text:
LAHORE, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said the venture of setting up the Knowledge Park on an inconceivable region in Lahore is special and the first venture of its kind in the historical backdrop of the nation and will assume a critical part in the advancement of value instruction.
Managing a meeting, he said the foundation of the grounds of conspicuous nearby and remote instructive organizations in the Knowledge Park would advance quality training and the Knowledge Park would be the first instructive focus of its kind in the area where all offices would be accessible under one rooftop.
The boss clergyman said training was the best way to fast advancement and the objective of advancement couldn't be accomplished without instruction. "Consequently, the Punjab government is burning through billions of rupees on projects for the advancement of value training. Issues like terrorism, radicalism, destitution and unemployment will be determined through advancement of training and the Punjab government is taking unique measures for advancement of instruction," he included. He said that through Daanish schools, quality training had been given to offspring of low-pay sections in reverse regions of the area and preferred instruction over prestigious foundations was being given in Daanish schools. "The venture of Knowledge Park has been developed under the procedure of advancement of instruction and nearby understudies and in addition of different nations will have the capacity to get training in instructive foundations which will be built up in the Knowledge Park," he included.
He said that private, recreational and different offices for educators and nearby and outside understudies would be accessible in the Knowledge Park. "Advancement of instruction, exploration and science and innovation is the need of great importance and the task of Knowledge Park is of basic significance for the advancement of training and examination," he included. The boss priest likewise issued guidelines for setting up a sub-board of trustees for the Knowledge Park which will display a last report in the wake of checking on all matters of the task. Commonplace Ministers Rana Mashhood Ahmed, Dr Ayesha Ghaus Pasha, Chairman Planning & Development, secretaries of Finance, Higher Education divisions, Chairman Punjab Information Technology Board, educationists and concerned authorities went to the meeting.


text:
20 years ago (2000)
A Staples man, 31, faces second degree attempted murder and assault charges in connection with a road rage incident. The shooter had run a stop sign and was followed by an elderly man in his vehicle. The young man stopped, got out and shot the following car with a .22 rifle, hitting the driver several times.
30 years ago (1990)
(Adv.) Weekend Specials at Super One Foods in Brainerd! Cinnamon Rolls from our Bakery – 6 for 99 cents: Blueberry Muffins – 6 for $1.49; Fresh Broccoli – lb. 59 cents; Buttery Avocados – 3 for $1.00; Hormel Sliced Bacon – lb. $1.69; Assorted Pork Chops – lb. $1.29.
40 years ago (1980)
(Photo) Striking employees of Larco Manufacturing manned a picket line this morning at the company's entrance. Julie LaDouceur, shop steward for the Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 2693, said they are seeking job security, better wages and working conditions.
60 years ago (1960)
Mayor C. Elmer Anderson of Nisswa will ask the village council to petition the DNR to rename Mud Lake as Chief Hole-in-the-Day Lake. Chief Hole-in-the-Day was the head chief of eight bands of Chippewa and lived nearby on the Gull River. The lake lies 11 miles north of Brainerd on Hwy 371 across from Gull Lake.
80 years ago (1940)
The dedication of Brainerd's four new grade schools will take place at 1:30 p.m. tomorrow at the Washington High School auditorium. Speakers include Supt. G.B. Ferrell and school board president Mrs. John Thabes, Sr. Open houses and inspections at the schools will run from 3 to 6 p.m.
100 years ago (1920)
The seniors at Washington High School held a sleigh ride party last weekend, with two hayracks of happy boys and girls. Returning to school they put on impromptu plays and hypnotized two boys. One, Charles Van Alstine, was placed with his head on one chair and feet on another, yet could support the weight of another man.

domain: news


text:
Roasted Zucchini and Squash
A simple healthy recipe for coconut oil roasted summer squash and zucchini. Serve as a 2 small/medium yellow summer squash, chopped into 1/2 inch pieces.and get get found my cat dead stiff
One of our favorite sides. Quick and easy to make. Tastes good hot or cold and reheats well in the microwave. You can rate this recipe by giving it a score of one, two, three, or four forks, which will be averaged out with other cooks' ratings. If you like, you can also share your specific comments, positive or negative - as well as any tips or substitutions - in the written review space. Cancel Print.
SparkRecipes is powered by Trackers Articles Community. Nutritional Info. This recipe is healthy and easy to make. Tastes good hot or cold and reheats well in the microwave. This roasted zucchini recipe with squash is one of our favorite sides. Minutes to Prepare:
That looks and sounds really good. I'm giving this a try later today. Green beans have been my side dish of late, mainly because I have a holy crapton of them. I do have zucchini though too and I'm almost never without Parmesan in the summer, so I appreciate you making the bedroom a little uncomfortable so you could share this recipe with us. I'm not usually a fan of yellow squash, but I bet I would like it this way. Looks delicious. Roasted Zucchini and Yellow Squash with Parm and Garlic A fast-to-fix, colorful, and flavorful side dish, this recipe combines bright green zucchini and sunny yellow summer squash roasted with garlic and topped with parmesan cheese.
An easy summer side, this roasted summer squash and zucchini recipe is healthy, easy and so flavorful. Vegan and gluten-free. Summer squash and zucchini scream summer to me. It worked out perfectly and the squash and zucchini came out warm, a little charred, caramelized and amazing. Start by prepping and chopping the veggies.
Roasted Summer Squash with Garlic and Parmesan
Roasted Summer Squash with Garlic and Parmesan is completely about the deliciousness of the roasted garlic, and this is an amazing way to cook late-season summer squash! Summer is winding down but for people who have vegetable gardens or get CSA vegetable deliveries, summer squash keeps showing up far into the fall. - This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

domain: food


text:
Tripwire Interactive announced that Killing Floor 2 has graduated from Early Access and the game is now available for download on the PS4 and PC. The digital versions can be acquired for $29.99, and there’s deluxe edition for $39.99. Tripwire has also worked in collaboration with Deep Silver to offer gamers a retail version of Killing Floor 2 for the PS4 for $39.99.
The game first came onto the scene a few years ago when the developers slowly etched out some content for it through Steam’s Early Access program. They slowly but surely tossed in new playable characters, new maps to explore, additional weapons to acquire, new perks to unlock, and new modes to play.
John Gibson, the president of Tripwire Interactive, commented about the game’s release and the fact that they are supporting the PS4 Pro with the game by stating in the press release…
“We wanted to give existing fans the visceral action that this longstanding franchise is known for, as well as offer new fans a chance to experience the brutal joy that millions of gamers already know and love. Launching KILLING FLOOR 2 for the PC, and for the first time ever on consoles via the PlayStation 4 Pro and PlayStation 4 symbolizes the next step for us at Tripwire Interactive and we could not be more ecstatic.”
They didn’t mention in the press release if the PS4 Pro version of the game would get any 4K treatments or a buff up in visual fidelity, but they did release a launch trailer showcasing the game’s new liquid gore system and visceral gib on display. You can check it out below.
The trailer is pretty upbeat for a game about surviving multiple rounds of flesh-devouring creatures that belong in the nether realm.
Anyway, there’s a good mixture of both realistic and fantasy sci-fi weapons present in the game. As they reveal, you can focus on outfitting your character with stuff like shotguns and assault rifles, or more fantastical weapons like rail guns and pulse rifles.
The AA-12 was one of my favorites, and it’s nice to see it return along with a bunch of other cool weapons. They have a diverse selection of military grade shooters for you to spend some dosh on.
The core of the game is centered around gathering up five other friends and journeying into the depths of gore by battling against the countless hordes of Zed across multiple levels and environment types.
Ads (learn more about our advertising policies here)

domain: hobby


text:
Texas City record rainfall bears the classic signature of climate change
Record-setting rainfall left portions of Texas City underwater in early December 2016.
Emergency Management Officials reported that a record 11 inches of rain fell over the course of several hours on the afternoon of December 3, with 48-hour rainfall totals reaching 12.66 inches. Texas City hadn't seen this much rainfall in more than two decades.
In Galveston, Texas, record amounts of rain had fallen by mid-morning on December 3. The city recorded 7.68 inches by the end of the day, nearly tripling the previous record of 2.63 inches set in 1965 and setting a new record for the month of December.
The record-breaking rainfall is consistent with the trend toward more extreme rainfall as the world warms.
Extreme rains and floods are consistent with climate change trends
A warmer atmosphere holds more water vapor. And like a bigger bucket, a warmer atmosphere dumps more water when it rains.
Over the past century, the US has witnessed a 20 percent increase in the amount of precipitation falling in the heaviest downpours, which has dramatically increased the risk of flooding.
Since the 1980s, a larger percentage of precipitation has come in the form of intense single-day events, and nine of the top 10 years for extreme one-day precipitation events have occurred since 1990.
Across the Great Plains, extreme precipitation has increased 16 percent from 1958 to 2012.
Houston has seen a 167 percent increase in heavy downpours since the 1950s.

domain: geography


text:
Air Conditioning Mini Pleat HEPA Filter
Efficiency: ≦0.5um, ≧99.99%
Dust Hood: 600g
The principle is to fold and intercept dust particles in the air, move with the inertia motion or irregular Brownian motion of the air flow or under the action of a certain field force. When the particle motion hits other objects, the van der Waals force (the force between molecules and molecules, molecules and molecular clusters) between objects makes the particles stick to the surface of the fiber. Dust entering the filter medium has more opportunities to hit the medium, and if it hits the medium, it will be stuck. Smaller dust collides with each other to form larger particles and settle, and the concentration of dust particles in air is relatively stable. It is for this reason that the interior and walls fade. It is wrong to treat the fiber filter like a screen. The folded inertia and diffusion particles move in the air flow. When the fibers are arranged disorderly, the air flow changes the direction, and the particles are bonded because the inertia deviates from the direction and hits the fiber. The larger the particle, the easier it is to impact, and the better the effect. Small particles of dust do irregular Brownian motion. The smaller the particles, the more irregular motion, the more chance of hitting obstacles, the better the filtration effect. The particles less than 0.1 microns in the air mainly do Brownian motion, the particles are small, and the filtration effect is good. Particles larger than 0.3 microns mainly move in inertia, and the greater the particle efficiency, the higher the efficiency. Diffusion and inertia are not obvious, making it most difficult to filter out particles. When measuring the performance of high efficiency filters, people often stipulate the most difficult to measure the dust efficiency value. Folding electrostatic action for some reason, fibers and particles may be charged, resulting in electrostatic effect. The filtration effect of filter material with static electricity can be obviously improved. Reason: static electricity changes the trajectory of dust and hits obstacles, and static electricity makes dust stick better on the medium. Materials that can carry static electricity for a long time are also called electret materials. After the material has static electricity, the resistance will not change, and the filtration effect will be improved obviously. Static electricity does not play a decisive role in the filtration effect, but only plays an auxiliary role. Folding chemical filtration chemical filter mainly adsorbs harmful gas molecules selectively. There are a large number of invisible micropores and large adsorption area in activated carbon materials. In the activated carbon of rice grain size, the micropore area is more than ten square meters. After contact with activated carbon, free molecules condense into liquid in micropores because of capillary principle, some of them are integrated with materials. Adsorption without obvious chemical reactions is called physical adsorption. Some of the activated carbon are treated and the adsorbed particles react with the material to form solid matter or harmless gas, which is called chemical adsorption. In the process of using activated carbon, the adsorption capacity of the material is weakened, and when it weakens to a certain extent, the filter will be scrapped. If it is only physical adsorption, heating or steam fumigation can separate the harmful gas from activated carbon and regenerate activated carbon. When the folded gravity effect particles pass through the fiber layer, under the action of gravity, the displacement from the airflow streamline occurs and settles on the surface of the fiber. This effect only exists when the particles are large (> 0.5um). This is that the gravity effect of the particles is too small, and it passes through the fiber layer with the air flow when it has not yet settled on the fiber. Therefore, the heavy force settlement can be ignored for the filtration of particles with particle size smaller than 0.5um.

domain: chemistry


text:
Lactobacillus Fermentum for Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex neurological disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. While there is no cure for MS, researchers are exploring various approaches to managing the symptoms and improving quality of life for those living with the condition. One emerging area of interest is the gut microbiota and its potential impact on the onset and progression of MS. In this article, we will delve into the role of gut microbiota in MS and explore the potential benefits of Lactobacillus fermentum, a probiotic strain, in managing the symptoms of this condition.
Understanding Multiple Sclerosis
Before we dive into the relationship between gut microbiota and MS, let's first understand what MS is and how it affects the body.
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. In individuals with MS, the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering of nerve fibers called myelin, leading to communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body.
MS is a complex disease that can have a wide range of symptoms and severity. The symptoms of MS can vary widely from person to person. Common symptoms include fatigue, difficulty walking, muscle weakness, numbness or tingling, problems with coordination and balance, and cognitive changes. These symptoms can come and go, or they can persist and worsen over time. The unpredictable nature of MS can make it challenging for individuals to manage their symptoms and maintain a good quality of life.
Diagnosing MS can be challenging, as the symptoms can mimic those of other conditions. A combination of medical history, neurological exams, imaging tests, and analysis of cerebrospinal fluid may be used to make a definitive diagnosis. The diagnostic process can take time and require multiple visits to healthcare professionals. It is important for individuals experiencing symptoms that may be related to MS to seek medical attention and undergo the necessary tests to receive an accurate diagnosis.
Once diagnosed, individuals with MS often work with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including neurologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and psychologists, to manage their symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan. Treatment options for MS include medications to manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease, physical therapy to improve mobility and strength, and lifestyle modifications to support overall health and well-being.
Research into MS is ongoing, and scientists are constantly working to better understand the causes of the disease and develop new treatment options. One area of research that has gained attention in recent years is the relationship between gut microbiota and MS. The gut microbiota refers to the trillions of microorganisms that live in our digestive tract and play a crucial role in our overall health. Emerging evidence suggests that alterations in the gut microbiota may contribute to the development and progression of MS. Understanding this relationship could potentially lead to new therapeutic approaches for managing MS.
The Role of Gut Microbiota in Multiple Sclerosis
Recent research has uncovered a potential link between the gut microbiota and Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. MS is characterized by the immune system mistakenly attacking the protective covering of nerve fibers, leading to communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body. While the exact cause of MS is still unknown, scientists have been exploring various factors that may contribute to its development and progression.
The gut microbiota refers to the trillions of microorganisms residing in our digestive tract, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes. These microorganisms play a crucial role in maintaining overall health and supporting various bodily functions. They aid in digestion, produce essential vitamins, regulate metabolism, and interact with the immune system.
The Gut-Brain Axis
One fascinating area of research is the gut-brain axis, a bidirectional communication system between the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. Emerging evidence suggests that the gut microbiota can influence brain function and behavior by producing neurotransmitters and other signaling molecules. These molecules can travel through the bloodstream and reach the brain, affecting neural activity and potentially influencing various neurological conditions, including MS.
Furthermore, the gut-brain axis is not a one-way street. The brain can also send signals to the gut, influencing the composition and activity of the gut microbiota. Stress, for example, can disrupt the balance of the gut microbiota, leading to dysbiosis, which refers to an imbalance in the gut microbiota composition.
Dysbiosis and Multiple Sclerosis
Researchers have observed dysbiosis in individuals with MS, suggesting an altered gut microbiota composition compared to healthy individuals. This dysbiosis may contribute to chronic inflammation and alterations in the immune system, potentially influencing the development and progression of MS.
Studies have shown that certain bacterial species, such as Akkermansia muciniphila and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, are reduced in individuals with MS. These bacteria are known to have anti-inflammatory properties and play a role in maintaining the integrity of the intestinal barrier. Their depletion in the gut microbiota of individuals with MS could contribute to increased inflammation and immune dysregulation.
Moreover, the gut microbiota can produce metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), that have immunomodulatory effects. SCFAs can regulate the function of immune cells and help maintain a balanced immune response. Alterations in the gut microbiota may lead to a decrease in SCFA production, potentially contributing to immune dysregulation observed in MS.
Understanding the role of the gut microbiota in MS is still an ongoing area of research. Scientists are investigating whether manipulating the gut microbiota through interventions like probiotics or fecal microbiota transplantation could have therapeutic potential in MS management.
In conclusion, the gut microbiota appears to play a significant role in the development and progression of Multiple Sclerosis. Dysbiosis and alterations in the gut-brain axis may contribute to chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation observed in individuals with MS. Further research is needed to fully understand the complex relationship between the gut microbiota and MS, with the hope of identifying new therapeutic strategies for this debilitating disease.
Introduction to Lactobacillus Fermentum
Among the various probiotic strains being studied for their potential therapeutic benefits, Lactobacillus fermentum has shown promise in the context of MS.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. It is characterized by the immune system mistakenly attacking the protective covering of nerve fibers, leading to communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body. While there is no cure for MS, researchers are constantly exploring new approaches to manage the symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease.
In recent years, probiotics have gained attention for their potential role in maintaining and improving overall health. Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when consumed in adequate amounts, confer health benefits to the host. Lactobacillus fermentum, a species of lactic acid bacteria, is one such probiotic strain that has shown promise in the field of MS research.
What is Lactobacillus Fermentum?
Lactobacillus fermentum is a species of lactic acid bacteria that naturally occurs in the human gastrointestinal tract. It is commonly found in fermented foods like sauerkraut, pickles, and yogurt. This probiotic strain has been extensively studied for its potential health benefits.
One of the distinguishing features of Lactobacillus fermentum is its ability to survive the harsh conditions of the stomach and reach the intestines alive. This is crucial for probiotics to exert their beneficial effects, as they need to colonize the gut to have a meaningful impact on health. Lactobacillus fermentum has demonstrated this resilience, making it an attractive candidate for therapeutic applications.
Furthermore, Lactobacillus fermentum produces various metabolites, such as lactic acid, bacteriocins, and hydrogen peroxide, that contribute to its health-promoting properties. These metabolites can help create an unfavorable environment for pathogenic bacteria, support the growth of beneficial bacteria, and modulate the immune system.
Health Benefits of Lactobacillus Fermentum
Lactobacillus fermentum has been associated with various health benefits, including immune modulation, antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory effects, and improving gut health. These properties make it an intriguing candidate for exploring its potential role in managing MS.
Studies have shown that Lactobacillus fermentum can modulate the immune response, promoting a balanced immune system. This modulation is particularly relevant in the context of MS, where an overactive immune system plays a key role in the development and progression of the disease. By regulating immune activity, Lactobacillus fermentum may help reduce inflammation and prevent further damage to the nervous system.
Additionally, Lactobacillus fermentum exhibits antioxidant activity, which can help protect cells from oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is known to contribute to the development of various diseases, including MS. By neutralizing harmful free radicals, Lactobacillus fermentum may help mitigate oxidative damage and potentially slow down the progression of the disease.
Gut health is another area where Lactobacillus fermentum shines. The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health, and an imbalance in this microbial community has been linked to various diseases, including MS. Lactobacillus fermentum, with its ability to colonize the gut and produce metabolites that support a healthy gut environment, may help restore balance and promote a favorable microbial composition.
While the research on Lactobacillus fermentum and its potential benefits for MS is still in its early stages, the initial findings are promising. Further studies are needed to fully understand the mechanisms of action and determine the optimal dosage and treatment duration for maximum efficacy.
Lactobacillus Fermentum and Multiple Sclerosis
Now, let's delve into the research investigating the potential of Lactobacillus fermentum in the context of MS treatment.
The Potential of Probiotics in MS Treatment
Probiotics, including Lactobacillus fermentum, have attracted attention as a potential adjunct therapy for MS. The goal is to restore gut microbiota balance and potentially alleviate some of the symptoms associated with the condition.
Research on Lactobacillus Fermentum and MS
While research on Lactobacillus fermentum specifically in the context of MS is still limited, preliminary studies have shown promising results. One study found that a combination of Lactobacillus fermentum and other probiotics reduced disease severity and improved motor coordination in an animal model of MS. However, more research, including human clinical trials, is needed to confirm these findings.
Incorporating Lactobacillus Fermentum into Your Diet
If you're interested in exploring the potential benefits of Lactobacillus fermentum, there are several ways to incorporate it into your diet.
Probiotic Foods and Supplements
Foods and beverages containing Lactobacillus fermentum, such as yogurt and fermented vegetables, can be a natural source of this probiotic strain. Additionally, probiotic supplements are available in various forms, including capsules, powders, and liquids.
Precautions and Considerations
While probiotics are generally considered safe for most individuals, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement or making significant changes to your diet, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.
In conclusion, the connection between gut microbiota and MS opens up new possibilities for exploring innovative approaches to managing this complex condition. Lactobacillus fermentum, with its potential health benefits and role in promoting gut health, shows promise as a potential adjunct therapy for MS. However, more research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential. If you're considering incorporating Lactobacillus fermentum into your diet, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate approach for your individual circumstances.

domain: biology


US 7501837 B2
A semiconductor process test structure comprises a gate electrode, a charge-trapping layer, and a diffusion region. The test structure is a capacitor-like structure in which the charge-trapping layer will trap charges during various processing steps. A CV measurement can then be used to detect whether a Vfb shift has occurred. If the process step resulted in a charge effect, then the induced charge will not be uniform. If the charging of the test structure is not uniform, then there will not be a Vfb shift. A delayed inversion point technique can then be used to monitor the charging status.
1. A method for monitoring a charge status for a test structure formed on a silicon substrate that results from a semiconductor processing step, the method comprising:
performing a first CV measurement on the test structure to generate a first CV curve;
subjecting the test structure to the semiconductor processing step;
performing a second CV measurement on the test structure to generate a second CV curve;
detecting whether there is a shift between the first and the second CV curves; and
when there is not a shift, monitoring the charge status for the test structure based at least in part on delayed inversion point information.
2. The method of
3. The method of
4. The method of
5. The method of
6. The method of
7. The method of
8. The method of
9. The method of
10. The method of
11. The method of
subjecting each of the plurality of the test structures to the semiconductor processing step;
performing a CV measurement on each of the plurality of test structures in order to generate a CV curve fro each of the plurality of test structures;
detecting whether there is a shift in at least one of the CV curves based on the measurements; and
when there is not a shift in the CV curve for a particular one of the plurality of test structures, monitoring the charge status for the test structure based at least in part on delayed inversion point information.
12. The method of
13. The method of
14. The method of
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to testing and diagnostics of line processes used for the manufacture of integrated circuit devices, and more particularly to the measurement and monitoring of the charging status in a gate dielectric layer of a test structure during semiconductor processing steps.
2. Background of the Invention
The manufacture of large-scale integrated circuits involves hundreds of discrete processing steps. These steps are typically divided into two sub-processes. The first of these sub-processes is often referred to as the front-end of line (FEOL) sub-process during which the semiconductor devices are formed within a silicon wafer. The second of the sub-processes is often termed the back-end of line (BEOL) sub-process during which various metal interconnecting layers and contacts are formed on top of the semiconductor devices formed during the FEOL sub-process.
Many of the processing steps comprising the FEOL and BEOL sub-processes involve depositing layers of material, patterning the layers by photolithographic techniques, and then etching away unwanted portions of the deposited material. The deposited materials primarily consist of insulators and metal alloys. In some instances the pattern layer serves as temporary protective mass, while on others they are functional components of the integrated circuit chips being formed.
Radio frequency (RF) plasmas are often used in many of the processing steps, especially in the processing steps comprising the BEOL sub-process. For example, RF plasmas are used in Reactive Ion Etching (RIE), which is used to etch the layers of material as described above. RIE provides the etching anisotropy required to achieve the requisite high degree of pattern definition and precision and the requisite precision dimensional control. In RIE, gaseous chemical etching is assisted by unidirectional ion bombardment provided by an RF plasma. Photo-resist layers, used in the photolithographic patterning described above, are also frequently removed using plasma ashing.
Unfortunately, the numerous exposures to the RF plasmas, and other forms of ionic radiation, results in radiation damage and the accumulation of charge on exposed conductive components, which leads to damaging current flows and trapped charges affecting the semiconductor devices and integrated circuit chips being formed. The surfaces of the patterned semiconductor wafer present multiple areas of conductors and insulators to the RF plasmas. The multiple areas of conductors and insulators produce local non-uniformities in the plasma currents, which can result in charge build up on the electrically floating conductor surfaces. This charge build up can produce the damaging current flows and can affect the threshold voltages for semiconductor structures formed on the silicon wafer.
The semiconductor devices often comprise some form of field effect transistor comprising a gate, drain, and source regions. The mechanism of current flow through the oxide layer forming the gate is primarily the result of Fowler-Nordheim (FN) tunneling. FN tunneling occurs at fields in excess of 10 MV/cm. Charge build up on the gate electrode resulting in a gate electro potential of only 10 volts is therefore sufficient to induce FN tunneling through an oxide layer of 100 Å. Such potentials are easily achieved in conventional plasma reactors used to generate RF plasmas and semiconductor processing. Excessive FN tunneling currents eventually lead to positively charged interface traps in the oxide layer forming the gate, which can lead to subsequent dielectric breakdown.
As the semiconductor wafer is exposed to successive processing steps, the damage or potential damage is increased. As a result, efforts are made to assess the damage produced in the various semiconductor processing steps. For example, one common way to test for the level of damage is to produce test wafers or test chips comprising structures designed to measure, or allow measurement of, the damage produced by various processing steps.
Test structures are typically formed within a specifically designated test site on a semiconductor wafer being processed. Alternatively, entire wafers can be devoted to providing a plurality of test structures for process monitoring. Thus, the test structures are run through the process which results in charge build up that can be then measured. A common method for measuring the charging status is to use Capacitance-Voltage (CV) techniques or floating gate testers. Such conventional techniques, however, are often unsatisfactory for the semiconductor industry because of their low sensitivity, high test chip cost, or long delay time associated with the production of data related to the testing.
For example, conventional CV method can only be used for processes with uniform charging effect. In other words, for processes that result in charge accumulating at the edge of the gate structure, conventional CV methods will suffer from insufficient capacitance change produced by the trapped charges. The insufficient capacitance change will render conventional CV methods insufficient for monitoring the charging status.
A semiconductor process test structure comprises a gate electrode, a charge-trapping layer, and a diffusion region. The test structure is a capacitor-like structure in which the charge-trapping layer will trap charges during various processing steps. A CV measurement can then be used to detect whether a shift in the flatband voltage (Vfb) has occurred. If the process step resulted in a charge effect, then the induced charge will not be uniform. If the charging of the test structure is not uniform, then there will not be a Vfb shift. A delayed inversion point technique can then be used to monitor the charging status.
These and other features, aspects, and embodiments of the invention are described below in the section entitled “Detailed Description.”
Features, aspects, and embodiments of the inventions are described in conjunction with the attached drawings, in which:
The systems and methods described herein are directed to simple capacitor-like test structures that can be used to reduce test wafer costs and shorten the delay time for producing test data that can be used to modify the semiconductor processes at issue in order to reduce damage resulting from charge accumulation during processing steps.
As described above, there are many semiconductor processing steps that can induce a charging effect onto the gate dielectric layer of a semiconductor structure, causing threshold voltage shifts and/or gate dielectric degradation. For memory devices including floating gate devices, such as EEPROMs and flash devices, and charge-trapping devices, such as SONOS devices, the charging effect will result in a wide initial threshold voltage distribution, which can impact the device's operation window. The charging effect can result from various electric fields, plasmas, or radiation, such as UV light, to which a semiconductor wafer is exposed during semiconductor processing.
Charge-trapping layer 104 is a dielectric layer designed to trap charges within structure 100. In one embodiment, charge-trapping layer 104 comprises an oxide-nitride-oxide structure. In another embodiment, charge-trapping layer 104 comprises an oxide-Si-oxide structure, such as a SiO2-Si—SiO2 structure. It will be apparent, however, that any dielectric layer or structure that can be used to trap charge in accordance with the systems and methods described below can be used for charge-trapping layer 104.
Gate electrode 102 can comprise a polysilicon layer depending on the embodiment. In one embodiment, substrate 108 is a P-type substrate, while diffusion region 106 comprises an N-type region. In other embodiments, substrate 108 can be a N-type substrate, while diffusion region 106 is a P-type region.
As illustrated in
Testing of structure 100 can be accomplished by directly probing on diffusion region 106 and gate electrode 102. Alternatively, interconnection leads, such as interconnection lead 206, can be connected with metal layers 202 and/or 204. These interconnection leads can then be probed in order test the charging status of structure 100.
Thus, test structure 100 can be subjected to the process steps being monitored. This will result in charge being imparted to charge-trapping layer 104 during the various process steps. The charge can be imparted, as explained above, by an electric field, plasma, charge particles, radiation (UV) or other sources. The amount of charge or charge status in charge-trapping layer 104 can then be monitored by probing gate electrode 102 and diffusion region 106 or interconnection leads attached thereto.
It should be noted that diffusion region 106 can be formed before or after the process steps being tested are performed depending on the embodiment.
This can be illustrated in conjunction with
When charge 404 is trapped in trapping layer 104, however, charge 404 will block charge 406 flowing between diffusion region 106 so that the curve of
This shift to the right of the curve in
For example, in the case where test structure 100 has experienced an edge charging effect as in
As illustrated in
Gate electrodes can be configured with a different axis of orientation as well. For example, gate electrode 508 can be oriented along a horizontal axis of orientation or a vertical axis of orientation as illustrated in
As would be understood, the charging effect that occurs during the various processing steps is a result of various conductive layers and areas acting like an antenna that attract charge produced during the various processing steps. Configuring gate electrodes with, e.g., long fingers 508 a or long lines 512 a can increase or decrease this antenna effect, which can be used to produce more relevant or accurate test data.
In other embodiments, gate electrodes configured in various shapes can be combined with oxide regions in a manner configured to achieve the desired testing for different processes and monitoring purposes. For example,
In other embodiments, the diffusion region can be separated into two or more regions, e.g., by the gate electrode structure. For example, the diffusion region can be separated into source and drain regions as would be found in a MOSFET structure.
It will be clear that a plurality of diffusion regions can also be included in a test structure configured as described herein. For example,
When the diffusion region is separated into two or more regions, as with the embodiments of
Multiple test structures can be laid out with different orientations, e.g., in order to provide information related to an isotropic charging effect. In
As mentioned above, the size, shape, and orientation of a test structure, gate electrode, and/or diffusion regions can be varied to achieve the desired test data.
A plurality of test structures, such as those described above, can be arranged on a single wafer, either in the scribe line or in the chip area, for process monitoring. As mentioned, multiple test structures can be arranged comprising different shapes and orientations. Further, one or more of the test structures can be packaged into a discreet device as a sensing element for plasma or radiation detecting.
While certain embodiments of the inventions have been described above, it will be understood that the embodiments described are by way of example only. Accordingly, the inventions should not be limited based on the described embodiments. Rather, the scope of the inventions described herein should only be limited in light of the claims that follow when taken in conjunction with the above description and accompanying drawings.


text:
Does the state have a grip on the dengue outbreak?
Lawmakers grilled health officials about it Friday, and not all of them liked the answers they heard.
As of Nov. 20, 88 people on Hawaii Island have now been diagnosed with dengue fever.
With that number climbing by the day, lawmakers think more needs to be done to keep people safe, and they didn’t hold back.
Health department officials and Hawaii County Civil Defense started the hearing by explaining how they are fighting the dengue outbreak on Hawaii Island.
“This outbreak will end at some point. It may be next month, maybe months from now, I don’t know, but it will end. The threat will never end,” said Dr. Sarah Park, state epidemiologist.
DOH teams are spraying areas of concern for mosquitoes, investigating cases, educating the community and working with the homeless to make sure everyone is getting the message about prevention.
Rep. Richard Creagan, D, Hawaii Island, said, “I’m not satisfied as I think there are a lot of questions that weren’t answered, and need to be answered, because this is an emergency.”
Lawmakers say they want to see more action, and pressed health officials. They wanted to know why only certain schools are scheduled to be sprayed for mosquitoes this weekend.
In response, the county said ideally all campuses would be treated, but right now they are focusing on areas where confirmed cases are nearby.
“I continue to be upset, because it’s on behalf of my people in Kona,” said Sen. Josh Green, D, Hawaii Island, who is pushing for more outreach.
Green wanted to know why the Centers for Disease Control isn’t on the ground here in Hawaii. But Dr. Park says her team has been working with the CDC since the outbreak started.
“I frankly have requested on the ground support,” Park said. “They will work with our entomologist to strategize on the trappings, so again going back to the trap, to the strategy, on how do we end the outbreak.”
Some lawmakers also asked health officials why there isn’t a lab on Hawaii Island to test for dengue, but Park said it’s not that easy.
Lawmakers said if it’s money they need, they’re willing to fight to make it happen.


Lucasfilm and director J.J. Abrams join forces once again to take viewers on an epic journey to a galaxy far, far away with Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, the riveting conclusion of the seminal Skywalker saga, where new legends will be born and the final battle for freedom is yet to come.
American car designer Carroll Shelby and the British-born driver Ken Miles work together to battle corporate interference, the laws of physics, and their own personal demons to build a revolutionary race car for Ford Motor Company and take on the dominating race cars of Enzo Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France in 1966.
27 years after the events of Terminator 2: Judgment Day, a new, modified liquid metal Terminator is sent from the future by Skynet in order to terminate Dani Ramos, a hybrid cyborg human, and her friends. Sarah Connor comes to their aid, as well as the original Terminator, for a fight for the future.
Sunday, May 19 at 6:30PM followed by Q&A with Writer/Director Thomas M. Wright, and cast members.
Daniel Henshall stars as infamous Archibald Prize-winning artist Adam Cullen in this lyrical adaptation of Erik Jensen’s acclaimed biography.
When 19-year-old wunderkind journalist Erik Jensen (now editor of The Saturday Paper) was invited by bad-boy Australian painter Adam Cullen to write his biography, Jensen (Toby Wallace, Romper Stomper) jumped at the chance. Despite a turbulent relationship, the two formed a unique bond that lasted until Cullen’s death in 2012 aged just 46.
Shooting in the Blue Mountains where Cullen was based, Acute Misfortune spins Jensen’s award-winning book into a subtle, striking tale of two wildly different men. Making his debut as a feature film filmmaker, theatre director and actor Thomas M Wright (Top of the Lake; Balibo) delivers a portrait of the writer and of the artist as a troubled and troubling man.
With remarkable access – Daniel Henshall (The Babadook, Snowtown) wears Cullen’s actual clothing as he fully inhabits the role, and the artworks that appear onscreen are the real deal – this MIFF Premiere Fund-supported feature was co-scripted by Jensen, with Wright, and is executive produced by Robert Connolly.
Sign up to our newsletter for weekly updates, special deals and exclusive events.


text:
I am already spayed, up to date with shots, and good with cats.
Cashmere is a gorgeous little girl who has had a rough life. In her 12 weeks she has already been abandoned outside, and gotten her tail caught in something and severely injured. Her tail had to be amputated at about an inch long, and now that it is healed is just the cutest little nub! She is understandably shy at first, but once she knows you she rubs and purrs nonstop in your arms! She does fine with other cats, but is scared of dogs.
Cashmere is already spayed, up to date on vaccines, FIV/FeLV tested negative, and is micro-chipped.

domain: pet


text:
The Essay Film: From Montaigne, After Marker
Why have certain kinds of documentary and non-narrative films emerged as the most interesting, exciting, and provocative movies made in the last twenty years? Ranging from the films of Ross McElwee (Bright Leaves) and Agnes Varda (The Gleaners and I) to those of Abbas Kiarostami (Close Up) and Ari Folman (Waltz with Bashir), such films have intrigued viewers who at the same time have struggled to categorize them. Sometimes described as personal documentaries or diary films, these eclectic works are, rather, best understood as cinematic variations on the essay. So argues Tim Corrigan in this stimulating and necessary new book. Since Michel de Montaigne, essays have been seen as a lively literary category, and yet--despite the work of pioneers like Chris Marker--seldom discussed as a cinematic tradition. The Essay Film, offering a thoughtful account of the long rapport between literature and film as well as novel interpretations and theoretical models, provides the ideas that will change this.
What people are saying - Write a review
We haven't found any reviews in the usual places.
Other editions - View all
activity adaptation aesthetic agency avant-garde Bazin becomes biopics Blue Bright Leaves camera central Chris Marker close-up coherent commentary conceptual contemporary create crisis critical cultural death Deleuze describes dialogue diary direct cinema documentary documentary films dramatic editorial encounter engage epistolary essay film essayistic subject everyday excursion experiential explores expression fiction figure filmmakers Five Obstructions footage found footage frame Gleaners Godard’s Herzog’s home movies human ideas identity imagistic intellectual intertitle Jarman’s journey films kind Koreans language Letter from Siberia Leuchter Listen to Britain literary Marker McElwee McElwee’s memory modern Montaigne movement narrative ofhis ofthe film ofthis painting perspective photo-essay photographic political portrait positions postwar public experience reenactments reflection reflexive refractive essay representational Robinson Robinson in Space self-portrait sequence shifting short film shot social space spatial specifically streets television temporal thinking thought tion tradition travelogue Varda verbal viewer visual voice voice-over Westerbork

domain: artistic


text:
The own apartment is an important place of retreat. We help to ensure that it stays that way even in times of crisis and support our tenants and partners, for example with our Corona aid fund over 30 million euros.
#sicherheim is an online platform aimed at raising awareness of violence against women – at a time when the numbers affected are growing constantly. Deutsche Wohnen is lending its support to this campaign as an official partner.
The colorful mural by the artist El Bocho has been decorating our holdings in Berlin-Friedrichshain since May 2020. The well-known artist has continued his series “Citizens” with a beautiful portrait on our house wall.
Deutsche Wohnen completes the third quarter of 2020 with solid results and a positive outlook
“The quality of our decidedly robust business model is particularly in evidence in the current climate of uncertainty“ explains CEO Michael Zahn. And he reaffirms the promise that no tenant will lose their flat as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
After three years, our partnership with the university project ends, in which students test smart technologies under real living conditions. We want to thank the smart flatshare for the exciting cooperation and wish all the best for the future.
Deutsche Wohnen and The Dixons start street art project in Berlin-Neukölln
Between September and October 2020, 20 Berlin artists brighten up our multi-storey car park in Hugo-Heimann-Straße. The result is unique works of art that give the freshly refurbished building the appearance of an art gallery.


text:
Ok sorry for missing the post last week everyone. I (Edie) had a couple of personal matters that came up that took priority. We are going to finish off the "M" this week, and then next week pull a double duty and have 2 topics for "N".
This week we choose MACRO as the theme. For Corinna and I, macro images are one of our favorite photo techniques. Its a great way of seeing the details in something that you might not have noticed before, and it gives you a new perspective on your subject as well. Some people use a macro lens when shooting their images. (as Corinna and I did). Macro lens are great because they really let you get close to the subject. However if you do not have a macro lens, no worries. Most cameras have a "macro" setting on the camera. Usually is on a button or dial, and it is represented by the image of a flower. If you haven't used that setting before, I highly recommend you give it a try and practice on all sorts of things.
Cant wait to see what everyone comes up with! :)
Oh and dont forgot you can click on the photo if you want to see a bigger image.


Does Sony Xperia have dual sim?
Currently, Xperia devices support DSDS (Dual SIM Dual Standby), which does not allow you to handle two calls simultaneously on two different SIM cards. However, you can forward calls that come in on SIM card 1 to SIM card 2 when SIM card 1 is occupied, and vice versa. This function is called Dual SIM reachability.
How do I use dual SIM in Sony Xperia?
Enabling Dual SIM reachability Find and tap Settings > Network & Internet > SIM cards or Dual SIM > Dual SIM reachability. Drag the slider beside Dual SIM reachability to the right. The phone numbers of the two inserted SIM cards are entered automatically. If the numbers are not added, you can enter them manually.
Does Sony Xperia 10 II have dual sim?
Released in mid-2019, you can buy a brand-new model with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage for £329 from Amazon….Sony Xperia 10 II review: Verdict.
|Sony Xperia 10 II specifications
|Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 (4x2GHz, 4×1.8GHz)
|Yes (shared with microSD)
Does Sony Xperia 5 have dual sim?
The Sony Xperia 5 is a good Android phone with 2.84GHz Octa-Core processor that allows run games and heavy applications. An advantage of the Sony Xperia 5 is the possibility of using two mobile carriers, a Dual-SIM device with two SIM card slots.
Can I use 2 SIMs and SD card?
Notes: Your device only supports nano-SIM cards. Dual-SIM devices support using either two nano-SIM cards or a nano-SIM card and a memory card. To prevent data loss, make sure you turn off your device before dragging out the tray to remove the nano-SIM card (or cards) or memory card from the device.
Can you have Dual-SIM and SD card?
Many times dual-SIM mobile phone users have to settle for a hybrid SIM slot. Thus, they can either use a microSD card or a second SIM in the tray.
Can I use Dual-SIM and memory card?
Dual-SIM devices support using either two nano-SIM cards or a nano-SIM card and a memory card. To prevent data loss, make sure you turn off your device before dragging out the tray to remove the nano-SIM card (or cards) or memory card from the device. Don’t cut your SIM card, as this may damage your device.
How old is the Sony Xperia 10 II?
Sony Xperia 10 II
|5 May 2020
|Availability by region
|Japan: 29 May 2020 (A001SO) 4 June 2020 (SOV43) 25 June 2020 (SO-41A) 1 October 2020 (XQ-AU42; SIM-unlocked) Taiwan: 5 May 2020
|Sony Xperia 8 Sony Xperia 10 Sony Xperia Ace
|Sony Xperia 10 III
How old is a Sony Xperia 10?
Sony Xperia 10 is back with super tall smartphones. The smartphone is launched in the month of March 2019.
Does Xperia 5 support eSIM?
With this eSIM.me Card you add eSIM functionality to your existing SONY Xperia 5 II 5G smartphone, prolonging its life cycle by years. By downloading eSIM profiles, you avoid plastic waste, production and transportation related CO2 emissions, and become a hero to our planet.
Is Sony Xperia 5 a flagship?
The Sony Xperia 5 is an Android smartphone marketed and manufactured by Sony. Part of Sony’s flagship Xperia series, it was unveiled at the annual IFA event on September 5, 2019. The device is a cheaper, more compact variant of the Xperia 1.
How do I use my second SIM?
To use the second SIM card, you need to activate it manually, and the first SIM deactivates when you do that. A hybrid between Dual SIM Standby and Dual SIM Dual Active. They are both active only if you are not using them. If the SIM cards are both in Standby mode, you can make and receive calls on any of them.
How much does a Sony Xperia 10 cost?
Today the lowest price on Xperia 10 64GB is 229.99. For that price you get a new model with a display. A phone which also has an eight-core processor and 64 GB internal storage.
Does Sony Xperia 10 II have wireless charging?
It supports a wireless charging standard such as Qi. To charge the device, you simply put it down on a compatible charging pad.
Does Sony Xperia have eSIM?
With this eSIM.me Card you add eSIM functionality to your existing SONY Xperia 1 Dual smartphone, prolonging its life cycle by years. By downloading eSIM profiles, you avoid plastic waste, production and transportation related CO2 emissions, and become a hero to our planet.
Does Xperia support eSIM?
The Sony Xperia 1 IV will reportedly support eSIM The US-bound version, on the other hand, will bear the model number XQ-CT64. The publication says the phone will support eSIM in Europe as well as the US. It will also come in single and dual physical SIM variants.
What are the best dual SIM phones?
Samsung Galaxy S21 series. It’s a new year,and that means a new slate of powerful Samsung Galaxy devices.
What phones have dual SIM cards?
– iPhone 12 – iPhone 11 – iPhone XS – iPhone XS Max – iPhone XR
Why do you want a dual-SIM phone?
Dual Sim smartphone: Why you need it Greater range. As it was said before, thanks to two SIM cards we can safely check another network in case our basic card does not catch the signal. Easy number change. Do you run a business? No worries about roaming costs. Don’t get trapped in the high costs of roaming. Flexibility. Use a second card as data protection.
Can I use Jio SIM on Sony Xperia XA dual?
Yes, you can use jio sim in sony xperia XA dual. It can be used only in sim 1 slot because the phone has 4g+2g slots. Sony Xperia XA dual is not a VOLTE supported phone so inorder to make call you must have jio 4G voice app and then the mobile data must kept ON to receive calls.


text:
Stark County (0-1) at Lewistown (0-1)
Kickoff — 7 p.m. at Lewistown High School.
Last Week — Elmwood-Brimfield handled Stark County 47-6; Lewistown fell to Princeville 23-14.
Last Year — In last year’s Week 2 meeting, Stark County rolled to a 47-8 victory.
In the Spotlight — Having to bounce back from a regular-season defeat is uncharted territory for Stark County. The Rebels had their 19-game regular-season winning streak halted by Elmwood-Brimfield and its relentless ground attack.
Stark County looks to rebound in two specific areas — its running attack and rushing defense. The Rebels were limited to eight yards on 19 carries last week, while the defense surrendered 469 rushing yards on a whopping 72 attempts. Stark County’s two leading tacklers were defensive backs — James King (14) and Bryce Knowles (12) — and that’s usually not a good sign against a run-oriented offense.
Lewistown enjoyed some success running the ball against Princeville. The Indians piled up nearly 200 yards on the ground, Cody Arnett with 105 yards and Trey Miller with 92 yards. Lewistown did put the ball in the air 20 times with QB Duncan Evans completing six passes for 93 yards.
In the Polls — Stark County tumbled from the top spot in the Class 1A preseason poll and settled in at No. 8.
Mid-County (1-0) at Knoxville (0-1)
Kickoff — 7 p.m. at Knoxville High School.
Last Week — Mid-County handled Abingdon-Avon 42-14; Knoxville fell to Annawan-Wethersfield 35-8.
Last Year — The teams didn’t meet in 2015. The last meeting was 2014 and Knoxville slipped past Mid-County 20-19.
In the Spotlight — Two stars emerged on offense for Mid-County in Week 1 — junior I-back Bret Woodside and senior transfer QB Davion Davis.
Woodside shredded the A-Town defense for 237 yards and five touchdowns, while Davis came off the bench to direct M-C’s triple option attack. He finished with 104 yards rushing and a touchdown. Sophomore Gunner Spivey got the start for M-C against A-Town, so it will be interesting to see who comes out under center for the Cougars tonight.
M-C’s defense surrendered just one TD to the Tornadoes last week. Case Hennenfent was the leading rusher for the Blue Bullets against A-W with 65 yards and his team’s lone score.
Ridgewood (0-1) at Abingdon-Avon (0-1)
Kickoff — 7 p.m. Friday at Abingdon-Avon High School.
Last Week — Ridgewood fell to Peoria Heights-Quest 32-14; Abingdon-Avon was on the short end of a 42-14 contest with Mid-County.
Last Year — This is the first meeting between the teams in year three of the Lincoln Trail/Prairieland crossover games.
In the Spotlight — Ridgewood’s pass defense couldn’t find an answer for the Heights-Quest combination of Blake Begner and Jalen Hughes. Begner put the ball in the air 26 times and completed 16 for 400 yards. Hughes was the recipient of nine Begner passes for 331 yards and scored all five of the team’s TDs.
A-Town isn’t opposed to throwing the football as the Tornadoes put it up 28 times against Mid-County.
RB Dakota Root supplied all the scoring for Ridgewood in Week 1 with a pair of TD runs.
St. Bede (0-1) at Bureau Valley (1-0)
Kickoff — 7:30 p.m. at Bureau Valley High School in Manlius.
Last Week — Bureau Valley blew out Erie-Prophetstown 47-13; St. Bede traveled to Wisconsin and fell to St. Catherine (Racine) 29-14.
Last Year — The Storm held off the Bruins 26-20.
In the Spotlight — Bureau Valley displayed great balance on offense in rolling over the Panthers. Led by junior QB Drake Davis, the Storm cracked the 200-yard mark in both rushing and passing. Davis rushed for 105 yards and two scores, while Caje Peterson added 103 yards and three scores. Davis scattered 11 catches between Bryan Herr and Jay Edlefson.
The defense was equally impressive and tacked on six points of its own with a scoop and score by Wyatt Davis.
The BV secondary has to be mindful of talented St. Bede wide receiver Braidy Shipp.
In the Polls — After receiving votes in Class 1A in the preseason poll, the Storm moved into the top 10 at No. 9 in the latest rankings. With its loss north of the Illinois border, St. Bede slipped from No. 5 to No. 9 in Class 2A.
Also Friday night...
Three Rivers Conference crossover games — Erie-Prophetstown at Orion, Princeton at Morrison, Hall at Rockridge, Sterling Newman at Fulton, Monticello at Sherrard.
Lincoln Trail/Prairieland Conference crossovers — Mercer County at Illini West, United at West Prairie/Bushnell-PC, Princeville at Peoria Heights-Quest, West Central at South Fulton.
(Mike Landis, sports editor)

domain: sports


text:
I started transactions and trade with Porter Finance since 24th Aug. 2016, and the last transactions were on 28th Feb. 2017 when the last 4 trades matured.
I was told I could not withdraw any cash from my account until my trades matured, which was an excuse.When all the trades matured matured, I requested online & also by emails for 100% withdrawal, but got no response, except an internet auto reply.
I then found out from internet that this company has shut down !
I have reported this scam to Fraud Action. Police.UK last week. Ref# NFRC170301770452.
I have full documentation that support :
1) Transaction history
2) Banking history - CDN $ 14,200 in total have been paid into my account since 24th Aug 2016.
There was no more trade or transactions since 28th Feb. 2017 when the 4 trades matured.
The cash balance in my account is CDN $ 10,107/-.
I wrote several emails to Porter Finance to demand refund , and also made phone callse. At first someone would answer, but no one followed up or respond until everything went silent, no one answered the phone, and now the website is closed down.
There are many like me who have lost money to Porter Finance as I found out from the internet.
Porter Finance is fraudulent and a scam.

domain: economics


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 13, 2022
Contact: Eddie Francis, firstname.lastname@example.org
Keynote to be delivered by criminal justice advocate Cyntoia Brown Long
NEW ORLEANS–Dillard University’s Center for Racial Justice will host the Human Trafficking Awareness Conference September 16, 12-5:30 p.m. in the Professional Schools Building. The keynote speaker will be criminal justice advocate Cyntoia Brown Long who spoke to a packed Georges Auditorium at Dillard in 2020. There will also be a panel discussion featuring survivors, 3-4 p.m.
After being trafficked during her early teenage years, at the age of 16, Long was arrested for killing a man who solicited her for sex. Long was tried as an adult and sentenced to life in prison without the chance of parole for 51 years. Her trafficker was never arrested. After her story made national headlines, Long received social media support as well as support from notable figures throughout the nation. Her sentence was eventually commuted by Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam, and Long was released from prison in Nashville on August 7, 2019.
Long wrote her memoir, “Free Cyntoia: My Search for Redemption in the American Prison System” (Atria Books), while in prison. The memoir documents her early years and the 15 years she was incarcerated. Currently, Long works with service providers, judicial bodies and correctional agencies to provide training, auditing and coaching designed to develop a dignified and empowering approach to corrections, programming and case management through her firm JFAM Consulting, LLC. Alongside her husband, Jaime, Long co-founded the JFAM Foundation to better serve and advocate for individuals who have been affected by human trafficking, youth services involvement and incarceration.
Long was awarded the 2022 Leadership Prize from the Juvenile Law Center for her work in advocating for justice-involved youth. In January of 2020, the Vera Institute of Justice recognized her as one of the Best of Justice Reform honorees. She was also a 2020 Nominee for the NAACP Literary Image Award and has been featured as a guest columnist for The Washington Post.
Long has also spoken at Georgetown Law School, Broward County Children’s Services, the Ohio Attorney General Office’s Human Trafficking Summit and for the State of Louisiana’s Anti-Trafficking Initiative hosted by Louisiana governor John Bel Edwards and the state’s first lady Donna Edwards.
Dillard University is a historically Black institution that cultivates leaders who live ethically, think and communicate precisely, and act courageously to make the world a better place. Located in New Orleans, Dillard is a private faith-based liberal arts university that offers 22 majors and two certificate programs. Ranked 5th on 2021 The New York Times Overall Mobility Index and 14th in 2022 by Academic Influence for Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship, Dillard’s call to future leaders is to Write Your Legacy. Find out more about Louisiana’s oldest HBCU by visiting www.dillard.edu.


Quad Sport LT230S Shift Linkage Repair Kit
This kit is designed to replace the factory ball and socket shifter linkage.
Durable radial eyelets
6061 aluminum machined linkage rod
Stainless steel bolts
Inexpensive replacement parts
Free shipping to anywhere in the USA
Shown here is the kit installed on a factory Suzuki Quad Sport foot shifter, and engine shift arm. Kit includes all necessary bolt and nuts for installation.
Phone:1-270-527-8921, shop hours are Mon-Fri 9-5 CST.
3483 US HWY 68 West
Benton, Ky 42025


2011 Liebherr 90TM
EUR 361 100 (Ex Vat)
7900 hours crane operation
33,000 km driving
12.90 m length
2.75 m width
12.8 liter engine
385 / 95R25 tires
8x8 chassis with operation and steering on all wheels
Hydraulic / automatic level adjustment of chassis
Extra 5th axle for driving with boom facing backwards and driving on BK8 road with disp.
Webasto in cab and in the crane house.
Air conditioning in cab and crane house
Quick-conection on boom and outriggers
50 meter boom
10 meter jibb
1.5 meter mounting jib
5 ton winch with 2 throwing blocks
21 tonnes counterweights including the basic package of 6.7 tonnes.
About 20 degrees tilt on the crane housing
Approved until 09.2020
Delivery after July 1
This ad may contain incorrect information


British soldiers loading and fitting electrical leads to a battery of Livens projectors
|Place of origin||United Kingdom|
|Used by|| United Kingdom British Empire|
|Wars||World War I|
|Designer||Captain William Howard Livens, Royal Engineers|
|Number built||140,000 projectors|
|Calibre||8 inches (200 mm)|
|Maximum range||1,640 yd (1,500 m)|
|Filling||phosgene, flammable oil|
|Filling weight||30 lb (14 kg)|
- For the large flamethrower see Livens Large Gallery Flame Projectors
The Livens Projector was a simple mortar-like weapon that could throw large drums filled with flammable or toxic chemicals. In the First World War, the Livens Projector became the standard means of delivering gas attacks and it remained in the arsenal of the British Army until the early years of the Second World War.
It was created by the British army officer Captain William H. Livens of the Royal Engineers. Later, in World War II he worked on petroleum warfare weapons such as the flame fougasse and various other flame throwing weapons. A large calibre flame thrower, designed to engulf German trenches in burning oil, was deployed at the Somme in 1916. (One of these weapons was partially excavated recently by a British TV programme, having been buried as the tunnel in which it was being built took a direct hit from a German shell.) Prior to the invention of the Livens Projector, chemical weapons had been delivered either by "cloud attacks" or chemical-filled shells fired from howitzers. Cloud attacks were made by burying gas-filled cylinder tanks just beyond the parapet of the attacker's trenches and then opening valves on the tanks when the wind was right. This allowed a useful amount of gas to be released but there was danger that the wind would change and the gas would drift back over the attacking troops. Chemical shells were much easier to direct at the enemy but could not deliver nearly as much gas as a cylinder tank.
Livens was in command of Z company, the unit charged with developing and using flame and chemical weapons. Flame throwers and various means of dispensing chemicals had proven frustratingly limited in effect. One day, during an attack on the Somme, Z company encountered a party of Germans who were well dug in. Grenades did not succeed in shifting them, so Livens improvised a sort of giant Molotov cocktail using two 5 gallon oil drums. When these were thrown into the German positions they were so effective that Livens's comrade Harry Strange wondered whether it would be better to use containers to carry the flame to the enemy rather than relying on a complex flame thrower.
Reflecting on the incident, Livens and Strange considered how a really large shell filled with fuel might be thrown by a mortar. Livens went on to develop a large, simple mortar that could throw a three gallon drum of oil which would burst when it landed, spreading burning oil over the target. Livens came to the attention of General Hubert Gough who was impressed by his ideas and "wangled" everything that Livens needed for his large projector.
On 25 July 1916 at Ovillers-la-Boisselle during the Battle of the Somme, Z Company used 80 projectors when the Australians were due to attack Pozières. The early versions had a short range and it was necessary to place the projectors 200 yards out in no-man's-land. The resulting barrage was highly successful in neutralising the German machine-gun posts.
Z Company rapidly developed the Livens Projector, increasing its range to 350 yards and eventually an electrically triggered version with a range of 1,300 yards. This version was successfully used at Messines Ridge in June 1917.
The Livens Projector was then modified to fire canisters of poison gas rather than oil. This system was tested in secret, at Thiepval in September 1916 and Beaumont-Hamel in November. The Livens Projector was able to deliver a high concentration of gas a considerable distance. Each canister delivered as much gas as several chemical warfare artillery shells. Without the need to reload a barrage could be launched quickly, catching the enemy by surprise. Although each projector could be fired just once during an attack, the weapon was sufficiently inexpensive to be deployed in hundreds or even thousands.
The Livens Projector was also used to fire other substances. At one time or another the drums contained high explosive, oil and cotton-waste pellets, thermite, white phosphorus and "stinks". Used as giant stink bombs to trick the enemy, "stinks" were malodorous but harmless substances such as bone oil and amyl acetate used to simulate a poison gas attack, thereby compelling the enemy to put on their cumbersome masks (which reduced the efficiency of German troops) on occasions when gas could not be safely employed. Alternatively, "stinks" could be used to artificially prolong the scale, discomfort and duration of genuine gas-attacks i.e. alternating projectiles containing "stinks" with phosgene, adamsite or chloropicrin. There was even a design for ammunition containing a dozen Mills bombs in the manner of a cluster bomb.
The Livens Projector was designed to combine the advantages of gas cylinders and shells by firing a cylinder tank at the enemy. It consisted of a simple metal pipe that was set in a ground at a 45-degree angle.
Specifications varied during the war. The early field improvisations in July 1916 near La Boselle based the barrel on 12-inch-diameter (300 mm) oil drums, the projectile was an oil can. The production model was decided on in December 1916 after further successful field trials on the Somme. It was based on spare 8-inch-diameter (200 mm) oxy-acetylene welded tubing.
The 8-inch barrel became standard and was first used in numbers when 2,000 fired a salvo in the Battle of Vimy Ridge in April 1917. Barrels were supplied in three lengths depending on required range: 2 ft 9 in (0.84 m) for short range, 3 ft (0.91 m) for medium range, 4 ft 3 in (1.30 m) for maximum range. A drum 7.6 in (190 mm) in diameter and 20 in (510 mm) long containing 30 lb (14 kg) of gas was shot out by an electrically initiated charge, giving it a range of about 1,500 m (1,600 yd). On impact with the target, a burster charge would disperse the chemical filling over the area. It was also used to project flammable oil, as with 1,500 drums fired before the Battle of Messines in June 1917. Oil was also tried on 20 September 1917 during the Battle of Menin Road with 290 projectors used in support of an attempt to capture Eagle Trench east of Langemarck. This included concrete bunkers and machine gun nests but the drums did not land in the trenches and failed to suppress the German defenders there.
As a rule, the projectors were sited out in the open some little way behind the front line so that digging, aiming (either by direct line of sight or by compass) and wiring up the electrical leads were easier. When camouflaged the positions would be unknown to the enemy so that although the enemy was able to recognise the direction of the location by the discharge flash he would be uncertain of the range. As such these installations could only be carried out at night. The digging of the narrow trenches did not involve much labour and later in the war the projectors were only buried to a depth of about a foot, instead of up to their muzzles. The projector was somewhat unreliable. In order to safeguard friendly forces from 'shorts' an area immediately ahead of the projector battery was cleared of troops before firing. This area allowed for the possibility of drums reaching only 60% of the estimated range and veering 20 degrees from the central line of fire by the wind or from some other cause. The projectors were also inaccurate:
- "It was distinctly laid down as a principle that, owing to the inaccuracy of the weapon, the most suitable targets were areas which were either strongly held or which contained underground shelters in which the occupants were safe against artillery fire."
A British training manual of 1940 described it as:
- "a simple weapon which does not aspire to great accuracy. Its range is limited to about 1,800 yards; the noise of firing is very loud, and at night is accompanied by a vivid flash.
- Projectors are the principal armament of C.W. companies, RE."
The projector's unreliability and inaccuracy were more than made up for by the weapon's principal advantages: it was a cheap, simple and extremely effective method of delivering chemical weapons. Typically, hundreds, or even thousands, of Livens projectors would be fired in unison during an attack in order to saturate the enemy lines with poison gas.
|“||This weapon was one which, if the installation had been carried out carefully and camouflaged, was capable not only of flooding the enemy's trenches unexpectedly with a deadly gas a few seconds after notice of its approach had been given by the flash of the discharge but of establishing such a high concentration of poisonous vapour—especially in the neighbourhood where each drum fell—that no respirator could be expected to give adequate protection to its wearer. [...] This 'mass effect' had, of course, not been achieved to any marked extent during the Somme battle, when only a dozen or two makeshift drums were discharged at a time; but now that we were proposing to fire several thousand of them simultaneously in a single operation, the effect might well be expected to be—and in fact was—profound. In a captured German document, dated 27/12/17, an English gas projector bombardment was described as follows: 'The discharge in sight and sound resembles a violent explosion; volcanic sheets of flame or the simultaneous occurrence of many gun flashes, thick noise of impact up to 25 seconds after the flash of discharge. The mines, contrary to the manner of discharge, do not all burst exactly simultaneously: the noise resembles that of an exploding dump of hand-grenades. Fragmentation is very slight.'||”|
- Several barrels with bases are displayed at Sanctuary Wood Museum Hill 62 Zillebeke, Belgium
- Memorial Museum Passchendaele in Zonnebeke
- Several barrels in the ground at the Yorkshire Trench & Dug-out in Ypres
- In Flanders Fields Museum in Ypres
There are a number of surviving examples in private collections and other museums.
- Jones (2007) page 43
- National Archive, T 173/330 - Royal Commission on awards to inventors - Livens
- Ministry of Munitions History 1922, page 100
- "The military policy laid down in May, 1917... It [C.G. i.e. phosgene] was the only lethal substance allocated to projector drums". Ministry of Munitions 1922, Volume XI, Part II Chemical Warfare Supplies. page 8
- Jones (2007) page 42 Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; name "Jones2007Page42" defined multiple times with different content
- "1916 - Other Corps activities". Corps History - Part 14. Royal Engineers Museum. http://www.remuseum.org.uk/corpshistory/rem_corps_part14.htm#1916%20-%20Other%20Corps%20activities. Retrieved 2009-02-03.
- The Use Of Gas In The Field, 1940
- Palazzo, 2002, p103.
- LeFebure, 1926, p60
- Banks, 1946, p33
- Croddy, 2001, p138.
- Awards to Inventors, 1922, p20
- Awards to Inventors, 1922, p30
- "Major William Howard Livens (1889 - 1964)". Notable Individuals Of The Great War: # 2. I - L.. The Western Front Association. Archived from the original on 2007-10-21. http://web.archive.org/web/20071021051330/http://westernfrontassociation.com/thegreatwar/articles/individuals/notableindividualsitl.htm. Retrieved 2008-03-04.
- Awards to Inventors, 1922, p51–62
- Foulkes 1934, p. 169.
- Rawson 2006, p. 272.
- LeFebure (1926) p. 48–63
- Ministry of Munitions History 1922, page 98–99
- Ministry of Munitions History 1922, page 99–100
- United States Dept. of War, 1942[page needed]
- Jones 2007, page 44
- Farndale 1986, page 207
- British Official History (Military Operations France & Belgium 1917), page 270
- Foulkes 1934, p. 202.
- Foulkes 1934, p. 203.
- Foulkes 1934, pp. 199–200.
- 03. Lance-mines alliés (allied mine-throwers) - Page 4 - Canons de la Grande Guerre / WW1 guns" Bernard Plumier: webpage (in French)
- Banks, Sir Donald (1946). Flame Over Britain. Sampson Low, Marston and Co.
- Croddy, Eric (2001). Chemical and Biological Warfare: A Comprehensive Survey for the Concerned Citizen. Springer-Verlag New York. ISBN 978-0-387-95076-1.
- Foulkes, Charles Howard (2001) [First published Blackwood & Sons, 1934]. "Gas!" The Story of the Special Brigade. The Naval & Military Press. ISBN 1-84342-088-0.
- Rawson, Andrew (2006). British Army Handbook 1914–1918. Sutton Publishing. ISBN 0-7509-3745-9.
- Jones, Simon (2007). World War I Gas Warfare Tactics and Equipment. Osprey Publishing. ISBN 978-1-84603-151-9.
- LeFebure, Victor (1923). "The Riddle of the Rhine; chemical strategy in peace and war". Project Gutenberg. The Chemical Foundation, Inc. http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/1272.
- General Sir Martin Farndale, History of the Royal Regiment of Artillery. Western Front 1914–18. London: Royal Artillery Institution, 1986
- Palazzo, Albert. Seeking Victory on the Western Front: The British Army and Chemical Warfare in World War I. University of Nebraska Press, 2002 ISBN 0-8032-8774-7.
- United States Department of War (1942). Livens Projector M1 TM 3-325
- The Use Of Gas In The Field. Operations: Military Training Pamphlet No. 23. Part V. War Office. January 1940.
- Minutes of Proceedings before the Royal Commission on Awards to Inventors. National Archives T 173/702. Treasury. 29 May 1922.
- "History of the Ministry of Munitions", 1922. Volume XI, Part I Trench Warfare Supplies. Facsimile reprint by Imperial War Museum and Naval & Military Press, 2008 ISBN 1-84734-885-8
- Richter, Donald (1992). Chemical Soldiers - British Gas Warfare in World War I. University Press of Kansas. ISBN 0-7006-1113-4.
|Wikimedia Commons has media related to Livens Projector.|
- Worldscapes : Chemical & Biological Warfare
- Royal Engineers Museum, First World War - Livens Projector
- "News Briefs (Livens projector shown)". British Pathe. 1942. http://www.britishpathe.com/search/query/2366.17/search-field/film_id. Retrieved 16 March 1942.
- "Firing Livens Projectors". flickr. http://www.flickr.com/photos/45841855@N02/7350013624/in/photostream/. Retrieved 15 May 2013.
- "Loading Drums into Livens Projectors". flickr. http://www.flickr.com/photos/45841855@N02/7164798599/in/photostream/. Retrieved 15 May 2013.
- "Loading Charges into Livens Projectors". flickr. http://www.flickr.com/photos/45841855@N02/7164788265/in/photostream/. Retrieved 15 May 2013.
- "Captured British Livens Projectors". flickr. http://www.flickr.com/photos/45841855@N02/7251475488/in/photostream/. Retrieved 15 May 2013.
|This page uses Creative Commons Licensed content from Wikipedia (view authors).|


Thursday 16 May 2019
I was delighted hear Sabir Zazai the Chief Executive of the Scottish Refugee Council is being awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Glasgow. However, I am utterly appalled that the Home Office are refusing to grant Mr Zazai’s father a visa in order for him to attend the ceremony.
I raised this issue during First Minister’s Question Time today asking for Scottish Government support to condemn the actions of the Home Office and demand they grant Mr Zazai’s father the visa to travel to Scotland.
You can access the full exchange here: http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/report.aspx?r=12102
Scottish Afghan Society
My good friend Mohammad Asif, Chair of the Scottish Afghan Society and his colleagues took time out from their role in hosting the Afghanistan National Cricket Team here in Scotland to pop into the Parliament and present me with these beautiful flowers.
The team were due to meet the First Minister as well as myself. However due to unforeseen circumstances this had to be cancelled. Mr Asif kindly offered flowers to both the First Minister and myself – a very thoughtful gesture.
Advanced training for frontline workers to recognise and respond to the signs and impacts of trauma in childhood will be rolled out in three pilot areas including Glasgow.
The National Trauma Training Programme gives frontline workers – such as police officers, teachers and health visitors – a better understanding of the needs of children and adults who have been affected by traumatic experiences. Already 3,000 frontline workers have been trained and at least 5,000 will have been trained by March 2021.
It was a pleasure to take part in Hyndland Secondary School’s Interdisciplinary Week on Monday.
Pupils in S1-3 will this week take time out of their normal timetable to participate in a variety of activities themed around the school’s Rights Respecting Schools Charter and the UN Global Goals.
One of the activities ‘Making Tiny Changes’ focussed on charity work and campaigning for social justice. This is where my colleague Johann Lamont MSP and I were grilled by the pupils about how politicians bring about change and how we work to support constituents who are experiencing difficulties.
We had a very lively debate on a variety of issues ranging from climate change to drug abuse.
I was extremely impressed with the engagement from the pupils and their knowledge and passion on certain issues.
A new group will examine how body image impacts on young people’s mental wellbeing.
The Scottish Government’s Advisory Group on Healthy Body Image, which will include members from youth, third sector and equalities groups, will identify steps to improve support for young people and advice for relevant professionals.
The announcement comes during Mental Health Awareness Week from 13 May to 19 May, organised by the Mental Health Foundation (MHF), and this year focuses on the theme of body image.
You can find out more about the Mental Health Foundation here: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/mental-health-awareness-week/event-map And to access the Scottish Government’s Mental Health Strategy go to https://www.gov.scot/publications/mental-health-strategy-2017-2027/ and more information on the review into adolescent girls mental health can be accessed here: https://www.gov.scot/publications/exploring-reported-worsening-mental-wellbeing-adolescent-girls-scotland/
A new garden centre has opened in the West End on a spare corner of what is now the home of West of Scotland Cricket Club and I took the opportunity to stop by for a browse.
Historically this site has huge significance both locally and nationally – it was this very patch that was the setting for the first international football match, which was played between Scotland and England.
The driving force behind the West End Garden Centre venture is Martin McCarron who has been successfully running a pitch selling Christmas trees for a number of years.
The local community and the club will both benefit from this venture. Martin is breathing life back into this area and I wish him every success.
New guidance to make it easier to plan the cost of funerals, burials and cremations has been published.
The aim of the guidance is to make clear and consistent information on costs available so that more informed decisions can be made by those planning funerals.
A key recommendation is for funeral directors to make information about pricing more available online than it currently is.
Guidance for councils on the charges they set for funerals and for tackling funeral poverty is also included.
The Scottish Government will replace the UK Government’s Funeral Payment with the new Funeral Support Payment this summer. This will reach more people, be simpler to access and speed up payment times.
It is designed to help those on low incomes with the costs of a funeral, and is backed by around £6 million of investment every year.
You can find out more information: https://www.gov.scot/publications/guidance-funeral-costs/
The consultation for the proposed Protection of Livestock (Scotland) Bill brought forward by my colleague Emma Harper MSP closed this week.
As I have said before this Bill is not just the concern of those living in the countryside or farmers but for those of us who take time out from the city to visit rural areas.
In Scotland we all have a right to enjoy and access the countryside so long as it is done responsibly.
However, over recent years, there has been a sharp rise in the number of dogs attacking livestock, and the Members Bill proposal would benefit Scotland’s agricultural community, as well as to improve animal welfare.


Every Friday, Spotify compiles an entire list of 50 new tracks that was released in that week. 50 tracks can be a lot to take in, so we break down the good, the bad and the unexpected from this playlist!
Obviously the talk of the town this week was Ed Sheeran. After a yearlong hiatus, Ed is back with a brand new album reportedly titled Divide. He sure loves his math, doesn’t he? He has been teasing us with audio-less snippets on social media since the New Year and has released 2 of the songs, Shape Of You and Castle On The Hill last Friday!
Another name that we have been hearing a lot recently is Dua Lipa. She has been on tour with Troye Sivan and even debuted her collaboration with Martin Garrix in Myanmar on NYE. This week’s playlist features Thinking ‘Bout You, which is slightly different from her usual sound. This song features a toned down backing track creating a focus on her voice. She is definitely the one to watch this year!
Scrolling through the list, I was hit with a wave of nostalgia. It has been awhile since Austin Mahone has made the headlines. Remember the days of What About Love or Say You’re Just A Friend? Lady (featuring Pitbull), from his new mix tape For Me + You, features a much more mature sound.
A band that caught my eye (or ears) was Great Good Fine Ok with their song Holding You. Upon hearing the song, the catchy tune immediately drew me in so I had to see what song this was. Definitely need to check them out!
Which is your favourite song from the list? Till next week!
Photo credits: MTV UK, Killer Fashion, Nickelodean, Hear This Daily.


text:
The story of Crysis 2 is one of pain and anguish – as long as we’re talking about its launch, and PC gamers. While many believed that the game should have become a true successor to the title that became its own meme (“Can it run Crysis“), what we saw instead was a game that was heavily influenced by consoles, in way of graphics and otherwise.
Hoping to appease the situation, Crytek released a trio of patches a couple of months later that both added DirectX 11 support, along with high-resolution textures. At the time, Crytek’s CEO Cevat Yerli called it a “gift” to PC gamers, insinuating that the launch of the game sans DirectX 11 support was no big deal. Did the patch make up for things in the end?
Judging by why I’ve read in our forums and around the Web, not so much. Certain things looked a lot better, and improved lighting techniques helped make some scenes look far more realistic, but the performance hit from enabling it was a bit much, and some people backed out of DX11 support as a result..
As our friends at The Tech Report have discovered, though, the DirectX 11 patch tends to raise the tessellation effect to overkill levels, when there’s simply no justification for it. In one example, a simple concrete road barrier is the most tessellated object in the entire scene, despite being one of the most simple. While there are some improvements seen with the object, “minimal improvement” isn’t a powerful enough phrase to describe it.
With the DX11 patch, Crysis 2 can tessellate water as well, which in this game happens to be a large body of water more often than not. As Scott found in his look, when the water takes up most of the scene, the water is tessellated as you’d expect. However, if you are in a level where a tessellated ocean exists, it still renders underneath the level. That means that even if you are inside of the city and the only thing around you are buildings and rubble, the ocean will continue to be rendered under the level, impacting GPU performance.
Is this the work of lazy developers? It could be. But what’s suggested in the article is that NVIDIA could have had a part in this, as its GPUs excel where tessellation is concerned. We’ve run into this controversy before where Unigine’s default tessellation scale was set to unrealistic levels, resulting in NVIDIA’s cards outperforming AMD’s. That issue has since been fixed, with user-controlled tessellation levels.
In Crysis 2 however, tessellation doesn’t seem to make a huge detail difference for most things, and in fact it seems it’s the simplest things that are affected. Could NVIDIA have possibly asked Crytek to use whatever tricks it could to get tessellation numbers high, and for that reason we see a simple concrete block that looks to have a couple of hundred thousand polygons?
We might not ever know, but what is is clear, is that’s unfortunate Crytek released such an unoptimized patch, and then had the nerve to consider it a “gift”. With this move, I feel like Crytek is bound to lose the respect of PC gamers all over, if it hasn’t already.

domain: game