Field Parallel Research Articles

Development of a Point-of-Care Microfluidic RNA Extraction Slide for Gene Expression Diagnosis after Irradiation.

In times of war, radiological/nuclear emergency scenarios have become a reemphasized threat. However, there are challenges in transferring whole-blood samples to laboratories for specialized diagnostics using RNA. This project aims to miniaturize the process of unwieldy conventional RNA extraction with its stationed technical equipment using a microfluidic-based slide (MBS) for point-of-care diagnostics. The MBS is thought to be a preliminary step toward the development of a so-called lab-on-a-chip microfluidic device. A MBS would enable early and fast field care combined with gene expression (GE) analysis for the prediction of hematologic acute radiation syndrome (HARS) severity or identification of RNA microbes. Whole blood samples from ten healthy donors were irradiated with 0, 0.5 and 4 Gy, simulating different ARS severity degrees. RNA quality and quantity of a preliminary MBS was compared with a conventional column-based (CB) RNA extraction method. GE of four HARS severity-predicting radiation-induced genes (FDXR, DDB2, POU2AF1 and WNT3) was examined employing qRT-PCR. Compared to the CB method, twice as much total RNA from whole blood could be extracted using the MBS (6.6 ± 3.2 µg vs. 12.0 ± 5.8 µg) in half of the extraction time, and all MBS RNA extracts appeared DNA-free in contrast to the CB method (30% were contaminated with DNA). Using MBS, RNA quality [RNA integrity number equivalent (RINe)] values decreased about threefold (3.3 ± 0.8 vs. 9.0 ± 0.4), indicating severe RNA degradation, while expected high-quality RINe ≥ 8 were found using column-based method. However, normalized cycle threshold (Ct) values, as well as radiation-induced GE fold-changes appeared comparable for all genes utilizing both methods, indicating that no RNA degradation took place. In summary, the preliminary MBS showed promising features such as: 1. halving the RNA extraction time without the burden of heavy technical equipment (e.g., a centrifuge); 2. absence of DNA contamination in contrast to CB RNA extraction; 3. reduction in blood required, because of twice the biological output of RNA; and 4. equal GE performance compared to CB, thus, increasing its appeal for later semi-automatic parallel field applications.

The Effect of Obstacle Geometric Feature in Parallel Flow Field on PEMFC Output Performance

Abstract The performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) can be enhanced by introducing barriers in the parallel flow field, which improves reactant transport and induces adequate reaction. In this study, five different shapes of obstacles where introduced in the research which were dispersed and placed in a parallel flow field. The effects of these different shaped obstacles on PEMFC output performance were compared by simulation. When reactants pass through the obstruction, the velocity increases, leading to higher concentration of reactants in the catalytic layer. This results in more a complete reaction and improved performance. The study demonstrates that incorporating 16 uniformly placed obstacles in the sub-flow channel of parallel flow field, with each obstacle being right-angled trapezoid shape and cut-in angle of 30°, measuring 1 mm in length, 0.3 mm in width, and 1 mm in height, resulted in net power density is 0.57 W/m2, an increase of 43% and 16% improvement in water removal capacity compared with the standard technique.

Numerical and experimental study on mass transfer and performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cell with a gradient 3D flow field

The design of the fuel cell cathode flow field affects its internal heat and mass transfer, thus influencing the fuel cell performance. Building on previous research on 3D flow fields, this study analyzes the impact of the ratio of the main and sub channels width, the ratio of the main/sub channel length to the transition region width on mass transfer and performance. The study proposes a 3D flow field design with a gradual variation in the length of main/sub channels. Numerical and experimental analysis was carried out and results indicate that reducing the D/d ratio can better alleviate ohmic losses at medium and low current densities, while reducing the L/W ratio can better alleviate concentration losses at high current densities. Compared to traditional parallel straight flow field PEMFC, the power density of the gradient 3D flow field PEMFC could increase by 21.54% at 1.9 A·cm−2. The experimental result of the PEMFC is basically consistent with the numerical simulation.

Efficient microwave spin control of negatively charged group-IV color centers in diamond

In this paper, we provide a comprehensive overview of the microwave-induced manipulation of electronic spin states in negatively charged group-IV color centers in diamond with a particular emphasis on the influence of strain. Central to our investigation is the consideration of the full vectorial attributes of the magnetic fields involved, which are a dc field for lifting the degeneracy of the spin levels and an ac field for microwave control between two spin levels. We observe an intricate interdependence between their spatial orientations, the externally applied strain, and the resultant efficacy in spin-state control. In most studies to date the ac and dc magnetic field orientations have been insufficiently addressed, which has led to the conclusion that strain is indispensable for the effective microwave control of heavier group-IV vacancies, such as tin- and lead-vacancy color centers. In contrast, we find that the alignment of the dc magnetic field orthogonal to the symmetry axis and the ac field parallel to it can make the application of strain obsolete for effective spin manipulation. Furthermore, we explore the implications of this field configuration on the spin's optical initialization, readout, and gate fidelities. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Pockels Effect of Interfacial Water on a Mono-Electrode Induced by Current Parallel to the Electrode Surface

When an electric field is applied between two electrodes facing each other immersed in a liquid, the interfacial Pockels effect, a refractive index change proportional to the electric field, occurs in the electric double layer at the liquid–electrode interface. Here, we report that the Pockels effect of interfacial water can be observed even when an electric field is applied parallel to the surface of a “single” electrode in an electrolyte solution. This is a non-trivial result since the electric field parallel to the interface should not cause a broken spatial inversion symmetry, which is required for the Pockels effect. The Pockels signal was detected as a change in the transmitted light intensity due to the field-induced spectral shift of the interference fringes of the transparent conductive oxide electrode layer on a glass substrate. The magnitude of the signal increased as it approached the ends of the electrode, and the sign reversed across the center of the electrode. The electric field distribution calculated from the interfacial potential difference due to the in-plane parallel current showed that an electric field perpendicular to the interface was induced, whose distribution was consistent with the position dependence of the Pockels signal. A similar phenomenon was also observed for a single copper electrode, confirming that this is a universal effect.

Competition between chiral anomaly and weak antilocalization in Cd3As2 nanoplates

Negative longitudinal magnetoresistivity (nLMR) induced by the chiral anomaly together with the weak antilocalization (WAL) due to the quantum interference can be regarded as remarkable magnetotransport signatures for three-dimension (3D) topological semimetals. Here, we report the observation of high-temperature competition between the chiral anomaly and WAL by magnetotransport measurements on high-quality Cd3As2 nanoplates under parallel electromagnetic fields. We find that, the WAL dominates the magnetotransport in the weak magnetic fields, which decreases gradually and ultimately vanishes at a critical temperature Tc. In contrast, the chiral anomaly is robust against temperature and can survive up to room temperature. This competition between the chiral anomaly and WAL can be understood in terms of Berry phase, accompanying with the low carrier density in Cd3As2 nanoplates. Our work would offer a better understanding of magnetotransport properties governed by Berry phase and the nature of electronic states in topological semimetals.

Hubbard model and its impact on the thermoelectric properties of the penta-graphene structure

The unique characteristics of penta-graphene structures have captivated scientists.Through our tight-binding and Hubbard calculations, we have made a prediction that the penta-graphene monolayer acts as a semiconductor. Our findings demonstrate that by applying influences like a field parallel magnetic field and voltage bias the band gap of this material decreases. This ability to manipulate its properties holds promise for practical applications in electronics. In this study, we delve into the impact of fields parallel magnetic fields and voltage bias, on the thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, and Seebeck coefficient of penta-graphene structure using the tight-binding, Hubbard model, and Green function approach. Our analysis explains that the penta-graphene structure is a p-semiconductor, which is changed to an n-semiconductor by on-site Coulomb repulsion. This strategy displays that thermal and electrical conductivity decreases under the effect of parallel magnetic fields. The results presented to control the thermoelectric and electronic properties of the penta-graphene structure can promise a great future for this material in the field of thermoelectric and nanoelectric devices application.

Influence of the Schottky Junction on the Propagation Characteristics of Shear Horizontal Waves in a Piezoelectric Semiconductor Semi-Infinite Medium

In this paper, a theoretical model of the propagation of a shear horizontal wave in a piezoelectric semiconductor semi-infinite medium is established using the optimized spectral method. First, the basic equations of the piezoelectric semiconductor semi-infinite medium are derived with the consideration of biased electric fields. Then, considering the propagation of a shear horizontal wave in the piezoelectric semiconductor semi-infinite medium, two equivalent mathematical models are established. In the first mathematical model, the Schottky junction is theoretically treated as an electrically imperfect interface, and an interface characteristic length is utilized to describe the interface effect of the Schottky junction. To legitimately confirm the interface characteristic length, a second mathematical model is established, in which the Schottky junction is theoretically treated as an electrical gradient layer. Finally, the dispersion and attenuation curves of shear horizontal waves are numerically calculated using these two mathematical models to discuss the influence of the Schottky junction on the dispersion and attenuation characteristics of shear horizontal waves. Utilizing the equivalence of these two mathematical models and the above numerical results, the numerical value of the interface characteristic length is reliably legitimately confirmed; this value is independent of the thickness of the upper metal layer, the doping concentration of the lower n-type piezoelectric semiconductor substrate, and biasing electric fields. Only the biasing electric field parallel to the Schottky junction can provide an evident influence on the attenuation characteristics of shear horizontal waves and enhance the interface effect of the Schottky junction. Since the second mathematical model is also a validation of our previous mathematical model established through the state transfer equation method, some numerical results calculated using these two mathematical models are compared with those obtained using the previous method to verify the correctness and superiority of the research work presented in this paper. Since these two mathematical models can better calculate the dispersion and attenuation curves of high-frequency waves in micro- and nano-scale piezoelectric semiconductor materials, the establishment of mathematical models and the revelation of physical mechanisms are fundamental to the analysis and optimization of micro-scale resonators, energy harvesters, and amplifications.

Time to Wake Up! The Ongoing Search for General Anesthetic Reversal Agents.

How general anesthetics work remains a topic of ongoing study. A parallel field of research has sought to identify methods to reverse general anesthesia. Reversal agents could shorten patients' recovery time and potentially reduce the risk of postoperative complications. An incomplete understanding of the mechanisms of general anesthesia has hampered the pursuit for reversal agents. Nevertheless, the search for reversal agents has furthered understanding of the mechanisms underlying general anesthesia. The study of potential reversal agents has highlighted the importance of rigorous criteria to assess recovery from general anesthesia in animal models, and has helped identify key arousal systems (e.g., cholinergic, dopaminergic, and orexinergic systems) relevant to emergence from general anesthesia. Furthermore, the effects of reversal agents have been found to be inconsistent across different general anesthetics, revealing differences in mechanisms among these drugs. The presynapse and glia probably also contribute to general anesthesia recovery alongside postsynaptic receptors. The next stage in the search for reversal agents will have to consider alternate mechanisms encompassing the tripartite synapse.

The p-n heterojunction with multi-parallel built-in electric fields forms localized "electron sink" for directional non-uniform transfer of photogenerated carriers

The internal electric field can induce photogenerated carrier migration. Nevertheless, the spatial arrangement of internal electric fields (independent, series, and parallel) is intricate, which poses a challenge in determining the charge dynamics and process mechanisms. Here, we propose a strategy for in-situ growth of Co1−xS nanosheets and Co3O4 nanowires on the surface of cobalt foam (CoF). Each nanosheet is tightly connected to multiple nanowires to form multiple parallel circuits. Notably, DFT and in-situ characterization demonstrate that Co1−xS, with its low Fermi level, can act as an electron "pump" to spontaneously transfer interface electrons to multiple contacting nanowires, forming a multi-parallel built-in electric field (MPBIEF) and generating localized "electron sink". Remarkably, this unique structure promotes the directional asymmetric dispersion movement of carriers under illumination conditions, effectively reducing the recombination probability. Moreover, TDOS electronic state analysis reveals the interface enhancement mechanism of CoF@CS@CO, and a fixed-bed photocatalytic flow treatment system is developed.

Clinical reference dosimetry for the 0.5 T inline rotating biplanar Linac-MR.

The world's first clinical 0.5 T inline rotating biplanar Linac-MR system is commissioned for clinical use. For reference dosimetry, unique features to device, including an SAD=120cm, bore clearance of 60cm × 110cm, as well as 0.5 T inline magnetic field, provide some challenges to applying a standard dosimetry protocol (i.e., TG-51). In this work, we propose a simple and practical clinical reference dosimetry protocol for the 0.5T biplanar Linac-MR and validated its results. Our dosimetry protocol for this system is as follows: tissue phantom ratios at 20 and 10cm are first measured and converted into %dd10x beam quality specifier using equations provided and Kalach and Rogers. The converted %dd10x is used to determine the ion chamber correction factor, using the equations in the TG-51 addendum for the Exradin A12 farmer chamber used, which is cross-calibrated with one calibrated at a standards laboratory. For a 0.5 T parallel field, magnetic field effect on chamber response is assumed to have no effect and is not explicitly corrected for. Once the ion chamber correction factor for a non-standard SAD (kQ,msr) is determined, TG-51 is performed to obtain dose at a depth of 10cm at SAD=120cm. The dosimetry protocol is repeated with the magnetic field ramped down. To validate our dosimetry protocol, Monte Carlo (EGSnrc) simulations are performed to confirm the determined kQ,msr values. MC Simulations and magnetic Field On versus Field Off measurements are performed to confirm that the magnetic field has no effect. To validate our overall dosimetry protocol, external dose audits, based on optical simulated luminescent dosimeters, thermal luminescent dosimeters, and alanine dosimeters are performed on the 0.5 T Linac-MR system. Our EGSnrc results confirm our protocol-determined kQ,msr values, as well as our assumptions about magnetic field effects (kB=1) within statistical uncertainty for the A-12 chamber. Our external dosimetry procedures also validated our overall dosimetry protocol for the 0.5 T biplanar Linac-MR hybrid. Ramping down the magnetic field has resulted in a dosimetric difference of 0.1%, well within experimental uncertainty. With the 0.5 T parallel magnetic field having minimal effect on the ion chamber response, a TPR20,10 approach to determine beam quality provides an accurate method to perform clinical dosimetry for the 0.5 T biplanar Linac-MR.

The impact of baffle and taper channel tilt angle on the output performance of proton‐exchange membrane fuel cells

AbstractThe performance and durability of proton‐exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are constrained by fuel delivery and water management. Based on parallel and serpentine flow fields, the effects of triangular baffles (30°, 45°, and 60°) and conical runners (1°, 2°, and 3°) on the performance output of PEMFC at different angles are studied. The three‐dimensional and multi‐phase models are established by using the simulation software package (ANSYS FLUENT). The findings demonstrate that the battery's output performance reaches its peak when the baffle angle is set at 45°. When the output current density is 0.7 A/cm2, the power density of the 45° baffle increases by 18.87%. The pressure loss is not only lower than that of the 60° baffle but also exhibits no significant difference when compared to the 30° baffle. In addition, the introduction of conical channels has enhanced the output performance of PEMFCs in comparison to the traditional serpentine flow field. The power density of the 2°tapered channel exhibits a 12.65% increase when the output current density reaches 0.8 A/cm2. However, the performance output of the 3°tapered channel is inferior to that of the conventional serpentine flow field.

Bright z ∼ 9 Galaxies in Parallel: The Bright End of the Rest-frame UV Luminosity Function from HST Parallel Programs

The abundance of bright galaxies at z > 8 can provide key constraints on models of galaxy formation and evolution, as the predicted abundance varies greatly when different physical prescriptions for gas cooling and star formation are implemented. We present the results of a search for bright z ∼ 9–10 galaxies selected from pure parallel Hubble Space Telescope (HST) imaging programs. We include 132 fields observed as part of the Brightest of Reionizing Galaxies survey, the Hubble Infrared Pure Parallel Imaging Extragalactic Survey, and the WFC3 Infrared Spectroscopic Parallel survey. These observations cover a total of 620 arcmin2, about 70% of which is also covered with Spitzer Space Telescope infrared imaging. We identify 13 candidate galaxies in the range 8.3 < z < 11 with 24.5 < m H < 26.5 (−22.9 < M UV < −21.2), 11 of which constitute new discoveries. This sample capitalizes on the uncorrelated nature of pure parallel observations to overcome cosmic variance and leverages a full multiwavelength selection process to minimize contamination without sacrificing completeness. We perform detailed completeness and contamination analyses, and present measurements of the bright end of the UV luminosity function using a pseudobinning technique. We find a number density consistent with results from Finkelstein et al. and other searches in HST parallel fields. These bright candidates likely reside in overdensities, potentially representing some of the earliest sites of cosmic reionization. These new candidates are excellent targets for follow up with JWST, and four of them will be observed with the NIRSpec prism in Cycle 1.

Comparative of heat transfer performance between a parallel serpentine-baffle flow field plate and a parallel flow field plate design in a direct ethanol proton exchange membrane fuel cell

The dependence on fossil fuels as an energy source causes serious environmental problems. Direct ethanol proton exchange membrane fuel cells (DE-PEMFCs) that directly convert the chemical energy stored in the etanol alcohol into electricity makes it promising as an environment-friendly power source for portable and mobile applications. Increasing the reagent operating temperature increases the electrochemical kinetics at the anode, increasing the cell power. However in a DE-PEMFC, the flow field plate directly interferes at the heat flow. As a result, the aim of this research were project a new parallel serpentine flow field plate with interdigitated characteristics, a parallel serpentine-baffle flow field plate (PSBFFP) and comparing with a PSFFP with respect to heat transfer performance in a DE-PEMFC anode side. The results show that the discontinue channels presents in the PSBFFP improve the heat transfer between plate and reagent, improving the reaction rate and consequently the fuel cell performance.

Об одной особенности английского исторического романа рубежа ХХ–ХХI веков: размышляя над статьей Джерома де Гроота

Critically reading the chapter of the famous British specialist in the field of theory and history of the English historical novel, Jerome de Groot, ‘Transgression and Experimentation: A Historical Novel’ in the multiauthored monograph British Fiction: 1980–2018 (Cambridge, 2019), the author of the article reflects on the phenomenon of the primacy of the historical novel in the canon of the contemporary British novel both in the postmodernist and in the post-postmodernist eras. Agreeing with de Groot that the historical novel of the designated period not only preserved the core of the classical genre paradigm, laid down by Sir Walter Scott, but boldly stepped into modernity, modernizing both meaningfully and artistically the eternal dialogue of the past and present, originally inherent in the genre, the author of the article emphasizes how well the chapter fits into the general concept of the monograph – to show the dynamics of British literature precisely through the prism of the dialectic of tradition and experiment. The author of the article agrees with his English colleague that it has been since the 1980s that English contemporary historical novel began to plunge even more thoroughly and philosophically (ontologically), without responding too much to postmodern historical and epistemological doubts, into the eternal questions of existence, the complexity of the dialogue between man and the world, the fate of man and humanity, etc. The author of the article also agrees with the idea of the English literary critic that metafictional historiographical approach and self-reflection (according to Linda Hutcheon) in the British historical novel did not become absolutely dominant phenomena; that the English historical novel of the 1980s and 1990s and onwards, having quickly ‘overcome’ postmodern delights, still retained the tradition of socio-psychological realistic reading of history, even experimenting with narrative, time structure, and historiographical concepts, which was especially characteristic of the female reading of the past (A. Carter, J. Winterson, A. S. Byatt, S. Waters). Simultaneously with the postmodernist exercises inspired in the field of historical narrative and temporal parallel (synonymous, antithetical, alternative) historical constructs, another line matured in the English historical novel, not related to the postmodern game, but related to the desire to reproduce the past in its volume, in the integrity of its cultural appearance, to construct the image of the past, to the ability to immerse the reader in the very existence of history. With the example of the novels by H. Mantel, R. Tremaine, D. Moggach, etc. the author of the article demonstrates this side of the dynamics of the English historical novel, not emphasized by de Groot.

Comparison of the effects of selected aminoglycoside antibiotics on motor behaviors in mice.

Aminoglycoside antibiotics (AGs) can cause neuromuscular blockade and paralysis of skeletal muscles. To compare the paralytic effects of selected AGs on some motor behaviors in mice, 24 male mice were divided into four groups. Each group was given one of AGs (gentamicin, dihydro-streptomycin, apramycin and amikacin) at incremental doses that increased half-logarithmically compared to the therapeutic dose (16.00 mg kg-1). Motor behavioral tests included open field test, inclined plane, horizontal bars, static rods, parallel bars and rotarod. Finally, the data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics. Gentamicin and dihydrostreptomycin at 32.00 times of the therapeutic dose produced complete paralysis of the limbs, respiratory arrest, and even death in some animals. However, apramycin and amikacin did not show significant effects on skeletal muscle and motor behaviors at 32.00 times of the therapeutic dose. After administration of apramycin at 100 times of the therapeutic dose, four out of six mice (66.67%) died from respiratory depression. Amikacin at this dose did not cause animal death, although it caused some changes in motor behaviors with a significant difference in comparison with control values. Gentamicin demonstrated significantly more potent effects on motor behaviors compared to the other AGs. Overall, the order of potency was gentamicin > dihydrostreptomycin > apramycin > amikacin. High doses of AGs could impair the skeletal muscle function and disrupt motor behaviors in mice. Furthermore, the paralytic potency of selected AGs on skeletal muscle was significantly different.

Analysis of Formability in Stamping of Metallic Bipolar Plates with Parallel Flow Field for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells using Adaptive Neuro-fuzzy Inference System

Analysis of Formability in Stamping of Metallic Bipolar Plates with Parallel Flow Field for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells using Adaptive Neuro-fuzzy Inference System

Ultrafast magnetic field induced by anisotropy in carbon nanotubes irradiated by intense laser fields

We report an unexpected result of the anisotropy of the nonlinear optical response of carbon nanotubes, inherent to their chirality. Using a model based on the resolution of the semiconductor Bloch equations, we theoretically demonstrate that, upon irradiation with an intense linearly polarized laser pulse along the axial direction, chiral nanotubes exhibit an oscillating azimuthal current that is absent in achiral species. This current induces a magnetic field parallel to the axis of the nanotube that radiates like a loop antenna.

Application of Machine Learning Algorithm for Defect Analysis in Semiconductors Using High Resolved Scanning Acoustic Microscopy

Scanning Acoustic Microscopy is a dedicated powerful technology in NDT to analyze and characterize bonded interfaces for different technologies. As the complexity of the semiconductor package grows, even seemingly insignificant faults become quite important. Main applications include detection of voids, inclusions and delaminated areas in bonding interfaces and thickness variations in layer structures. The SAM operates with the pulse reflection method. The acoustic lens transforms high frequency electromagnetic vibrations that are transmitted inside the lens as a planar parallel wave field. Through the coupling medium, which is water, the cavity concentrates the sound field on the sample. The sound pulses reflected from the sample are gathered up by the acoustic lens and are converted into electromagnetic pulses by the transducer. These pulses are reconstructed into images with defined gray values. Pixels with certain gray levels are used to depict pulses.New developments in SAM combine high throughput inspection and high resolution down to the sub-micrometer range.The wafer bow is quickly eliminated by altering the array transducer focus point throughout the entire scanning procedure. New techniques for SAM's bonded interface protection keep the wafer almost completely dry throughout inspection. In order to discover and categorize failures with the least amount of data, research focuses on deep learning networks and scanning acoustic microscopes for automated failure assessment. High speed automated wafer-level inspections were made possible by the development of image and signal-based machine learning techniques. These operations can be carried out at both the wafer level and the die level without the need for sample preparation.The automatic handling, scanning, drying, and separation of good wafers from defected wafers based on acoustic data made possible by technological developments in SAM systems. Despite the high sensitivity, minute variations in the reflected signal that would point to a flaw can be lost during image reconstruction. More emphasis is being placed on creating AI-based algorithms for highly accurate automated signal interpretation for failure detection as a result of recent breakthroughs in AI (Artificial Intelligence). Since it requires less human work, automated failure analysis is becoming more and more popular for the detection and qualification of wafer bond integrity. This new technique trains the network for automated fault prediction using raw A-Scan data. In the first phase, die level prediction is reviewed and in the later phase, a wafer-level high volume inspection is performed. Combining SAM with an A-Scan-based Deep Learning approach primarily benefits non-destructive analysis with less labelling effort and training time. With minimal human effort, this process flow is perfect for automated high-volume inspection.SAM also uses image based machine learning approach for automated defect analysis. The U-net machine-learning algorithm serves as the foundation for the integrated image analysis program. Deep Learning technologies is integrated into a new modular image analysis (MIA) architecture with built-up integrated pipeline for Label Studio Software-based Deep Learning activities (labelling, training, analysis). The built-up pipeline is used to identify, train, and test various classes of defect in a bonded wafer. This method employs model confidence to manually mark marginal and defective predictions.High resolution and high throughput analysis for the defect characterization and defect analysis of various types of bonded wafers is improved in scanning acoustic microscopes using the array transducers, signal processing methods like SAFT, Wavelet filtering techniques, Artificial intelligence methods based on both image and signal. With all these advanced technologies, Scanning Acoustic Microscopy is capable of inspection of wafer bond integrity, TSV characterization, 3D package evaluation, Wafer Level Chip Scale Packaging (WL-CSP) and Crack inspection. For the metrology of mass production, from initial research and development, our equipment services and software algorithms assist manufacturers of nano electronics in better defect analysis and material characterization. Next Generation transducers were designed and developed in particular for WL-CSP applications.

Potential of Calabash (Lagenaria siceraria) and Sweet Potato (Solanum tuberosum) for the Remediation of Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane-Contaminated Soils in Tanzania

A study was conducted to test the potential of calabash, sweet potato, pumpkin, simsim and finger millet to phytoaccumulate dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites from NHC Morogoro- and PPO Tengeru-contaminated sites. Parallel field and screenhouse-potted soil experiments were performed to assess the efficacy with which the test plants phytoaccumulate DDT from the soil. In the screenhouse experiment, treatments were laid out following a split-plot arrangement in a completely randomized design (CRD), with the main plots comprising two DDT concentration levels–low (417 mg kg−1) or high (2308 mg kg−1)—and the plant species Cucurbita pepo, Lagenaria siceraria, Ipomoea batatus, Sesamum indicum and Eleusine coracana were considered as subplots. A field experiment with the same crop species as the treatments was laid out in a randomized complete block design, and both experiments were performed in triplicate. In addition to determining the concentration of persistent organic pesticides in the soil profile, parameters such as the total DDT uptake by plants, shoot weight and shoot height were monitored in both potted soil and open field experiments. Overall, calabash and sweet potato exhibited the highest (4.63 mg kg−1) and second highest (3.45 mg kg−1) DDT concentrations from the high residual DDT potted soil experiment. A similar trend was observed when the two plants were grown in low DDT soil. Sweet potato recorded the highest shoot height and weight in the potted soil experiments, indicating that increasing amounts of DDT had a minimal effect on the plant’s growth. Although sweet potato outperformed calabash in the amounts of DDT concentration in the shoots under open field experiments, the uptake of DDT by calabash was the second highest. Calabash—a wild non-edible plant in Tanzania—presents a potential phytoremediation alternative to edible and much studied pumpkin.