bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Measurement Uncertainty for Torque Standard Machine Using Air Rotary Bearing
Authors: Duy Vu Van , Thang Vu Toan , Hung Pham Van
Published: September 2017

Calibration for torque measurement devices has become a great demand in many industrial areas. The most important in a calibration process is decreasing its uncertainty. This paper presents in building formula to evaluate the measurement uncertainty for torque standard machine using air rotary bearing which is experimented at the Hanoi University of Science and Technology. The uncertainty of the device is composed of the uncertainty of the component elements such as arm length, load, friction torque, axial tilt, vibration load...etc. Based on them the formula is built to estimate the measurement uncertainty of torque standard machine, find out factors that affect most to the measurement uncertainty value, therefore it can benefit the further researches to improve the accuracy of the torque standard machine.
High-Resolution Real-Time Visual Inspection System for Micro Assembly
Authors: Zhang Bing Yin , Xiao Mu Zheng , Zhang Zhi Jing , Qin Ting Hai
Published: September 2017

For precise assembly of miniature parts, the precise inspection for parts’ posture and real-time servo control for assembly greatly depend on the performance of visual inspection system. This paper proposed a high-resolution real-time visual inspection system of micro assembly. The CMOS image sensor and high-speed digital signal processing chip were chosen to design the image acquisition module, image processing module and image display module. High-accuracy display on the common display device was implemented with the video encoding chip and FPGA. The test results showed that the processing speed with preprocessing could reach 3.5 frames per second with 5 mega-pixel resolution, and the display accuracy after threshold processing had little loss. Micro parts assembly experiment and high accuracy Peg-in-Hole assembly experiment are done to test the performance of the proposed visual inspection system. This visual inspection system can be used for high-resolution real-time micro assembly and other real-time visual servo control.
Implementation of an Embedded Facial Recognition System
Authors: Lee Ching Min , Li Yan Ming
Published: September 2017

In this paper, an embedded facial recognition system whose platform consists of pcDuono-V2 board with ARM-processor inside and a Linux-kernel-based operating system, Ubuntu, is implemented. A camera is set up on the platform to take human face images. A facial recognition program consisting of AdaBoost algorithm, Haar-like features, integral image method, and cascade classifiers is utilized to recognize images. The AdaBoost algorithm is a modified Boosting algorithm, which is a machine learning algorithm for training cascade stronger classifiers based on Haar-like features, where Haar-like features are the foundation of the recognition. An integral image method is used to speed up the calculation of corresponding rectangle feature values for Haar-like features. The whole facial recognition comprises facial training procedures and recognition procedures. In facial training procedures, sufficient amounts of positive and negative picture samples are necessary for getting Haar-like features to the recognition system. AdaBoost algorithm is then used to the system for training cascade stronger classifiers which are the detection tools in recognition procedures. While in facial recognition procedures, after getting the Haar-like features for the target images or pictures, cascade stronger classifiers work to detect and recognize. According to the experimental results, the resultant embedded system can recognize the experimental subjects in one second for every our considered situations, which assures the real-time performance.
Using 3D Matching for Picking and Placing on UR Robot
Authors: Zhao Hong Zhen , Yang Gui Lin , Chen Chin Yin
Published: September 2017

Due to conventional industrial robot moving has been known that programing is either tedious or simplex and operating platform requires a pure environment without unnecessary distractions from other objects. This paper presents a novel method which using shape based 3Dmatching technology for picking and placing object by UR robot. This method is able to help the robot catch a specified object in any complex environment. To do this, we need only one camera and the targets' 3D CAD model. There are many efforts was indeed carried out in order to improve the control accuracy, first , the 3D coordinates of the interested points should be high-resolution calculated with the images that areprovided by the camera and we use a special method to optimize internal and external camera parameters when calibrating the camera, Then, A 3D-matching-operator is used to search for the specific objects in the real-time images based on the given 3D model, which is realized by projects the edges of the 3D object model that was used to create the 3D shape model into the image coordinate system and return projected edges. Finally, the coordinates of the 3D object model is obtained in the PTU coordinate system through the integration of a PTU and a Laser range finder , and a transformational matrix is obtained for calculate the coordinates of the targets on UR robot’s base coordinate system. Based on this technology, users only simply need to import a 3D CAD model and click on the image of the workplace to define the end point, the robot will exceed the procedure of pick and place automatically.
Application of 3D Nanorelief Sharp-Edge Detection Method in the Optical Interference Microscope
Authors: Sysoev Evgeny V. , Chugui Yuri V. , Kulikov Rodion V. , Vykhristyuk Ignat A. , Chen Liang Chia , Hai Hoang Hong , Fan Kuang Chao
Published: September 2017

As is well known, the phase-shifting interferometry techniques allow to reach longitudinal resolution to ~ 0.1 nm, but the value of lateral resolution remains at the level of ~ 1 mm. For providing of high lateral resolution of linear measurements in the interference microscope profilometer it was proposed to use a position detection sensor of sharp edge. Principle of sensor’s measurement is based on registration of laser spot intensity scattered by the measurement sample surface under displacement of sample in the lateral direction. The paper shows the prototype scheme of measurement system containing the Linnik interferometer used for surface nanorelief measurement and a position detection module of sharp edge. Measurement process and experimental results are presented. The combining of measurement results performed by the Linnik interferometer and a position detection sensor of sharp edge can allow us to precisely (better then diffraction limit) define the position of sharp edge on the reconstructed surface nanorelief.
Specular Highlight Detection from Endoscopic Images for Shape Reconstruction
Authors: Wu Chia Hsiang , Su Mei Yun
Published: September 2017

Endoscopy provides a convenient way to access the inner structures of various organs. The endoscopic images provide an immediate observation and help diagnosis and therapy. Shape reconstruction from endoscopic images further provides real scale factor for image-guided navigation. However, specular highlights, bright patches of light appearing on the imaged surface, mask the real image texture and result in erroneous reconstruction. Therefore, the detection of specular highlights is essential for accurate reconstruction. In this study, we divide the images into homogeneous regions by color quantization and spatial segmentation. Then, a thresholding technique based on histogram of the pixel intensity values is used. Finally, we check the gray level consistency for each region to avoid over segmentation. The experimental results show that the proposed method can achieve successfully detection.
Photocatalytic Activity and Visible-Light Response of TiO2 Thin Film Doped with Nitrogen by Using Urea
Authors: Ogawa Chuya , Taguchi Kozo
Published: September 2017

TiO2 has become a widely investigated photocatalyst because of its low cost, low toxicity and high photocatalytic activity under UV irradiation that causes photocatalytic decomposition of organic compounds. Impurities dopant and metal are often used to acquire impurities doped or metal doped TiO2 powder by a sol-gel method.
In this paper, we made nitrogen doped TiO2 by a simple process. TiO2 (P25) thin films with 80 % of anatase and 20 % of rutile were fabricated on FTO glass by electrophoretic deposition (EPD). These were then doped with nitrogen by using urea and sintered in electric furnace at 500 and 600 degrees Celsius. EPD was superior for film formation at dispersibility.
We calculated absorbance spectra of nitrogen doped TiO2 thin film fabricated on FTO glass. As the result, 600 degrees Celsius is superior sintering temperature at absorbance under visible light than 500 degrees Celsius. Moreover, when the samples sintered at 600 degrees Celsius, each additive amount had different increment of absorbance in specific visible light range. This result indicates the improvement in visible-light response on TiO2 by the simple process. To further research, it is essential to make nitrogen doped TiO2 under pressure and measure the photodegradation reaction.
Designing, Modelling, Geometric and Noise- and Vibration Analysis of New Type Spiroid Worm Gear Drive
Authors: Dudás Illés , Bodzás Sándor
Published: September 2017

We have carried out a new geometric type spiroid worm gear drive having arched profile in axial section. We prepare the computer aided model (CAD) of this gear drive for other geometric and production analysis. The objectives of the publication are measuring of this spiroid worm using three coordination measuring machine and after doing noise analysis of this gear box.
Self-Sensing Giant Magnetostrictive Actuator for Active Vibration Isolation
Authors: Yang Yuan Yuan , Wang Lei , Tan Jiu Bin , Zhu Xiao Yu , Zhao Bo , Jin Guo Liang , Zhao Xi Ping , Liu Yong Meng
Published: September 2017

Giant magnetostrictive actuator (GMA) are commonly used in active vibration isolation domain for hight frequency response and large output force. GMA has a nonlinear displacement output when disturbed by vibrations. In order to compensate for the nonlinearity and improve the precision of the system, the critical process is the measurement of external disturbances which can be realized with a bridge circuit based on a traditional equivalent circuit model. However, the sensitivity is restricted because of the integral relationship between the force and the open circuit voltage. In this paper, the conception of the dynamic inductance is proposed to optimize the equivalent circuit model that is based on coupled linear magneto-mechanical constitutive equations. Then the measurement for external forces becomes effective with the improvement in the sensitivity through measuring the dynamic inductance. A dynamic simulation is carried out to test the performance of GMA based on the equivalent circuit model. The external dynamic forces can be accurately detected by calculating the impedances in the self-sensing effect of the Terfenol-D.
A Small-Sized and Battery-Supplied Data Acquisition System for the Electromagnetic Launcher to Measure Pulsed Magnetic Fields
Authors: Cao Rong Gang , Xu Xiang Cai
Published: September 2017

In rail-gun launchers, the main current is pulsed and can reach up to several MA. The width of the pulse is about 2 - 4ms. When pulsed currents are supplied from the pulse power, it will generate a large transient magnetic field around the armature. Meanwhile, the armature will be accelerated up to 2km/s by a large electromagnetic force. In order to research the features of the fields around contact surfaces between rails and the armature, it needs to use a small-sized and battery-supplied data acquisition system to measure pulsed magnetic fields. The B-dot probe acts as a sensor to acquire the transient magnetic fields. All data will be stored in a SD card. The armature and SD card will be caught and fetched back after the launching. The system would be suitable and useful for the electromagnetic launcher design.
Influence of Gas Dynamic Processes on Chemical Composition of Hardfaced Layer when Restoring Machine Parts Manufactured from 40H Steel
Authors: Chinakhov Dmitry A. , Solodsky S.A. , Grigorieva E.G. , Mayorova E.I.
Published: September 2017

The authors study the influence of active shielding gas dynamics on the process of hardfacing with flux-cored wire by single-jet and two-jet gas shielding. Research results into the properties of a hardfaced layer on structural steel 40H obtained by flux-cored welding are presented.
Investigation of Thermal Conditions of the Aluminothermic Welding and their Influence on the Structure and Properties of Metal Rails
Authors: Abramov A.D. , Ilinykh A.S. , Galay M.S. , Sidorov Je.S.
Published: September 2017

Rail welded joints are integral part of continuous welded rail. However, they often do not have sufficient reliability during the operation. The article is devoted to the assessment of temperature influence effect on the mechanical properties and structure of weld metal and welded rails. The temperature distribution across the rail section in welded zone during the cooling process of aluminothermic rail welding is obtained using simulation by LVMFlow. The results of the study of hardness and structure of metal rail aluminotermitic welded joints are given. It is shown that the hardness of rail welded joints increases from 24 HRC to 38 HRC in the fusion zone of the weld metal and rail metal. It is due to the harmful effects of overheating of the metal during the welding process. The hardness is confirmed by microstructural analysis. Microstructural analysis showed the differences in the grains sizes of metal welded zone and heat affected zone. The structure of welded metal is acicular dendritic. Owing to a difference between structures of the welded joint zones the probability of occurrence of cracks on the boundary of fusion weld and metal is increased.
On the Thermal and Electrical Characteristics of the Hybrid Plasma-MIG Welding Process
Authors: Sydorets Volodymyr , Korzhyk V. , Khaskin V. , Babych O. , Berdnikova O.
Published: September 2017

The theoretical analysis of the influence of the plasma discharge temperature with non-consumable electrode on the melting of the electrode wire was carried out. The dynamics of the melting of the electrode wire and dynamics of circuit with consumable electrode arc were been investigation. The estimation of maximum values of the temperature of plasma have been made. Influence of the MIG process on the volt-ampere characteristics of the plasma discharge have been studied. These results were used for carrying out the technological experiments.
Deformation Behavior of the Surface Composition of Heat-Sensitive Materials with Shape Memory in the Operating Conditions
Authors: Blednova Zhesfina , Rusinov Peter Olegovich , Balaev Etibar Yusif O. , Yurkova Anna Pavlovna , Bezmogorychnaya Maria Evgenievna
Published: September 2017

The article studies deformation behavior in friction-cyclic loading of composite surface layers, that were made of materials with shape memory effect (SME). We have demonstrated that a multi-layer composite surface layer (Ni - TiNiHf - TiNi), which was formed by the high-speed flame spraying of mechanically activated powders with subsequent thermomechanical processing, enhances the wear resistance and fatigue strength of products. This is due to the special properties of materials with shape memory.
Optimizing Concrete Mix Design for Application in 3D Printing Technology for the Construction Industry
Authors: Lediga Refilwe , Kruger Deon
Published: September 2017

This paper presents an overview of an investigation into the application of additive manufacturing commonly known as 3D printing specifically within the construction industry. 3D concrete printing is a new and innovative way of construction and can be used for the manufacturing of micro to macro high precision construction components. If correctly designed and used, this method has various advantages over traditional construction methods as it creates opportunities to reduce time and cost. A crucial component for success is an optimized concrete or mortar mix to ensure proper feed, placement and hardening during the 3D printing process. A 3D concrete printer uses a chemically altered concrete or mortar mix, which is pumped through a concrete extruder/nozzle that is carefully controlled in three dimensions. This extruder is controlled by a computerised gantry system, and prints components and structures layer by layer. The key components in such a system are therefore a concrete pump, an extruder, an optimized printable concrete mix and a computerised gantry system. The paper will present an investigation into the criteria for an optimum concrete mix design to be used in a 3D concrete printing machine.
Observation of Ag Precipitate in CuAgZr Alloy during In Situ High Temperature TEM
Authors: Piyawit Waraporn , Buahombura Panya
Published: September 2017

CuAgZr alloy is a minor variation of CuAg alloy that is remarkably known for good combination of strength and electrical conductivity. Strengthening and conductivity enhancing of CuAgZr alloy is essentially proficient by the precipitation of Ag precipitates. The behavior of Ag precipitates at high temperature was investigated using in-situ transmission electron microscopy. These nanoscale Ag precipitates are formed in CuAgZr alloy during heating process with the average size of 5 nm. Growth of precipitates at higher temperature can be explained by the consumption of solute diffusing from smaller precipitates. Dislocation looping at high temperature would be the effects of a large lattice strain along matrix/precipitate interface that would retard the dislocation movement.
A comparative laboratory trial on the effect of Sargassum wightii incorporated formulated feed on growth performance and immunity development of Asian sea bass Lates calcarifer (Bloch 1790): can it be an alternative to commercial feed?
Authors: Kodithuwakku H. , Parakrama M. G. I. S. , Heenatigala P. P. M. , Pahalawattaarachchi V.
Published: September 2017

Asian sea bass (Lates calcarifer) is a high valued seafood throughout the world. Bacterial infections can cause huge losses in Asian sea bass culture and among them Aeromonas hydrophila is ubiquitous. Inclusion of bioactive compounds present in seaweeds into fish diets can enhance the fish growth and immunity combating the bacterial diseases. This study was conducted to determine whether feeding with Sargassum wightii incorporated feed could enhance immunity of the fish to bacterial infections. A feed trial was conducted using four treatments comprising a commercial feed, two formulated feeds incorporated with 20 g/kg and 40g/kg of S. wightii in each feed and a formulated feed without seaweed as the control diet. Three replicate tanks stocked with 15 advanced fingerlings were used for the each treatment and reared 40 days under the optimum conditions. Growth parameters were tested and effect of different feeds on growth performance was evaluated. Fish survival rate and cost of formulated feed were calculated. At the end of feed trial, nine fishes from each treatment were artificially challenged with 1.50 ppm dose of A. hydrophila and observed for 7 days. There was a significant difference in weight gain in commercial feed compared to other three treatments (P<0.05), while there was no significant difference in FCR and SGR among all experimental diets (P>0.05). The challenge with A. hydrophila showed 11.1% disease prevalence in L. calcarifer fed with 20g/kg of seaweed incorporated feed. Highest disease prevalence of 100% was recorded in fish that had been fed with the seaweed free formulation. The highest level of immunity enhancement was reported using the feed that contained 20g/kg seaweed. Production cost of formulated feed was lower than the commercial feed.
A PCB Sensor Suite for Monitoring the Effects of Annual Variations in Precipitation Rates on Alpine Lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park
Authors: Dean Robert , Oleksy Isabella A. , Bowker Daniel W.
Published: September 2017

Alpine Lakes are fragile ecosystems of immense beauty and value. They occur in high elevations and are often subjected to wide variations in annual precipitation rates. As such, their electrochemistry is affected by these annual variations in precipitation rates, which in turn, affects the entire ecosystem. Low-cost sensors for monitoring these changes will help in improving the management of these ecosystems. Low-cost Printed Circuit Board (PCB) sensors are being applied to many useful environmental and agricultural applications, including measuring soil moisture content, detecting pollution, monitoring drought conditions in estuaries, and monitoring for saltwater intrusion into coastal freshwater bodies. These sensors consist of a low-cost PCB with patterned Cu electrodes designed so that the circuit board electromagnetically interacts with the surrounding media, where its electrochemistry affects the measurable electrical impedance of the patterned traces. Exposed electrodes can be used to measure ion content in aqueous solutions from dissolved ionic compounds. Insulated electrodes can be used to measure moisture content of object and materials, or to identify dissolved ions in aqueous solution by searching for their relaxation frequency. In this multiyear study, a 2-layer PCB sensor suite consisting of a Au coated dual exposed electrode sensor on one side and a solder mask insulated interdigitated fringing field sensor on the opposite side is used. SMA connectors are attached to the opposite end of the sensor board for easy connection too instrumentation. The resistance of the exposed electrode sensor is measured using an Agilent 4192A LF Impedance Analyzer. The complex impedance of the fringing field sensor is measured using an Agilent E5061B Network Analyzer. For this study, PCB sensor technology is being investigated for monitoring the electrochemical properties of water samples from four alpine lake ecosystems in the Loch Vale Drainage at Rocky Mountain National Park. These alpine lakes are The Loch, Sky Pond, Andrews Tarn and Lake of Glass. Water samples were collected from these ecosystems in August of 2016, taken into the laboratory and tested with the PCB sensor suite to determine a baseline for the five year study.
Precise underfill dispense in high-throughput chip-on-wafer packaging
Authors: Liang Hanzhuang
Published: September 2017

In today's microelectronic packaging, components are continuously designed smaller and assembled more densely to allow more functions to fit into compact portable devices. To enable this trend, more manufacturers are using flip chips that have more I/O's and smaller bumps sizes. This has introduced underfill dispensing that fills the gap between the flip chip and the substrate with polymer epoxy to help reduce thermal and mechanical stress at the bonding interface. In device packaging, the demands for cost reduction and miniaturization encourage the use of wafer-level packaging, such as the chip-on-wafer process. As a result, the challenges to this process have grown exponentially, and so have the challenges to underfill dispensing. For example, to package a device with a chip-last process, the keep-out-zone (KOZ) for underfill epoxy placement to nearby components is shrinking, e.g. from 700um to 300–500um within one year. A high-precision, high-throughput underfill dispensing process has been developed to conquer these challenges. This underfill process is being used in production for chip-on-wafer packaging. In one example, underfill must be dispensed within KOZ 300–500um at UPH 4000. New equipment and new dispensing techniques are under development to further push the limit on higher throughput and precision. Key words: underfill, dispense, microelectronic packaging, device packaging, wafer-level packaging, chip-on-wafer, chip-last, keep-out-zone, precision, throughput
Advanced Packaging for Automotive Dashboard Application
Authors: Islam Nokibul
Published: September 2017

The current automotive market for the IC (integrated circuit) packaging industry has grown significantly due to the increasing need for automation and higher performance in vehicles. These changes in the automotive market will enable cars to be more reliable and intelligent. To address the increasingly complex demands of the automotive market, the semiconductor packaging industry is shifting its focus to prioritize the development of advanced packages for next generation automotive market requirements.

Automotive IC's are traditionally wirebond packages. Due to the increasing complexity and higher performance requirements of automotive applications, the packaging industry is moving towards high performance flip chip packages for automotive infotainment, GPS, and radar applications. In this study a comprehensive view of the changing packaging landscape from traditional wirebond to flip chip interconnect to advanced fan-out wafer level packages will be discussed. The pros and cons of each packaging technology will be examined Packaging roadmap details will be discussed along with assembly process information, determining the right BOM (bill of materials), cost data, and extensive package and board level reliability.
Pillar Density Modulation in a Semi-packed MEMS Column
Authors: Chan Ryan , Regmi Bishnu , Marcano Ana Lopez , El-Helw Sarah , Agah Masoud
Published: September 2017

Gas chromatography is a technology that is constantly moving forward. The current trend for this field is moving towards miniaturizing the columns towards achieving high-speed separations. Groups are constantly researching different geometries, topographies, and stationary phases in order to make these separations more efficient.

In order to achieve this goal of increased efficiency, we have taken two ideas from previous works, namely being width modulated channels as well as semi-packed columns, and tried to use the redeeming qualities that exist in both and combine them to achieve something that shares their positive points. Semi-packed columns have been shown to increase the plate height for a column. However, the pressure drop that occurs in these types is a significant drawback that makes high-speed separations very difficult to achieve with lower inlet pressures. Width modulation of the column channel can be used to change the overall velocity of the gas as it travels throughout the column resulting in a lower overall pressure drop. The method that was used to combine these two ideas was to change the density of the pillars in the semi-packed column along the length of the channel to achieve the same effect of the width modulation. This was achieved by changing the number of pillars across in the channel as well as the pitch distance between sets of pillars. Controls were also fabricated so the results could be compared to the two extreme designs.

After extensive testing, the results indicated that between the minimum and maximum density, the maximum density allowed only ~50% of the total flow that the minimum density design showed at the same inlet pressure. In comparison, the design that changed pillar density throughout the channel allowed ~89% of the flow the minimum density design. This is a significant increase in flow and allows for much more to pass through the chip in a given time span increasing the efficiency of high-speed separations. The other factor that was tested for was the number of theoretical plates for each of the designs. It was shown through testing with a constant sample that the minimum density column behaves very similarly to an open column without pillars whereas the density modulated column has plate numbers between those of the minimum density and the maximum density. This is even further data that supports the use of a pillar density modulated chip for high-speed separations.
Backside Shield against Physical Attacks for Secure ICs.
Authors: BOREL Stéphan , DESCHASEAUX Edouard , CHARBONNIER Jean , MEDINA Philippe , ANCEAU Stéphanie , CLEDIERE Jessy , WACQUEZ Romain , FOURNIER Jacques , JALAGUIER Eric , PLANTIER Christophe , SIMON Gilles
Published: September 2017

Although the implementation of multiple countermeasures, both hardware and software, are making integrated circuits more and more secure, the backside of a chip is still considered as a vulnerability regarding physical attacks.

A novel protection structure will be presented here, which consists in combining several elements to make it impossible for a hacker to use the backside of a chip as an access to the active parts of the IC without triggering an alert.

The integration flow is using standard processes coming from the world of packaging and it is applied on commonly available industrial tools. Cybersecurity by hardware can thus be implemented at low additional cost.

In order to weaken the chip in case of milling, deep cavities are etched into the substrate. They are lined with a 3D metallic shield that block the IR wavelengths commonly used for fault injection. This part of the structure is fabricated using standard TSV last process steps. These cavities are then corked with a polymer so that RDL-like metallic serpentines connected to TSVs can meander all over the protected area. This constitutes the active part of the shield, since the integrity of the serpentines can be controlled by measuring their electrical resistance. Finally the structure is covered with a thick protection layer with specific properties: it is FIB-resistant and fully opaque to IR.

In order to evaluate the efficiency of the countermeasures, a test vehicle has been designed and fabricated with metal pads on one side and with the protection structure on the other side. The backside process was done using a glass carrier in order to handle the wafers after thinning below 200μm. After debonding, the wafers were tested and singulated before being hacked.

A realistic scenario of physical attacks will be presented together with the physical, optical and electrical characterizations after the different attacks including (P)FIB ablation, micro-milling, chemical etching and laser illumination. We will conclude on the interest of such a structure for IoT or other applications that require protecting confidential data.
Integration of Chemically Amplified Photoresist and High-Speed Copper Plating Products for Advanced Packaging Applications
Authors: Bell Rosemary , Lachowski Joseph , Haga Mitsuru , Lee Inho , Cho Regina , Thorseth Matthew , Prange Jonathan , Scalisi Mark , Qin Yi , Kim Yun-Hyeon , Tachikawa Wataru , Kim Yoon Joo , Lefebvre Mark , Calvert Jeff
Published: September 2017

Advanced packaging technologies require materials which will allow for better resolution of patterns associated with the ever more challenging device architecture, along with materials that will allow for higher throughput. Device throughput can be increased with imaging materials that have higher sensitivity and metallization chemistries with faster electrodeposition rates. Chemically amplified photoresists offer the advantages of excellent sensitivity and resolution with good process margins, coupled with excellent stripping performance and plating bath compatibility for the film thicknesses that are required in packaging applications. Electrolytic copper plating products with fast deposition rates are a key factor in decreasing wafer plating time and increasing throughput. However, it is the integration of the photoimaging material and the subsequent plating chemistry that is essential in producing metallized structures for copper pillar and solder applications. Because the profile of the resist image is directly transferred during the electroplating process, it is critical to have a well formed image that is resistant to the plating chemistry. Plating bath contamination and resist strippability are other key factors in producing void-free, defect-free structures.

Dow's newly introduced chemically amplified material is capable of film thicknesses from 30um to 80um by a single coating process with good uniformity. Imaging and process latitude are demonstrated at 40um and 65um thicknesses with emphasis on sidewall profiles and sensitivity. Further, the photoresist compatibility with INTERVIA™ Cu 8540 Electroplating Copper Chemistry is shown, along with NIKAL™ BP Ni plating chemistry and SOLDERON™ BP TS 6000 SnAg plating chemistry compatibility. The improvements in product line from Dow's INTERVIA™ Cu 8540 to INTERVIA™ 9000 Electroplating Copper Chemistry is also demonstrated in the paper, with thickness uniformity, high plating speed, and tunable morphology highlighted for various applications. The power of integration has enabled the development of this suite of products designed for compatibility and superior performance for advanced packaging technologies.

™ Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company
Analysis of the internal shading in a photovoltaic greenhouse tunnel
Authors: Marucci Alvaro , Monarca Danilo , Colantoni Andrea , Campiglia Enio , Cappuccini Andrea
Published: September 2017

In recent years, the increasing interest in energy production from renewable energy sources has led to photovoltaic elements being placed on greenhouse coverings. The shading of crops by these elements can, however, cause problems regarding the normal course of agricultural activity. All studies thus far on the application of photovoltaic (PV) panels as a greenhouse covering material have focused on flat roof structures. Tunnel greenhouses, due to their curved shape, do not lend themselves easily to accommodating PV panels on even part of the cover. In this study, we analysed the shading variation inside a tunnel greenhouse that was produced by applying flexible and transparent PV panels in a checkerboard arrangement. The transparent flexible PV panels are manufactured using monocrystalline silicon cells, with an efficiency of 18%, incorporated into polymers with high resistance. The PV panel dimensions are 1.116×0.165 m. The simulation software Autodesk® Autocad2010® was used for this study. The variation and distribution of the shading percentage of PV panels were analysed in relation to the surface area affected by the photovoltaic roof, the total area of the greenhouse and the section of the greenhouse. In particular, we studied the variations in the percentage of shading and the size of the shaded area on the twenty-first day of each month of the year. The results show some regularity in the shading percentage, mainly due to the curvilinear shape of the section of the greenhouse. From mid-March to mid- September, the shading in the middle of the day is almost always inside the greenhouse. In the other months of the year, it is partly inside and partly outside the tunnel greenhouse. With the photovoltaic arrangement adopted, the percentage of shading during the year never exceeds 40%.
Comparative evaluation of mechanised and manual threshing options for Amankwatia and AGRA rice varieties in Ghana
Authors: Amponsah Shadrack Kwadwo , Addo Ahmad , Dzisi Komla , Moreira Jean , Ndindeng Sali Atanga
Published: September 2017

Performance of a Yanmar DB 1000 mechanised paddy thresher was comparatively assessed against manual threshing by impact method using a locally-made wooden box for Amankwatia and AGRA rice varieties under farmer’s field conditions at Nobewam in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. The mechanised thresher was evaluated at various threshing drum speeds (550 rpm, 600 rpm and 650 rpm) and feeding rates (200 kgh-1, 400 kgh-1 and 600 kgh-1). Results showed that threshing was satisfactory at grain moisture content between 16.9% w.b and 18.0% w.b. for both rice varieties. Threshing efficiency increased from 94.6% to 95.8% with no significant difference observed whereas cleaning efficiency decreased significantly from 84.2 % to 81.6 % with increasing feed rate irrespective of rice variety. Again, threshing efficiency increased with increasing drum rotational speed, irrespective of feed rate and rice variety. Percentage broken grain and grain loss both increased with increasing peripheral drum speed and paddy feed rate irrespective of rice variety. Average fuel consumption, physical energy requirement and threshing capacity increased significantly with increasing drum speed and feed rate. Crop moisture content and shattering ability influenced the threshing efficiency, threshing capacity, grain loss, broken grain, fuel and physical energy requirement at threshing. AGRA rice variety generally performed better than Amankwatia under both mechanical and manually threshing methods. Mechanised threshing was significantly better at reducing grain loss and physical energy demand whilst yielding over 200% higher threshing capacity than manual threshing by impact using the wooden box. Mechanised threshing was financially rewarding, yielding over 500% higher profit margin than the manual threshing option. Further research on optimum crop moisture content for improved threshing of different rice varieties is suggested.
A self-sustainable winery, an advanced passive building and remote monitoring of environments in wineries
Authors: Boulton Roger
Published: September 2017

The self-sustainable winery was conceived in 2006 and the intention was to create a building and its related utility systems that would operate independently from the energy and water grids and to eliminate hydrocarbon fuels from its operation, capture and sequester the carbon dioxide from its fermentations and create a zero carbon footprint facility. The winery was the highest scoring LEED building at any university when it was completed and the first LEED Platinum Winery in the USA. The adjacent Jess Jackson sustainable winery building is a highly passive research and utility space that will house the advanced energy and water systems that make this off-grid performance possible. Together these buildings will operate every daily in energy and water positive modes and at capacities, which exceed the demands even during the harvest season. The data system incorporated into these buildings for one hundred and fifty research fermentors, fourteen teaching fermentors will also monitor all energy, water and building activities in a secure, cloud-based software system that supports both web and handheld access, with the potential for bidirectional date and control functions. This data network has been extended to include real time monitoring of temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide and volatile organic compounds in five production areas within two commercial winery sites and two creamery facilities, located more than 100 km from Davis. This now provides an example of a distributed dynamic network for the monitoring of the built environment in remote commercial food and wine facilities.
Analyzing the effects of four submerged macrophytes with two contrasting architectures on zooplankton: A mesocosm experiment
Authors: Zeng Lei , Liu Biyun , Dai Zhigang , Zhou Qiaohong , Kong Lingwei , Zhang Yi , He Feng , Wu Zhenbin
Published: September 2017

Increases in the structural complexity of submerged macrophytes are often shown to be linked to higher invertebrate abundance and diversity, but a number of studies have demonstrated, however, that this is not always the case. The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of four macrophyte species with two contrasting architectures (simple architecture with broad leaves: Vallisneria spiralis L. and Potamogeton malaianus Miq. and complex architecture with finely dissected leaves: Ceratophyllum demersum L. and Myriophyllum verticillatum L.) on zooplanktons. We hypothesized that structurally more complex macrophytes would support more zooplanktons and higher diversity, species richness, abundance and biomass, and to test our hypotheses, zooplankton samples within the above-mentioned macrophytes were collected to analyze the variances at different times. Contrary to our expectations, we found that the zooplankton’ responses were independent to the macrophyte architecture. Specially, although finely dissected M. verticillatum could significantly increase total zooplanktons, diversity, species richness, rotifers and cladocerans than the other three macrophytes, the effects of finely dissected C. demersum on these parameters exhibited no significant differences compared to two broad leaved macrophytes (V. spiralis and P. malaianus). Moreover, broad leaved macrophytes even increased more abundance zooplanktons than finely dissected C. demersum. In addition, the effects of macrophytes on zooplanktons also varied with zooplankton species. For example, the four tested macrophytes could significantly increase cladoceran abundance and biomass. Yet for copepods, the density was significantly increased in presence of V. spiralis and C. demersum, but P. malaianus and M. verticillatum did not show significant effects on copepod density. Moreover, all the tested macrophytes except for V. spiralis even significantly suppress copepod biomass. Therefore, our results did not support the hypothesis that structurally complex macrophytes harbor more zooplanktons, and showed that the effects of the investigated macrophytes on zooplanktons were not likely to depend on their architectures, but seemed to rely on complex relationships between macrophyte and zooplankton species.
Variegated Colors of Pediatric Glioblastoma Multiforme: What to Expect?
Authors: Immanuel Vivek , Kingsley Pamela A. , Negi Preety , Isaacs Roma , Grewal Sarvpreet S.
Published: September 2017

Malignant gliomas account for 35-45% of primary brain tumors; among these glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common adult brain tumor constituting approximately 85%. Its incidence is quite less in the pediatric population and treatment of these patients is particularly challenging. Exposure to ionizing radiation is the only environmental factor found to have any significant association with GBM. Several genetic alterations associated with GBM in adults have been well documented such as epidermal growth factor receptor amplification, overexpression of mouse double minute 2 homolog also known as E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase, Phosphatase and tensin homolog gene mutation, loss of heterozygosity of chromosome 10p and isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 mutation. However, data on genetic mutations in pediatric GBM is still lacking. Exophytic brain stem gliomas are rare tumors and are usually associated with a poor prognosis. The most effective treatment in achieving long-term survival in such patients, is surgical excision of the tumor and then chemoradiotherapy followed by adjuvant chemotherapy by temozolomide. This schedule is the standard treatment for GBM patients. In view of the rarity of pediatric GBM, we report here a case of pontine GBM in a 5-year-old girl.
Comprehensive Genomic Profiling of a Rare Thyroid Follicular Dendritic Cell Sarcoma
Authors: Davila Jaime I. , Starr Jason S. , Attia Steven , Wang Chen , Knudson Ryan A. , Necela Brian M. , Sarangi Vivekananda , Sun Zhifu , Ren Yingxue , Casler John D. , Menke David M. , Oliver Gavin R. , Joseph Richard W. , Copland John A. , Parker Alexander S. , Kocher Jean-Pierre A. , Thompson E. Aubrey , Smallridge Robert C. , Asmann Yan W.
Published: September 2017

We previously reported an extremely rare case of follicular dendritic cell sarcoma (FDCS) presented as a thyroid mass. Given the rarity of this disease, there are no personalized and molecularly targeted treatment options due to the lack of knowledge in the genomic makeup of the tumor. A 44-year-old white woman was diagnosed with an extranodal FDCS in thyroid. The patient underwent a total thyroidectomy, central compartment dissection, parathyroid re-implantation, and adjuvant radiation therapy. Tumor DNA sequencing of 236 genes by FoundationOne panel found truncating mutations in PTEN and missense mutations in RET and TP53. However, patient-matched germline DNA was not sequenced which is critical for identification of true somatic mutations. Furthermore, the FoundationOne panel doesn't measure genomic rearrangements which have been shown to be abundant in sarcomas and are associated with sarcoma tumorigenesis and progression. In the current study, we carried out comprehensive genomic sequencing of the tumor, adjacent normal tissues, and patient-matched blood, in an effort to understand the genomic makeup of this rare extranodal FDCS and to identify potential therapeutic targets. Eighty-one somatic point mutations were identified in tumor but not in adjacent normal tissues or blood. A clonal truncating mutation in the CLTCL1 gene, which stabilizes the mitotic spindle, was likely a driver mutation of tumorigenesis and could explain the extensive copy number aberrations (CNAs) and genomic rearrangements in the tumor including a chr15/chr17 local chromothripsis resulted in 6 expressed fusion genes. The fusion gene HDGFRP3→SHC4 led to a 200-fold increase in the expression of oncogene SHC4 which is a potential target of the commercial drug Dasatinib. Missense mutations in ATM and splice-site mutation in VEGFR1 were also detected in addition to the TP53 missense mutation reported by FoundationOne.
La forêt boréale
Authors:   Natural Resources Canada
Published: September 2017

Contained within the Atlas of Canada Poster Map Series, is a poster which shows the location of boreal forest in Canada. The two sided poster graphically depicts the importance of the boreal forest as a dynamic system of shrubs, trees, herbs, mosses,
micro-organisms, insects and animals interacting among themselves and with rock, soil, water and air. The history and economy of the forest is overviewed from 8,000 years ago to today. The boreal forest is a huge, resilient and constantly changing ecosystem, driven by the long term succession of
tree species and the animals which inhabit them. The poster map graphically depicts the challenges of sustainable forest management of this beautiful and expansive resource. The Boreal Forest Poster Map is jointly published by the Canadian Forest Service and Geomatics Canada of the Department of
Natural Resources Canada and Canadian Geographic Enterprises, publisher of Canadian Geographic magazine.
Canadian west coast earthquakes, 1954
Authors: Milne W G
Published: September 2017

This report continues a series, already published, dealing with earthquakes on the west coast of Canada. During 1954 there were 178 earthquakes recorded on the network of seismograph stations in southwestern British Columbia, and of these epicentral
determinations were possible for 67. The earthquakes located are plotted on an accompanying map of the area. A list of the few earthquakes recorded on the Crowsnest Pass seismographs is included. Instrumental changes at the Horseshoe Bay station late in 1954 are described.