Swift Process Research Articles

Improving Biological Assessments and Consultations for Regional Response Team Preauthorization Plans: An Example with Federal Region 4 Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic

ABSTRACT Immediately following the unprecedented use of dispersants in response to the Deepwater Horizon (a.k.a. MC252) incident, the National Response Team (NRT) issued a memorandum to NRT members and Regional Response Team (RRT) co-chairs recommending review and revision of all dispersant preauthorization plans. During this review process, the Regional Response Team 4 (RRT4) (North Carolina to Mississippi) determined that the Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 7 consultations would likely require further revisions and that the assessment should also be prepared to request consultation in accordance with Section 305(b) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA) (i.e. Essential Fish Habitat (EFH)). The RRT4 Science & Technology Committee Biological Assessment Workgroup developed a functional outline that included narrowing the focus of the assessment to evaluate only oil spill scenarios where dispersant is applied under preauthorized protocols and locations. An analysis of oil spill incidents using U.S. Coast Guard Marine Information for Safety and Law Enforcement (MISLE) data was performed to develop spill scenarios, each with dispersant response scenarios using the NOAA Dispersant Mission Planner (DMP2). The General NOAA Oil Modeling Environment (GNOME) model was used to quantitatively describe the average concentration of oil within the water column at different time steps. In close coordination with the Services, species and habitats were selected for evaluation based on their likelihood to occur in the proposed preauthorized geographic area, with effects of the action assessed for species groups. The same framework was used in preauthorization planning for in-situ burning. The summation of these steps resulted in a swift and cost-effective biological assessment process that incorporated both response tactics. Initiating or revising biological assessments and consultations to oil spill contingency plans will continue to expand beyond preauthorization for alternative countermeasures under the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP) Subpart J). The RRT4 efforts contribute to the body of practical practices as national recommendations continue to be developed.

Silicon Wafer Integrated Fan-out Technology

The tremendous growth in the mobile handset, tablet, and networking markets has been fueled by consumer demand for increased mobility, functionality, and ease of use. This, in turn, has been driving an increase in functional convergence and 3D integration of IC devices, resulting in the need for more complex and sophisticated packaging techniques. A variety of advanced IC interconnect technologies are addressing this growing need. These include Through Silicon Via (TSV), Chip-on Chip (CoC), and Package-on-Package (PoP) approaches. In particular, emerging Wafer Level Fan-Out (WLFO) technology provides unique and innovative extensions into the 3D packaging realm. Traditional WLFO technologies are limited in design rules and 3D integration capabilities due to the processes and equipment used for circuit patterning. For more aggressive designs, TSV processes must be incorporated, which often times exceed the cost budget and design requirements needed for the device. Consequently, a gap exists between the design capabilities of WLFO and TSV that needs to be addressed. A new, innovative fan-out structure called Silicon Wafer Integrated Fan-out Technology (SWIFT™) packaging incorporates conventional WLFO processes with leading-edge thin film patterning techniques to bridge the gap between TSV and traditional WLFO packages. The SWIFT methodology is designed to provide increased I/O and circuit density within a reduced footprint and profile for single and multi-die applications. The improved design capability of the technology is due, in part, to the fine feature capabilities associated with this new, innovative wafer-level packaging technique. The fine feature capabilities can allow much more aggressive design rules to be applied compared to competing WLFO and laminate-based technologies. In addition, the unique characteristics of the SWIFT process enable the creation of innovative 3D structures that address the need for IC integration in emerging mobile and networking applications. This paper will review the development of the SWIFT technology and its extension into unique 3D structures. In addition, the advantages of SWIFT designs will be reviewed in comparison to current competing packaging technologies. Process information, material characterization, and design simulation data will be presented to show how the SWIFT process is poised to provide robust, reliable, and low-cost 3D packaging solutions for advanced mobile and networking products. SWIFT is a trademark of Amkor Technology, Inc.

N2‐Plasma‐Assisted One‐Step Alignment and Patterning of Graphene Oxide on a SiO2/Si Substrate Via the Langmuir–Blodgett Technique

Precise control of the placement and patterning of graphene on various substrates has tremendous impact in many fields, such as nanoscale electronics, multifunctional optoelectronic devices, and molecular sensing. A one‐step facile technique involving N2‐plasma promotes surface modification and enhances the surface wettability of the substrate. The technique is employed to create partially hydrophilic surfaces on SiO2/Si substrate with the aid of various templates, enabling the selective deposition, alignment, and formation of patterns comprising monolayer graphene oxide (GO) sheets; it successfully uses the Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) deposition technique over a large area without the need of any sophisticated equipment. Various characterization techniques are carried out in order to understand the possible mechanism behind the pinning of the GO on the partially treated areas. It is a relatively easy and swift process that can reliably accomplish specific surface modification with high bonding strength between GO and the substrate. This technique allows the creation of patterns with controllable dimensions. For example, the thickness of the GO sheets can be controlled; this is particularly important in creating arrays and devices at wafer‐scale. Being simple yet effective and inexpensive, this technique holds tremendous potential that can be exploited for numerous applications in the field of bio‐nanoelectronics.

Silicon Wafer Integrated Fan-out Technology

The tremendous growth in the mobile handset, tablet, and networking markets has been fueled by consumer demand for increased mobility, functionality, and ease of use. This, in turn, has been driving an increase in functional convergence and 3D integration of IC devices, resulting in the need for more complex and sophisticated packaging techniques. A variety of advanced IC interconnect technologies are addressing this growing need. These include Thru Silicon Via (TSV), Chip-on Chip (CoC), and Package-on-Package (PoP) approaches. In particular, emerging Wafer Level Fan-Out (WLFO) technology provides unique and innovative extensions into the 3D packaging realm. Traditional WLFO technologies are limited in design rules and 3D integration capabilities due to the processes and equipment used for circuit patterning. For more aggressive designs, TSV processes must be incorporated, which often times exceed the cost budget and design requirements needed for the device. Consequently, a gap exists between the design capabilities of WLFO and TSV that needs to be addressed. A new, innovative fan-out structure called Silicon Wafer Integrated Fan-out Technology (SWIFT™) incorporates conventional WLFO processes with leading-edge thin film patterning techniques to bridge the gap between TSV and traditional WLFO packages. The SWIFT package technology is designed to provide increased I/O and circuit density within a reduced footprint and profile for single & multi-die applications. The improved design capability of the technology is due, in part, to the fine feature capabilities associated with this new, innovative wafer level packaging technique. This can allow much more aggressive design rules to be applied compared to competing WLFO and laminate-based technologies. In addition, the unique characteristics of the SWIFT process enables the creation of innovative 3D structures that address the need for IC integration in emerging mobile and networking applications. This paper will review the development of the SWIFT technology and its extension into unique 3D structures. In addition, the advantages of SWIFT designs will be reviewed in comparison to current competing packaging technologies. Process information, material characterization, and design simulation data will be presented to show how the SWIFT process is poised to provide robust, reliable, and low cost 3D packaging solutions for advanced mobile and networking products.

An Investigation of Factors Affecting Usage and Adoption of Internet & Mobile Banking In Pakistan

Evolution of technology is a swift process, however, its acceptance and adoption in the society is slackened despite its promising results. Internet / mobile banking is a technological way of conducting banking transactions. The purpose of the current study is to find out the affect of various factors effecting successful adoption of internet / mobile banking using TAM, technological acceptance model in Pakistan, especially rural areas of the country. Results of the current study obtained using regression analysis reveals that the effect of perceived usefulness and security is significant on internet / mobile banking attitude where attitude significantly impact on intentions to use internet / mobile banking. Also due to the cultural effect this modern banking is not compatible with the lifestyle of rural population of Pakistan though the population widely acknowledged its usefulness.

An Australian Response to Asian Decolonisation: Jawaharlal Nehru, John Burton and the New Delhi Conference of Non-Western Nations

This article examines the 1949 attendance of John W. Burton, Australia's Secretary of the Department of External Affairs, at Jawaharlal Nehru's New Delhi Conference of non-Western nations. It argues that initial ambivalence and unevenness, then a swift process of learning and adjustment, characterised both Burton's response to India and the Chifley Government's stance toward change in Asia more generally. Burton's relationship with Nehru's India is used as a case study of the ways that intellectual and cultural preconceptions, as well as firsthand interactions and experience, shaped Australian government officials in their attempts to craft policy responses to the rise of Asian nationalism.

전산플랫폼을 이용한 비정형 초고층 건축물 성능기반 내진설계기술의 실무적용

비정형 초고층 구조물은 골조 직교성이 해제되고, 형상이 복잡해 기존 설계방식보다 많은 문제점이 발생된다. 비정형성으로 인한 문제점은 설계안을 지속적으로 변경시켜 프로젝트의 효율성을 저하시킨다. 또한 해외프로젝트의 경우 해당업체 간 혹은 해당국가 간 의견차로 국내보다 더욱 많은 변경상황이 발생되고 있다. 따라서 지속적인 변경상황에 전산플랫폼을 사용할 경우 효율적으로 설계변경업무에 대처할 수 있다. 파라메트릭 기반의 전산플랫폼인 StrAuto를 이용할 경우 최적의 구조설계대안을 신속히 선정할 수 있다. 특히 StrAuto는 비선형 내진성능평가를 위한 해석 툴 간의 신속한 모델링 연동도 효율적으로 가능하다. 그래서 본 연구에서는 지진하중 변경에 따른 전산플랫폼을 이용한 내진성능평가 프로세스를 현재 구조설계가 진행 중인 몽골지역 최고층 빌딩 프로젝트에 적용하고 검증하려 한다. Complex-shaped tall building causes many structural challenges due to its structural characteristics regarding inclined members and complexed shape. This paper is aimed at development of design process using computational-platform which is effective design tool for responding frequent design changes, particularly as to overseas projects. StrAuto, a parametric structural modeling and optimizing system, provides the optimized alternatives according to design intent and realize a swift process converting a series of structural information necessary to nonlinear analytical models. The application of the process was to a 45-story hotel building in Ulanbator, Mongolia adopting shear wall and special moment frame with outrigger systems. To investigate the safety of lateral force resisting system against maximum considered earthquake(MCE), nonlinear response history analysis was conducted using StrAuto.

Interpretive sensory-access theory and conscious intentions

It is typically assumed that while we know other people's mental states by observing and interpreting their behavior, we know our own mental states by introspection, i.e., without interpreting ourselves. In his latest book, The opacity of mind: An integrative theory of self-knowledge, Peter Carruthers [2011. The opacity of mind: An integrative theory of self-knowledge. Oxford: Oxford University Press] argues against this assumption. He holds that findings from across the cognitive sciences strongly suggest that self-knowledge of conscious propositional attitudes such as intentions, judgments, and decisions involves a swift and unconscious process of self-interpretation that utilizes the same sensory channels that we employ when working out other people's mental states. I provide an overview of Carruthers’ book before discussing a pathological case that challenges his account of self-knowledge and mentioning empirical evidence that undermines his use of a particular kind of data in his case against introspection of conscious attitudes.

Politics, Business and the State in Post-Soeharto Indonesia

��� In Indonesia, democratic transition has led to the ascendance of business in the political arena. A growing number of entrepreneurs-turnedpoliticians have captured the power of office, taking over positions which had previously been held by bureaucratic elites. In the existing literature, the ascendance of politically assertive business, often through democratization, is associated with the emergence of a less interventionist state. However, despite the expectation that post-Soeharto Indonesia would embark on a swift process of change towards a regulatory form of state, the patrimonial features of the Indonesian state continue to display more fundamental continuity. This article presents an alternative framework through which to better understand changing state-business relations in Indonesia. The article argues that the fall of the Soeharto regime in Indonesia has had the effect of facilitating the transformation of the patrimonial state: from a patrimonial administrative state to a patrimonial oligarchic state. Democratization has changed the old hierarchy of state-business relations over the distribution of patronage. In post-Soeharto Indonesia, business elites are no longer dependent on bureaucratic elites, as the former now enjoys direct access to state resources.

Lessons from the Salk polio vaccine: methods for and risks of rapid translation.

The Salk inactivated poliovirus vaccine is one of the most rapid examples of bench-to-bedside translation in medicine. In the span of 6 years, the key basic lab discoveries facilitating the development of the vaccine were made, optimization and safety testing was completed in both animals and human volunteers, the largest clinical trial in history of 1.8 million children was conducted, and the results were released to an eagerly awaiting public. Such examples of rapid translation cannot only offer clues to what factors can successfully drive and accelerate the translational process but also what mistakes can occur (and thus should be avoided) during such a swift process. In this commentary, we explore the translational path of the Salk polio vaccine from the key basic science discoveries to the 1954 Field Trials and delve into the scientific and sociopolitical factors that aided in its rapid development. Moreover, we look at the Cutter and Wyeth incidents after the vaccine's approval and the errors that led to them.

Energy calibration by silicon resonance: Completing system calibration with one reference material

Accelerator energy calibration is seldom a swift process. A rapid calibration method using the proton elastic scattering resonances of silicon was compared to the gamma resonance method. The silicon method proved rapid and convenient given that silicon is also being explored as a means of solid angle calibration, but only moderately accurate. 13C was identified as a particularly good material for calibration by the superior and established method of gamma resonance.

China's WTO Accession and the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area: The Perspective of a Chinese Lawyer

China's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) augurs well for the country's full integration with the world economy. It also greatly extends the horizon of China's regional economic co-operation and lends support to Asia's economic integration. China and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) are negotiating a free trade agreement (ACFTA) to be accomplished by 2010. As an initial step, they finalized the Framework Agreement for the ACFTA in Cambodia on 4 November 2002. For China, the ACFTA means new responsibilities. It has to make another major long-term commitment to a further opening of the door to ASEAN, on top of WTO requirements. The Chinese aspiration for an ACFTA mirrors its changing perception of globalization, with China's accession to the WTO serving as the catalyst. Nevertheless, some long-standing unsettled issues will continue to test its wisdom and magnanimity; the formulation of the ACFTA will not be a swift and smooth process, but rather a gradual one. Yet mutual interests between the two sides are likely to finally overcome the difficulties looming before the proposed ACFTA. The ACFTA will materialize and bring China and its Southeast Asian neighbors closer than ever before. Copyright 2004, Oxford University Press.

Cost-Effective Strategies for Arbitration

Arbitration is evolving from a swift, cost-effective alternative dispute resolution mechanism to a slow, laborious process akin to litigation in terms of procedure and costs without the safeguards of litigation. By use of several unique techniques to reduce the time and costs, the original virtues of arbitration can be restored, while maintaining the integrity of the process and its inherent procedural fairness. This article details several suggestions on how, with some forethought and planning, cost and time reductions can be enacted without sacrificing the main tenet of the arbitration process, namely, a fair, swift, and cost-effective dispute resolution process.

Process Design & Integration of Salicide and Source/Drain Process Modules for Improved Device Performance

ABSTRACTIn integrated circuit (IC) fabrication, understanding and optimizing process interactions and variability is critical for swift process integration and performance enhancement, especially at dimensions ≤0.25μm. We present here an approach to address this challenge, and we apply it to improve the process design for two critical modules in a typical CMOS IC process—salicide and source/drain. Together, these modules impact the silicide-to-diffusion contact resistance (Rc), and the gate sheet resistance (Rs); which, in turn, significantly affect transistor series resistance and circuit delays respectively. In our approach, we have investigated a process domain consisting of both silicide and source/drain process variables; and we have developed a quantitative framework for analysis and optimization, along with qualitative insight into underlying the physical mechanisms. We demonstrate that the transistor drive current (Id) improves by ≈5‥, and circuit performance, as measured by the figure-of-merit (FOM), by ≈4‥. This improvement is significant, and an added benefit is that other transistor characteristics such as effective channel length, off-current, substrate current etc. are affected minimally. Finally, we use this approach to optimize trade-offs such as Rc vs Rs and performance vs manufacturability; thus enabling manufacturable processes that meet the requirements for high performance.

A light- and electron-microscope study of the oocyte nucleus during development of the antral follicle in the prepubertal mouse.

The ordered changes which occur in the structural organization of the mouse oocyte nucelus during the preparatory, the maturative and the preovulatory stages of antral follicle development, have been studied under both light and electron microscopy. All observations have been made on those antral follicles whose development is initiated on postnatal day 14 and completed by postnatal day 28 in prepubertal animals of the ICR albino mouse strain. The formed entities that can be recognized within the oocyte nucleus during that period are the condensing bivalents, the heterochromatic knobs, the nucleolus and the extranucleolar bodies. At the onset of antral follicle development, the highly unravelled dictyate bivalents are seen to take on a lampbrush-type configuration. Subsequent condensation of these lampbursh bivalents appears to be a very gradual and lengthy process that extends over almost the entire period of antral follicle development. The shortening and thickening of the lampbrush bivalents are best interpreted as resulting from the withdrawal of their lateral loop-like projections into the chromosome axes and from the focal aggregation of these axes into compact chromatin masses. Electron-opaque granules, which appear within the oocyte nucleus during the preparatory and maturative follicle stages, are seen to be intimately associated with these condensing bivalents. A number of Feulgen-positive heterochromatic knobs make their appearance in contact with certain bivalents during the preparatory follicle stage. These knobs are not reincorporated as such into the condensing chromatin masses and undergo disintegration and dissolution during the preovulatory follicle stage. The size, shape and ultrastructural features of the nucleolus remain unchanged thoughout the period of antral follicle development. Breakdown and dissolution of the nucleolar mass is a swift process that takes place only in the fully mature preovulatory follicle and more or less concomitantly with the dismantling of the nuclear envelope. The extranucleolar bodies increase noticeably in size during the preparatory and the maturative follicle stages; they shrink in size and undergo dissolution during the preovulatory stage of antral follicle development. An attempt is made to interpret these morphological changes in the light of current knowledge concerning the architectural and functional organization of the oocyte nucleus in general during meiotic prophase. The relevant observational evidence would be consistent with the view that, during antral follicle deveopment, the mouse oocyte nucleus is not, as too often assumed, in a period of arrested evolution; its formed components undergo structural, maturational and functional changes which are of significance not only for the resumption of the first meiotic prophase but also for the early development of the embryo.