Tribological, Thermal, Kinetic, and Surface Microtextural Characterization of Prime p-Type \u3c100\u3e Silicon Wafer CMP for Direct Wafer Bonding Applications

We investigated the tribological, thermal, kinetic, and surface microtextural characteristics of chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) of 300 mm p-type \u3c100\u3e prime silicon wafers (and their native oxide) at various pressures, sliding velocities, and starting platen temperatures. Results showed the dominant tribological mechanism for both native oxide and silicon polishing to be boundary lubrication. Using frictional data, we pinpointed the exact time that corresponded to the total removal of the native oxide and the onset of silicon polishing. This allowed us to separately characterize removal rates of each layer. For native oxide, while the rate depended on temperature, the presence of a temperatureindependent shear force threshold and the low observed rates suggested that its removal by the slurry was dominantly mechanical. In contrast, for silicon polish, the absence of a distinctive shear force threshold and the fact that, for the same set of consumables, rates were more than 200 times larger for silicon than for native oxide suggested a dominantly chemical process with an average apparent activation energy of 0.34 eV. It was further confirmed that rate selectivity between native oxide and PE-TEOS based SiO2 control wafers was around 1 to 7, which underscored the importance of being able to directly measure native oxide removal rates. In all cases, we achieved excellent post-polish surfaces with Sa and Sq values of below 1 nm. Due to thermal softening of the thermoplastic pad at elevated temperatures, which we confirmed via dynamic mechanical analysis, overall process vibrations were significantly higher when platen heating was employed

Applying the Learning Cycle to Introduce Research Practices in General Chemistry Lab

CUREs are a great way to engage students in research practices but can be onerous for instructors and teaching assistants to administrate and facilitate. There is added challenge in providing research experiences to students at the introductory level when they have developed limited knowledge and skills. Here we describe a more structured approach that applies the learning cycle to a traditional experiment to allow students to explore the technique, “invent” the parameters for systematic analysis, and apply the technique to a researchable question of their own construction

The Use of Call Graphs and Deep Learning to Improve Software Testing

Software testing is a critical part of software development, it is essential for preventing failures and enhancing software quality attributes. However, the testing process can be costly and time-consuming, often involving a large number of test cases. Over time, the accumulation of redundant and overlapping test cases can complicate and lengthen the testing time. To address these challenges, this paper utilizes graph similarity and deep learning techniques to optimize test suites. It uses call graphs from test cases to identify redundant and similar test cases. A machine learning model is used to calculate and predict the similarity scores between these call graphs, helping to classify and prioritize the test cases. This helps rank test cases based on their similarity scores, with lower scores indicating higher priority due to their unique code coverage. This approach allows test engineers to focus on the most diverse set of test cases, ensuring comprehensive code coverage and efficient testing. By reducing the number of redundant test cases, this method aims to streamline the testing process, reduce costs, and maintain high software quality standards. Ultimately, this paper seeks to provide a systematic framework for test engineers to determine the optimal amount of testing needed to effectively meet the software quality objectives

Navigating difficult conversations and recognizing persons of concerns: Confrontation, de-escalation, and threat awareness

A student angry about their grade, a peer not pulling their weight, a supervisor sharing criticism; all can trigger anxiety and stress. Human beings experience physiological responses to stressful encounters that inhibit our ability to communicate, problem solve and listen when it’s most important to do so. Targeted attacks, like active shooters incidents, are not spontaneous, sudden events which occur without warning. They are predictable and, consequently, preventable. Students, co-workers or others may exhibit risk factors or observable behaviors that would indicate they may be on the “pathway to violence.” In this interactive presentation, participants will be introduced to methods to manage stress during a confrontation to remain intellectually competent to manage the encounter without succumbing to the instinctive visceral reactions that derail our rational responses. Several tools will be introduced for managing difficult conversations and confrontations. Participants will discover, through a self-assessment, their own personal conflict management style and understand how it affects their ability to collaborate toward reaching mutually positive outcomes. Additionally, this program will provide a basic understanding of the behavioral evolution of an attacker and help participants to recognize and respond to potential signs or cues that may indicate an individual is in distress, in need of help, or may be planning violence, and what interventions might help prevent an attack. Learning Objectives: Participants will gain insight into the natural physiological stress responses that affect cognitive capacity. Participants will learn skills to mitigate visceral responses to confrontation that inhibit problem solving. Participants will complete a self-assessment to determine their dominant conflict management style. Participants will learn and practice tools for effective de-escalation and confrontation. Participants will gain an understanding of basic threat assessment principles

Evaluation of cyclin D3 as a transcriptional regulator in a neutrophil differentiation model

Cyclin D3 is known to regulate cell cycle entry during the G1 to S transition by associating with its binding partners CDK4/6 upon mitogenic stimulation. Cyclin D3 has also been implicated as a transcriptional regulator, but the indirect mechanism employed is not known. The HL60 cell line was used as a model to investigate cyclin D3’s role in altered gene transcription as DMSO-driven differentiation into neutrophils is induced. We have validated this system by evaluating changes in gene expression indicative of progression to the terminal neutrophil state. Interestingly, ectopic expression of cyclin D3 in undifferentiated HL60 (uHL60) cells causes changes in gene expression to mirror that seen in differentiated (dHL60) cells without the need to treat with DMSO. We have also assessed a cohort of target genes hypothesized to be sensitive to cyclin D3-impacted gene transcription as cells transition from uHL60 to dHL60. For those genes that are differentially expressed between uHL60 and dHL60, many are also sensitive to ectopic expression of cyclin D3. Forced expression of cyclin D3 mutants in uHL60 cells suggests that a C-terminal domain within cyclin D3 is responsible for this observed regulation of gene expression, as three mutations (L215M, Q244R, P278R) abrogate the wild-type cyclin D3-induced differentiation gene signature. Ongoing studies aim to elucidate transcription factor binding partners that interact in complex with cyclin D3 to cause differential gene expression

Elevating microRNA levels by targeting biogenesis with steric-blocking antisense oligonucleotides

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are regulators of gene expression, and their dysregulation is linked to cancer and other diseases, making them important therapeutic targets. Several strategies for targeting and modulating miRNA activity are being explored. For example, steric-blocking antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) can reduce miRNA activity by either blocking binding sites on specific mRNAs or base-pairing to the miRNA itself to prevent its interaction with the target mRNAs. ASOs have been less explored as a tool to elevate miRNA levels, which could also be beneficial for treating disease. In this study, using the PKD1/miR-1225 gene locus as an example, where miR-1225 is located within a PKD1 intron, we demonstrate an ASO-based strategy that increases miRNA abundance by enhancing biogenesis from the primary miRNA transcript. Disruptions in PKD1 and miR-1225 are associated with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) and various cancers, respectively, making them important therapeutic targets. We investigated PKD1 sequence variants reported in ADPKD that are located within the sequence shared by miR-1225 and PKD1, and identified one that causes a reduction in miR-1225 without affecting PKD1. We show that this reduction in miR-1225 can be recovered by treatment with a steric-blocking ASO. The ASO-induced increase in miR-1225 correlates with a decrease in the abundance of predicted miR-1225 cellular mRNA targets. This study demonstrates that miRNA abundance can be elevated using ASOs targeted to the primary transcript. This steric-blocking ASO-based approach has broad potential application as a therapeutic strategy for diseases that could be treated by modulating miRNA biogenesis

Targeting Persistence: Improving Success of STEM Students

Half of STEM majors leave their program without earning a degree. Many of those who leave do so within their first two years of study. A series of exploratory investigations of the mindset, identity, and sense of community of undergraduate students were completed. Differences in mindset were found between underclassmen and upperclassmen, where upperclassmen tended towards growth mindset traits and often described undergoing a shift from fixed to growth mindset during their undergraduate career. Participation in undergraduate research was found to be a driving factor of persistence with numerous benefits, most significantly STEM identity development and sense of community

Exploring the nexus of food citizenship and local food consumption in America\u27s rural-urban blend: Insights from Will County (Illinois)

This paper uses Will County in Illinois as a case study to examine the relationship between food citizenship and local food consumption in what we term to be the rural-urban blend of America. Food citizenship is participating in food-related actions promoting democratic, socially and economically equitable, and environmentally sustainable food systems. On the other hand, local food consumption is choosing and preferring to buy and eat local food over other conventional forms of food. The study used data analysis from a survey of 342 residents in Will County, Illinois, to test a conceptual model that considers various socio-psychological traits that food citizens might have, which could explain their preferences for local food, including local patriotism, perceived similarity with local farmers, social concern for the community’s well-being, and environmental concerns. The findings reveal the intertwined nature of local patriotism and place identity, shedding light on their direct influence on food citizens’ preferences. The perceived similarity with farmers and active engagement with local food producers deepen food citizens’ understanding and connection, ultimately influencing their preferences for locally sourced food. The study also highlights the distinct roles of men and women in local food preferences, with local patriotism being more significant for men aged 40 and above. Finally, the results underscore the Midwest’s unique socio-political landscape and the complex interplay of factors shaping local food preferences within ruralurban blends like Will County

Gender-Responsive Budgeting in Africa: Access and Future Measures

Africa is the leading region in the world in the expansion of mobile money transactions, according to Global Findex. The book presents several significant themes and African states\u27 efforts to address the political and economic factors influencing budget allocation to women-oriented programmes and projects in African communities. The book further investigates the impact of gender-responsive budgeting on women\u27s empowerment and gender equality in these communities. The findings intend to analyse the effectiveness of the countries\u27 approaches and share lessons that different African economies, whether currently booming or struggling, can enhance or implement toward gender budgeting response at all structural levels. Gender budgeting is an important tool in response to the growth and development of the economy. The themes identified will guide gender budgeting response, and how gender is incorporated into these approaches (if at all). The main objective of this volumeis to understand different processes of gender budgeting in response to gender issues at a national level. And to help encourage reflection on what lessons could be learnt between states and what factors cause divergence in multilateral settings so that they can be understood and hopefully addressed.https://digitalcommons.lewisu.edu/jlpss_fac-books/1000/thumbnail.jp