bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Designing an Experiment to Investigate Subpixel Mapping as an Alternative Method to Obtain Land Use/Land Cover Maps
Authors: Ge Yong , Jiang Yu , Chen Yuehong , Stein Alfred , Jiang Dong , Jia Yuanxin
Published: April 2016

Various subpixel mapping (SPM) methods have been proposed as downscaling techniques to reduce uncertainty in classifying mixed pixels. Such methods can provide category maps of a higher spatial resolution than the original input images. The aim of this study was to explore and validate the potential of SPM as an alternative method for obtaining land use/land cover (LULC) maps of regions where high-spatial-resolution LULC maps are unavailable. An experimental design was proposed to evaluate the feasibility of SPM for providing the alternative LULC maps. A case study was implemented in the Jingjinji region of China. SPM results for spatial resolutions of 500–100 m were derived from a single 1-km synthetic fraction image using two representative SPM methods. The 1-km synthetic fraction image was assumed to be error free. Accuracy assessment and analysis showed that overall accuracies of the SPM results were reduced from about 85% to 75% with increasing spatial resolution, and that producer’s accuracies varied considerably from about 62% to 93%. SPM performed best when handling areal features in comparison with linear and point features. The highest accuracies were achieved for areas with the lowest complexity. The study concluded that the results from SPM could provide an alternative LULC data source with acceptable accuracy, especially in areas with low complexity and with a large proportion of areal features.
Discriminating between Native Norway Spruce and Invasive Sitka Spruce—A Comparison of Multitemporal Landsat 8 Imagery, Aerial Images and Airborne Laser Scanner Data
Authors: Hauglin Marius , Ørka Hans
Published: April 2016

Invasive species can be considered a threat to biodiversity, and remote sensing has been proposed as a tool for detection and monitoring of invasive species. In this study, we test the ability to discriminate between two tree species of the same genera, using data from Landsat 8 satellite imagery, aerial images, and airborne laser scanning. Ground observations from forest stands dominated by either Norway spruce (Picea abies) or Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) were coupled with variables derived from each of the three sets of remote sensing data. Random forest, support vector machine, and logistic regression classification models were fit to the data, and the classification accuracy tested by performing a cross-validation. Classification accuracies were compared for different combinations of remote sensing data and classification methods. The overall classification accuracy varied from 0.53 to 0.79, with the highest accuracy obtained using logistic regression with a combination of data derived from Landsat imagery and aerial images. The corresponding kappa value was 0.58. The contribution to the classification accuracy from using airborne data in addition to Landsat imagery was not substantial in this study. The classification accuracy varied between models using data from individual Landsat images.
Smartphone-Based Indoor Localization with Bluetooth Low Energy Beacons
Authors: Zhuang Yuan , Yang Jun , Li You , Qi Longning , El-Sheimy Naser
Published: April 2016

Indoor wireless localization using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons has attracted considerable attention after the release of the BLE protocol. In this paper, we propose an algorithm that uses the combination of channel-separate polynomial regression model (PRM), channel-separate fingerprinting (FP), outlier detection and extended Kalman filtering (EKF) for smartphone-based indoor localization with BLE beacons. The proposed algorithm uses FP and PRM to estimate the target’s location and the distances between the target and BLE beacons respectively. We compare the performance of distance estimation that uses separate PRM for three advertisement channels (i.e., the separate strategy) with that use an aggregate PRM generated through the combination of information from all channels (i.e., the aggregate strategy). The performance of FP-based location estimation results of the separate strategy and the aggregate strategy are also compared. It was found that the separate strategy can provide higher accuracy; thus, it is preferred to adopt PRM and FP for each BLE advertisement channel separately. Furthermore, to enhance the robustness of the algorithm, a two-level outlier detection mechanism is designed. Distance and location estimates obtained from PRM and FP are passed to the first outlier detection to generate improved distance estimates for the EKF. After the EKF process, the second outlier detection algorithm based on statistical testing is further performed to remove the outliers. The proposed algorithm was evaluated by various field experiments. Results show that the proposed algorithm achieved the accuracy of <2.56 m at 90% of the time with dense deployment of BLE beacons (1 beacon per 9 m), which performs 35.82% better than <3.99 m from the Propagation Model (PM) + EKF algorithm and 15.77% more accurate than <3.04 m from the FP + EKF algorithm. With sparse deployment (1 beacon per 18 m), the proposed algorithm achieves the accuracies of <3.88 m at 90% of the time, which performs 49.58% more accurate than <8.00 m from the PM + EKF algorithm and 21.41% better than <4.94 m from the FP + EKF algorithm. Therefore, the proposed algorithm is especially useful to improve the localization accuracy in environments with sparse beacon deployment.
Integrated Economic and Environmental Assessment of Waste Policy Instruments
Authors: Ljunggren Söderman Maria , Eriksson Ola , Björklund Anna , Östblom Göran , Ekvall Tomas , Finnveden Göran , Arushanyan Yevgeniya , Sundqvist Jan-Olov
Published: April 2016

The need for new policy instruments supporting the on-going transition from end-of-pipe waste treatment to resource management has been recognized in European policy. Instruments need to be carefully assessed before implementation to promote the desired changes and avoid problem shifting. Mathematical models may assist policy makers in such assessments. This paper presents a set of soft-linked models for assessing the economic and environmental impacts of policy instruments for both the prevention and management of waste and discusses its strengths and limitations. Consisting of (1) a macro-economic model, (2) a systems engineering model for waste management and (3) a life cycle assessment model for waste management, the set is primarily suited to assessing market-based instruments and environmental regulations. Considerable resources were needed for developing and using the set, and there are clear limits as to what can be addressed. However, if only one of the models had been used, neither the range of instruments nor the scope of impacts would have been possible to cover. Furthermore, soft-linked models allow many disciplines to contribute within one harmonized framework. Such integrated assessments may become increasingly useful for continuing the implementation of policy for sustainable governance of society’s material resources.
A modular approach to neutral P,N-ligands: synthesis and coordination chemistry
Authors: Vasilenko Vladislav , Roth Torsten , Blasius Clemens K , Intorp Sebastian N , Wadepohl Hubert , Gade Lutz H
Published: April 2016

We report the modular synthesis of three different types of neutral κ2-P,N-ligands comprising an imine and a phosphine binding site. These ligands were reacted with rhodium, iridium and palladium metal precursors and the structures of the resulting complexes were elucidated by means of X-ray crystallography. We observed that subtle changes of the ligand backbone have a significant influence on the binding geometry und coordination properties of these bidentate P,N-donors.
Spatial Acoustic Scenarios in Multichannel Loudspeaker Systems for Hearing Aid Evaluation
Authors: Grimm Giso , Kollmeier Birger , Hohmann Volker
Published: April 2016

Background:Field tests and guided walks in real environments show that the benefit from hearing aid (HA) signal processing in real-life situations is typically lower than the predicted benefit found in laboratory studies. This suggests that laboratory test outcome measures are
poor predictors of real-life HA benefits. However, a systematic evaluation of algorithms in the field is difficult due to the lack of reproducibility and control of the test conditions. Virtual acoustic environments that simulate real-life situations may allow for a systematic and reproducible
evaluation of HAs under more realistic conditions, thus providing a better estimate of real-life benefit than established laboratory tests.Purpose:To quantify the difference in HA performance between a laboratory condition and more realistic conditions based on technical performance
measures using virtual acoustic environments, and to identify the factors affecting HA performance across the tested environments.Research Design:A set of typical HA beamformer algorithms was evaluated in virtual acoustic environments of different complexity. Performance was assessed
based on established technical performance measures, including perceptual model predictions of speech quality and speech intelligibility. Virtual acoustic environments ranged from a simple static reference condition to more realistic complex scenes with dynamically moving sound objects.Results:
HA benefit, as predicted by signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and speech intelligibility measures, differs between the reference condition and more realistic conditions for the tested beamformer algorithms. Other performance measures, such as speech quality or binaural degree of diffusiveness, do
not show pronounced differences. However, a decreased speech quality was found in specific conditions. A correlation analysis showed a significant correlation between room acoustic parameters of the sound field and HA performance. The SNR improvement in the reference condition was found to
be a poor predictor of HA performance in terms of speech intelligibility improvement in the more realistic conditions.Conclusions:Using several virtual acoustic environments of different complexity, a systematic difference in HA performance between a simple reference condition and more
realistic environments was found, which may be related to the discrepancy between laboratory and real-life HA performance reported previously.
Gender Differences in Audiological Findings and Hearing Aid Benefit in 255 Individuals with Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Narne Vijaya Kumar , Prabhu Prashanth , Chandan Hunsur S. , Deepthi Mahadeva
Published: April 2016

Background:There are many studies reported in the literature that have summarized audiological findings and possible rehabilitation in individuals with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD). However, there are very few studies that have attempted to delineate the gender
differences in audiological characteristics and hearing aid benefit in individuals with ANSD.Purpose:The study aimed to explore the differences between males and females in terms of demographic details, audiogram, speech identification scores, otoacoustic emissions, acoustic reflexes,
long latency responses, and hearing aid benefit.Research Design:A retrospective study.Study Sample:A total of 255 individuals diagnosed with ANSD were selected for the study. The study included 137 females and 88 males.Data Collection and Analysis:The demographic details,
results of diagnostic audiological testing, and hearing aid benefit were analyzed retrospectively. The differences in findings across gender were compared.Results:The study shows that females have a relatively higher degree of hearing loss and that the majority of females show a rising
type of audiometric configuration. The study shows that females have poorer speech perception abilities and experience limited benefits from hearing aids compared to males.Conclusions:The results of the study show that there are gender differences in audiological findings and hearing
aid benefits in individuals with ANSD. However, well-controlled prospective studies are essential to confirm the results obtained and to identify the possible mechanisms underlying the gender differences.
Les écoles de management jouent-elles un rôle dans la lutte contre le plafond de verre ?
Authors: Borel Pascale , Soparnot Richard
Published: April 2016

Aujourd’hui encore, des inégalités professionnelles entre les hommes et les femmes perdurent. Ce constat a nourri de nombreuses recherches qui ont permis d’identifier les facteurs explicatifs de ce qu’on appelle « le plafond de verre », exprimant les obstacles, visibles ou invisibles, que rencontrent les femmes dans la progression de leur carrière. S’appuyant sur l’analyse des facteurs à l’origine du phénomène de plafond de verre et sur la Charte pour l’Égalité entre les Femmes et les Hommes engageant les écoles de management à agir en faveur de l’égalité professionnelle, ce travail pose la question plus générale du rôle que peuvent jouer ces établissements pour lutter contre les inégalités de genre. Dans le cadre d’une approche exploratoire, ce travail se propose d’appréhender la manière dont les écoles de management se sont approprié la problématique du plafond de verre. Une analyse de leur communication Web fait ressortir que seules quelques écoles de management sont engagées au niveau institutionnel sur les différents leviers d’action de lutte contre l’édification du plafond de verre.
A production throughput forecasting system in an automated hard disk drive test operation using GRNN
Authors: Samattapapong Nara , Afzulpurkar Nitin
Published: April 2016

Purpose: The goal of this paper is to develop a pragmatic system of a production throughput forecasting system for an automated test operation in a hard drive manufacturing plant. The accurate forecasting result is necessary for the management team to response to any changes in the production processes and the resources allocations.Design/methodology/approach: In this study, we design a production throughput forecasting system in an automated test operation in hard drive manufacturing plant. In the proposed system, consists of three main stages. In the first stage, a mutual information method was adopted for selecting the relevant inputs into the forecasting model. In the second stage, a generalized regression neural network (GRNN) was implemented in the forecasting model development phase. Finally, forecasting accuracy was improved by searching the optimal smoothing parameter which selected from comparisons result among three optimization algorithms: particle swarm optimization (PSO), unrestricted search optimization (USO) and interval halving optimization (IHO).Findings: The experimental result shows that (1) the developed production throughput forecasting system using GRNN is able to provide forecasted results close to actual values, and to projected the future trends of production throughput in an automated hard disk drive test operation; (2) An IHO algorithm performed as superiority appropriate optimization method than the other two algorithms. (3) Compared with current forecasting system in manufacturing, the results show that the proposed system’s performance is superior to the current system in prediction accuracy and suitable for real-world application.Originality/value: The production throughput volume is a key performance index of hard disk drive manufacturing systems that need to be forecast. Because of the production throughput forecasting result is useful information for management team to respond to any changing in production processes and resources allocation. However, a practically forecasting system for production throughput has not been described in detail yet. The experiments were conducted on a real data set from the final testing operation of hard disk drive manufacturing factory by using Visual Basics Application on Microsoft Excel© to develop preliminary forecasting system on testing and verification process. The experimental result shows that the proposed model is superior to the performance of the current forecasting system.
Improving Pressure Ulcer Staging Accuracy Through a Nursing Student Experiential Intervention
Authors: Tschannen Dana , Mckay Mary , Steven Mary
Published: April 2016

Background:

Staging of pressure ulcers (PUs) is often inaccurate. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a student-focused intervention to improve PU staging accuracy in nursing students.

Method:

Nursing students from two universities were included. The control group (
n
= 103) received a standard lecture about PUs; the intervention group (
n
= 55) completed a PU module, participated in Skin Day at a local hospital, and received the standard lecture. All students completed a PU staging tool to determine their staging accuracy. Scores were compared using analysis of variance.

Results:

Students in the intervention group were significantly more accurate in PU staging, especially stage II PUs and suspected deep tissue injury. Stage III PUs were the most difficult to stage for all students.

Conclusion:

Skin Day provided students with hands-on clinical experience, which assisted them in becoming better at staging PUs. This type of experiential opportunity should be considered for all students, as accurate staging is necessary for best practice adherence. [
J Nurs Educ.
2016;55(5):266–270.]
A Case-Based Curriculum With the Nurse as Coach
Authors: Shostrom Brenda L. , Schofer Karna K.
Published: April 2016

Background:

Nurses need new skill sets that emphasize health outcomes and cost reduction. A bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program partnered with community agencies to design a curriculum to address these skills.

Method:

Two focus groups were conducted with 24 participants employed as care coordinators, nurse coaches, or health navigators.

Results:

Three themes and subgroups emerged that guided a curriculum design that emphasized case-based rather than place-based client focus, coaching as a curriculum thread, and new and varied community experiences. Community health concepts were introduced early and reinforced throughout. Health coaching was identified as a powerful framework and tool to address client needs. Further study is needed to measure outcomes of the new curriculum.

Conclusion:

Changing paradigms in nursing education is challenging. Care coordination and coaching skills can broaden the competency base of RNs and can be included in a BSN curriculum. More study is needed to measure outcomes. [
J Nurs Educ.
2016;55(5):292–295.]
Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformation in Wyburn-Mason Syndrome
Authors: Zeng Yong , Fan Ying-chuan , Liu Yang , Wan Ling
Published: April 2016

The cases of Wyburn-Mason syndrome reported in recent years have been professional and significant. However, most of the reports focus on retinal lesions and few demonstrate the disorder of the brain; thus, to the best of the authors' knowledge, there is no effective method to cure the retinal lesions at this time. Racemose hemangioma in the ocular fundus is easy for an ophthalmologist to detect, and once this is identified, the ophthalmologist should closely monitor the patient's brain. In this report, the authors present a typical case of Wyburn-Mason syndrome to underline the importance of neuroradiological examinations for this disease.

[
J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus
. 2016;53:e15–e17.]
The Effect of Thickness of Medium Density Fiberboard Produced of Hardwood Tree Species on their Selected Physical and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Valcheva Liliana , Savov Viktor
Published: April 2016

In Bulgaria, there is sufficient raw material as well as established technologies for fiberboard production of hardwood tree species. In general, MDF production from such raw-material is characterized by a number of technological difficulties mainly related to low compression ratio and smaller slenderness of fiber elements. The presented scientific experiments cover characteristic features and the effect of different thicknesses on the production of MDF from hardwood tree species – beech (Fagus silvatica L) and Turkey oak (Quercus cerris L). The experimental matrix and regime factors of hot-pressing are in correlation with thicknesses of boards. The regression models describing the effect of thicknesses on main properties of medium-density fiberboard are deduced and analyzed from the output data and the proper conclusions are made.
Indentation of Juvenile Annual Growth Rings and their Impact on Morphology of Wood Cells
Authors: Racko Vladimír , Misikova Olga , Cunderlik Igor , Seman Blazej
Published: April 2016

The morphology of cellular elements of juvenile wood of spruce has, in comparing to mature wood, different parameters. Subsequently, indented growth ring zones, caused by genetic predisposition and cambial injury, can significantly change the morphology of these tissues. The aim of the paper compared the morphology of cellular elements of juvenile wood originating in the indented and the normal growth rings. The results confirmed a significant difference in the proportion, the dimensions and shape of parenchyma cells and tracheids. While, in zones containing the indented growth rings the proportions were 15.6 % and 84.4 %, in normal growth rings were 10.4 % and 89.6 %. Tracheids in the indented growth ring zones were shorter and narrower (1.47 mm and 25.4 µm), but in normal growth ring zones longer and wider (2.14 mm and 28.3 µm). Tracheids from marginal and central zones normal growth rings showed considerable inhomogeneity in longitudinal shape (they were twisted). On the basis of change tissue morphology in the juvenile growth phase we can expect the impact of these growth disproportions on the quality production of pulp and paper, mainly in assortments with small diameter.
An Environmental Impact of a Wooden and Brick House by the LCA Method
Authors: Mitterpach Jozef , Štefko Jozef
Published: April 2016

The main objective of this paper thesis is to determine the environmental impact of two houses made of two alternative materials - a wooden and a brick house - using a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). By comparing the material composition of their design to determine the environmental impacts of global warming, human health, consumption of resources and ecosystem quality. An overall comparison showed that the materials for the construction of a wooden house have less negative impact on the environment than materials for the construction of a brick house. Using the GWP method, results show that the materials for the construction of a brick house leave twice the carbon footprint in the environment than materials for a wooden house. This resultant state is mainly due to the use of natural materials in the wooden house (wood, fibre insulation), unlike the materials used in the brick house (ceramic masonry, insulation from stone wool) and so on.
Effect of Copper Addition to Aluminum on its Metallurgical, Mechanical Characteristics and Surface Roughness after Rolling
Authors: Zaid Adnan I.O. , Al-Qawabah Safwan M.A.
Published: April 2016

Aluminum and its alloys are widely used materials in industrial and engineering applications. They are second in use after steel due to their attractive properties e.g. strength-to-weight ratio, their electrical and thermal conductivities, and corrosion resistance. However, against these attractive properties commercially pure aluminum has certain limitations in the cast condition because it solidifies in large grain size columnar structure which reduces its mechanical strength and surface quality. It is, therefore, always alloyed with other elements to reduce or eliminate these defects. In this paper, the effect of copper addition at a rate of 4% Wt. to commercially pure aluminum both in the cast and after rolling conditions is investigated. Aluminum sheets and aluminum-4% copper sheets were cold rolled in three successive passes, from 4 mm to 3mm to 1.3 mm. After each pass, the grain size, Vickers micro-hardness and surface roughness were determined and discussed. It was found that addition of 4% Cu to commercially pure Al in the cast condition resulted in refining its microstructure both in the cast and after rolling conditions. Furthermore, the rolling process resulted in enhancement of the surface quality only after the first and second passes.
Properdin-Mediated C5a Production Enhances Stable Binding of Platelets to Granulocytes in Human Whole Blood
Authors: Blatt Adam Z. , Saggu Gurpanna , Kulkarni Koustubh V. , Cortes Claudio , Thurman Joshua M. , Ricklin Daniel , Lambris John D. , Valenzuela Jesus G. , Ferreira Viviana P.
Published: April 2016

Enhanced levels of platelet/granulocyte aggregates (PGAs) are found in patients suffering from many different inflammatory vascular diseases, and their formation in animal models of vascular disease is associated with increased thromboinflammation and worsened outcomes. The complement system, a part of the innate immune system, influences PGA formation, but the mechanisms for its effects are unknown. In this study, we have defined complement-mediated mechanisms that enhance PGA formation in human whole blood stimulated with thrombin receptor–activating peptide (TRAP) using ex vivo flow cytometry assays. We demonstrate that physiological properdin, a positive regulator of complement alternative pathway activity, increases PGA formation when added to TRAP-stimulated blood. All physiological properdin forms increase PGA formation, but properdin tetramers are the most efficient at increasing complement activity and PGA formation. Inhibition of endogenous properdin, either circulating in the blood or produced locally by leukocytes, impairs TRAP-mediated PGA formation to the same level as specific inhibition of either the alternative or classical pathway. Additionally, blocking the interaction of C5a with its cellular receptor prevents properdin-mediated increases in PGA formation. Adding either properdin tetramers or C5a to whole blood increases CD11b expression on granulocytes, and this increase is prevented by blockade of the C5a–C5a receptor axis. Finally, we demonstrate that the effects of properdin on PGA formation are tightly regulated by Factor H. Cumulatively, our data indicate that properdin enhances PGA formation via increased production of C5a, and that inhibition of properdin function has therapeutic potential to limit thromboinflammation in diseases characterized by increased PGA formation.
Extending WLCSP Packaging Technology Capabilities to Enable Miniaturized Sensor and MEMS Packaging Applications
Authors: Tessier Ted
Published: April 2016

WLCSP has been widely deployed in portable computing and communication devices for efficient die level packaging of integrated semiconductor and integrated passive applications. More recently with the proliferation of smart phone capabilities and applications as well as the emergence of Internet of Things and Wearable Electronics, MEMS and sensor devices in minimized package formats have become increasingly pervasive. These include image sensors, light sensors, finger print sensors as well as accelerometer, gyroscope and other MEMS motion sensing devices. It is predicted that the widespread adoption of WLCSP packaging for sensing applications will accelerate the proliferation of the incorporation of multiple sensor technologies within future communication devices. A number of these MEMS/Sensor applications have been able to leverage the existing WLCSP technology infrastructure and has led to opportunities to packaging and cost-effective standardization and miniaturization. On the other hand, some significant new changes to WLCSP process flows have also emerged that have had to be addressed. This paper will provide an overview of MEMS and Sensor applications that are currently or will use 2D, 2.5D or 3D wafer level packaging formats. Process enhancements including the ability to process thinner substrates with the adoption of temporary carrier technologies will also be highlighted.
Advances in Aligned Wafer Bonding Enable by High Vacuum Processing
Authors: Pabo Eric F. , Floetgen Christoph , Rebhan Bernhard , Nasser Razek
Published: April 2016

High volume aligned wafer bonding processes typically separate the wafer to wafer alignment process from the wafer bonding process and this wafer to wafer alignment is normally done in an ambient atmosphere. While this process flow has worked well and enabled the proliferation of MEMS devices in the last decade, it does have limitations. The primary issue is the exposure to water vapor and ambient atmosphere which limits the preprocessing that can be done and maintained on the wafers to be bonded. Performing the wafer to wafer alignment, handling, and wafer bonding in a high vacuum environment allow specialized preprocessing of the wafers prior to alignment and bonding.

The most basic preprocessing enabled by this high vacuum environment is the open face dehydration bake of wafers prior to alignment to alignment and bonding. When done in a cluster tool, a chamber can be dedicated to baking out the wafers to minimizing the effect of outgassing on the final vacuum level in the MEMS device. If one wafer needs a high temperature bakeout and getter activation and one wafer is limited to a low temperature bakeout this is possible by using two chamber in the cluster tool – one for the high temperature backout and one for the low temperature bakeout. Microbolometers that use vanadium oxide as the sensor layer are an example of a device needing high and low temperature bakeout.

Another preprocessing enabled by the high vacuum cluster tool is a surface treatment which removes oxides from the surface, increases the surface energy, and enables the formation of covalent bonds at room temperature in the case of Si-Si bonding.

This low temperature covalent bond has been shown to have an oxide free interface with a minimized amorphous layer as well as very low metal contamination. Also, because the bonding is done at or near room temperature it is possible to bond materials with substantially different CTES such a GaN to SiC

This new technology will enable improved vacuum encapsulation as well as the manufacture of new, high performance engineered substrates.

The latest process results as well as process flows and required equipment capabilities will be presented.
Innovated Process Integration for Panel Size Glass Substrate Manufacturing for SiP Application
Authors: Chen Yu-Hua , Hsieh Yu-Chung , Lin Wei-Di , Chien Chun-Hsien , Hu Dyi-Chung
Published: April 2016

Although Silicon interposer has good performance, however high cost is still the major issue and limits its high volume adoption. Therefore to decrease the assembly cost or develop low cost, high density interconnect interposer technology is the keys to enable 2.5D SiP integration. One possibility is to develop low cost interposer by adopting the alternative materials instead of Silicon. The glass, low CTE polymer material, ceramic, etc. may be included.

Glass represents an attractive choice with potential of tailorable properties dependent on specific glass composition. By targeting the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), the CTE of glass can be made to match perfectly with silicon dies and for reliable package. In addition, the advantages of using glass for interposer derive from process flexibility for size and thickness since the glass fusion process provides sheets with dimensions of more than three meters. It is straight forward to provide glass substrate of almost any size needed. Large glass panels are ideally suited for fabrication of interposer where the panel process is expected to provide large number of interposers in each run compared with wafer processing. Additionally, the two sided processing of the panel, the avoidance of Si wafer CMP processes further enable lower unit cost for the interposer Consequently, glass is an ideal interposer material due to its insulating property, large panel size availability, high modulus and ability to tailor CTE.

In this paper, we successfully demonstrate manufacturing feasibility of glass substrate with 4 build-up layers starting with a thin glass panel in 508mm×508mm panel size format and under the IC substrate manufacturing environment. Glass thickness of 100~300um could be processed through the IC substrate HVM line. The laser via in via or direct metallization technology could be selected for double side electrical connection. The copper line width/space of 8/8um was demonstrated by current substrate HVM line. By adopting advanced lithography process and material, line width/space less than 2/2um was achievable. TCT Reliability test without glass crack results will also be discussed.
Critical Process Parameters And Failure Analysis For Temporary Bonded Wafer Stacks
Authors: Brandl Elisabeth , Abadie Karine , Wimplinger Markus , Burggraf Juergen , Uhrmann Thomas , Bravin Julian , Fournel Frank , Montmeat Pierre
Published: April 2016

Temporary bonding is a ley process for almost any 3D integration scheme. It offers not only more stability during the thinning process but also allows handling for backside processing of thin wafers like interposers during subsequent process steps [1–2]. Although the temporary bonding technology is already used in high volume manufacturing and has proven high yield process, nevertheless, some limitation appears for some specific applications [3-4-5]. One critical failure origin is delamination, which can lead to wafer breakage and therefore yield loss.

This separation of the device wafer and the carrier wafer typically occurs when the temporary bonded wafer stack (device wafer, carrier wafer and temporary bonding adhesive in between) experiences further processing done under high temperature and low vacuum like PECVD deposition. Further insight into processing parameters and a better understanding of the key contributing factors as well as its dependencies help to prevent this failure.

To investigate the root cause of the delamination, thermoplastic materials, which are widely used for temporary bonding and debonding applications have been used as temporary bonding adhesives in this work.

Different process parameters were investigated individually but also in combination to find the origin of the delamination. These parameters include post thinning annealing temperature, which was varied up to 370C, vacuum level, thermal gradient, bow and warp and intrinsic stress of the thin device wafer. After evaluation of the main parameters affecting the delamination appearance, two extreme cases were experimented in order to check the hypothesis. The first one exhibits delaminations even using a very soft processing conditions for a temporary bonding integration and the second case is able to withstand extreme processing conditions like high temperature up to 370C under vacuum of about 1mbar without delamination appearance.

In addition, during this work, the mechanical coupling existing between the carrier and the device wafer thanks to the adhesive has been investigated. Here, a thermoplastic material was used in a temporary bonded structures using wafers with different coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE). During thermal treatment, this CTE difference induce important internal stress bow of the wafer stack. The temperature dependence of the mechanical coupling is monitored during the annealing. A mechanical decoupling between the two wafers occurs when above the polymer glass transition temperature. As a result, the rheology of the thermoplastic layer is found as a contributor to the delamination mechanism.

Critical combinations of process parameters in temporary bonding process are then clearly identified and will be presented in this work.
A Novel Third Order Analog Chaotic Oscillator
Authors: Rhea Benjamin K. , Werner Frank T. , Harrison Remington C. , Dean Robert N.
Published: April 2016

Chaotic oscillators, which are characterized by a spread spectrum response, have a wide range of possible applications including random number generation, communication systems, noise signal generation, and jamming. A novel chaotic oscillator design and implementation that reduces design complexity, component count, and size over a traditional approach is presented.

The oscillator design approach can be divided into three primary subsystems. The first subsystem is called the stretching mechanism, which exhibits an exponential unstable sinusoidal response as a standalone system. This unstable subsystem is bounded by a feedback network. The feedback network consists of guard condition and a folding mechanism. The stretching mechanism will grow until a criterion for the guard condition is met which triggers when the folding mechanism should fold, or double.

The motivation behind this design was inspired by the linear second-order set of differential equations with an exactly solvable solution. The electronic implementation of this design focuses on reducing the complexity of the stretching mechanism subsystem, which typically consists of a network of operational amplifiers (op amps) to realize a negative RLC circuit. This can be simplified by replacing the op amps with a single common base amplifier to achieve similar unstable sinusoidal responses. This reduces the design complexity as well as the overall footprint of the stretching mechanism.

While the op amp network design approach results in a linear second-order system, the introduction of the additional active bi-polar junction transistor (BJT) in the common base amplifier results in a third-order system. These higher order terms are often undesirable in applications due to increased design complexity of the peripheral systems. An example of this would be in a communication system, where a third-order matched filter would be required to recover the signal in presence of additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN). Detailed analysis of the second-order and third-order system have been done to show that the third-order terms introduced by the common base amplifier do not adversely affect the dynamics of the system when used in a communication system with a second-order matched filter.
Why Mold When You Can NanoTech?
Authors: McElrea Simon
Published: April 2016

Why Mold When You Can NanoTech?
Morphometry of adults and larval stages of Cicadatra persica (Cicadidae: Hemiptera) distributed in Erneh, Syria
Authors: Derdar M.A. , Belal H.M.R.
Published: April 2016

This study was conducted in order to describe and measure the morphological characters of adults and larval stages of the cicada Cicadatra persica distributed in Erneh, Syria. Eggs, newly hatched nymphs, fully developed nymphs, exuviae and adults were described and measured. The mean lengths of eggs (1.9±0.1 mm) were the same as newly hatched nymphs (1.8±0.174 mm), whereas the mean length of the fully developed nymphs (3.1±0.185 cm) was longer than the adults. Several parts of adults’ body (males and females) were measured. The results show that the mean of females bodies (2.60±0.118 cm) were larger than males ones (2.45±0.192 cm), nevertheless, there were no significant differences between them.
A Student-Led Global Health Education Initiative: Reflections on the Kenyan Village Medical Education Program
Authors: John Christopher , Asquith Heidi , Wren Tom , Mercuri Stephanie , Brownlow Sian
Published: April 2016

The Kenyan Village Medical Education Program is a student-led global health initiative that seeks to improve health outcomes in rural Kenya through culturally appropriate health education. The month-long program, which is organised by the Melbourne University Health Initiative (Australia), is conducted each January in southern rural Kenya.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Public Health: Online and Integrated into Core Master of Public Health Subjects
Authors: Angus Lynnell , Ewen Shaun , Coombe Leanne
Published: April 2016

The Master of Public Health (MPH) is an internationally recognised post-graduate qualification for building the public health workforce. In Australia, MPH graduate attributes include six Indigenous public health (IPH) competencies. The University of Melbourne MPH program includes five core subjects and ten specialisation streams, of which one is Indigenous health. Unless students complete this specialisation or electives in Indigenous health, it is possible for students to graduate without attaining the IPH competencies. To address this issue in a crowded and competitive curriculum an innovative approach to integrating the IPH competencies in core MPH subjects was developed. Five online modules that corresponded with the learning outcomes of the core public health subjects were developed, implemented and evaluated in 2015. This brief report outlines the conceptualisation, development, and description of the curriculum content; it also provides preliminary student evaluation and staff feedback on the integration project.
Tubercular meningitis in children: Clinical, pathological, and radiological profile and factors associated with mortality
Authors: Israni Anil V. , Dave Divya A. , Mandal Anirban , Singh Amitabh , Sahi Puneet K. , Ranjan Rashmi Das , Shah Arpita
Published: April 2016

Context: Childhood tuberculosis is a major public health problem in developing countries with tubercular meningitis being a serious complication with high mortality and morbidity. Aim: To study the clinicopathological as well as radiological profile of childhood tuberculous meningitis (TBM) cases. Settings and Design: Prospective, observational study including children <14 years of age with TBM admitted in a tertiary care hospital from Western India. Subjects and Methods: TBM was diagnosed based on predefined criteria. Glassgow coma scale (GCS) and intracranial pressure (ICP) was recorded. Staging was done as per British Medical Council Staging System. Mantoux test, chest X-ray, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination, neuroimaging, and other investigations were done to confirm TB. Statistical Analysis Used: STATA software (version 9.0) was used for data analysis. Various risk factors were determined using Chi-square tests, and a P< 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Forty-seven children were included, of which 11 (24.3%) died. Fever was the most common presenting symptom, and meningismus was the most common sign. Twenty-nine (62%) children presented with Stage III disease. Stage III disease, low GCS, and raised ICP were predictors of mortality. Findings on neuroimaging or CSF examination did not predict mortality. Conclusions: Childhood TBM presents with nonspecific clinical features. Stage III disease, low GCS, lack of Bacillus Calmette–Guérin vaccination at birth and raised ICP seem to the most important adverse prognostic factors.
Evaluation of the relationship between periodontal risk and carotid artery calcifications on panoramic radiographs
Authors: Kamak Gulen , Yildirim Eren , Rencber Emin
Published: April 2016

Objective: To evaluate if there is a relationship between findings of carotid artery calcification (CAC) and periodontal risk in nonsmoker subjects by using panoramic radiographs (DPR). Materials and Methods: A total of 1146 DPRs were investigated. Gender, age, severity of bone loss, tooth loss, periodontal risk, and findings of carotid calcification were recorded. The periodontal risk was evaluated and classified according to the degree of alveolar bone loss. Results: CAC was diagnosed in %13.6 (n: 156) of DPRs. Of 1146 patients, 338 (29.5%) had low, 668 (60%) had moderate, and 120 (10.5%) had high periodontal risk. A statistically significant relation was observed between carotid calcification and periodontal risk. Conclusion: Positive findings of carotid calcification may be related with periodontal problems. Clinicians must be careful about diagnosing CACs on DPRs during routine examinations. In the case of positive findings of CAC and periodontitis together, the patient may be consulted to a specialist for further investigation.
Maxillary and mandibular anterior crown width/height ratio and its relation to various arch perimeters, arch length, and arch width groups
Authors: Shahid Fazal , Alam Mohammad Khursheed , Khamis Mohd Fadhli
Published: April 2016

Objective: To investigate the maxillary and mandibular anterior crown width/height ratio and its relation to various arch perimeters, arch length, and arch width (intercanine, interpremolar, and intermolar) groups. Materials and Methods: The calculated sample size was 128 subjects. The crown width/height, arch length, arch perimeter, and arch width of the maxilla and mandible were obtained via digital calliper (Mitutoyo, Japan). A total of 4325 variables were measured. The sex differences in the crown width and height were evaluated. Analysis of variance was applied to evaluate the differences between arch length, arch perimeter, and arch width groups. Results: Males had significantly larger mean values for crown width and height than females (P ≤ 0.05) for maxillary and mandibular arches, both. There were no significant differences observed for the crown width/height ratio in various arch length, arch perimeter, and arch width (intercanine, interpremolar, and intermolar) groups (P ≤ 0.05) in maxilla and mandible, both. Conclusions: Our results indicate sexual disparities in the crown width and height. Crown width and height has no significant relation to various arch length, arch perimeter, and arch width groups of maxilla and mandible. Thus, it may be helpful for orthodontic and prosthodontic case investigations and comprehensive management.
Allergic effects of the residual monomer used in denture base acrylic resins
Authors: Rashid Haroon , Sheikh Zeeshan , Vohra Fahim
Published: April 2016

Denture base resins are extensively used in dentistry for a variety of purposes. These materials can be classified as chemical, heat, light, and microwave polymerization materials depending upon the factor which starts the polymerization reaction. Their applications include use during denture base construction, relining existing dentures, and for fabrication of orthodontic removable appliances. There have been increased concerns regarding the safe clinical application of these materials as their biodegradation in the oral environment leads to harmful effects. Along with local side effects, the materials have certain occupational hazards, and numerous studies can be found in the literature mentioning those. The purpose of this article is to outline the cytotoxic consequences of denture base acrylic resins and clinical recommendations for their use.
Evaluation of root morphology and root canal configuration of premolars in the Turkish individuals using cone beam computed tomography
Authors: Bulut Duygu Goller , Kose Emre , Ozcan Gozde , Sekerci Ahmet Ercan , Canger Emin Murat , Sisman Yıldıray
Published: April 2016

Objective: The aim of the present study is to assess the root and root canal morphology of maxillary and mandibular premolars in a Turkish population by using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: In this study, CBCT images of 2134 premolars (987 maxillary, 1147 mandibular) were obtained from 404 patients. Details of gender, age, number of roots and canals, and canal configuration in each root were recorded. The canal configuration was classified and evaluated according to Vertucci's criteria. Results: The majority of maxillary premolars had two separate roots; although, three roots were identified in 1% of maxillary first premolars. However, most of the mandibular premolars had a single root. The two canals (69.9%) and type I (62.6%) and type II (34.1%) configuration for upper first premolar, one canal (82.1%) and type I (77.6%) canal configuration for second premolar was the most prevalent root canal frequency. The most prevalent root canal frequency was the one canal (96.2%) and type I (94.2%) and type V (3.2%) configuration for mandibular first premolar, one canal (98.9%) and type I (98.9%) canal configuration for second premolar. There was no difference in the root canal configurations and the numbers of canals between the left and the right side of both females and males (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Recognition of morphology and anatomy of the root canal system is one of the most important factors for successful endodontic treatment. Preoperative CBCT examination allows determination of root canal configuration of premolar teeth and helps clinicians in root canal treatment.