bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiphysics Reliability Simulation and Validation of a Flip-Chip Build-Up Film Crack via Piezoresistive Stress Sensor
Authors: Suzuki Yutaka , Williamson Jaimal , Travis Blake , Fritz Tobias , Chapa Cynthia , Murugan Rajen
Published: February 2025

Flip-chip (FC) packaging technology in semiconductors has revolutionized the industry with high-performance and cost-effective solutions. However, aggressive miniaturization and integration are making mechanical reliability challenges more prevalent. Build-up passivation film crack due to interfacial delamination is becoming a growing reliability challenge. In this work, an innovative coupled multiphysics (thermomechanical) predictive modeling methodology is developed to quantify the localized structural stress magnitude and distribution under realistic thermal cycling. The predictive method employs finite element analysis (FEA) and digital image correlation (DIC) techniques to model the local thermal strain due to different coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) at the metal and dielectric interface. The homogenization model adopting an image processing technique based on the light intensity analysis (LIA) was also developed to reflect the regional copper trace in the substrate with a broader range. The novelty of the current approach is the inclusion of DIC to accurately capture the localized strain in the region of interest under realistic thermal transient switching conditions. The dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) technique characterized the rate-dependent mechanical properties. For the correlation phase to find critical parameters, 42 (6x7 array) piezoresistive stress sensors were implemented on the test chips design to ensure accurate and repeatable direct measurement of the stress distribution. This piezoresistive stress sensor was calibrated by a 4-point bending test that resulted in constant uniaxial stress at a fixed load, which was conducted by applying mechanical bending and controlling the stress sweep from compressive to tensile. Critical findings for achieving good correlations of stress distribution and magnitude between the multiphysics simulation flow results and measured data are utilizing rate-dependent properties and reflecting manufacturing process parameters. Generally, the FEA-based thermo-mechanical model under the reliability test loading is performed to evaluate the reliability performance and find the root causes. However, a multiphysics simulation approach and flow reflect that the temperature gradients have the potential to induce more significant stress concentrations based on the thermal simulation, which cannot be captured by using the typical conventional methodology. This methodology can be utilized to mitigate unexpected failure risks for future devices at the design stage. The predictive method developed here can be employed to predict thermomechanical reliability early in the semiconductor device design process.
Trace Fusing Current Simulation in the Redistribution Layer of Wafer Level Packages
Authors: Whitchurch Nathan , Ju JeongMin , Yoon JiYeon , Sohn EunSook , Park KyungRok
Published: February 2025

This paper uses fusing current data measured from experiments to develop and validate a simulation method in Ansys Mechanical 2022 R1 finite element analysis (FEA) to study fusing current in redistribution layer (RDL) traces on a silicon die. Fusing current was evaluated for several similar trace designs for a range of trace cross-sectional areas and lengths on multiple thicknesses of silicon. Resistances in the experiment were measured by a four-point measurement technique and compared with the nominal resistance over the temperature range as predicted from literature material properties.

Two models were created to demonstrate the simulation approach. First, a model was made to test the fusing current for several lengths and diameters of wire in still air. The model showed only slight (<5%) variation between measured fusing current and simulated fusing current. This simple scenario gives confidence that the simulation approach is valid. Using the combination of transient heating of the wire from a ramped electric current with convection and radiation, the heat balance of the system can reliably simulate fusing current across a wider variety of systems when the surrounding thermal system is included in the model.

The second model was a representation of the Wafer Level Chip Scale Package (WLCSP) with RDL on silicon. The trace geometry and system were modeled, and current was ramped over time across the circuit until the melting point of copper was reached and the trace was considered to have melted and fused. Some variations were observed between measurement and simulation, with thicker silicon showing more capacity to absorb the heating of the trace than in real-world measurements. Overall, simulation aligned well with measurements, with simulation results being between 4 to 14% of the measured fusing current value. The simulation approach appears appropriate to generalize to additional electronics packaging scenarios. Note that dielectrics
High Performance mmWave Ribbon Bonding using 1x20 mil Gold Ribbon
Authors: Rasmussen David J.
Published: February 2025

With the current trend to higher power and higher frequency used in mmWave (and microwave) applications there is a need to improve the performance of the interconnects. We all know that at higher frequency the skin effect of the interconnect is the primary mode. We have therefore been utilizing ribbon bonding for these interconnects where the skin area of a ribbon wire is much larger on a ribbon than a similar cross-sectional conductor area round wire. We have been using 0.5x2 for many of our small bond pad applications. For the higher power requirements, we have gone to 1x10 mil gold ribbon which represents an upper limit for most fine wire thermosonic wedge bonders on the market. Going to a larger ribbon does have significant advantage for even higher power use.

I have developed a process with the help of Deweyl Tool and TPT Wire Bonders to utilize 1x20 mil gold ribbon which has significantly larger skin area (~42 mil^2) than the ~5.4mil equivalent round wire (~15.8 mil^2) or even 2x10 mil ribbons (24 mil^2). The benefits of a single 1x20 ribbon over two 1x10 mil ribbons is fewer points of failure, narrower bond pad requirements, and consistent loop shapes.
Substrate Warpage Study for Heterogeneous Packages
Authors: Jung Hoon , Miller Drake , Jung GookJin
Published: February 2025

Warpage formation in semiconductor packages is generally known to occur from coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) mismatches between multilayered materials with different properties. The different properties of each printed circuit board (PCB) layer will yield different expansion rates, which will lead to significant high warpage formation under the reflow temperature. The presence of significant warpage will further induce opened solder joint risks, solder joint collapse for flip chip ball grid arrays (FCBGAs) and so on. Package warpage is an important factor that impacts board assembly yield, delamination, solder joint fatigue reliability, and other thermal stress issues. Reducing warpage is a primary concern when trying to enhance the service life of a package.

For years the IC industry has been driven by Moore’s Law assumption that the functionality that fits on a single die will double every 18 to 24 months. As minimum dimensions have shrunk from 14 to 10nm and now toward ~3nm, it could be assumed that die size should shrink accordingly. However, with network applications, this assumption has been disproven. For modern FCBGAs, the scale of die and package for networking applications are increasing dramatically. The metal heatsink not only provides thermal emission out of the package but also manages the warpage of a large FCBGA. A large (72 x 72 mm test vehicle) FCBGA is package level reliability (PLR) qualified with a rigid and heavier heat sink. However, when the package is mounted to a PCB, the BGA solder balls melt during reflow since they are not able to uphold the heavier package. This results in low standoff height and solder bridging because the balls flow and connect to adjacent ones. The deviation from Moore’s law and the addition of heatsinks to networking packages, along with other heterogeneously integrated technologies, have a significant impact on system-level warpage. Various package design strategies are discussed in this paper that can be included to control these new sources of warpage.
Materials and Process Study for Polymer Hybrid Bonding
Authors: Jukei Masaya , Nomura Kota , Tanigaki Yugo , Fujiwara Takenori , Araki Hitoshi , Honda Tomoyuki , Shoji Yu
Published: February 2025

Low-temperature curable polyimides with minimal device damage have been developed for 3D stacking organic hybrid bonding technology. We confirmed developed polyimides showed significant polishing rates for alkaline slurry. Polyimide-to-polyimide bonding and polyimide/copper hybrid bonding at a low-temperature annealing were successfully demonstrated. Furthermore, polyimide-to-polyimide bonding mechanisms were investigated from the chemical and physical aspects of the material, respectively. Moreover, polymer hybrid bonding with copper protrusion test vehicles was successfully polished with Chemical Mechanical Polishing, which showed good polyimide-to-polyimide and copper-to-copper joints. Finally, it was confirmed that they could maintain insulation reliabilities after accelerated tests.
Ultra-High Density RDL on Glass Core Substrate for Heterogenous Integration
Authors: Takano Takamasa , Kuramochi Satoru , Tanaka Masaya
Published: February 2025

As the industry moves toward high-performance computing (HPC) for huge data transmission with low power consumption. The requirements for advanced package (PKG) structures have become more challenging. The major engineering requirements for HPC application are high-density, high-speed data transmission, low loss, precision manufacturing with low-cost process. High pin counts need large area package with high mechanical stability and low warpage. The demand for high density and high-speed data transmission becomes strong need for leading edge semiconductor packaging. 2.5D and 3D heterogenous package realize this solution. On the 2.5D heterogenous package structure, high interconnect density with fine line wiring layers providing high speed transmission is required to-connect CPU chips or chiplet arrays and HBM chip stacks. Silicon interposers with through silicon vias (TSVs) have scaled to meet this demand, but face three major barriers: high electrical loss, package size and cost. On the other hand, glass has many properties that make it an ideal core material for advanced substrates such as ultra-low loss tangent, adjustable thermal expansion (CTE), mechanical stability and manufacturability with large panel formats.

This paper presents the demonstration of Glass core substrate with fine line redistribution layers (RDL). Glass core substrate with fine pitch metalized through glass vias (TGV) and fabricate RDL with low loss dielectrics. In case of Glass core substrate, three TGV copper metalized processes were compared for process capability, -reliability and high-speed transmission characteristics. Copper metallization provides low resistance, high transmission rate and high-power density. The reliability test results show stable resistance data because of combination of double-sided polymer dielectrics. The double-sided polymer dielectrics providing stress buffer for glass and copper CTE differences. TGVs filled with Cu by three methods were demonstrated with large panel size format max 550x650mm.The ultra-high density RDL process using non-organic protective layer fabricated on the glass substrate. High aspect ratio Cu traces enable to minimum 3um pitch, high transmission rate and high reliability. We also compare high speed transmission characteristics with TGV and transmission trace with multi-layer RDL on panel level format. Finally, we compare the transmission characteristics using eye diagram for heterogenous integration application.
Characterization of Thermally-Enhanced Advanced Electronic Flip Chip CSP Packages
Authors: Amoli Nahid Aslani , Sridhar Karthekeyan , Sinha Snehamay , Williamson Jaimal , Nguyen Hiep , Verdeflor Arvin , Pradhan Ayushi , Timbol Kathleen
Published: February 2025

In recent years, high performance and low cost have been the prime motivation for the advanced package developments. The cost-effective flip chip chip-scale package (fcCSP), well stablished in the semiconductor industry, has been extensively utilized in industrial, space, and automotive applications as well as consumer electronics devices. Recently, fcCSP devices have been built using coreless embedded trace substrates (ETSs) that have the advantages of low cost and better electrical performance. However, the standard fcCSP-ETS package is overmolded and has limited capability to handle high performance devices. In this paper, we explore enhancing the thermal performance of advanced fcCSP packages on a two-metal layer coreless ETS, targeting industrial and automotive applications. To this end, three different 13x13 mm2 package configurations, namely overmolded (baseline), exposed die (lidless), and lidded packages are designed, fabricated, and characterized and their thermal performances are compared under different ambient temperatures. Thermal modeling simulations for all scenarios are carried out in a 3D commercial modeling software and validated against the experimental measurements. From the obtained results, thermal performance of various fcCSP package configurations are compared and the relevant design guidelines are drawn.
Enhancing Electrical Conductivity of Epoxy Resin Based Conductive Pastes Through the Use of NanoStrandTM Silver
Authors: Marzbanrad Ehsan , Sexton Peter , Gonzalez-Martinez Eduardo
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the enhancement of electrical conductivity in epoxy resin-based conductive adhesives through the incorporation of NanoStrand™ Silver, a one-dimensional silver nanoparticle. Traditional electrically conductive adhesives (ECAs) rely on micron-sized silver flakes to achieve conductivity, often requiring high filler concentrations that affect the viscosity and processability of the adhesive. By integrating NanoStrand Silver into the composite, we significantly reduced the percolation threshold, enabling high conductivity at lower total silver concentrations. The elongated structure of NanoStrand Silver promotes more efficient conductive networks, which resulted in similar or improved electrical performance compared to composites with only silver flakes. The addition of NanoStrand Silver increased the viscosity and thixotropy index of the adhesive, which makes the product suitable for industrial applications. Surface treatment of NanoStrand Silver further enhanced conductivity by reducing capping molecules that impede electron flow. These findings demonstrate the potential of NanoStrand Silver to improve the performance of ECAs, offering a more efficient solution for conductive adhesives used in electronics manufacturing.
Pushing the Limits of Miniaturization in Microelectronic Packaging via the Application of Ultra-Thin Micro Dam Structures
Authors: Schirmer Patrick , Ringelstetter Severin , Tai Kian Chong , Azfar Muizzuddin
Published: February 2025

The ever-increasing demand for miniaturization in semiconductor and microelectronic packaging is pushing the limits of what is feasible. On the design side, limitations such as space for keep-out zones (e.g. space for the fillet or the dispensing area of an underfill) and the potential flow of encapsulation compounds should not be overlooked in order to avoid contamination of surrounding components.

In addition, optical barriers in sensors can often only be achieved using mold structures or by placing barriers (e.g. caps). It is generally preferred that these barriers are narrower and flatter, but this is often limited due to manufacturing reasons.

With line widths of 100 μm and less combined with aspect ratios of above 5, DELO Industrial Adhesives, in cooperation with micro dispensing equipment manufacturer NSW Automation, has succeeded in developing a micro dam that creates new possibilities in the field of heterogeneous integration and optical packaging.

High dispensing speeds and curing via UV light or heat also make the application process more flexible. Almost limitless designs of free-form structures are thus now possible and completely new package designs can be realized.
Ultra-Precise Dispensing in 3D Packaging: A Seamless Shift from R&D to Production
Authors: Szczotka Nina , Motyka Aleksandra , Chudzyńska Aleksandra , Łysień Mateusz , Perczyńska Aleksandra , Szczurek Anna , Witczak Łukasz , Kowalczewski Piotr , Wiatrowska Aneta
Published: February 2025

Additive manufacturing (AM) opens up a world of possibilities for creating next-generation electronics.

However, employing AM technologies in microfabrication presents its own unique set of challenges. The

ongoing trend towards miniaturization necessitates the printing of ultra-thin, high-density conductive

interconnections in 3D packages and heterogeneous systems. In the presentation, we will showcase how the

innovative technology of Ultra-Precise Dispensing (UPD) effectively addresses these challenges, how this microfabrication process is already used in advanced R&D and prototyping projects, and our current

approach towards the use of the UPD approach in large-scale manufacturing.
Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy with the simultaneous implant of a penile prosthesis: ten years follow up
Authors: Mondaini Nicola , Abramo Andrea , Romeo Caterina , Crocerossa Fabio , Cantiello Francesco , Damiano Rocco , Bartoletti Riccardo
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Even today, despite technological evolution, erectile dysfunction remains the most feared complication after radical prostatectomy surgery expecially for patients who report pre-existent refractory erectile dysfunction (ED) and patients in whom there is a high risk of extracapsular disease, such as any cT2c or cT3, who undergo non-nerve sparing radical prostatectomy (RP). To overcome this issue, Khoudary et al. performed the first simultaneous placement of a penile prosthesis during open RP in 1997, aiming at an early return to sexual function without any impact on oncological outcomes and without significant adverse effects. Ten years ago we performed laparoscopic extraperitoneal RP and simultaneous penile prosthesis implantation (PPI) on ten patients in order to preserve the full length of the penis and to improve their satisfaction and quality of life (QoL) increasing the chances of ED resolution. Objectives: Aim of this study is to illustrate the ten years follow up of this case series which has no terms of comparison in the world. Oncological and functional results were analyzed. Materials and Methods: In 2013 10 patients underwent simultaneous PPI (with an AMS InhibiZone prosthesis). Patients were evaluated by means of urological visits, questionnaires, and objective measurements before surgery, at discharge from the hospital, on postoperative days 21 to 28, each 3 months for the first year, and each year thereafter. The main outcome measures were biochemical recurrence-free rate, penile length and quality of life. Results: Eight patients with mean age 71 (range 66-75) were reached at the 10-year follow-up; one patient died of acute infarction 10 years after surgery and another one died of disease 7 years after surgery. Partners had, currently, mean age 60 (range 37-71). Mean preoperative PSA was 9.3 (6.3-13.7) and mean PSA at 10 years was 0.08 (range 0.01-1.2). International index erectile function IIEF before surgery was 11 (range 9-14) and 23 (range 22-25) at 10 years. Partner satisfaction rating increased from 7 (post-surgical) to 8 at 10 years. Penis length was unchanged after 10 years: mean intraoperative length was 9 cm (range 8.5-9.5) and mean length at 10 years was 8.8 cm (range 8-9.5). Conclusions: In our cases, laparoscopic radical prostatectomy with the simultaneous implant of a penile prosthesis demonstrate to be an interesting option to offer to selected and highly motivated patients. Outcomes like preservation of the penis length, resuming of normal sexual activity 21 days after surgery, partner satisfaction and oncological safety at 10-year follow-up make it a valid surgical technique to be proposed in clinical practice if performed by an experienced team in prosthetic surgery.
To compare the efficacy of three techniques in reducing etomidate-induced myoclonus - A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Rao Ridhi , Rajappa Geetha , Sandhya B K , Srinidhi H S , Pagadala Teja , Likitha S
Published: February 2025

Background and Aims:

Etomidate is the preferred induction agent in haemodynamically unstable patients. Preventing etomidate-induced myoclonus (EIM) is important. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of three techniques of etomidate administration in preventing EIM.

Methods:

This randomised, controlled study included 296 patients. General anaesthesia (GA) was induced with etomidate as per the randomly allocated groups: control (C), priming (P), slow (S), and priming with slow injection (T). The incidence, time of onset, and grade of myoclonus were noted. The grade of pain on injection and the effect on various haemodynamic parameters were noted. The Kruskal-Wallis, Fisher’s exact, and Chi-square tests were used for statistical analysis. P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

Results:

The study shows that the incidence of myoclonus was highest amongst Group C (73.0%), followed by Group P (52.7%), Group S (48.6%), and Group T (37.8%) (P = 0.001). Priming with a slow technique was most effective in preventing EIM and lowering the intensity of myoclonus. The incidence of grade 3 myoclonus was 5 (6.76%) in Group T when compared to 39 (52.7%) in Group C (mean difference [MD] =36.96, 95% CI: 7.45, 55.94; P = 0.0001).

Conclusion:

We observed that the priming and slow injection techniques were similar in reducing the incidence of EIM. However, the combination of priming and slow technique was the most effective.
Primary intraosseous malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor of clavicle: Report of a rare entity
Authors: Hegde Prateek , Janu Amit , Rekhi Bharat , Gulia Ashish , Puri Ajay
Published: February 2025

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) are mesenchymal tumors that develop or differentiate from cells of the peripheral nerve sheath. Intraosseous MPNST is extremely uncommon and usually results from secondary invasion. A 17-year-old male presented with pain and swelling over the left collar bone. Imaging revealed an expansile lytic lesion involving the subarticular region of the clavicle with a cortical break and infiltration of the adjacent soft tissues. Biopsy findings were consistent with cellular nerve sheath tumor with significant atypia and mitoses, along with S100 protein immunopositivity indicative of MPNST. The patient was treated with neoadjuvant radiotherapy, followed by wide local excision. To the best of our knowledge, the present case constitutes the first case of a primary intraosseous MPNST involving the clavicle. The case is presented in view of its rarity and with relevant review.
Esophageal mixed or collision small cell-squamous cell carcinoma: Report of 6 cases and review of the literature
Authors: Sun Huajun , Shi Yanfen , Liang Dongni , Liu Juan , Xu Gang , Yang Xudan
Published: February 2025

Background:

Esophageal mixed neuroendocrine-nonneuroendocrine neoplasms (MiNENs) are now known as a neuroendocrine component mixed with a nonneuroendocrine component in a single neoplasm, one of which is in the form of mixed small cell-squamous cell carcinoma. Collision tumors have been excluded from the category of MiNENs, but difference between mixed and collision small cell-squamous cell carcinoma has never been reported.

Methods:

We collected six cases and reviewed 11 cases of mixed or collision small cell-squamous cell carcinoma (MCSSC); the data from 17 cases of MCSSC were analyzed to observe their clinicopathological features.

Results:

Most of the MCSSC patients were middle-aged and elderly, with more men than women, and most of the tumors occurred in the middle and lower esophagus. We found that in mixed cancers, the metastases were a mixture of squamous cell carcinoma and small cell carcinoma, whereas metastatic foci in collisional tumors showed simple cancer components; this phenomenon has never been reported before. Mixed cancers account for a higher proportion of small cell carcinomas, a higher pathological stage, and a worse prognosis than collisional cancers. PD-L1 (22C3) was negative in both squamous cell carcinoma and small cell carcinoma regions (<1%).

Conclusions:

Mixed and collisional small cell-squamous cell carcinomas are essentially distinct tumors. In the clinical diagnostic of MCSSC, the tumor should be clearly identified as mixed or collisional carcinoma to guide the clinical treatment and prognosis more accurately.
Association between TI-RADS ultrasound categories and BETHESDA cytology categories of thyroid lesions
Authors: Kumari Sonia , Suresh Turuvekere Narayanrao , Sakalecha Anil K. , Azeem Mohiyuddin S. M.
Published: February 2025

Background:

Ultrasound and cytology are the two major diagnostic modalities employed for the preoperative evaluation of thyroid lesions. Ultrasound thyroid imaging reporting and data systems (TI-RADS) have been proposed for risk stratification of thyroid nodules. The Bethesda system for reporting thyroid cytopathology (TBSRTC) by using six diagnostic categories with a stratified risk of malignancy (ROM) in each category is employed for unambiguous cytology reporting of thyroid lesions. Our objective is to study the association between TI-RADS ultrasound categories and Bethesda cytology categories in thyroid lesions and to find their diagnostic accuracy as compared with histopathological diagnosis wherever possible.

Methods:

This is a prospective observational study in which a total of 107 patients were studied. Thyroid ultrasound was scored according to TI-RADS classification. A pathologist screened ultrasound-guided FNAC smear, and reporting was done using the Bethesda system of reporting. The pathologist was blinded for the TI-RADS report.

Results:

Among all the 107 cases, the patients’ age ranged from 8 to 70 years with a mean age of 41.67 ± 14.41 years. The men: women ratio was 1:5. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of TI-RADS were 50%, 95.24%, 88.89%, and 71.43%, respectively, with a diagnostic accuracy of 75.68%, while the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of Bethesda were 81.25%, 85.71%, 81. 25%, and 85.71%, respectively, as compared with the histopathological diagnosis. TI-RADS ultrasound categories and Bethesda cytology categories were correlated in 88% of cases.

Conclusions:

TI-RADS and TBSRTC classification systems are specific diagnostic modalities in thyroid lesions. They are correlated in the majority of cases.
Inactive Escherichia coli causing perianal abscess
Authors: Watwe Smita Anand , Das Nikunja Kumar , Chate Sadhana , Mukhida Sahjid
Published: February 2025

Escherichia coli is a common organism, and its several variants, like inactive, can cause severe human infection, which is difficult to identify in the microbiology laboratory. We present a perianal abscess case report in which we got nonlactose fermenting, nonmotile biochemically inactive bacterial growth. It was not identified by conventional biochemical methods. Final diagnosis of E. coli was done by the automated system and antibiotic treatment was suggested as per the antibiotic susceptibility testing by conventional as well as automated methods. It was found susceptible to amoxicillin–clavulanic acid, piperacillin–tazobactam, and meropenem. The patient was treated with piperacillin–tazobactam combination and get recovered. Inactive E. coli differs from typical E. coli based on motility testing and lactose fermentation. However, other biochemical test results are similar to typical E. coli.
Presentation Pattern and Management of Posner–Schlossman Syndrome: Experience from a Tertiary Health Facility in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Sarimiye Tarela Frederick
Published: February 2025

Purpose:

The purpose of the study was to present the demographics, clinical profile and management of PSS at a tertiary hospital in sub-Saharan Africa.

Patients and Methods:

A review of the hospital files of consecutive patients diagnosed with Posner–Schlossman syndrome (PSS) between January 2017 and May 2022 was made. The data analysed included sociodemographic characteristics, clinical profile, time to intraocular pressure (IOP) control and inflammation resolution–recurrence of inflammation and factors associated with recurrence, secondary glaucoma and associated factors.

Results:

Fifteen eyes of 15 patients were analysed with a mean age of 34.67 ± 14.01 years. Eight (53.3%) patients’ ages ranged between 30 and 50 years, with common presenting symptoms being ocular ache 66.7% and blurry vision 53.3%. The mean IOP at presentation was 45.93 ± 8.88 mmHg, with a range of 28 mmHg and 62 mmHg. The mean duration for IOP control was achieved at 5.13 ± 4.0 days, on 2.53 ± 0.64 antiglaucoma medications. Anterior chamber inflammation at presentation was Trace (Grade 0.5) in 5 (33.3%) eyes and Grade 1 in 10 (66.7%) eyes, 14 eyes were placed on 0.1% dexamethasone and one eye was on 0.1% nepafenac as anti-inflammatory. Four (26.7%) eyes recorded PSS recurrence, three eyes once and the fourth eye recorded three episodes. Four (26.7%) eyes also developed secondary glaucoma of which three out of them were in the PSS recurrence subset.

Conclusion:

The findings showed that GSS is more common in our population’s third and fourth decades of life and the development of glaucoma is not uncommon.
Evaluation of an Ultrasonic Bone Scalpel Device for Atraumatic Bone Cuts in Orthognathic Surgery – A Clinical Study
Authors: Devi Vuyyuru Vidya , Ramanathan Manikandhan , Ponvel Keerthana , Parameswaran Anantanarayanan
Published: February 2025

Objectives:

This clinical study evaluates the feasibility and effectiveness of orthognathic osteotomy using an ultrasonic bone scalpel, focusing on operation time, postoperative soft-tissue edema, and nerve injury and recovery.

Materials and Methods:

The study involved 7 adult patients who underwent bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) advancement or setback with or without Le Fort I orthognathic surgery, correction of skeletal malocclusions, normal hemoglobin levels, and an INR <1.5. Patients aged 16–22 years with a mean age of 19 years were included, and consent was obtained for equipment, photographic, and radiological data use. The study evaluated intraoperative parameters such as surgery duration, blood loss, cut precision, and nerve manipulation. Postoperative evaluations were conducted at the end of the 1st and 2nd months, assessing pain, edema, and paresthesia. Complications such as postoperative bleeding, edema, and soft-tissue damage were noted.

Results:

The average operating time was 248.5 min, with an average blood loss of 128.34 mL. Nerve manipulation was recorded during BSSO separation, with 42.85% encountering the nerve at 6 sites. The neurosensory disturbance was noted in 4 of 14 sites, and nerve function improved by 2 months postoperatively. Postoperative complications included oroantral fistula, postoperative bleeding, and a bad split during a BSSO osteotomy.

Conclusion:

Ultrasonic bone scalpel is a viable alternative for orthognathic osteotomies, reducing blood loss, operative time, and nerve injury, but proficiency is crucial to prevent complications.
On commutators of square-zero Hilbert space operators
Authors: Marcoux Laurent W. , Radjavi Heydar , Zhang Yuanhang
Published: February 2025

Let

$\mathcal H$

be a complex, separable Hilbert space, and set . When

$\dim \, \mathcal H$

is finite, we characterise the set and its norm-closure . In the infinite-dimensional setting, we characterise the intersection of with the set of biquasitriangular operators, and we exhibit an index obstruction to belonging to .
A Kirby color for Khovanov homology
Authors: Hogancamp Matthew , Rose David E. V. , Wedrich Paul
Published: February 2025

We construct a Kirby color in the setting of Khovanov homology: an ind-object of the annular Bar-Natan category that is equipped with a natural handle slide isomorphism. Using functoriality and cabling properties of Khovanov homology, we define a Kirby-colored Khovanov homology that is invariant under the handle slide Kirby move, up to isomorphism. Via the Manolescu–Neithalath 2-handle formula, Kirby-colored Khovanov homology agrees with the

\mathfrak{gl}_{2}

skein lasagna module, hence is an invariant of 4-dimensional 2-handlebodies.
Economic analysis of processing and marketing of plantain in Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria.
Authors: Babatunde T.O. , Azeez F.A. , Ahmed A.O. , Akinboade O.A , Kareem A.T.
Published: February 2025

The study analyzed processing of plantain in Ido Local Government Area of Oyo state. A well-structured questionnaire was use to obtain information from the respondents in the study area. A total of one hundred and twenty (120) respondents were randomly selected for the study. Data were analysed using Descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution tables, percentages and inferential statistics. The result from the demographic distribution of respondents shows that the age of the plantain marketers ranged between below 30 years and above 60 years, with a mean of 58.3%. There is a gender imbalance in the distribution of plantain marketers in the study area, with females and males scoring 73.3% and 26.7% respectively. 85.8% of the plantain marketers were married. As regards household size, forty-five percent (45.0%) had 4-6 persons per household. The average household size was 4 persons per household. Only 33.3% had no formal n education. However, a substantial percentage of the participants (77.5%) engaged in trading as their main occupation. The range and mean of marketing experience of the plantain marketers was between 5 and 20 years and 29.8% respectively, with majority (58.3%) having more than twenty years of experience. In terms of religion, results show that majority (58.3%) of the respondents in the study area are Christians The result revealed that majority of the of the plantain marketers (74.2%) were into plantain chips with majority 80.8% using frying processing methods. Moreover, the budgetary analysis for the year revealed that the average revenue was 197,025,15 and net income was 114,531 and 75. The regression result shows that plantain marketing is a profitable venture. Out of the seven (7) variables modeled, only educational level and cost of raw plantain were statistically significant in determining the profitability of plantain marketers in the study area. The result also revealed that the major problems encountered by marketers are poor storage facilities and high cost of transportation. It is thus recommended that government should promote investment in agricultural processing industries in the country through appropriate credit facilities, and infrastructural facilities.
Solid waste disposal and the challenges of flooding in Ibadan Metropolis: the way forward
Authors: Mustapha T.S. , Ogunbode T.O.
Published: February 2025

Solid waste characteristics and urban degradation are intricately linked, with the former contributing significantly to the latter. The challenges of urban degradation due to solid waste mismanagement are multifaceted and far-reaching, affecting not only the environment but also human health, economic development, and social well-being.Solid waste characteristics, such as composition, quantity, and disposal methods, play a crucial role in determining the extent of urban degradation. Urban degradation due to solid waste mismanagement has severe environmental, health, economic, and social consequences. Therefore, effective waste management strategies, including recycling, composting, and integrated waste management, are essential to mitigate urban degradation and promote sustainable urban development.Addressing the challenges of urban degradation requires a multi-faceted approach, involving government policies, community engagement, and individual actions. Further research and collaboration among stakeholders are necessary to develop and implement effective solutions to address the complex issues surrounding solid waste characteristics and urban degradation. By acknowledging the intricate relationship between solid waste characteristics and urban degradation, we can work towards creating more sustainable, resilient, and livable cities for future generations. In this research, the methodology used were desk top review of related literatures of the subject matter and field observations
Gender effect of access to credit on adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices in Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Ilomunanya H.C. , Popoola G.O.
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the impact of gender on access to credit and its subsequent influence on the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices in Oyo State, Nigeria, where climate change poses significant challenges to agriculture. Recognizing the importance of resilient and sustainable agricultural practices, the research utilizes a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis and qualitative interviews with farmers. The study reveals that access to credit significantly affects the adoption of climate-smart practices, with gender disparities evident in credit accessibility. Women farmers, facing socio-cultural norms and institutional barriers, encounter more challenges in accessing formal financial services, resulting in lower adoption rates compared to men. The research highlights a gender gap in awareness of climate-smart agriculture, emphasizing the need for information dissemination. While credit access shows reasonable distribution for male respondents, efforts are required to ensure equitable access for women. To address these issues, the study recommends targeted interventions, such as policy reforms and gender-responsive credit schemes, to empower women, improve credit access, and promote climate-smart agricultural practices, ultimately fostering sustainable development in Oyo State.
In vivo screening of five botanicals for the control of anthracnose disease of cowpea caused by Colletotrichum truncatum
Authors: Adeyeye O. O. , Olufolaji D. B. , Owolade O. F. , Ajayi M. A.
Published: February 2025

The Genus Colletotrichum spp has been widely reported to be the major cause of anthracnose disease in cowpeas. The disease is very destructive due to the susceptibility of many cowpea lines. Chemical fungicide which is mostly used has been proved to be unsafe to humans due to the residues found in harvested grains. Five botanicals (bitter leaf, neem leaf, pawpaw leaf, cassia leaf and tobacco leaf) were tested for their antifungal potency in controlling this disease. Other factors tested were concentration (25, 50 and 75%) and time of application (T1–one week before flowering, T2–one week after flowering and T3–one week before and one week after flowering). The result obtained from the study identified bitter leaf and neem leaf as the most potent out of the botanicals evaluated. Disease incidence and severity were lower under these two botanicals and yield was higher when compared to the other botanicals tested in this study. Also, it was discovered that plant extract applied one week before and one week after flowering (T3) gave the best result
Evaluation of Albizia Spp. aqueous leaf extracts on the growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Ademola J.A. , Alamu L.O.
Published: February 2025

Poor yield, as a result of loss of soil nutrient, is an important concerns today in agricultural production. Meanwhile, a number of synthetic and organic manure have been used over the years in a bid to enhance soil fertility, some of which were found to have deleterious effects on soil properties and environment at large. This study therefore investigated the potential of aqueous extracts from the leaves of Albizia lebbeck and Albizia zygia tree species, as liquid fertilizers for promoting the growth and yield of maize.The aqueous extract of Albizia zygia and Albizia lebbeck were prepared from their fresh leaves. Oba super 6 hybrid maize was planted in a factorial experiment and four application rate (10%, 20%, 30% and 40%).The experiment was laid out in complete randomized design (CRD) replicated thrice. The liquid fertilizers were applied fortnightly after the first week of planting. Growth parameters including Plant Height (PH), Number of Leaves (NL), Stem Girth (SG), Leaf Area (LA), Cob length (CL), Fresh Cob weight (FCW), Dry Cob Weight (DCW) and Weight Per100grains (WPG) were measured fortnightly. Data collected were analyzed using Analysis of Variance and means separation was carried out using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5% levels probability.The result showed that value of nitrogen ranges between 0.102 - 0.132% while Phosphorus had values between 1.332- 1.432mg/kg and Potassium had 0.07- 0.079Cmol/kg after the application of the extract to the soil. Generally, application of leaf extracts of Albizia zygia and Albizia lebbeck at different concentrations as soil supplement brought about improvement in the soil fertility, evident from the growth and yield of maize. The maize plant treated with Albizia zygia leaf at 30% concentration had the highest value for the aqueous extract plant height (211.0cm), number of leaves (18) and leaf area (720.8cm). For yield parameters, Albizia zygia leaf aqueous extract at 30% concentration had the highest fresh cob weight (65.0g), dry cob weight (35.3g), seed weight (29.3g) and weight of 100 grain (26.3g). It is therefore recommended that Albizia zygia leaf aqueous extract at 30% concentration be used for Oba super 6 maize hybrid cultivation.
ANALYSIS OF STUDENTS' NUMERATION SKILLS FOR LINEAR EQUATIONS MATERIAL BASED ON HONEY AND MUMFORD'S LEARNING STYLE
Authors: Krisyani Krisyani , Hariyani Sri , Suwanti Vivi
Published: February 2025

The results of observations at SMP Negeri 02 Gondanglegi Class VII A showed that students were less precise in solving conceptual understanding questions. It can be seen that students cannot understand the changes in positive and negative signs when moving numbers in an equation, so this numeracy research is needed to identify students' difficulties. The focus of the research is to describe students'numeracy abilities based on Honey and Mumford's learning style in solving linear equation problems in class VII A of SMP Negeri 02 Gondanglegi. The research uses descriptive qualitative research. The subjects consisted of 4 students with the highest scores in different learning styles according to Honey and Mumford, namely: activists, reflectors, theorists, and pragmatists. Data collection procedures include questionnaires, tests, interviews, and documentation. Data is evaluated through a process of data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. Based on the analysis, students with a pragmatic learning style have better numeracy skills because the student's character is open, giving rise to great curiosity, trial and error, courage and creativity. Students with an activist learning style improve their numeracy skills when their numeracy skills increase along with their greater curiosity. Meanwhile, students with a reflector learning style have invisible numeracy abilities, and are even disturbed because they think randomly. Students with a theoretical learning style have high numeracy skills in the applying question type and dominate in the employ step according to routine training by the teacher. It was concluded that students with a pragmatic learning style had higher numeracy abilities, compared to students with an activist, reflector, or theoretical learning style. It is important that this research was carried out as a contribution to improving students' numeracy skills by using the Honey and Mumford learning style as a reference.
Learning from the New Deal for a Green Transformation
Authors: Lehndorff Steffen
Published: February 2025

The U.S. New Deal under President Roosevelt has become a broadly shared historical point of reference for a ‘Green New Deal’ of the 2020s. In fact, given the enormous, albeit very different, challenges faced by these two massive reform projects, it is worth taking a closer look not only or primarily at what was done in the 1930s, but above all at how it was put into practice. The present article highlights some of the policy lessons to be learnt by the New Deal of the 1930s for the political and societal process that is necessary to drive forward a “Green and Just Transition” today — in particular regarding the socio-ecological transformation of industry and the importance of trade unions in this process by the example of Germany.
Key words: New Deal, Green and Just Transition, socio-ecological transformation, trade unions
Métodos de observação e percepção na leitura da paisagem a partir dos Espaços Públicos em Ponta Grossa-PR
Authors: Adami Lucas Renato , Carvalho Brendo Francis
Published: February 2025

A interdisciplinaridade intrínseca ao diálogo entre horizontes teóricos e reflexivos da Geografia Cultural e da Geografia Humana, complementados pelas apreensões metodológicas de pesquisa/ação das Representações Sociais possibilita o explorar simbólico, cognitivo e significado da realidade vivida (e lida) de um espaço público urbano. Entre perspectivas acadêmicas e a participação popular, o presente debate enfatiza que, somente através desta relação, expressa pela geograficidade, torna-se possível compreender um espaço público, para além de pré-concepções. Contudo, salienta-se que a partir da observação, da percepção e da interpretação promovidas pela leitura da paisagem, apreendem-se elementos e contextos que corroboram para elencar um espaço público enquanto referente especial religioso, cultural, musical, de esportes e lazer. Estes foram meios de ler a identidade de um determinado espaço público, ao mesmo passo que se evidencia que, o Complexo Ambiental e a Praça Barão do Rio Branco concorrem enquanto principais espaço públicos vivenciados pela sociedade, seja como trânsito de trajetórias e destinos, ou como lugar vivido – relacionando-se assim como um aspecto de pausa, frente ao movimento. Considera-se enquanto resultados alcançados a evidência da pesquisa/ação e métodos de observação e leitura da paisagem enquanto meios de apreender o cotidiano vivido e a identidade de um espaço público urbano.