Variable Frequency Microwave Reflow of Lead-Free Solder Paste

As the world moves towards eliminating lead from consumer products, the microelectronics industry has put effort into developing lead-free solder paste. The major drawback of lead-free solder is the problems caused by its high reflow temperature. Variable frequency microwave (VFM) processing has been shown to allow some materials to be processed at lower temperatures. Issues addressed in this study include using VFM to reduce the solder reflow temperature, comparing the heating rate of different size solder particles, and comparing the reliability of VFM reflowed solder versus conventionally reflowed solder. Results comparing the effect of particle size on the heating rate of solder showed that the differences were negligible. This is due in part to the particle sizes overlapping. Many lead-free solder pastes reflow around 250℃. Results indicate that when using the VFM, lead-free solder paste will reflow at 220℃. The reliability of solder that was reflowed using the VFM at the reduced temperature was found to be comparable to solder reflowed in a conventional manner. Based on these findings, VFM processing can eliminate the major obstacles to making lead-free solder paste a more attractive option for use in the microelectronics industry.M.S.Committee Chair: Kohl, Paul; Committee Member: Bidstrup Allen, Sue Ann; Committee Member: Hess, Dennis; Committee Member: May, Gar

Comorbidade entre abuso/dependência de drogas e o sofrimento psíquico em sete países da América Latina e um do Caribe

Fue realizado estudio multicéntrico en pacientes bajo tratamento por dependencia de alcohol y substancias ilícitas, en ocho países (Brasil, Chile, Guatemala, Jamaica, Nicaragua, Panamá, Paraguay, Uruguay). El objetivo fue investigar la frecuencia de distrés psicológico, diagnóstico actual de comorbilidades, y disfuncionalidad familiar percibida. Fueron incluídos 1.073 voluntarios adultos, que diligenciaron un cuestionario o fueron entrevistados. El distrés psicológico y la disfuncionalidad familiar fueron evaluados por escalas (Kessler K-10 y APGAR-family). Hombres predominaron en todos los lugares (edades entre 18 y 86). En la mayoría de los sitios, el diagnóstico actual de ansiedad varió entre 30% y 40% y el de depresión entre 20% y 35%. Niveles altos u muy altos de distrés psícológico fueron reportados por más de 70% en Uruguay, Nicaragua, Guatemala y Brasil. La disfuncionalidad familiar severa fue mayor en Panamá 34.7% seguida de los sitios de Nicaragua 20-25%. La prevalencia de distrés psicológico sugiere niveles altos de comorbilidad. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ABSTRACTA multicenter study among patients in treatment for alcohol and illicit drugs abuse were conducted in eight countries (Brazil, Chile, Guatemala, Jamaica, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Uruguay). Our objective was to ascertain the frequency of psychological distress, current diagnosis of comorbidities and perceived familiar dysfunction. It was recruited 1,073 adult volunteers and they filled out a questionnaire or were interviewed. Psychological distress was evaluated through the Kessler's K-10 scale and family dysfunction by the APGAR-family scale. Male individuals predominated at all study sites (age range: 18-86). Current diagnosis of anxiety ranged from 30.0% to 40.0% in most sites. Current diagnosis of depression ranged from 20% to 35% in most sites. High and very high levels of psychological stress were higher than 70% in Uruguay, Nicaragua, Guatemala, and Brazil. Severe family dysfunction was higher in Panamá 34.7% followed by Nicaraguan cities 20-25%. The prevalence of psychological distress suggests higher rates of comorbidity. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ RESUMOFoi realizado um estudo multicéntrico em pacientes sob tratamento para dependência de álcool e substâncias ilícitas em oito países (Brasil, Chile, Guatemala, Jamaica, Nicarágua, Panamá, Paraguai, Uruguai). O objetivo foi averiguar a frequência de sofrimento psíquico, diagnóstico atual de comorbidades, e disfuncionalidade familiar percebida. Foram incluídos 1.073 voluntários adultos, que preencheram um questionário ou foram entrevistados. O sofrimento psíquico e a disfuncionalidade familiar foram avaliados por escalas (Kessler K-10 e APGAR-family). Os homens predominaram em todos os locais (idades entre 18 e 86). Na maioria dos locais, o diagnóstico atual de ansiedade variou de 30% a 40% e o de depressão, de 20% a 35%. Níveis altos e muito altos de sofrimento psíquico foram relatados por mais de 70% em Uruguai, Nicarágua, Guatemala e Brasil. Disfuncionalidade familiar severa foi maior no Panamá 34,7%, seguida da Nicarágua 20-25%. A prevalencia de sofrimento psíquico sugere níveis mais altos de comorbidade

Probiotics, prebiotics, and the host microbiome: the science of translation

Recent advances in our understanding of the community structure and function of the human microbiome have implications for the potential role of probiotics and prebiotics in promoting human health. A group of experts recently met to review the latest advances in microbiota/microbiome research and discuss the implications for development of probiotics and prebiotics, primarily as they relate to effects mediated via the intestine. The goals of the meeting were to share recent advances in research on the microbiota, microbiome, probiotics, and prebiotics, and to discuss these findings in the contexts of regulatory barriers, evolving healthcare environments, and potential effects on a variety of health topics, including the development of obesity and diabetes; the long-term consequences of exposure to antibiotics early in life to the gastrointestinal (GI) microbiota; lactose intolerance; and the relationship between the GI microbiota and the central nervous system, with implications for depression, cognition, satiety, and mental health for people living in developed and developing countries. This report provides an overview of these discussions

Racial Justice in Housing Finance: A Series on New Directions

The enclosed essays speak from a range of diverse viewpoints to explore how housing finance can be harnessed towards the ends of residential integration, equitable investment, and housing security, rather than purely for profit. Our authors offer ideas across a spectrum of proposed reforms. They describe how aspects of our current housing finance system derive from, or fail to correct for, our deep history of structural racism; they propose concrete steps toward re-engineering our current regulatory structure and housing programs to better advance equity, including addressing the particular harms of racial segregation; and they argue for expanded social housing and other visionary reforms

Understanding Health Literacy for People Living With HIV: Locations of Learning.

Health literacy, including people's abilities to access, process, and comprehend health-related information, has become an important component in the management of complex and chronic diseases such as HIV infection. Clinical measures of health literacy that focus on patients' abilities to follow plans of care ignore the multidimensionality of health literacy. Our thematic analysis of 28 focus groups from a qualitative, multisite, multinational study exploring information practices of people living with HIV (PLWH) demonstrated the importance of location as a dimension of health literacy. Clinical care and conceptual/virtual locations (media/Internet and research studies) were used by PLWH to learn about HIV and how to live successfully with HIV. Nonclinical spaces where PLWH could safely discuss issues such as disclosure and life problems were noted. Expanding clinical perspectives of health literacy to include location, assessing the what and where of learning, and trusted purveyors of knowledge could help providers improve patient engagement in care

Dual-Cation Electrolytes for High-Power and High-Energy LTO//AC Hybrid Capacitors

Dual-cation electrolyte systems, which contain two cations [Li+ and spiro-1,1′-bipyrrolidinium (SBP+), are proposed to enhance the power capability of hybrid capacitors composed of thick Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) negative (200 μm) and activated carbon (AC) positive electrodes (400 μm), which thus reduces the resistive overvoltage in the system. Detailed studies of the mass transport properties based on the combination of spectroscopy and electrochemical analysis have shown that the presence of SBP+, despite slower Li+ transport in the electrolyte bulk, further reduces overvoltage associated with migration limitation in the thick LTO electrode macropores. This study on the dual-cation electrolyte quantifies the influence of the addition of a supporting electrolyte and shows interest in SBPBF4 addition for increasing the output power density of hybrid capacitors with a thick electrode configuration

Associations between the legal context of HIV, perceived social capital, and HIV antiretroviral adherence in North America

Background Human rights approaches to manage HIV and efforts to decriminalize HIV exposure/transmission globally offer hope to persons living with HIV (PLWH). However, among vulnerable populations of PLWH, substantial human rights and structural challenges (disadvantage and injustice that results from everyday practices of a well-intentioned liberal society) must be addressed. These challenges span all ecosocial context levels and in North America (Canada and the United States) can include prosecution for HIV nondisclosure and HIV exposure/transmission. Our aims were to: 1) Determine if there were associations between the social structural factor of criminalization of HIV exposure/transmission, the individual factor of perceived social capital (resources to support one’s life chances and overcome life’s challenges), and HIV antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence among PLWH and 2) describe the nature of associations between the social structural factor of criminalization of HIV exposure/transmission, the individual factor of perceived social capital, and HIV ART adherence among PLWH. Methods We used ecosocial theory and social epidemiology to guide our study. HIV related criminal law data were obtained from published literature. Perceived social capital and HIV ART adherence data were collected from adult PLWH. Correlation and logistic regression were used to identify and characterize observed associations. Results Among a sample of adult PLWH (n = 1873), significant positive associations were observed between perceived social capital, HIV disclosure required by law, and self-reported HIV ART adherence. We observed that PLWH who have higher levels of perceived social capital and who live in areas where HIV disclosure is required by law reported better average adherence. In contrast, PLWH who live in areas where HIV transmission/exposure is a crime reported lower 30-day medication adherence. Among our North American participants, being of older age, of White or Hispanic ancestry, and having higher perceived social capital, were significant predictors of better HIV ART adherence. Conclusions Treatment approaches offer clear advantages in controlling HIV and reducing HIV transmission at the population level. These advantages, however, will have limited benefit for adherence to treatments without also addressing the social and structural challenges that allow HIV to continue to spread among society’s most vulnerable populations

Self-compassion and risk behavior among people living with HIV/AIDS.

Sexual risk behavior and illicit drug use among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) contribute to poor health and onward transmission of HIV. The aim of this collaborative multi-site nursing research study was to explore the association between self-compassion and risk behaviors in PLWHA. As part of a larger project, nurse researchers in Canada, China, Namibia, Puerto Rico, Thailand and the US enrolled 1211 sexually active PLWHA using convenience sampling. The majority of the sample was male, middle-aged, and from the US. Illicit drug use was strongly associated with sexual risk behavior, but participants with higher self-compassion were less likely to report sexual risk behavior, even in the presence of illicit drug use. Self-compassion may be a novel area for behavioral intervention development for PLWHA

Engagement with Health Care Providers Affects Self- Efficacy, Self-Esteem, Medication Adherence and Quality of Life in People Living with HIV

The engagement of patients with their health care providers (HCP) improves patients’ quality of life (QOL), adherence to antiretroviral therapy, and life satisfaction. Engagement with HCP includes access to HCP as needed, information sharing, involvement of client in decision making and self-care activities, respect and support of the HCP for the client’s choices, and management of client concerns. This study compares country-level differences in patients’ engagement with HCP and assesses statistical associations relative to adherence rates, self-efficacy, self-esteem, QOL, and symptom self-reporting by people living with HIV (PLHIV). A convenience sample of 2,182 PLHIV was enrolled in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Namibia, and China. Cross-sectional data were collected between September 2009 and January 2011. Inclusion criteria were being at least 18 years of age, diagnosed with HIV, able to provide informed consent, and able to communicate in the local language with site researchers. In the HCP scale, a low score indicated greater provider engagement. Country comparisons showed that PLHIV in Namibia had the most HCP engagement (OR 2.80, p \u3c 0.001) and that PLHIV in China had the least engagement (OR −7.03, p \u3c 0.0001) compared to the PLHIV in the Western countries. Individuals having better HCP engagement showed better self-efficacy for adherence (t = −5.22, p \u3c 0.0001), missed fewer medication doses (t = 1.92, p ≤ 0.05), had lower self-esteem ratings (t = 2.67, p \u3c 0.01), fewer self-reported symptoms (t = 3.25, p \u3c 0.0001), and better overall QOL physical condition (t = −3.39, p \u3c 0.001). This study suggests that promoting engagement with the HCP is necessary to facilitate skills that help PLHIV manage their HIV. To improve ART adherence, HCPs should work on strategies to enhance self-efficacy and self-esteem, therefore, exhibiting fewer HIV-related symptoms and missing less medication doses to achieve better QOL