bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Orderings of the second-largest order statistic with modified proportional reversed hazard rate samples
Authors: Yang Mingxia
Published: January 2025

Order statistics is a significant research topic within probability and statistics, particularly due to its widespread application in areas such as reliability and actuarial science. Extensive research has been conducted on extreme order statistics, and this paper focused on the second-order statistics. Specifically, the study investigated the second-largest order statistics derived from dependent heterogeneous modified proportional reversed hazard rate samples, utilizing the stochastic properties of the Archimedean copula. This paper first examined the usual stochastic order of the second-largest order statistic between two groups of dependent heterogeneous random variables. These variables were analyzed under conditions involving the same tilt parameters with different proportional reversed hazard rate parameters, and different tilt parameters with the same proportional reversed hazard rate parameters. The study derived the sufficient conditions required for establishing the usual stochastic order in these cases. Next, the paper addressed the reversed hazard rate order relationship for the second- largest order statistic between two groups of independent heterogeneous random variables. This analysis was conducted under various conditions: the same tilt parameters with different proportional reversed hazard rate parameters, different tilt parameters with the same proportional reversed hazard rate parameters, and different sample sizes with the same parameters. The sufficient conditions for establishing the reversed hazard rate order were also derived. Finally, the theoretical findings were substantiated through numerical examples, confirming the main conclusions of the paper.
Comisiones de la verdad, educación y paz positiva: un análisis de los informes finales de las comisiones de la verdad (1980–2015)
Authors: Paulson Julia , Bellino Michelle J.
Published: January 2025

El texto traducido es el manuscrito aceptado de un artículo publicado por Taylor & Francis en Comparative Education en 2017, disponible en línea: https://doi.org/10.1080/03050068.2017.1334428
Para citar el artículo original: Julia Paulson & Michelle J. Bellino (2017) Truth Commissions, Education, and Positive Peace: An Analysis of Truth Commission Final Reports (1980–2015), Comparative Education, 53:3, 351–378,DOI: 10.1080/03050068.2017.1334428
Aunque la justicia y la educación transicional ocupan un espacio cada vez más importante en la agenda internacional de esfuerzos para la consolidación de la paz, quedan por esclarecer las maneras en que la justicia y la educación podrían reforzarse mutuamente a fin de contribuir a la paz. Este artículo presenta un análisis transnacional de informes de comisiones de la verdad publicados entre 1980 y 2015, y explora la labor educativa de una de las formas más visibles de justicia transicional. Descubrimos que las intervenciones en el ámbito educativo por parte de las comisiones de la verdad van en aumento y que, asimismo, estas incorporan a su labor la tarea de “decir la verdad sobre la educación”. Sin embargo, al intervenir en la educación, las comisiones de la verdad tienden a recomendar reformas enfocadas exclusivamente en el futuro, como por ejemplo la enseñanza descontextualizada sobre los derechos humanos y la paz. Argumentamos que, al rehusarse a utilizar su labor retrospectiva en pos de la verdad y a fin de impulsar la transformación en el sector educativo, las comisiones de la verdad limitan sus posibles contribuciones en apoyo a la paz positiva.
La Yougoslavie que racontent les humanistes marxistes
Authors: Markovic Sacha
Published: January 2025

De prime abord, l’éclatement de la Yougoslavie ainsi que les progressives « mutations idéologiques » individuelles apparaissent comme le résultat d’un processus de transition commun à l’ensemble de l’Europe socialiste. Cependant, les spécificités de l’autogestion yougoslave suggèrent que l’émergence d’un nationalisme exclusif trouve ses racines dans des transitions politiques et socio-économiques antérieures.Cet ouvrage explore les origines intellectuelles et culturelles des ultimes divisions yougoslaves, au travers de l’évolution politique d’un groupe qui raconte la Yougoslavie de Tito : les humanistes marxistes, de la naissance de la sensibilité humaniste dans les années 1920 à la purge des milieux universitaires belgradois des années 1970.Cette plongée dans le passé communiste des Yougoslaves révèle que ni la Seconde Guerre mondiale ni l’effondrement du communisme à l’Est ne sont les seules matrices historiques de la montée des nationalismes en Yougoslavie.
Entretien avec Clémence Perronnet à propos de l’ouvrage Matheuses - Les filles, avenir des mathématiques
Authors: Sayac Nathalie
Published: January 2025

Dans la publication Matheuses - Les filles, avenir des mathématiques, Clémence Perronnet, Claire Marc et Olga Paris-Romaskevich, à travers une enquête sociologique auprès de 45 adolescentes, nous invitent à réfléchir aux inégalités dans le domaine des mathématiques et proposent des pistes pour rendre cette discipline plus inclusive. Nathalie Sayac s’est entretenue avec l’une des autrices pour en savoir davantage sur la conception de l’ouvrage et les principaux enjeux traités.
Paving the way
Authors: Daniélou Jean
Published: January 2025

This article looks at the role played by a category of actors –the brokers- in the expansion of multinationals. Frequently invisible, their actions are nonetheless crucial in establishing the global connections that enable multinationals to grow and prosper around the world. With this figure, we propose to study the groundwork on which these global connections are built. Our investigation is based on the ethnography of a renewable energy infrastructure development project on Lubang Island in the Philippines. We show that the role of the broker is not only to connect people who are strangers to each other, but also and above all to prepare the ground for the territorialization of multinationals.
Preserving Sri Lanka’s indigenous healing heritage: An updated checklist of medicinal plants and conservation priorities
Authors: Rajakaruna R. W. M. T. N. , Yakandawala D. M. D. , Jayasuriya K. M. G. G.
Published: January 2025

The fundamental information provided by plant checklists serves as the foundation for additional ecological, evolutionary, and biodiversity conservation hypothesis. Here, we compiled a comprehensive and taxonomically verified updated checklist of the medicinal plant species occurring in Sri Lanka. Updates include the addition of species recorded from Sri Lanka and the inclusion of synonyms and conservation status. Further, as many of these medicinal plants are collected from the wild, their conservation status is an important criterion in initiating future conservation actions. The present study focuses on collating all the documented updating of the existing checklists of medicinal plants occurring in Sri Lanka, documenting conservation status of these medicinal plants, identifying the most commonly used medicinal plant species, and the challenges associated in the medicinal herbal industry. A questionnaire survey was conducted with selected government Ayurveda and traditional practitioners, herbal collectors, and Ayurveda officers throughout the country. According to the findings, a total of 1476 plant species (Angiosperm: 1448, Gymnosperm: 04, Fern: 24) were recognized as plants with medicinal value used in Sri Lanka, with 969 of them being native in origin. Hundred and ninety-five of them are endemic to the country. About thirty-one percent of the native medicinal plants (n= 307 species) were identified as threatened. According to the survey, a total of 252 species (in 95 families) are utilized regularly, with the family Fabaceae predominating. Out of these, 50 species from 34 families are heavily utilized, and 34% of those are threatened species. The study also identified the most significant challenge faced by the medicinal plant industry among the various challenges it revealed. A compiled list of medicinal plants in Sri Lanka would provide an up-to-date inventory and essential information, crucial for initiating conservation efforts to preserve these valuable plant species in the country. Preserving medicinal plants in Sri Lanka is a complex endeavor that necessitates collaboration among government authorities, local communities, and a diverse array of stakeholders. It should balance the preservation of traditional healing practices and the sustainable use of these valuable plant resources.
"Crafting Your Research: A Guide to Management Students For Collecting and Analyzing Data"
Authors: Gnanaweera Kamal , Wickramaratne Richard
Published: January 2025

Arosha Adikaram, Tharusha Gooneratne and Maduka UdunuwaraCrafting Your Research: A Guide to Management Students For Collecting and Analyzing Data. 2021. Stamford Lake (Pvt) Limited, Sri Lanka. ISBN: 978-624-55544-13-1
Training That Sticks: Rethinking Kirkpatrick for Hotels
Authors: Udeshika P. D. S.
Published: January 2025

The study aims to understand the adaptability of the Kirkpatrick model in assessing the effectiveness of learning and development programs in the context of Sri Lankan Hospitality industry. The study particularly investigates the extent to which the four levels of the Kirkpatrick model – 1. Reaction, 2. Learning, 3. Behavior, and 4. Results – are used in hotel industry learning and development programs and examine it’s applicability in this context. This conceptual paper is developed based on a theoretical review of prevailing literature on learning and development evaluation models, primarily centering on their use within the hospitality sector. By doing a comprehensive analysis on existing literature and case studies, the study critically examines how the Kirkpatrick model can be adapted or improved to be used in satisfying specific needs of hospitality sector in Sri Lanka. The findings of the study suggest that while Kirkpatrick model remain dominant in learning and development function in Human Resource Management, the model might not completely capture the unique challenges and outcomes particularly in the study context which is hospitality industry. The existing literature suggests that additional metrics related to service quality, customer satisfaction, and organizational performance must be included to fully evaluate learning and development program effectiveness in this sector. The findings of the study intend to offer practical implications as to how to improve the Kirkpatrick model in ensuring a more comprehensive evaluation of learning and development programs outcomes. Integration of customer satisfaction metric and linking behavioral changes more closely with key performance indicators (KPI) which are relevant to hospitality operations. Recommendations include integrating customer satisfaction metrics and linking behavioral changes more closely with key performance indicators relevant to hospitality operations.
Unveiling the path to Talent Retention: The Role of Job Satisfaction and Training satisfaction in Sri Lanka's Apparel Industry
Authors: Pathmasiri K. P. S. W. , Dissanayake W. D. M. B. K. , Kumari A. G. M. A.
Published: January 2025

In today’s dynamic world human resource management has become a significant management function that companies have to consider utilizing their workforce efficiently and effectively to achieve their goals and objectives. This study explores the relationship between job satisfaction, training satisfaction, and employee retention intentions within the leading apparel industries located in Sri Lanka's Katunayake Export Processing Zone. The study attempts to find answers to the problem of how job satisfaction mediates the relationship between training satisfaction & employee intention to retention in executive-level employees in the apparel industry of Sri Lanka which was captured as a research gap by studying the existing literature in the arena. The research follows a positivistic philosophy followed by a deductive approach along with a quantitative research method. This was cross-sectional research that gathered data through a survey conducted with a sample of 291 executive-level employees selected based on a stratified convenient sampling method. Correlation analysis, Regression analysis, and Sobel test were used in analyzing data to test the hypotheses. In conclusion, the study's key findings reveal that training satisfaction influences the intention to retain employees, impacts job satisfaction, and job satisfaction affects the intention to retain employees. Furthermore, job satisfaction mediates the relationship between training satisfaction and the intention to retain executive-level employees in Sri Lanka's leading apparel industries.
Navigating the Digital Age: Understanding the Complex Impact of Social Media on Mental Health and Well-Being
Authors: Karunarathne R. A. R.
Published: January 2025

The relationship between social media use and mental health outcomes has become a pressing concern in the digital age. This study employs a secondary data analysis approach to explore the complex dynamics between online engagement and psychological well-being. A systematic review of ten selected research studies, published within the last decade, was conducted to synthesize findings on the relationship between social media usage and mental health outcomes. The analysis involved a qualitative methodology, specifically a systematic review methodology, to provide a comprehensive assessment of existing literature.The findings of this study highlight the complex and multifaceted nature of the relationship between social media use and mental health outcomes. The analysis reveals that social media use can have both positive and negative effects on mental health, depending on the type of use, frequency, and content. The study also identifies key themes, trends, and gaps in understanding the complex dynamics between online engagement and psychological well-being. The results of this study have important implications for mental health professionals, policymakers, and social media companies. The findings suggest that social media use can be a valuable tool for promoting mental health and well-being, but also highlight the need for responsible social media use and the importance of addressing the potential negative effects of social media on mental health.
The Impact of Gender Stereotypes towards Undergraduate Preferences for Library and Information Science (LIS) Special Degree: Based on the Department of Library and Information Science, University of Kelaniya
Authors: Senarathna K. I. D. , Amarasooriya Y. W. N. D.
Published: January 2025

Gender roles typically encompass expectations and norms regarding behaviors, appearances, occupations, and societal roles associated with masculinity and femininity. Gender stereotypes refer to preconceived notions and expectations about the characteristics, behaviors, and roles associated with individuals based on their gender. It is a social construct that varies across cultures and historical periods. In the case of LIS, if it is stereotypically viewed as a female-dominated field, it may discourage male students from considering it as a career path due to societal expectations or perceived lack of masculinity associated with the profession. The main objective of the paper is to examine to identify the impact of Gender Stereotypes towards undergraduate preferences for Library Science (LIS) special degree. This paper emphasized the impact of Gender Stereotypes towards undergraduate preferences for Library Science (LIS) special degree in the Department of Library and Information Science. Method of the study is Descriptive research. Around 80% of female students select the LIS subject as a special degree rather than male students. Apart from the female students, there were a low percentage of male students who selected LIS as a special degree. The basic reason for that is the traditional mindset of the students. Because female students most seek their profession around their hometowns. These criteria show the awareness of the students of LIS subject and the nature of the gender stereotype in the LIS field. Especially these have shown the differences between the male and female students' perceptions and attitudes when selecting the subject as a special degree. This study gains the major fact that most of the trainers requested male trainees for the library training programs. Then, introducing what are the opportunities available for male and female LIS students, considering that, conducting related workshops can be introduced as the timeliest concern matters.
Continuing metamorphosis of evidence-based medicine: the past, present and the future
Authors: Gunaratna A. , Jayarajah U. , Abeygunasekera A. M.
Published: January 2025

No abstract available
System-Level Design Assembly and Management for 3D-IC Architectures
Authors: Jackson Brian
Published: January 2025

Today’s 3D-IC system designs face enormous challenges to assemble and manage an aggregated top-level system design consisting of multiple die designs from various process technologies and design tools. This capability is essential to model, analyze, and validate the entire system level design both logically and physically. A system level planning and co-design environment is needed to effectively create and manage the assembled top-level design, while also managing design data for each individual die and the package design. The logical and physical relationships between these devices needs to be defined and managed throughout the system design project cycle. Robust net propagation and name mapping capabilities are essential to create and manage the top-level netlist as well as each device level netlist. Automated contact pad generation and management is needed to ensure proper pad alignment and logic connections. These relationships are best managed using abstract data for the external interface nets and contact pads. Solutions for these issues are to be presented in this session.
Known Reliability with Improved Efficiency - The Next Generation Ni/Pd/Au Finish
Authors: Schafsteller Britta
Published: January 2025

The layer combination Ni/Pd/Au, also named as ENEPIG (Electroless Nickel, Electroless Palladium, Immersion Gold) is a well-established final finish for high performance and high solder joint reliability in packaging applications. The coating properties are thereby defined by the type of electrolytes which are used for the plating. A specific focus lies on the palladium and gold deposit which play a major role in regards to the final finish reliability. In particular if high thickness of palladium and gold are required, the use of a pure palladium deposit and a gold electrolyte with a partial autocatalytic reaction is highly recommended. The pure palladium plating process as well as the mixed reaction gold plating process are both available in the market for several years already and have found their way into the packaging industry.

In this paper a comparison of the different electrolytes for Ni/Pd/Au plating will be given and the performance in regards to solder joint reliability, IMC formation and bonding behavior will be judged. Two new processes for pure palladium plating and mixed reaction gold plating are introduced and compared to the processes which are present in the market. The new processes offer benefits in the efficiency of the plating process, allow to save cost by the reduced precious metal content and provide highest reliability for final finishes in the packaging industry. Data for different plating conditions are presented and the impact of the different conditions such as thickness variation or aging are shown and discussed.

With the new types of palladium- and gold- plating electrolytes a new generation of Ni/Pd/Au process can be introduced, which allows the combination of high process robustness, reduced precious metal cost and high final finish reliability in packaging applications.
Investigation of Carbon Fiber TIM Gap Pad for Enabling Next Generation Automotive High-Power Systems
Authors: Wu Jerry
Published: January 2025

The purpose of this technical presentation is to investigate thermal management solutions used to solve thermal performance limitations of power modules and high-power processors, such as GPUs for autonomous driving. With the rise in computing and power electronics in automobiles, the need for heat dissipation increases. The challenges include decreasing package sizes, creating fan-less system requirements, and higher ambient operating temperatures. Existing thermal interface material (TIM) range from gap pads, thermal grease, liquid-dispensed TIM, and phase-change material. Dexerials will introduce a gap pad TIM with carbon fiber for automotive applications and propose novel thermal management setups to reduce thermal resistance, keep system cooling requirements to a minimum, and maintain optimal system performance over lifetime of the product.
Solderless Anisotropic Conductive Film for Compact Package Designs, High-Frequency Signal Integrity, Robust Connections
Authors: Wu Jerry
Published: January 2025

Regarding interconnect technology, Dexerials will introduce a familiar technology, commonly found in automotive displays. Anisotropic conductive film (ACF) is frequently used to bond fine-pitched interconnections, such as flexible printed circuit (FPC) to printed circuit boards (PCB). While ACF is standard in automotive electronics, such as displays, ACF bonding can also be employed to increase reliability, and signal of various interconnects, such as solder interconnects or mechanical interconnects on cameras, ADAS sensors, ECUs, etc? Electronic packages are becoming increasingly complex as more electronics require integration. ACF technology can enable smaller form factors and flexible designs at the interconnect level, which frees up space and reduces bulk. Lastly, traditional mechanical connectors or solder connections can run into signal interference when operating at high frequencies. This presentation will show how designing and utilizing ACF-compatible interconnects reduces noise and allows for high-frequency operation with optimal signal integrity.
Improving Seed Layer Adhesion and Reliability through RIE Pre-treatment
Authors: Elghazzali Mohamed , Rettenmeier Roland
Published: January 2025

To cope with requirements of the next generation medical devices and implanted electronics, feature densities, substrate thicknesses and substrate materials are pushing boundaries of the state of the art.

Process and application teams from Evatec and GS Swiss PCB collaborated over the past two years to develop a robust manufacturing solution for sputtered seed layers and the subsequent processes (resist lamination, electro-plating, etc.) on ultra-thin substrates (down to 12µm thin). The main focus was to maximize the adhesion for the deposited titanium/copper seed layer in combination with the subsequent processes,

all under the very demanding reliability requirements from GS Swiss PCB and their customer (reflow, HAST, peel tests, etc.).

Evatec’s outgassing method and surface-treatment technology, RIE (Reactive Ion Etching), Ar-sputter Etching and sputtering capability is the established POR for Panel Level Fan-Out.

The Evatec and GS Swiss PCB teams worked together to solve the below mentioned challenges:

• What are the best polymer materials capable of fulfilling customer’s performance specifications? • How could these thin foils be handled safely for the complete process flow without additional cost for changing the existing fabrication systems? • What plasma surface treatment/cleaning is necessary to create the best interface to the subsequent adhesion layers? • How to optimize thermal management, surface treatment, deposition process for the best adhesion promoter and reliable seed layer? • How to integrate this new process into the existing IC-substrate manufacturing?

This joint JDP lead to outstanding results and demonstrated that varying pretreatment and process conditions had a big impact on the adhesion results. Equally important however, was the optimization of the overall process along pre-treatment, metal film deposition and managing to handle the very thin and flexible substrates.
PCB Embedding Technology for 5G mmWave Applications
Authors: Kosmider Stefan , Maass Uwe , Murugesan Kavin Senthil , Böttcher Lars
Published: January 2025

The roll out of 5G networks has already started worldwide and in the near future, it is expected to dramatically reshape the wireless communication landscape. Nevertheless, a number of technical challenges still need to be addressed in the most recent packaging development approaches, such as the implementation of a large number of connections at high data rates, exhibiting high gain to compensate for the high free space loss at millimeter wave frequencies. Within the European funded project SERENA, partners from academia, research and industry are collaborating to address these topics and develop an integration platform, based on PCB embedding technology, capable of reducing size, power consumption and design time and complexity, while at the same time achieving increased performance, energy efficiency and transmitted output power. In particular, PCB embedding technology offers the potential to realize an integrated RF electronics module containing ICs for RF signal generation and antennas with very short interconnects in a single package, thus minimizing the signal path losses. In the framework of the SERENA project, new RF materials suitable for the embedding of components are applied in combination with high gain GaN and SiGe dies for the first time to implement a scalable System-in-Package operating at 39 GHz. Different concepts for the realization of RF modules with embedded GaN and SiGe dies were outlined and first demonstrators are currently being fabricated at Fraunhofer IZM to develop a process technology which allows 1) using RF laminate and prepreg materials to embed the dies for modularization and 2) handle non-standard die pad metallization, such as 3 µm thick Au pads, within the embedding process sequence. Test structures were also fabricated for the electrical assessment of the package configuration and the applied technology. Specifically, package interconnects and integrated patch antenna arrays were designed, simulated with the aid of a 3D full-wave simulator and measured after fabrication. It was shown that the interconnects realized in the PCB embedding technology have good RF properties in terms of insertion loss and return loss and are well suited for System-in-Package RF modules. The antennas also exhibit good radiation characteristics in terms of the gain and efficiency. The paper will give a detailed description of the fabrication process development and will discuss the technological approaches in depth.
An Instrumented Getter for Hermetically Sealed Packages
Authors: Dean Robert N. , Previti Michael
Published: January 2025

For decades, getters have been used in vacuum sealed hermetic packaging of electronic devices to maintain high vacuum for extended periods of time. Getters work by chemically binding certain gas molecules to them as they leak into the package over time. Typically, getters are activated by exposure to high temperatures after the hermetic package has been sealed in a high vacuum chamber. The problem with using a getter is that it is assumed that the hermetic package is properly sealed and the getter binds small numbers of gas molecules that leak into the package over a long period of time. If that is not the case, the getter will eventually saturate and cease from trapping additional gas molecules that leak into the package. At this point, the pressure begins to rise inside the package. Since this is an open loop process, this problem only becomes apparent when the electronic part fails. If the getter could be instrumented, then it could be monitored to determine its operating state and the hermetic condition of the package.

Recently, Alpha Advanced Materials introduced the Staydry® Hicap™ 2000 getter material, which can absorb H20 and CO2 molecules. The Hicap 2000 getter material can be deposited by stencil printing, and is cured at relatively low temperatures, 150oC to 200oC. It activates upon curing. This getter material absorbs moisture by converting calcium oxide to calcium hydroxide. Calcium oxide has a dielectric constant of approximately 11.8, while calcium hydroxide has a dielectric constant between 1.8 and 3.5. Therefore, the dielectric constant of the getter material drops between 70% and 85% as it saturates with absorbed moisture. Exploiting this electrochemical property, the Hicap 2000 getter material was deposited on top of a miniaturized interdigitated electrode fringing field capacitor structure to realize an instrumented getter that decreases in capacitance as moisture is absorbed. Prototype instrumented getter units were fabricated and tested to demonstrate their functionality. Power is only required to occasionally measure the capacitance of the device. Instrumented getters will allow the status of the getter protected hermetic packages to be monitored to determine the operating condition of the getter and the quality of the vacuum environment inside the package. By using instrumented getters, the reliability of high vacuum packaged electronic and MEMS devices will by significantly improved. This is particularly important for high risk applications such as medical electronics, aircraft, military systems, next generation wireless communication systems, and autonomous vehicles.
Leading Edge Glass Interposer for High Frequency Application
Authors: Kuramochi Satoru , Tanaka Masaya
Published: January 2025

As electronic product becomes smaller and lighter with an increasing number of function, the demand for high density and high integration becomes stronger. Interposers for system in package will became more and more important for advanced electronic systems. Silicon interposers with through silicon vias (TSV) and back end of line (BEOL) wiring offer compelling benefits for 2.5D and 3D system integration; however, they are limited by high cost and high electrical loss. On the other hand, glass has many properties that make it an ideal substrate for interposer substrates such as; ultra high resistivity, adjustable thermal expansion (CTE) and manufacturability with large panel size. As the industry moves toward 5G (28 GHz and beyond), the requirements for materials have become more challenging. The major engineering requirements for 5G and beyond are low loss, precision manufacturing and low cost. Because of the short-wave length, extreme attenuation and low-cost requirements, the holy grail in the industry is ultra-miniaturized mm-wave structures. To achieve high-speed 5G communication standards, miniaturization and short signal pathways are required. This paper presents first the demonstration of glass interposers with fine pitch metalized through via. We studied basic characteristics of twin types of TGVs filled type and conformal type. Simulations were done frequency up to 60GHz using 3D electromagnetic field analysis. High frequency transmission characteristics were actually measured and compare with TGV with co planer wave guide. We also compare three types of Cu plating method with through via, full filling plating, conformal plating, and half fill plating are compared with process capability using X ray observation. In second section, We design and demonstrate advanced through via (TGV) substrates and multi-layer RDL’s. To demonstrate the performance of glass as a substrate material, we will build interposers with fine pitch TGV with metallization coupled with double sided routing distribution layers utilizing low loss dielectric polymer layers. The basic structure will consist of transmission line structures on top substrate with TGVs connecting top to the bottom side of the circuit. Trace, pitch and TGV diameter are optimized to achieve impedance matching by electro-magnetic simulation analysis. This test structure will compare the electrical performance of three types of transmission line structure coplanar waveguides (CPWs), micro strip line and strip line with low loss dielectrics. This comparison showed that the insertion loss of wiring layers were -1dB at 30GHz on CPWs. In third section, we model high frequency characteristics for 2.5D high speed transmission applications using basic high frequency characteristics. When coupled with the stability of glass, the ability to form fine pitch vias and multi-layer RDL’s makes the low risk choice for devices with high frequency applications.
Cu Interconnect Scaling with Hybrid Bonding for 2.5 and 3D Integration
Authors: Workman Thomas , Gao Guilian , Guevara Gabe , Uzoh Cyprian , Fountain Gill , Theil Jeremy , Suwito Dominik , Mirkarimi Laura
Published: January 2025

Abstract not available for Cu Interconnect Scaling with Hybrid Bonding for 2.5 and 3D Integration
Die Backside Metallization for Low Cost High Thermal Package
Authors: Islam Nokibul
Published: January 2025

Advanced semiconductor packaging

requirements for higher and faster

performance in a thinner and smaller

form factor with significantly higher

thermal dissipation continue to be the

driver for mining and artificial intelligence (AI)/high performance

computing (HPC) applications. While

the increase in device performance or

input/output (I/O) density is driven

by the famous “Moore’s Law,” the

packaging industry is experiencing

opposing trends for more complex

packaging solutions with the expected

cost targets moving downward.

Packaging technology has become more

challenging and complicated than ever before driven by advanced silicon (Si)

nodes, finer bump pitches, as well as

finer line width and spacing substrate

manufacturing capabilities to satisfy

the increasing requirements in the

semiconductor industry. As increasing I/O counts and high thermal

performance are needed in computing,

and AI/HPC devices, packaging solutions are migrating from

traditional, QFN or FLGA to flip chip

CSP (fcCSP) and high end flip chip BGA

(fcBGA) with a metallic lid to

dissipate heat. For very high pin count AI/HPC, the solution will eventually go to 2.5D with memory

integration where packaging cost is

not the primary concern. For low to

medium end computing applications,

removing the heat from the die backside without adding much packaging cost is a major challenge.

Typical thermal die power for low to

medium end thin flip chip CSP packages

is a few watts. There are various ways

to mitigate the thermal concern for

fcCSP packages such as exposing the

die backside, high conductive mold

compound, adding a metal lid to the

die backside, thicker metal layers in the substrate, die backside metallization, etc. Adding extra

packaging cost for small to medium

thermal improvement cannot be justified for a cost sensitive market.

In this study various ways of improving thermal performance of a fcCSP package are investigated and die backside metallization was finally selected as the optimum solution for

low to medium die power packages. A

thorough thermal simulation DOE was

conducted to justify the backside

metallization concept. This backside

metallization process has been integrated into high volume assembly line. Various material and processes are considered to successfully qualify

the package. The detailed assembly

process along with mechanical reliability data are published in the paper.
Localized variant of junctional epidermolysis bullosa with R795X mutation
Authors: Bighetti Stefano , Bettolini Luca , Rovaris Sara , Novelli Antonio , Incardona Paolo , Calzavara-Pinton Piergiacomo , Caravello Simone , Maione Vincenzo
Published: January 2025

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) refers to a group of inherited disorders characterized by skin and mucous membrane fragility. This report presents the case of a 61-year-old Italian male with a localized variant of junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB) linked to the R795X mutation in the COL17A1 gene. The patient presented with bullous lesions, erosions, scars, and pigmentary changes on the pretibial areas and dystrophic nails. Genetic analysis confirmed the presence of the COL17A1 variant p.Arg795Ter (R795X) mutation, establishing a rare, localized variant of JEB. This case underscores the criticality of early and accurate diagnosis in the management of rare genetic disorders, as misdiagnosis can lead to ineffective treatments.
Incipient and subclinical tuberculosis: a narrative review
Authors: Sarkar Malay
Published: January 2025

Mycobacterium tuberculosis has been known to infect humans for eons. It is an airborne infectious disease transmitted through droplet nuclei of 1 to 5 µm in diameter. Historically, tuberculosis (TB) was considered a distinct condition characterized by TB infection and active TB disease. However, recently, the concept of a dynamic spectrum of infection has emerged, wherein the pathogen is initially eradicated by the innate or adaptive immune system, either in conjunction with or independently of T cell priming. Other categories within this spectrum include TB infection, incipient TB, subclinical TB, and active TB disease. Various host- and pathogen-related factors influence these categories. Furthermore, subclinical TB can facilitate the spread of infection within the community. Due to its asymptomatic nature, there is a risk of delayed diagnosis, and some patients may remain undiagnosed. Individuals with subclinical TB may stay in this stage for an indeterminate period without progressing to active TB disease, and some may even experience regression. Early diagnosis and treatment of TB are essential to meet the 2035 targets outlined in the end-TB strategy. This strategy should also include incipient and subclinical TB. This review will focus on the definition, natural history, burden, trajectory, transmissibility, detection, and management of early-stage TB.
Effect of HDF on obestatin level as a marker of malnutrition in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Abd Elmohsen Waleed A. , Youssef Asmaa M. , Hassan Mohamed S.
Published: January 2025

Background

Obestatin is a proposed anorexigenic gut peptide, known as appetite regulatory hormone. We postulated a potential correlation between obestatin level and malnutrition in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Measurement of obestatin concentration in HD patients would help to evaluate the possible participation of this hormone in protein energy wasting in maintenance HD patients. The objective of this study is to assay the effect of hemodiafiltration (HDF) on serum obestatin level in prevalent HD patients.

Patients and methods

This cross-sectional study included 40 prevalent HD patients: (20 patients maintained on high-flux HD) and (20 patients maintained on online HDF), 20 healthy individuals served as controls. Full history in detail was taken and a full clinical examination was done, with malnutrition-inflammation score calculation. Routine laboratory analysis was performed also, with evaluation of serum obestatin level pre and post session by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

BMI was statistically significantly lower in HD and HDF groups compared with the control group (P= 0.002). Obestatin level was significantly higher predialysis in HD and HDF groups in comparison to the control group (P value < 0.000), with a higher obestatin reduction ratio post sessions in HDF group than HD group. (P value < 0.001). Obestatin concentration negatively correlated with weight, height, BMI, low-density lipoprotein, and S iron (P value < 0.05), while positively correlated with creatinine, urea, uric acid, and C-reactive protein (P value < 0.05). Regression analysis showed that serum obestatin was independently affected by serum low-density lipoprotein level.

Conclusion

The current observational data suggests that obestatin hormone was elevated in prevalent HD patients (high-flux HD group and online HDF group) than control group, this hormone might be a marker of inflammation and dyslipidemia. Obestatin removal was better by online HDF than high flux HD.
Effect of Ramadan intermittent fasting on short-term heart rate variability among hemodialysis patients
Authors: Abdulaziz Hoda M.M. , Saleh Marwa A. , Hatata Ahmad E. , Abdelaziz Hanaa M.M.
Published: January 2025

Background

In the general population, prior research has demonstrated the positive effects of fasting on the heart, where it is linked to a reduction in the risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Although hemodialysis (HD) patients are considered very high risk, some patients are highly motivated and insist on fasting. Limited data exists on the effect of Ramadan fasting on heart rate variability (HRV) a measure of cardiac autonomic function among maintenance HD patients.

Patients and methods

An observational longitudinal study of Ramadan fasting patients on maintenance HD. All participants underwent a 5 min Holter ECG recording at the end of the HD session during Ramadan 29 and 30, then another 5 min Holter ECG recording two months after Ramadan. Time and frequency domain HRV indices were analyzed.

Results

Among 95 HD patients assessed for eligibility, 53 practiced Ramadan fasting either daily or intermittently. Forty-seven patients met inclusion and exclusion criteria and underwent 5 min Holter ECG recordings twice. The mean age of participants was 47.77 years (±13.78) and 59.6% were males. Patients did not differ significantly about heart rate, frequency, and time domain measures (P>0.05) during and two months after Ramadan.

Conclusion

Practicing Ramadan intermittent fasting does not impose a substantial risk to the cardiac autonomic nervous system function among maintenance HD patients, further research is required to confirm these findings.
Elevated uric acid predicts increased coronary artery calcification risk in advanced chronic kidney disease: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Gad Donia E. , Saleh Marwa , Sally Samir , Sayed-Ahmed Nagy
Published: January 2025

Background

Cardiovascular disease is the primary cause of morbidity and mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, with vascular calcifications being a key predictor. Elevated serum uric acid (UA) has been implicated in vascular health, but its link with coronary artery calcification (CAC) in CKD is underexplored. This study evaluates the association between serum UA levels and CAC in predialysis CKD patients.

Patients and methods

This cross-sectional study at Mansoura University, Egypt, included 100 predialysis CKD patients aged over 40 years with more than 1 year of disease. Exclusion criteria included significant cardiovascular disease, pregnancy, heavy smoking, or high parathyroid hormone levels. Serum UA and other biomarkers were measured, and CAC was assessed using multislice spiral coronary computed tomography to calculate Agatston scores.

Results

The median age was significantly higher in the CAC>0 group (62 years) compared to the CAC=0 group (55 years; P=0.017). Serum UA levels showed a borderline significant association with CAC in patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) less than 30 ml/min/1.73 m2 (odds ratio: 1.26, 95% confidence interval: 1.01–1.61, P=0.051), but no significant association was found in those with moderate kidney impairment (eGFR 30–59 ml/min/1.73 m2).

Conclusion

Elevated serum UA levels are associated with an increased risk of CAC in CKD patients, particularly in those with severe renal impairment (eGFR<30 ml/min/1.73 m2). This suggests that serum UA may contribute to this population’s pathogenesis of vascular calcification.
N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide in hepatitis c virus maintenance hemodialysis patients and its relation to diastolic dysfunction and child pugh score
Authors: Zaki Sherif A. , Labib Amr W. , Hussien Amr K. , Elwany Mostafa N. , Elghoneimy Hesham A.
Published: January 2025

Background

Chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are worldwide public health problems with increasing incidence and prevalence. Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of morbidity and mortality among patients with ESRD. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a worldwide health problem. The prevalence of HCV infection among hemodialysis (HD) patients is generally much higher than that among the general population.

This study aimed to compare serum levels of N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide (NT-ProBNP) and its relation to diastolic dysfunction and Child–Pugh in HCV-positive and HCV-negative patients on HD.

Patients and methods

This cross-sectional study included 60 ESRD patients; group A, 30 HCV-positive patients on HD, and group B, 30 HCV-negative patients on HD. Routine laboratory investigations, serum NT-ProBNP, and echocardiography were done for all patients.

Results

HCV-positive patients had a substantially higher median serum level of NT-ProBNP (3424.5 vs. 2807 pg/ml; P=0.031, respectively) than HCV-negative patients. The level of NT-ProBNP and diastolic dysfunction showed a strong positive correlation (P<0.001). The level of NT-ProBNP and the HCV RNA PCR level showed a significant positive correlation (P<0.001), and the level of NT-ProBNP increased significantly as the Child–Pugh score increased (P<0.001).

Conclusion

Compared to HCV-negative patients, HCV-positive dialysis patients exhibited more diastolic dysfunction and higher levels of NT-ProBNP. Additionally, HCV patients with Child–Pugh C had higher levels of NT-ProBNP than Child B and A patients, respectively.
Advancing Pediatric Surgery with Indocyanine Green: Nonhepatobiliary Applications and Outcomes
Authors: Menon Revathy , Jayakumar T. K. , Nayak Shubhalaxmi , Saxena Rahul , Jadhav Avinash S , Rathod Kirtikumar J. , Pathak Manish , Sinha Arvind
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT

Aim:

This prospective single-center study aimed to evaluate the nonhepatobiliary applications of indocyanine green fluorescence-guided surgery (ICG FGS) in pediatric patients, assessing its utility as an adjunct for intraoperative imaging.

Materials and Methods:

Over a 30-month period from January 2021 to July 2023, pediatric patients undergoing various surgical procedures, excluding hepatobiliary cases, were included in the study. ICG (Aurogreen™) was administered intravenously or directly injected in tissue, and fluorescence imaging was conducted using specialized equipment (KARL STORZ GmbH and Co. KG). Patient demographics, diagnoses, surgical procedures, ICG protocols, intraoperative findings, and perioperative outcomes were analyzed.

Results:

The study included seventeen pediatric cases including Hirschsprung disease, anorectal malformations, undescended testes, varicocele, Mayer-Rokitansky-Kustner-Hauser syndrome, ovarian torsion, chylous ascites, chylothorax, and Wilms’ tumor. ICG aided in the real-time assessment of vascular, intestinal perfusion in Hirschsprung disease, anorectal malformations, delineation of lymphatics from vessels in varicocele, confirmation of preserved vascularity after detorsion of ovary, identification of lymphatics for ligation in chylothorax, and chylous ascites. ICG thus aided in precise dissection and confirming tissue viability without reported adverse events.

Conclusion:

ICG FGS demonstrates significant potential as a tool for enhancing surgical outcomes in pediatric surgeries including indications beyond hepatobiliary cases. The findings suggest that ICG FGS can improve surgical precision by providing real-time assessment of tissue perfusion, and lymphatic mapping, thereby potentially reducing intraoperative complications. Further research and prospective studies are essential to validate its efficacy and establish standardized protocols, aiming to integrate ICG FGS as a routine adjunct in pediatric surgical practice.
Diverse Presentations of Congenital Internal Hernias in Children with Review of Literature
Authors: Karmakar Debalina , Saha Hinglaj , Vaze Poonam Guha , Biswas Nirup Kumar
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT

Congenital internal hernia is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction where bowel herniates through congenital mesenteric defects or into the paraduodenal spaces. There is significant diversity in presentation and intraoperative findings among the various types of internal hernia. Here, we are presenting four cases of internal hernia with varied presentations.