem Eddine , Cao Hung , Kouki Ammar B.
Published: May 2016

Low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) based microfluidic sensors have been developed for biomedical and environmental sensing systems. This paper introduces a microfluidic chamber based on impedance spectroscopy measurements using LTCC technology for wireless Lab-On-A-Chip (LOC) applications. To overcome the channel sagging during the fabrication process, we used sacrificial carbon tapes as solid inserts, thus guiding the LTCC to follow their shape upon lamination and then formed micro-channels. The measurement chamber was a parallel-plate capacitive structure with 85 μm gap. This platform requires a small fluid sample of less than 4 μL. The sensor formed by the microfluidic channel and capacitance structure was characterized using different dielectric materials such as air, water and acetone. We hereby present the capability of LTCC-based systems in fluid identification by detecting their electrical permittivity using capacitance measurement.
LTCC 3D MICROMIXERS FOR NON-MISCIBLE FLUIDS MICROEMULSION GENERATION
Authors: Gomez Houari Cobas , Agio Bianca Oliveira , da Silva Jéssica Gonçalves , Cerize Natalia Neto Pereira , de Oliveira Adriano Marim , Guimaraes Kleber Lanigra , da Cunha Marcio Rodrigues , Seabra Antonio Carlos , Gongora-Rubio Mario Ricardo
Published: May 2016

The present work shows a ceramics microfluidic device for non-miscible fluids microemulsion generation using 3D serpentine micromixers. The technology used for device fabrication was Low Temperature Cofired Ceramics (LTCC) which allows us for complex, high temperature and pressure resistant 3D microfluidic devices.

The proposed device aims to obtain microemulsion with controlled drop size, low dispersion index and high production volumes using Top-Down approach. Previous simulation work had showed 3D serpentine as one of the best structures for rapid mixing due the chaotic advection generated on every 90 deg direction change. This effect, when mixing two fluids as oil and water leads to streamlines pinching-off making possible drop generation. We have used this effect on our device.

For the experimental section, it was fabricated a 3D serpentine mixer microfluidic device with working region suitable for variable total flow rate. For certain value of total flow rate, the microemulsion showed higher drop diameter and polydispersity values. In this region, no control could be done in order to obtain the same drop value with the same process parameters.

Inside the working region drop diameter values repeatability was obtained. In this region our experimental results had showed a relation between drop diameter and total flow rate. As a total flow rate increase the drop diameter decrease due to a stronger chaotic advection effect. In the other hand, the polydispersity index also decreases. Microemulsions with average size lower than few micrometer or submicron were obtained. When compared with other reported devices, our device presented a production volume in the range of tens of ml/s for the same output microemulsion size.
Investigations of Metal Systems in a Silicon Ceramic Composite Substrate for Electrical and Thermal Contacts as well as Associated Mounting Aspects
Authors: Fischer M. , Welker T. , Leistritz B. , Gropp S. , Schäffel C. , Hoffmann M. , Müller J.
Published: May 2016

A quasi-monolithic silicon ceramic composite substrate (SiCer), allowing the advantageous combination of silicon MEMS technology with the LTCC technology represents a base substrate for new technology concepts. For the realization of such a substrate an adaptation (e. g. expansion coefficient) of the LTCC base material to silicon is required. Due to the fact that this TCE matched LTCC is not supplied with a metallization system, it is important to identify and evaluate suitable metal pastes. We present a compilation of evaluated silver- and gold-based metal pastes, as well as their characterization in terms of solderability and wire-bondability.

With the use of thermal vias in combination with deep reactive ion etching to separate individual areas in the silicon layer [1], it is possible to adjust the thermal behavior of SiCer and of systems made of this substrate technology.

Particularly for micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) requiring high temperature gradients within the substrate material, e. g. radiation sensors, dew point sensors, energy harvesting or silicon heatsinks a silicon ceramic composite substrate in combination with thermal vias entails a high application potential.

We investigate the thermal behavior of silicon ceramic composite substrates. Manufacturing technologies as well as measuring and simulation results regarding the use of thermal vias in SiCer are presented and discussed. Opportunities for construction and connection techniques for mounting a thermal test chip to SiCer are discussed. Furthermore, a simulation-based model to determine the heat dissipation behavior depending on number and arrangement of thermal vias is presented and compared with the measured values.
LTCC 3D FLOW FOCALIZATION DEVICE FOR LIQUID-LIQUID PARTIAL SOLVENT EXTRACTION
Authors: Gomez Houari Cobas , da Silva Jéssica Gonçalves , Machado Jocasta Mileski , Agio Bianca Oliveira , de Oliveira Francisco Jorge Soares , Seabra Antonio Carlos , Gongora-Rubio Mario Ricardo
Published: May 2016

The present work shows a ceramics microfluidic device for partial solvent extraction scheme. The technology used for device fabrication was Low Temperature Cofired Ceramics (LTCC) which allows us for complex and chemical resistant 3D microfluidic devices. The proposed system aims to partially extract the solvent present in a mixture containing aqueous and organic phases. This scheme uses a 3D flow focalization in order to improve the solvent diffusion into the external aqueous phase. The device is composed by three different parts, the input channels distribution, the main channel and the output channels distribution. The designed input channels distribution ensures a centered 3D focalized solvent stream along the main channel. The focalized solvent mixes with the surrounding water thanks to diffusion. Projected output channels take the central fluid out separately from the surrounding. Thus the device has two different outputs, one for the focalized fluid and another one for the waste fluid, which is the aqueous phase plus solvent. For a device concept proof, acetone and water were used as organic and aqueous phases, respectively. COMSOL Multiphysics was used for device microfluidics and chemical transport simulation. The extraction efficiency was the variable used as indicator for device performance validation. The flow rate ratio between phases, total flow rate, main channel length and focalized stream channel output hydraulic diameter (ODH) were used as process variables for simulation purposes. A factorial experimental planning was used in order to analyze the extraction efficiency taking into account process variables effects. From simulation results it was determined main channel length and ODH as the variables with stronger effect on extraction efficiency. Obtained simulated efficiencies were as high as 80.6%. Considering previous results observations a microfluidic device was fabricated with a main channel length of 21,4 mm and ODH of 214,63 μm. Gas chromatography was used to measured acetone concentration in outputs samples and from here the extraction efficiency. Experimental results were in agreement with simulation, returning extraction efficiencies in the order of 80.8% ± 2.2%.
Fabrication of an RF-MEMS-Switch on a hybrid Si-Ceramic substrate
Authors: Gropp S. , Fischer M. , Frank A. , Schäffel C. , Müller J. , Hoffmann M.
Published: May 2016

The integration of MEMS sensors, microelectronics and RF circuits including RF-MEMS is still a challenging task but becomes crucial for the Internet of Things. A wafer-level silicon-ceramic composite substrate (called SiCer, Silicon-on-Ceramics) allows new options in smart system integration.

SiCer substrates combine the benefits of two different worlds of materials. The silicon substrate is a suitable material to build active MEMS devices such as switches and resonators. The ceramic substrate, a Low Temperature Cofired Ceramic (LTCC), is well-known for RF circuit integration including resistors, capacitors and coils. Both materials are co-sintered into a monolithically composite substrate. Chemical and physical modification of the silicon interface allows a low-pressure sintering and therefore new techniques for generating buried cavities at the bond interface. A carbon paste is applied on the LTCC via screen printing. After sintering, this results in a defined cavity. To demonstrate the advantages of the buried cavities within SiCer substrates the fabrication process of a RF-MEMS switch is shown. The switch is intended for a switching matrix to select frequency bands in a mobile LTE receiver. A parallel-plate electrostatic actuation with in-plane movement has been selected. This type of switch allows a large displacement range and a low actuation voltage can be achieved.
High-Temperature Dielectric Materials from Atomically-Thin Perovskites
Authors: Osada Minoru , Sasaki Takayoshi
Published: May 2016

The search of new electronic materials for high-temperature applications has been a significant challenge in recent years. In automotive industries, for example, cutting-edge technology requires electronic components operable at high temperatures (> 200 °C). The absence of suitable capacitors is one of the major barriers to meet this goal. Here we provide a solution to these issues by using an atomically-thin perovskite nanosheet (Ca2Nb3O10), a two-dimensional material derived from the exfoliation of a layered compound. Through in-situ characterizations, we found a robust thermal stability of Ca2Nb3O10 nanosheet even in a monolayer form (~ 2 nm). Furthermore, layer-by-layer assembled nanocapacitors retained both size-free high-εr characteristic and high insulation resistance at high temperatures up to 250 °C. The simultaneous improvement of εr and thermal stability in high-k nanodielectrics is of critical technological importance for the use of high-temperature capacitors.
Response of Bosmina size structure to the acidification and recovery of lakes near Sudbury, Canada
Authors: Labaj Andrew L. , Korosi Jennifer B. , Kurek Joshua , Jeziorski Adam , Keller Wendel (Bill) , Smol John P.
Published: May 2016

In response to biotic and abiotic cues, the cladoceran genus Bosmina can undergo changes in body size and appendage length and shape over successive generations. To improve our understanding of the environmental controls on Bosmina size structure, we used paleolimnological techniques to examine Bosmina size responses to the extreme acidification and metal contamination, and then subsequent chemical recovery, of lakes in the vicinity of mining and smelting operations near Sudbury, Canada. During the acidification period, Bosmina antennule and carapace length significantly increased in three of the five study lakes, while mucro length significantly decreased in four of the five lakes. However, despite the recent return to pre-impact pH levels, the size structure of the present-day Bosmina community still differs from the pre-impact size distributions. We suggest that the continued dominance of the food webs by small invertebrate predators (e.g., cyclopoid copepods) is responsible for the persistent changes to Bosmina size structure.
Rotifers in Lake Orta: a potential ecological and evolutionary model system
Authors: Sommer Stefan , Nandini Sarma , Sarma S.S.S. , Ozgul Arpat , Fontaneto Diego
Published: May 2016

Lake Orta experienced for a few decades a unique history of chronic pollution, with extreme changes in pH and copper concentration. Currently, the lake has recovered to its almost pristine oligotrophic conditions, but its sediments still preserve the record of all the changes that happened since the establishment of the first polluting factories in the 1920s, through to the liming activities in 1989-1990, and to the recovery phase that is still going on. Here we review the current knowledge for Lake Orta regarding rotifers, a diverse component of the zooplankton of the lake, through studies on living organisms and on their resting stages accumulated in the sediments. We also report a brief review of what is known in general on the effects of changes in pH and copper concentration on rotifers at the population, species and community level, providing expectations for such effects on the rotifers of Lake Orta. Then, we conclude our review with a perspective on the potential use of rotifers hatched from the resting stages in the sediment of Lake Orta with the description of experiments that can be performed in the future in the framework of resurrection ecology, in order to understand the mechanisms of past and future changes in the environment.