bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Drying Temperature and Natural Fermentation on the Phytochemical Composition of Stinging Nettle Buds (Urtica parviflora)
Authors: Adhikari Babita , Ale Smriti
Published: January 2021

Stinging nettle (Urtica parviflora), locally known as sisnu in Nepal, is rich in phytochemicals. Phytochemical are non-nutritive bioactive chemical compounds found naturally in plants; possess antioxidant activity and reduce the risk of different diseases by serving structural and functional role as well as an electrolyte. The effect of drying temperature (50, 60, 70ºC) and natural fermentation (24±1ºC for 15 days) of fresh nettle buds on the phytochemical composition (polyphenol, tannin, flavonoid and antioxidant activity) were studied. The phytochemical screening of the samples was carried out using 80% ethanol through maceration technique. The tannin, flavonoid, total phenol content and antioxidant activity in ethanolic extract of fresh nettle buds were found to be 1.02±0.08 mg/g, 0.126±0.005 mg/g, 145.69±2.01 mg/g and 59.53±0.03% on dry basis respectively. The increase in drying temperature, significantly (p<0.5) decreased the polyphenol contents but had no significantly effect on the tannin, flavonoid content and antioxidant activity. The DPPH radical scavenging activity of leaves dried at 50ºC was found to be maximum (56.72±0.07% on db) and minimum (47.56±0.02%) at 70ºC. The natural fermentation significantly (p<0.05) increased the total phenol (273.2±2.33 mg/g), flavonoid (0.408±0.08 mg/g) and tannin (3.56±0.11 mg/g) content on dry basis. The increase in total phenol and flavonoid content exhibited the subsequent increment in the antioxidant activity (87.69±0.02%). It was found that, nettle buds contained a number of health promoting bioactive compounds such as tannins, polyphenol and flavonoid and their concentration increased significantly by natural fermentation but were not significantly affected by drying temperature (50-70ºC).
Growth Performance of Clarias gariepinus on the Basis of Formulated Feed Supply
Authors: Shrestha Jay Narayan , Niraula Prabha
Published: January 2021

Best diet of the fish is the sole of production of aquaculture. Growth performance of Clarias gariepinus on the basis of formulated feed supply was carried out from 7th March to 6th May, 2019 in the laboratory of P.G.Campus, Biratnagar in which 130 juveniles (each of 10±0.11 g.) of catfish were cultured in 13 aquaria feeding with treatment diets having crude protein level 35%, 40%, 45% and 50% for treatment and commercial diet for control. There are no significant differences between the water quality parameters and body weight gain (p>0.05) in all treatments. The highest body weight gain (7.31±0.11 g; 65.20%) and SGR (13.051±1.15 g) was observed in fish fed with T C (45% protein level). This value was lowered than value of control(C) i.e. 7.59±0 g; 69.88% and 13.55±0 g respectively. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was best (13.28±1.89 g) in T D (50% protein level feed). Its value was larger (7.52±1.11 g) in T C than C (7.15±0 g). Mortality rate was highest in T C and C i.e. 30% and lowest in T A and T B i.e. 23.33%. Weight gain of the fish increased with increasing protein level in diet till crude protein level 45% then it was dropped at the diet with protein level 50%. The best weight gain was observed in 7th week having crude protein level 45%. The diet with protein level 45% is suggested for farmers concerning the fish (Clarias gariepinus) in the aquaculture.
Process Optimization of Finger Millet Incorporated Extrudates
Authors: KC Yadav , Rajbanshi Ranjit , Bhattarai Prabesh , Dhungana Pramesh K. , Subba Dilip
Published: January 2021

The effects of incorporation of finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) flour and extrusion conditions on physico-chemical characteristics of corn grit- rice grit-chickpea flour blend expanded extrudates were studied. Response surface methodology was used to study the effects of level of incorporation of millet flour in feed composition (5 to 25 %), feed moisture (12-16%), screw speed (1000-1400 rpm) and extrusion temperature (80–120°C). Single screw extruder was used for the experiments. The level of millet flour incorporation had significant effect on water solubility index (p<0.05), water absorption index (p<0.05) and starch digestibility (p<0.001). Feed moisture had significant effect on water solubility index (p<0.001) and water absorption index (p<0.05). Extrusion temperature had significant effect on water solubility index (p<0.001), water absorption index (p<0.05) and starch digestibility (p<0.05). Screw speed had significant effect on water solubility index (p<0.001) and water absorption index (p<0.05). Numerical optimization study predicted 106.8 °C of extrusion temperature, 1253 rpm of screw speed, 12.67 % of feed moisture, and 22.8 % of millet flour as optimum conditions to produce acceptable extrudates from the feed composite containing millet flour.
Utilization of Banana (Musa acuminata) Pseudostem for Biscuit Making
Authors: Maskey Bunty , Sangroula Pradeep , Shrestha Nabindra Kumar
Published: January 2021

The aim of this research was to utilize banana pseudostem powder as a functional replacement ingredient for wheat flour in the production of biscuit. In this study, D-optimal mixture design was employed and five different formulations were obtained. The biscuits were prepared by partially replacing wheat flour with banana pseudostem powder from 0-10% and investigated for sensory and quality attributes. The biscuits were subjected to sensory evaluation by ten semi-trained panelists for consumer acceptability. The data obtained were statistically analyzed using two-way ANOVA (no blocking) at 5% level of significance. From the mean sensory scores, 2.5 parts pseudostem incorporation was selected as the best formulation and subjected for further proximate analysis. The calcium, potassium, sodium, ash, fibre and fat contents were found to be higher in banana pseudostem incorporated biscuit than wheat flour biscuit.
Microbiological Quality and Antibiogram Assessment of Bacterial Pathogens Isolated from Raw Salad Vegetable Samples of Kathmandu Valley
Authors: Poudel Rojan , Gautam Neha , Nepal Krishus , Lekhak Binod , Upreti Milan Kumar
Published: January 2021

Most typical salad vegetables include carrots, cabbages, lettuces, bell peppers, cucumber, onions, tomatoes, coriander and radishes. The aim of this research was to study the microbiological quality of salad vegetables and perform antibiotic susceptibility of isolates. In this study, total viable count, total coliform count and yeast, mold count were calculated as CFU/ml within sample type and according to various sample sources. Total percentage of isolated bacteria and molds were calculated. Antibiotic sensitivity test of isolated bacteria was carried out by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method according to CLSI 2017 guideline. Average microbial count was ≤ 107 CFU/ml for all sample types. So, it revealed that the vast majority of samples failed to comply with international standards i.e. ≤104 CFU/ml. Total 172 isolates from raw salad vegetable Escherichia coli 14 (70%), K. pneumoniae 12 (60%) and P. aeruginosa 15 (75%) were found to be predominant. Whereas, Trichoderma spp 4 (20%) were most predominant amongst mold. Highest resistivity was against Amoxicillin/ Clavulanic acid and most sensitivity was against Gentamicin followed by Ciprofloxacin and Chloramphenicol. This study showed that raw salad vegetable samples were heavily contaminated and the antimicrobial resistance pattern shown by the isolates is an indication that adequate measure need be taken to regulate drug use in both humans and animals in order to minimize the risk of increasing antimicrobial resistance.
Isolation of Bacillus thuringiensis and its Insecticidal Effect against Galleria mellonella
Authors: Limbu Jyoti , Shrestha Bijay Kumar , Shakya Jenish , Khatri Sabin Bahadur , Khanal Hemanta
Published: January 2021

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) synthesize a large diversity of crystal proteins (Cry and Cyt) during sporulation which exhibit insecticidal activity against insects and protozoa. The main aim of this study was to isolate Bacillus thuringiensis and study its insecticidal effect against Galleria mellonella. Soil samples from four different geographical locations of Koshi Zone viz. Itahari, Tarhara, Dharan and Vedetar of Eastern Nepal were collected. The isolation of Bt was done by acetate selection method. The insect bioassay of Bt isolates were performed against greater wax moth (G. mellonella) by feeding the third instar larvae by extracted crystal spores with three different concentrations. The overall distribution of Bt from the study sample was found to be 30% (30/100). Bt was isolated from all four geographical location with higher incidence; 9 (36%) in Tarhara region followed by Dharan (32%), Itahari (28%) and Vedetar (24%). However, the incidence of Bt with potent insecticidal activity against G. mellonella was reported to be 4% (4/100). The insecticidal activity of isolated Bt between test and control groups was found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). LC50 value of Bt from Tarhara (Tar1) was 388.29μg/mL, Dharan; Drn8 and Drn1 was 416.20μg/mL and 463.15μg/mL respectively and from Vedetar (Vd5) was 476.63μg/mL. In overall study the Bt isolated from Tarhara (Tar1) region exhibited greater incidence, Bt index, efficacy and effective level of LC50 against greater wax moth. Native Bt strains isolated from soil of Eastern Nepal possess effective insecticidal activity and hence can used as biocontrol agent in controlling honeycomb pest like G. mellonella.
A contemporary insight of metabolomics approach for COVID-19: Potential for novel therapeutic and diagnostic targets
Authors: Asim Mohammad , Sathian Brijesh , Banerjee Indrajit , Robinson Jared
Published: January 2021

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is caused by rapidly spreading pathogenic virus known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), that affects vast majority of population worldwide. Although, around 80% of the cases had mild infection but still remaining 20% had developed respiratory failure and dysfunction of other organs that necessitate urgent oxygen therapy or specific interventions. Therefore, it is imperative to establish novel prognostic approaches to screen patients at high-risk of developing severe complications. The primary focus of current research for COVID-19 is to discover safe and efficacious vaccine for prevention and effective treatment for better management of the patients to overcome the pandemic. To achieve this goal, it is imperative to have better understanding of the molecular pathways involved in the pathophysiology and progression of severe COVID-19.  The surge for reliable diagnostics and therapeutics targets for COVID-19 highlighted the great potential of high-throughput approach like metabolomics which may enable the development of personalized medicine.
Aynuna on the Red Sea
Authors: Gawlikowski Michał
Published: January 2021

Aynuna was excavated by a Saudi-Polish team from 2014 t0 2018. It is a Nabataean port dated to the first century BC, with a later occupation in the fourth century AD and with some Islamic presence. It is composed of two sites: a commercial factory and a fortified settlement. We identify it with Leuke Kome mentioned by the Periplus and by Strabo in connection with Aelius Gallus expedition to Arabia.
Burying the dead on the Red Sea coast: Bioarchaeological research in Lower Aynuna in the 2015–2017 seasons of fieldwork
Authors: Ciesielska Joanna
Published: January 2021

The archaeological site of Aynuna, located in northern-western Saudi Arabia, is believed to be the ancient Leuke Kome, a port linked by a caravan route with the Nabatean capital Petra. Architectural remains suggest that it may be identified as an emporion – a trading outpost receiving freight from foreign lands to be transmitted further north. Archaeological excavations conducted by the Saudi-Polish Archaeological Mission have revealed the existence of multiple burials, not only within the cemeteries, but also in the buildings dated from the first to the seven centuries AC(AD?). Preliminary works at the necropoleis have proved rather uninformative due to most of the tombs being ransacked and burials almost completely destroyed. Although Necropoleis 1 and 2 exhibit some internal uniformity when it comes to the architectural outline of the tombs, the two cemeteries show no mutual similarities, which may indicate different dating or cultural affinity. Meanwhile, better preserved human remains from within the buildings can probably be dated to the early Islamic period. Two large stone cairns, containing three burials, were erected in the middle of the courtyard of Khan no. 1. However, most of the burials were interred directly on the walking level in Khans nos. 1, 4, and 5, and covered with stone rubble. While three out of four burials were extended on the back, facing south-east and provided with some kind of stone installation to protect the body, the fourth, belonging to a pregnant woman, was found lying face down, calling into question the intentionality of the burial.
Roads of Arabia: New finds of Aqaba amphorae in the Red Sea from a newly discovered wreck site at Jeddah/Eliza shoals
Authors: Brandmeier Rupert
Published: January 2021

This paper concerns a probable shipwreck cargo of Aqaba amphorae, which was discovered during the second season of the survey project along the Saudi Arabian coast, initiated by nautical archaeologists of Philipps-University Marburg and conducted in cooperation with members of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Heritage in autumn 2013. Seafaring and sea trade was, according to the few ancient sources and modern research activities, a hazardous endeavor in antiquity. Transport containers like the Aqaba Amphorae played a major role in sea trade, a significant number of which have been detected on various sites along the Red Sea coast and its hinterland. The chronological classification as well as the application is far from complete, and recent archaeometrical investigations help to clarify the logistical aspects of manufacturing and distribution of Aqaba amphorae. Finding a number of remains of Aqaba amphorae at a supposed shipwreck site close to Jeddah delivers new insight into the maritime routes and activities along the western coast of Saudi Arabia. The documentary material currently available is the baseline for further research in the field of maritime archaeology as it pertains to trade in the Red Sea.
Jar and amphora stoppers and plugs from Berenike. Distribution at the site, materials and techniques
Authors: Bajtler Marta
Published: January 2021

Amphorae and jar stoppers (excavated/recovered)found during the 2010–2014 seasons of the Polish–American excavations at Berenike in the Red Sea are found mainly in the early Roman trash dumps, although single finds come from all over the ancient city. Altogether 54 stoppers were studied. More than 60% were preserved fragmentarily, some were stamped and colored. As a category they are typical of the Eastern Dessert. Numerous finds come from Myos Hormos and Mons Claudianus, single finds from Mons Porphyrites and Sikait. They reflect Egyptian wine production during the Roman and late Roman periods. They consist of plug and sealing mixture, made from various materials like plaster and mud, ceramic elements (bowls, lids, roudcuts(?), sherds), natural cork, wood or textile.
Gold mining in the Eastern Desert of Egypt, from the New Kingom to medieval times: new insight from the Samut district
Authors: Redon Bérangère , Marchand Julie , Faucher Thomas
Published: January 2021

Gold was plentiful in Egypt and had been used by the Pharaohs from earliest times as a means of asserting their power. But the history and archaeology of the mining and production of the Egyptian gold is a lot less known than the splendour of the country’s kings. Between 2013 and 2016, the French Eastern desert mission aimed to fill in these gaps in our knowledge through the excavation of the gold mining district of Samut, located between Edfu and Marsa Alam. It hosts one of the largest Ptolemaic mineral processing site of the region, Samut north. The excellent preservation of the remains made possible, for the first time, a comparison between archaeological remains and the well-known treatise of Agatharchides of Cnidus exposing the awful conditions of living in the gold mines of the Ptolemies. Besides, three other sites were explored: the impressive village of Samut el-Beda, dated to the New Kingdom, and two small villages of medieval times. In all the sites structures and artifacts related to the gold processing were unearthed, that held crucial data on the technological and organizational evolution of the gold exploitation over more than two millennia in the Eastern desert.
Emerald mining in Sikait: organization and distribution of emerald production in Roman Egypt
Authors: Oller Guzmán Joan
Published: January 2021

This paper focus on the study of the Smaragdus region, currently in the Wadi Gemal National Park (Eastern Desert, Egypt). This area was well known in ancient times, thanks to the presence of emerald, a semiprecious stone considered as highly valuable in ancient times. The exploitation of the emerald mines, especially in Roman times, led to the creation of an important network of settlements linked to their obtaining and commercial distribution. We will present an overview of these elements, focusing our interest in the most important and best known of these settlements: Sikait.
The port of Al Baleed (southern Oman), the trade in franckincense and its coveted treasures
Authors: Pavan Alexia
Published: January 2021

Medieval times as Zafar. Placed in a strategic position for its geographical location, climate, availability of water and abundance of fodder, its long history dates back to the Bronze Age. The settlement reached its peak in Mediaeval times when it was a (a hub?) of international trade along the Indian Ocean. Many commodities were exported from the region or passed through the port. Among them a number of regional products such as: myrrh, dragon’s blood, aloe and madder, the most important being, however, frankincense and Arabian horses. Frankincense trade in Mediaeval times is barely studied despite its importance and great incomes generated by this trade during the period. The paper will present a general overview of the site of Al Baleed and its importance in the trade of frankincense, mainly in relation with the Far-eastern market with an overview of the coveted treasures from the region of Dhofar.
Incense burners at the Oasis of Tayma, northwest Arabia: an olfactory perspective
Authors: Huber Barbara
Published: January 2021

Dried resins such as frankincense or myrrh have been important commodities in antique societies due to their pleasant scent when burned. Creation of an aromatic fragrant smoke, used for a variety of functions in Antiquity, is attested by textual sources as well as by iconographic sources. Since ephemeral phenomena such as odors or smells can only be studied through their indirect effects, investigating devices used to produce them provides important data. The essen-tial (elements?) of? this investigation are, therefore, the incense burners. Excavations at the oasis of Tayma revealed several vessels and cuboid containers, interpreted as incense burners, with preserved residues. This paper aims at presenting the assemblage of burners found at Tayma and to offer a sensory perspective on the use of aromatics in antiquity to provide new insights into the scented world of an ancient oasis.
Tayma and the sea – marine goods in an Arabian oasis settlement
Authors: Prust Anja
Published: January 2021

Marine goods found in the oasis of Taymāʾ (Northwest Arabia), 300 km away from the nearest coast of the Red Sea, illustrate the economic importance and prosperity of the site. Excavations of the Saudi-German collaborative project revealed 631 marine specimens of 5 animal classes: coral, gastropods, bivalves, scaphopods and fish. The finds origin from various contexts (burial ground, public buildings, private houses and agricultural areas) and encompass occupation periods from the 3rd millennium BC to the 7th century AD onwards with an increased incidence of shell artefacts from the 11th to the 9th century AD. Variety and quantity of these goods within specific contexts urge new reflections on utilisation, commerce and transport.
Beads and pendants from Inqitat (Dhofar, Sultanate of Oman)
Authors: Lischi Silvia
Published: January 2021

Archaeological campaigns conducted during 2016 and 2017 at the site of Inqitat (Al Hamr al-Sharqiya), in the area of Khor Rori (Dhofar), produced an interesting assemblage of jewellery of various materials. The characteristics of the site are exceptional because they show traces of occupation from (prehistoric times)/ Prehistory right up to the Islamic period. Its geographical position(location), near Sumhuram, and its socio-political situation explain why bead assemblage here is so important. The use of particular stones indicates the presence of links with the area of the Persian Gulf and the Eastern part of the Indian Ocean. Furthermore, the discovery of some tools used for the production of the beads demonstrates a local production of some of these. The long life of the site could help to identify typical materials of each period thus allowing for a more complete comprehension of Dhofar and of the international connections of the area.
From sand to sea: tracing the production and trade in glass beads from the 10th-century Cirebon shipwreck in the Java Sea
Authors: Swan Carolyn
Published: January 2021

Around the year 970 CE, a merchant ship carrying an assortment of goods from East Africa, Persia, India, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, and China foundered and sank to the bottom of the Java Sea. Thousands of beads made from many different materials—ceramic, jet, coral, banded stone, lapis lazuli, rock crystal, sapphire, ruby, garnet, pearl, gold, and glass—attest to the long-distance movement and trade of these small and often precious objects throughout the Indian Ocean world. The beads made of glass are of particular interest, as closely-dated examples are very rare and there is some debate as to where glass beads were being made and traded during this period of time. This paper examines 18 glass beads from the Cirebon shipwreck that are now in the collection of Qatar Museums, using a comparative typological and chemical perspective within the context of the 10th-century glass production. Although it remains uncertain where some of the beads were made, the composition of the glass beads points to two major production origins for the glass itself: West Asia and South Asia.
The Aksumite site of Wakarida in the region of Tigrai, Ethiopia: first results of archaeological investigations
Authors: Gajda Iwona , Charbonnier Julien , Peixoto Xavier
Published: January 2021

The site of Wakarida is situated near the eastern edge of the Tigray plateau, dominating the Afar depression. The study on the site has started in 2011 with a short archaeological and geophysical survey. During the three campaigns of excavations between 2012 and in 2013, carried out in two areas, the archaeologists unearthed typically Aksumite buildings accompanied by abundant ceramic material, with a significant proportion of fine ceramics. The buildings have been dated between the 3rd and the 6th century AD, period confirmed by C14 analyses. In several places, the remains of walls visible on surface and pottery shards testify to the existence of other ancient structures. The site of Wakarida, covering some 9 ha, was probably a small city or a village during the Aksumite period. The survey of its region has enabled to study the landscape, mostly shaped by man, and to discover other archaeological sites, two of which are comparable in size to Wakarida.
Dynamics and internationalism during the Late Bronze Age: circulation of raw materials and production between the Western Basin of the Indian Ocean and the southern Levant
Authors: Tucci Giulia
Published: January 2021

Although rather distant from the Western Indian Ocean basin, Southern Levant can be considered fairly included into trading dynamics regulating the movement and use of exotic goods, especially luxury raw materials, frequently representing the final destination for this kind of items.During the Late Bronze Age, Southern Levantine jewelry enumerates a wide eclectic group of differentiated artifacts, witnessing a remarkable level of artistic talent and technical expertise. The most part of the products is manufactured in gold and silver, using the decorative shares of precious and semiprecious stones originating from eastern Africa and the Indus Valley.The wealth of jewelry’s arts, and in particular the large use of stones, has given rise to a number of hypothesis that will be briefly discussed in the paper, analyzing raw materials’ origins, finished products’ archaeological contexts, and specialized production of personal ornaments, with particular attention to the actors and the ultimate goal of their production.
To Hegra through al-Qusayr. The al-'Ula-al-Wajh Survey Project
Authors: Fiema Zbigniew T.
Published: January 2021

The al-ʿUlā – al-Wajh Survey Project deals with ancient trade routes between al-ʿUlā and Madāʿin ʿāliʿ (ancient Hegra) and the Red Sea in the area of al-Wajh in NW Saudi Arabia. This investigation is related to economics of long-distance maritime and caravan trade and the utilization of the "Incense Route" which served to convey frankincense and other commodities from South Arabia to the Mediterranean during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. The Project is also concerned with the localization of Nabataean seaports on the Red Sea coast, such as Leuke Kome and Egra Kome. The results of two fieldwork seasons are presented including a potential caravan route to Hegra along the Wādī al-ʿamʿ. The site of Nabataean al-Qusayr is highlighted here as the finds from there indicate a participation in the long-distance trade between the Mediterranean, Egypt and the Red Sea region.
A Nabatean port on the Red Sea: note on the pottery finds from al-Qusayr (al-Wajh, Saudi Arabia)
Authors: Durand Caroline
Published: January 2021

Al-Qusayr is located 40 km south of modern al-Wajh, roughly 7 km from the eastern Red Sea shore. This site is known since the mid-19th century, when the explorer R. Burton described it for the first time, in particular the remains of a monumental building so-called al-Qasr. In March 2016, a new survey of the site was undertaken by the al-‘Ula–al-Wajh Survey Project. This survey focused not only on al-Qasr but also on the surrounding site corresponding to the ancient settlement. A surface collection of pottery sherds revealed a striking combination of Mediterranean and Egyptian imports on one hand, and of Nabataean productions on the other hand. This material is particularly homogeneous on the chronological point of view, suggesting a rather limited occupation period for the site. Attesting contacts between Mediterranean merchants, Roman Egypt and the Nabataean kingdom, these new data allow a complete reassessment of the importance of this locality in the Red Sea trade routes during antiquity.
Discovery of a direct sea route to India: open-sea travel and the Bab el-Mandeb barrier
Authors: Lisak Mateusz
Published: January 2021

The issue of discovery of a sea route to India is one of the most important questions about Indo-Roman trade relations and it has yet to be resolved. Historians tend to focus on who and when made the first open-sea journey, and whether it was a sudden change or a process. Conditions essential for discovery of a new route are not considered (not clear – are not considered here, in this paper?), nor are the circumstances that would have made this journey possible. Another issue (of what?) is the case of the Arabia Eudaimon port. The 1st-century AD Periplus Maris Erythraei states that the port had been ransacked and there was no direct connection between India and Egypt, but that all ships were forced to stop there. Thus the resumption of active trade with India necessitated the lifting of the tentative blockade of Arabia Eudaimon and discovering the trans-oceanic route. The nautical guide, however, does not describe the new repute in the context of the troubles in Bab el-Mandeb, but can we be really sure that these two events were not related? What were the circumstances and conditions that had to be met for it to be possible to discover a new route?
Trade and 'treasure': the role of Suakin in the movement of valuables (15th–19th centuries)
Authors: Smith Lawrence , Taha Shadia , Philips Jacke , Mallinson Michael
Published: January 2021

This paper focuses historical and archaeological evidence for the ‘valuables’ passing through Suakin, as part of the Red Sea-Indian Ocean trade. The main locations on Suakin Island Town investigated 2002-2013 are briefly described. Interviews show that at Suakin, in the later 19th century/early 20th century, imported valuables included fabrics from Europe, perfume oils, cloths and wooden chests from India; porcelain from China and Turkey; rugs from Persia/Iran and glass from Italy. Interviews and early modern European accounts indicate the range of products from the hinterland, such as cotton, gold, ivory, ostrich feathers, slaves, horses, gum arabic, ebony, musk, tobacco, rubber and coffee. Local fishermen supplied fish, shells, pearls and mother-of-pearl. The archaeological evidence indicates pottery and porcelain from the Arabian Peninsula, south-west Asia, south Asia, China and south-east Asia, while identifications of wood samples indicates teak from south and south-east Asia. A combination of archaeological, historical and ethnographic evidence is needed to build up a picture of the trade in valuables.
The faunal remains from Mamluk Khirbat al-Sar (Jordan)
Authors: Monchot Hervé
Published: January 2021

Excavations at Khirbat al-Sar in 2019 yielded a small assemblage of animal remains dating mainly to the Mamluk period. An archaeozoological analysis provided insight into the food provisioning of the site’s inhabitants. Caprids (sheep and goat) and cattle made up the bulk of the animal food products. The other species present in small quantities are the dromedary, the horse, the dog, the chicken and the hare. The faunal remains offer an opportunity to collect data on animal management and consumption during this period, of which we know very little in terms of archaeozoology.
A brief history of Pachoras from the 5th to the 7th centuries
Authors: Godlewski Włodzimierz
Published: January 2021

The development of Pachoras, an important town in mid-5th century AD Nobadia, was broken violently by a flood at the beginning of the second half of the 6th century. The settlement and enclosure were devastated and abandoned until the close of the 6th century when the Cathedral of Aetios was built on a 5-m-high dune, engulfing the interior of the enclosure.
“Eternal Bodies”: images of archangels in the upper parts of Nubian buildings
Authors: Łaptaś Magdalena
Published: January 2021

Images of archangels and angels, which were painted on the walls, in the upper parts of the buildings and, on their structural elements, were very popular in Christian Nubian painting as attested by the discoveries from Church SWN.BV on the citadel in Old Dongola. These images, which derive from pre-Christian art, depict the eternal nature of the archangels and angels. Presenting this group of representations, the author traces the origins of these images to highlight the role of these spiritual beings as intermediaries between God and humankind. As such, they move freely between the Heavens and the Earth, so the air and cosmic space are their natural surroundings. Moreover, archangels govern the forces of nature, the planets, and the seven skies. Therefore, their sanctuaries were located on hill summits, in the upper chapels, on structural elements of ecclesiastical buildings, etc. The Nubian tradition is therefore part of a broader Mediterranean tradition, the roots of which should be sought in the Near East.
Book review: Laurent Chrzanovski, Lampes antiques, byzantines et islamiques du Nil à l’Oronte. La Collection Bouvier; Warsaw: PCMA, University of Warsaw Press, 2019
Authors: Lapp Eric
Published: January 2021

Book review
Effect of Refractive Solid Immersion Lens Parameters on the Enhancement of Laser Induced Fault Localization Techniques
Authors: Goh S.H. , Quah A.C.T. , Sheppard C.J.R. , Phang J.C.H. , Chua C.M. , Koh L.S.
Published: January 2021

The effect of Refractive Solid Immersion Lens (RSIL) parameters on the enhancement to laser induced fault localization techniques are investigated. The experimental results of the effect on a common laser induced technique, namely Thermally Induced Voltage Alteration (TIVA), and imaging are presented. A signal enhancement in the peak TIVA signal of close to 12 times has been achieved.
High Current Focused Ion Beam Instrument for Destructive Physical Analysis Applications
Authors: Tesch Paul , Smith Noel , Martin Noel , Kinion Doug
Published: January 2021

Conventional focused ion beams (FIB) employing liquid metal ion sources (LMIS) are used to create site specific cross-sections for viewing subsurface features and performing 3D metrology on subsurface structure. Emerging applications incorporate novel materials as well as large structures that interface to decreasing IC dimensions and often require destructive physical analysis. This paper describes a novel instrument in which an inductively coupled plasma ion source is integrated onto a conventional FIB column. It compares this instrument to the existing LMIS FIBs and shows examples that illustrate the capabilities of this tool. This instrument retains the benefits of the conventional LMIS FIB such as high placement accuracy and the ability to immediately obtain high resolution images of the cross-section face without having to transfer it to another tool. It is capable of creating large cross-sections from 10 microns to 1mm in size at about 100 times faster than a conventional FIB.
Applications of Scanning Near-Field Photon Emission Microscopy
Authors: Isakov D.V. , Tan B.W.M. , Phang J.C.H. , Yeo Y.C. , Tio A.A.B. , Zhang Y. , Geinzer T. , Balk L.J.
Published: January 2021

In this paper, the application of scanning near-field photon emission microscopy for imaging photon emission sites is demonstrated. Photon emissions generated by a Fin-FET test structure with one metallization layer are imaged with spatial resolution of 50 nm using scattering dialectic probe. The potential applications and limitations of the technique are discussed.
Thick Film Resistor Failures
Authors: Shrivastava Anshul , Amin Ahmed , Sood Bhanu , Azarian Michael , Pecht Michael , Zagami Michael
Published: January 2021

Thick film resistors are widely used in consumer and industrial products such as timers, motor controls and a broad range of high performance electronic equipment. This article provides information on failures due to copper dendrite growth, silver migration, sulfur atmosphere corrosion, variation of temperature, and crack due to molding compound mechanisms. It presents case studies in which a physical analysis plan was developed and executed to investigate these sites of interest on as-manufactured and failed thick film power resistors. The analysis techniques included X-ray inspection, cross-sectioning, decapsulation, and optical and environmental scanning electron microscopy analysis. A table illustrates different failure modes and mechanisms for thick film resistors, and also potential application and manufacturing factors that cause failure mechanisms, which then describe the failure modes. The article is concluded that by preventing the failure of thick film resistors, printed circuit boards can be kept in service for their full lifetime.
Active Voltage Contrast and Seebeck Effect Imaging as Complementary Techniques for Localization of Resistive Interconnections
Authors: Österreicher I. , Rossberg U. , Eckl S.
Published: January 2021

The diagnosis of the failure mode in defective interconnections requires the localization of the failing via before the visualization is performed. The exact localization is challenging when the test array consists of several thousand interconnections and is even more difficult when we have to deal with contacts on active area due to leakage currents into the substrate. This paper shows that Active Voltage Contrast (AVC) and Seebeck Effect Imaging (SEI) are complementary methods to localize defective interconnections in cases where passive Voltage Contrast or other laser scanning techniques fail. It shows that the two physical approaches yield different information. AVC has advantages in lateral resolution and speed as it allows localization and direct cross sectioning in one step. While SEI often overlaps with AVC, it makes resistance mapping of a large area possible and is the method of choice for marginal resistance increases with high sensitivity.
Non Invasive Failure Analysis of Passive Electronic Devices in Wireless Modules Using X-ray Micro Tomography (MicroCT)
Authors: Pendleton Tyler , Hunter Luke , Lau S. H.
Published: January 2021

Conventional microCTs or 3D x-ray upgrades from existing 2D x-ray systems have two major drawbacks when they are used for failure analysis of advanced packages: Insufficient resolution to image small (1 to 5 microns) materials and the lack of imaging contrast to visualize cracks, whiskers, and defects within low Z materials. This paper discusses some of the failure analysis (FA) case studies of wireless modules using a high resolution micro x-ray CT (XCT). These examples show the value of high resolution XCT as a novel approach to some common package level defects, including some interesting case examples, where failure mechanisms have been uncovered which could not have been done, using conventional means. The non-invasive FA technique for RF modules technique has been shown to dramatically improve the FA engineers' chances of identifying defects over conventional 2D x-rays and avoid the need for physical and tedious cross sectioning of these devices.
Scanning Acoustic Microscopy for Solder Joint Failure Analysis and Design Improvements
Authors: Varma Ramesh , Bartolovitch Jeffrey , Brzozowski Victor , Sokolowski Carl
Published: January 2021

This paper reports using Scanning Acoustic Microscopy for solder joint failure analysis and process and design improvements. There are reliability concerns associated with solder voids or non-wetting of the solder to the bond pads which is particularly important for higher electrical power or temperature applications. Defects in solder can also occur and grow during operation and thermal cycling. Sonoscan is an attractive non-destructive test to characterize solder joints and is often used to study the growth of defects during life test simulations. X-ray imaging cannot identify very small defects, particularly non-wetting and delamination because of poor resolution. The instrument used in this study was a CSAM (C-Mode Scanning Acoustic Microscopy) operating in reflection mode at 30-100 MHz. We have identified voids inherent in the solder layer as well as delamination at the package to solder and solder to heat-sink interfaces. C-SAM results confirmed that the delamination was caused by CTE mismatch of the materials as well as the mechanical stresses caused by higher level package integration and module assemblies. Thermal cycling studies have shown that typically the voids do not grow whereas delamination does. These results were used to improve thermal heat-sinking and product reliability by minimizing defects in solder joint by changes in process and mechanical designs.
Lock-In-Thermography for 3-Dimensional Localization of Electrical Defects inside Complex Packaged Devices
Authors: Schmidt C. , Altmann F. , Grosse C. , Lindner A. , Gottschalk V.
Published: January 2021

It has been shown that microscopic Lock-in-Thermography (LiT) can be used for localization of electrical active defects like shorts and resistive opens in integrated circuits. This paper deals with the application of LiT for non-destructive failure analysis of fully packaged single and multi chip devices. In this case inner hot spots generated by the electrical defects typically can not be imaged directly because the mold compound or adhesives above are not IR transparent. Inner hot spots can only be detected by measuring the corresponded temperature field at the device surface. By means of failed and test devices will be shown, that LiT is sensitive enough to measure such temperature fields. In addition to the lateral localization of inner hot spots its depth can also be determined by measuring the phase shift between the electrical excitation and the thermal response at the device surface. Furthermore, the influence of the lock-in-frequency and mold compound thickness to lateral resolution and signal to noise ratio will be discussed. Using real failed single chip and stacked die devices two analysis flows were demonstrated to locate inner defects.
An Analytical Technique to Assess the Risk of Laser Damage to Encapsulated Integrated Circuits during Package Laser Marking
Authors: Patterson Joseph , Schuring Cliff
Published: January 2021

Damage to encapsulated integrated circuits has recently been reported due to Laser marking of the package. A method to assess the risk of such damage is presented. The method is an analytical technique using Thermally Induced Voltage Alteration (XIVA) and Optical Beam Induced Current (OBIC) imaging.
Emerging Techniques for the Characterization of Nano-Mechanical Properties of Integrated Circuit Components
Authors: Randall Nicholas , Nair Rahul Premachandran
Published: January 2021

With the growing complexity of integrated circuits (IC) comes the issue of quality control during the manufacturing process. In order to avoid late realization of design flaws which could be very expensive, the characterization of the mechanical properties of the IC components needs to be carried out in a more efficient and standardized manner. The effects of changes in the manufacturing process and materials used on the functioning and reliability of the final device also need to be addressed. Initial work on accurately determining several key mechanical properties of bonding pads, solder bumps and coatings using a combination of different methods and equipment has been summarized.
Manufacturing In-Line Whole Wafer Focused Ion Beam (FIB) Memory Address Descramble Verification
Authors: Herschbein Steven B. , Kang Hyoung H. , Jansen Scott L. , Dalton Andrew S.
Published: January 2021

Test engineers and failure analyst familiar with random access memory arrays have probably encountered the frustration of dealing with address descrambling. The resulting nonsequential internal bit cell counting scheme often means that the location of the failing cell under investigation is nowhere near where it is expected to be. A logical to physical algorithm for decoding the standard library block might have been provided with the design, but is it still correct now that the array has been halved and inverted to fit the available space in a new processor chip? Off-line labs have traditionally been tasked with array layout verification. In the past, hard and soft failures could be induced on the frontside of finished product, then bitmapped to see if the sites were in agreement. As density tightened, flip-chip FIB techniques to induce a pattern of hard fails on packaged devices came into practice. While the backside FIB edit method is effective, it is complex and expensive. The installation of an in-line Dual Beam FIB created new opportunities to move FA tasks out of the lab and into the FAB. Using a new edit procedure, selected wafers have an extensive pattern of defects 'written' directly into the memory array at an early process level. Bitmapping of the RAM blocks upon wafer completion is then used to verify correlation between the physical damaged cells and the logical sites called out in the test results. This early feedback in-line methodology has worked so well that it has almost entirely displaced the complex laboratory procedure of backside FIB memory array descramble verification.
Creation of Solid Immersion Lenses in Bulk Silicon Using Focused Ion Beam Backside Editing Techniques
Authors: Scholz P. , Kerst U. , Boit C. , Tsao C.-C. , Lundquist T.
Published: January 2021

This work describes how Solid Immersion Lenses (SILs) can be created in bulk silicon using a focused ion beam and a bitmap milling process. The optical properties are in good agreement with the expected results for the achieved lens geometries. An improvement in lateral spatial resolution by a factor of 1.8 and in image contrast by 170 % for backside analysis is demonstrated. The presented SILs are 32 µm in diameter with a field of view of about 10 μm. This process can be an alternative when a regular SIL placement on the chip is impossible or complex. The advantages of this method are the use of a single kind of material (no air gaps and no additional lens material with different n value), the ability to precisely position the SIL on the circuitry and the fact that a SIL may be created in less than twenty minutes of processing time.
S/D LDD Junction Stain/Delineation by Electrochemical Displacement with Illumination
Authors: Chiu Re-Long , Chen Tammy , Chen Shannon
Published: January 2021

This article describes the use of an optimized electrochemical delineation technique with illumination to clearly delineate the P-N junction on Si in short channel devices. In this process, the samples are exposed to a light source while in an aqueous CuSO4/HF/H2SO4 solution which induces a junction voltage between N- and P- type silicon. The N+/P+ dopant regions become the cathode/anode electrode plates. The treatment is simple and reproducible which makes it a practical method for identifying junction related problems at localized areas on a chip. Examples are provided to show the effectiveness of this technique in identifying (1) junction implant shift, (2) N+/P-well junction leak, (3) partially blocked NLDD implant, and (4) P+/N+ junction in high voltage device.
A New Method of Wafer Level Plan View TEM Sample Preparation by DualBeam
Authors: Kang Hyoung H. , Gribelyuk Michael A. , Patterson Oliver D. , Herschbein Steven B. , Senowitz Corey
Published: January 2021

Cross-sectional style transmission electron microscopy (TEM) sample preparation techniques by DualBeam (SEM/FIB) systems are widely used in both laboratory and manufacturing lines with either in-situ or ex-situ lift out methods. By contrast, however, the plan view TEM sample has only been prepared in the laboratory environment, and only after breaking the wafer. This paper introduces a novel methodology for in-line, plan view TEM sample preparation at the 300mm wafer level that does not require breaking the wafer. It also presents the benefit of the technique on electrically short defects. The methodology of thin lamella TEM sample preparation for plan view work in two different tool configurations is also presented. The detailed procedure of thin lamella sample preparation is also described. In-line, full wafer plan view (S)TEM provides a quick turn around solution for defect analysis in the manufacturing line.
Embedded Gold Markers for Improved TEM/STEM Tomography Reconstruction
Authors: Luo Jian-Shing , Huang Chia-Chi , Russell Jeremy D.
Published: January 2021

Electron tomography includes four main steps: tomography data acquisition, image processing, 3D reconstruction, and visualization. After acquisition, tilt-series alignments are performed. Two methods are used to align the tilt-series: cross-correlation and feature tracking. Normally, about 10-20 nm of fiducial markers, such as gold beads, are deposited onto one side of 100 mesh carbon-coated grids during the feature-tracking process. This paper presents a novel method for preparing electron tomography samples with gold beads inside to improve the feature tracking process and quality of 3D reconstruction. Results show that the novel electron tomography sample preparation method improves image alignment, which is essential for successful tomography in many contemporary semiconductor device structures.