text:
Stetter March 22, 2011
Apparatus and method for microfabricated multi-dimensional sensors and sensing systems
A universal microelectromechanical MEMS nano-sensor platform having a substrate and conductive layer deposited in a pattern on the surface to make several devices at the same time, a patterned insulation layer, wherein the insulation layer is configured to expose one or more portions of the conductive layer, and one or more functionalization layers deposited on the exposed portions of the conductive layer. The functionalization layers are adapted to provide one or more transducer sensor classes selected from the group consisting of: radiant, electrochemical, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, and thermal sensors for chemical and physical variables.
Inventors: Stetter; Joseph R. (Hayward, CA)
Assignee: KWJ Engineering, Inc. (Newark, CA)
Filed: July 17, 2007
60807536 Jul., 2006
Current U.S. Class: 257/415
Current International Class: H01L 29/82 (20060101)
Field of Search: 257/415-419,E29.105
6602791 August 2003 Ouellet et al.
6746891 June 2004 Cunningham et al.
2007/0132043 June 2007 Bradley et al.
2007/0145966 June 2007 Shekhawat et al.
2008/0233744 September 2008 Kaul et al.
2009/0219104 September 2009 Van Beek et al.
Primary Examiner: Nguyen; Cuong Q
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Dinsmore & Shohl LLP
This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/807,536 filed Jul. 17, 2006, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
1. A universal microelectromechanical nano-sensor platform comprising; a substrate including a surface with a first insulating surface layer, wherein the first insulating surface layer is an integral part of the substrate or disposed on the surface of the substrate; a microstructure first conductive layer deposited in one or more patterns on the surface to make more than one device or electrode; a second insulation layer, wherein the second insulation layer is configured such that it covers at least some portion of the first conductive layer's one or more patterns and; a second conductive layer deposited in one or more patterns on the second insulation layer to form devices or electrodes, wherein the devices can be utilized for sensing, and one or more functionalization layers deposited on at least some portion of the one or more patterns of the second conductive layer, wherein the functionalization layers are adapted to provide one or more transducer sensor classes selected from the group consisting of: radiant, electrochemical, electronic; mechanical, magnetic and/or thermal devices.
2. The nano-sensor platform of claim 1, wherein the substrate is a silicon wafer and wherein the first insulating layer comprises a layer of SiO2 on the substrate.
3. The nano-sensor platform of claim 1, wherein the second conductive layer is positioned on top of the second insulation layer and over the first conductive layer so as to form one or more devices from the coupling of the layers of the structure in a measuring circuit.
4. The nano-sensor platform of claim 1, wherein the first and second conductive layers comprise conductive materials, wherein conductive materials include polysilicon, metals and alloys, and wherein the metals comprise Pt, Pd, Al, Au, Ti, Mo and further wherein the alloys include TiW and PdNi.
5. The nano-sensor platform of claim 1, wherein the devices in the first and/or the second conductive layers include electrodes, heaters and/or temperature sensors.
6. The nano-sensor platform of claim 1, wherein the second insulation layer is chosen from dielectric materials including SiO2, Si3N4, silicon oxinitride, Al2O3, polymer(s) or other suitable insulator.
7. The nano-sensor platform of claim 1, wherein the second conductive layer is patterned in multiple lock and key electrode configurations and/or a configuration with multiple electrode dimensions and multiple gap configurations.
8. The nano-sensor platform of claim 1, wherein the second conductive layer is patterned over the first conductive layer to form a capacitive couple, wherein the second conductive layer and the first conductive layer are separated by an insulation layer.
9. The nano-sensor platform of claim 8, wherein the second conductive layer pattern electrode is functionalized with a layer that can form a device such as a transistor or diode device.
10. The nano-sensor platform of claim 1, wherein the one or more functionalization layers comprise polymers, polymer composites, nanostructures, or other gas sensing materials like In.sub.2O.sub.2 or flame spray pyrolysis coatings of nanostructures for ozone sensing.
11. The nano-sensor platform of claim 1, wherein the second conductive layer comprises leads to one or more bonding pads and wherein such leads are covered with an encapsulation layer.
12. The nano-sensor platform of claim 1, wherein the one or more functionalization layers comprise Pt, Pd, Pd/Ni, PdAg, or other suitable layer for hydrogen sensors.
13. The nano-sensor platform of claim 1, wherein the one or more functionalization layers comprise a thermoelectric material comprising catalytic and noncatalytic portions for gas sensing.
14. The nano-sensor platform of claim 1, wherein the substrate is configured to thermally isolate the devices to allow temperature controlled operation at low power.
15. The nano-sensor platform of claim 11, wherein the encapsulation layer comprises Teflon, silicone, polyethylene, or polypropylene.
16. A chip sensor, comprising: 2 or more of the nano-sensor platforms of claim 1, wherein the one or more functionalization layers are identical.
17. A chip sensor, comprising: 2 or more of the nano-sensor platforms of claim 1, wherein the one or more functionalization layers are different.
18. A universal microelectromechanical nano-sensor platform comprising; a substrate including an upper surface, wherein the upper surface comprises an insulator or has an insulator layer thereon; a microstructure conductive layer deposited in a pattern on the surface to make several devices, wherein the conductive layer comprises one or more filaments, and wherein the filaments are disposed above and parallel to the substrate configured such that there is an air gap between the filaments and the upper surface of the substrate; and wherein filaments comprise a size/width less than 10 microns and a thickness of 1 micron or less.
19. The nano-sensor platform of claim 18, further comprising an insulation layer, wherein the insulation layer is configured such that the filaments remain exposed and are not covered by the insulation layer, but rather the insulation layer covers one or more conductive leads up to the filaments.
20. The nano-sensor platform of claim 18, wherein one or more functionalization layers are deposited on the exposed filament(s), wherein the one or more functionalization layers are adapted to provide one or more transducer platform classes selected from the group consisting of: radiant, electrochemical, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, and thermal sensing.
21. The nano-sensor platform of claim 18, wherein the filaments comprise polysilicon, or a conductive material such as Pt, Pd, SiC, or metal oxide.
22. The nano-sensor platform of claim 18, wherein the bridges comprise a material with a temperature coefficient of resistance greater than 0.003 ohms/degree C.
23. The nano-sensor platform of claim 20, wherein the one or more functionalization layers are deposited such as to create a space on and/or between the filaments, and configured such that electrical properties are measured between the filaments.
24. The nano-sensor platform of claim 18, wherein at least one of the filaments is utilized as a heater.
25. The nano-sensor platform of claim 18, wherein the substrate is back etched to improve thermal isolation and allow lower power at high temperature.
26. The nano-sensor platform of claim 18, further comprising one or more temperature sensors and heaters located on an underneath layer.
27. The nano-sensor platform of claim 19, wherein an insulation layer is deposited on exposed filament(s) to increase robustness and/or insulates leads.
28. The nano-sensor platform of claim 27, further comprising a second conductive layer deposited on the insulation layer.
29. The nano-sensor platform of claim 28, wherein the second conductive layer covers the insulation layer and extends up to and/or onto the filaments so as to provide electrodes on the filaments.
30. The nano-sensor platform of claim 29, further comprising an additional functionalization layer applied to the bridge, wherein the additional functionalization layer is applied only up to and touching the electrode that extends up to or onto the bridge.
31. The nano-sensor platform of claim 20, wherein the functionalization layer is a nanostructure material.
32. The nano-sensor platform of claim 18, wherein the filaments are configured such that the devices can operate at elevated temperatures up to 500 C using less than 10 m/W.
33. A universal microelectromechanical nano-sensor platform comprising; a semiconductor substrate including a surface; a microstructure polysilicon layer deposited in a pattern on the surface to make several devices, wherein the polysilicon layer comprises a first pair of filaments, wherein the filaments are disposed above and parallel to the semiconductor substrate with an air gap between the base of the filaments and the surface of the substrate; an insulation layer, wherein the insulation layer is configured such that the first pair of filaments of the polysilicon layer remain exposed and are not covered by the insulation layer; one or more functionalization layers deposited on the exposed pair of filaments of the polysilicon layer, wherein the one or more functionalization layers are adapted to provide one or more transducer platform classes selected from the group consisting of: radiant, electrochemical, electronic; mechanical, and thermal; and wherein the at least one pair of the filaments has a width of less than 10 microns.
34. The nano-sensor platform of claim 33, wherein at least one pair of filaments has a thickness of less than or equal to 1 micron.
35. The nano-sensor platform of claim 33, wherein the air gap has a height of 2-10 microns.
36. The nano-sensor platform of claim 33, wherein the air gap has a length of at least 100 microns.
37. The nano-sensor platform of claim 33, further comprising a temperature sensor and/or a heater under the surface of the substrate.
38. The nano-sensor platform of claim 18, further comprising at least 2 pairs of filaments in the same or different areas of the same chip, wherein the filaments are disposed above and separated from the substrate with an air gap between the filaments and the surface of the substrate.
39. The nano-sensor platform of claim 38, wherein the first filament(s) is configured for upstream thermal conductivity detection and the second filament(s) is configured for downstream thermal conductivity detection.
40. The nano-sensor platform of claim 38, wherein the first pair of filaments has a catalyst deposited thereon, and wherein the second pair of filaments is inert.
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to microfabricated devices and methods for making them, and more specifically, to a unique apparatus and method for making multiple kinds of sensors on a single platform.
Recently there has been renewed interest in sustaining economic growth through utilization of fossil energy resources, such as coal, in an efficient and environmentally responsible manner. Advanced technology for power plant and gasifiers are important for the clean production of electric power, hydrogen generation, gasification of methane, production of industrial chemicals, refined fuels with reduced impact on water resources, solid waste disposal and capture of carbon dioxide generated in the use of fossil fuels. To meet the demand of future energy innovation, these industrial gases will be produced by clean processes. Sensors and controls are important ingredients in any modern process plant and the coal utilization plants will not be different. The development of effective sensors is vital, and such important technology must be available when needed so there is an effective process and rapid public acceptance of fossil energy utilization. Sensors will not only enable the clean, efficient, and low-cost process, but will also provide for safety in the workplace, home and environment. There is a need for sensors to be located as close to the process points as possible for control of the processes. In addition, there is a need for sensors at exit gas streams that feed auxiliary processes for clean-up or conditioning. Moreover, safety sensors in the plant, the surrounding environment and public spaces would help accelerate public acceptability and the pace of coal technology utilization. The requirements for the sensor needed typically exceed the capabilities of current sensors. Several major limitations for current process sensors include: potential severe conditions in and near process streams, interferences of the complex process stream components and the desired analytical measurement, slow response times for analytical information and especially the cost of deployment and ownership. Similarly, safety and environmental sensors are typically too costly and lack performance for easy, wide-spread deployment.
One recent innovation in the manufacturing of devices is microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology. MEMS technology is based on a number of tools and methodologies, which are used to form small structures with dimensions in the micrometer scale (one-millionth of a meter). Significant parts of the technology have been adopted from integrated circuit (IC) technology. For example, almost all devices are built on wafers of silicon like IC's. The structures are realized in thin films of materials and patterns using photolithographic methods. There are three basic building blocks in MEMS technology: 1) deposit thin films of material on a substrate, 2) apply a pattern mask on top of the films by photolithographic imaging, and 3) etching the film selectively in the mask. A MEMS process is usually a structured sequence of these operations to form actual devices and patterns can be made by either etching or lift off methods.
One of the most basic building blocks of MEMS processing is the ability to deposit thin films of materials of different properties like insulators, semiconductors, or conductors or special reactivity. The thin films can have a thickness anywhere from a few nanometers to several hundred micrometers. Films can subsequently be locally etched or lifted off to form patterns in the MEMS processes some of which are described below.
MEMS deposition technology can be classified into two groups called 1) depositions that happened because of a chemical reaction, such as chemical vapor deposition (CVD), electro deposition, epitaxy, and thermal oxidation; or 2) depositions that occur because of a physical reaction: such as physical vapor deposition (PVD) or casting. The chemical reaction processes exploit the creation or removal of solid materials directly from the surface by chemical reactions and gas and/or liquid interactions with the substrate material. The solid material is usually not the only product formed by the reaction. By-products can include gases, liquids or even other solids. The physical deposition processes have in common that the material deposited is physically moved onto the substrate. In other words, there is no chemical reaction which forms the material on the substrate.
Lithography in the MEMS context is typically the transfer of a pattern to a photosensitive material by selective exposure to a radiation source such as light. Photosensitive materials are materials that experience a change in physical properties when exposed to a radiation source. If we selectively expose a photosensitive material to radiation (e.g. by masking some of the radiation), the pattern of the radiation on the materials is transferred to the photosensitive material exposed, as the properties of the exposed and unexposed regions differ. The washing of the unreacted materials leaves behind the patterned material in the desired pattern dictated by the mask. Subsequent depositions allow the layer to contact only the desired portions of the surface and subsequent removal of the photosensitive material allows the patterning of the deposited layer.
In order to form a functional MEMS structure on a substrate, it is necessary to etch the thin films previously deposited and/or the substrate itself. In general, there are two classes of etching processes: 1) wet etching where the material is dissolved when immersed in a chemical solution, or 2) dry etching where the material is sputtered or dissolved using reactive ions or a vapor phase etchant.
It is the desire for the development of a unique approach to generate a MEMS sensor platform with wide-spread applicability with advanced analytical capability and significant commercial potential. As such, there is a need for apparatuses and new methods for microfabricating multi-dimensional nano-sensor platforms. Accordingly, improved apparatus and methods for using the same are desired. Since MEMS processing has the largest applicability and advantage for large applications and not all chemical sensors applications are large, MEMS is not typically applied to the development of many kinds of chemical sensors. Therefore to achieve commercial viability for the MEMS processes with many chemical sensors, many sensors must be capable of being built on the same MEMS platform made with common MEMS processes. In addition to the versatility of the individual MEMS structure, multiple structure on the same die will result in both redundancy for higher reliability and long lifetime as well as each area functionalized differently providing orthogonal devices on the same platform. Accordingly these are presented herein.
The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for microfabricating multi-dimensional multi-use versatile sensor platforms. One aspect of the present invention is a universal microelectromechanical nano-sensor platform. The platform comprises a substrate having a surface with a first insulating surface layer; a microstructure first conductive layer deposited in one or more patterns on the surface to make several devices; a second insulation layer, wherein the insulation layer is configured such that it covers at least some portion of the first conductive layer's one or more patterns; a second conductive layer deposited in one or more patterns to form electrodes, wherein the device can be utilized for sensing; and one or more functionalization layers deposited on at least some portion of the second conductive layer, wherein the functionalization layers are adapted to provide one or more transducer sensor classes selected from the group consisting of: radiant, electrochemical, electronic, chemical, magnetic and thermal chemical sensors.
Another aspect of the present invention is a universal microelectromechanical nano-sensor platform. In this embodiment, the nano-sensor platform comprises: a semiconductor substrate including an upper surface, wherein the upper surface comprises an insulator or has an insulator layer thereon; a microstructure conductive layer deposited in a pattern on the surface to make several devices, wherein the conductive layer comprises one ore more filaments, bridges or filament pairs, and wherein the filaments are disposed above and parallel to the substrate configured such that there is an air gap between the filaments and the upper surface of the substrate; wherein the filaments comprise a size/width of less than 10 microns and a thickness of 1 micron or less.
Another aspect of the present invention is a universal microelectromechanical nano-sensor platform. The nano-sensor platform comprises: a semiconductor substrate including a surface; a microstructure polysilicon layer deposited in a pattern on the surface to make several devices, wherein the polysilicon layer comprises a first pair of filaments, wherein the filaments are disposed above and parallel to the semiconductor substrate with an air gap between the base of the filaments and the surface of the substrate; an insulation layer, wherein the insulation layer is configured such that the first pair of filaments of the polysilicon layer remain exposed and are not covered by the insulation layer; one or more functionalization layers deposited on the exposed pair of filaments of the polysilicon layer, wherein the one or more functionalization layers are adapted to provide one or more transducer platform classes selected from the group consisting of: radiant, electrochemical, electronic, mechanical and thermal; and wherein at least one pair of the filaments have a width of less than 10 microns.
The apparatus and methods for manufacturing nano-sensor platforms are advantageous for environmental and safety monitoring of gases. It can now be seen that the many different functionalization layers of the same MEMS platform provides for an almost boundless number of sensors and sensor arrays the are homogenous and heterogeneous on the exact same MEMS prepared platform. Not only can many sensors be arrayed on a single surface but the present invention allows diverse and different classes of sensors and related devices like preconcentrators to be prepared on the same substrate with no change to the underlying platform but only a change in the selection of the functionalization layer(s) in the final processing steps. The surprising number of orthogonally reactive sensors on the same platform constitute a new and more powerful sensing capability. In addition to the surprising more effective sensing, the new platform allows designs that are ultra low power for portability and versatility for the underlying platform [e.g., higher production volumes] making MEMS fabrication of chemical sensors practical for real-world application that are small while heretofore only high volume applications were economically possible and commercially viable. There are many additional couplings of this technology to the world of sensing such as thermal isolation techniques to lower power, the use of the ever increasing number of possible materials including plastics, flexible circuit materials for construction, and alternative selective and non-selective functionalization layers for use in liquids and gases. These and additional advantages will be apparent in view of the detailed description.
While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the invention, it is believed the same will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional illustration of an exemplary microelectromechanical sensor platform according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a top view of exemplary patterns of an exemplary microelectromechanical sensor platform according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a top view of exemplary patterns of an exemplary microelectromechanical sensor platform according to a third embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is an exemplary sensor response chart according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is an exemplary sensor response chart according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is an exemplary sensor response chart according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is an exemplary sensor response chart according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional illustration of an exemplary microelectromechanical sensor platform according to a eighth embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional illustration of an exemplary microelectromechanical sensor platform according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional illustration of an exemplary microelectromechanical sensor platform according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional illustration of an exemplary microelectromechanical sensor platform according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative in nature, and not intended to be limiting of the invention defined by the claims. Moreover, the individual features of the drawings and the invention will be more fully apparent and understood in view of the detailed description.
Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals indicate similar elements throughout the views.
One embodiment of the present invention is the development of microfabricated sensors that can detect critical gases. Putting this technology into a low-cost MEMS package can add to the unique character of the resulting sensors. These MEMS sensors will be unique because of the combination of high-technological performance, tiny size, low power and low cost.
One aspect of the present invention is a universal microelectromechanical nano-sensor platform. The platform comprises a substrate having a surface with a first insulating surface layer; a microstructure first conductive layer deposited in one or more patterns on the surface to make several devices; a second insulation layer, wherein the insulation layer is configured such that it covers at least some portion of the first conductive layer's one or more patterns; a second conductive layer deposited in one or more patterns to form electrodes, wherein the device can be utilized for sensing; and one or more functionalization layers deposited on at least some portion of the second conductive layer, wherein the functionalization layers are adapted to provide one or more transducer sensor classes selected from the group consisting of: radiant, electrochemical, electronic, chemical, magnetic and thermal chemical sensors.
The sensing films (functionalization layers) can comprise electrolytes and then this sensor can function as an electrochemical sensor for CO, H2S, NOx, EtOH, or any suitable electroactive molecule. In an alternative embodiment, the sensing films (functionalization layers) can be polymers, selective adsorbents, composites, or other sensing materials such that the electronic sensor functions as a chemiresistor, chemicapacitor or an active device like a chemically sensitive transistor as the electronic properties of the functionalization layers are monitored as the target molecule interacts with the sensing film and the electrodes record this interaction.
In one exemplary embodiment, the functionalization layers comprise metal oxide [MOX] materials like SnO2, ZnO2, WO3, and these inorganic coatings will make electronic sensors like chemiresistors to atmospheric gases of all kinds including CO, H2S, NOx, hydrocarbons, H2, or the like. The MOX materials often can be operated at selected temperatures [0-600 C] in order to adjust reactivity and the above structure allow this controlled operation with heaters and temperature sensors below the functionalization layers.
In another exemplary embodiment, the underlying heater and temperature sensors can be used to control the temperature of operation making the sensor functionalization layers more or less reactive to specific target analytes. In yet another embodiment, the thermal isolation of the active area [heater, temperature sensor, electrodes, functionalization layers] can allow low power operation and fast response and good T control for accurate sensing using temperature dependence of signals. In one exemplary embodiment, filaments or bridges are designed to pass current and be heated but very tiny structure to reach high temperatures and low power requirements. Also, the filament are capable of being heaters themselves as well as electrodes and can provide surface to make sensors that rely on constant of variable temperature control for operation and generation of useful sensing signals.
The Steinhart-Hart equation is a widely used third-order approximation for temperature dependence of resistance:
.times..times..times..times..function..times..times. ##EQU00001## where a, b and c are called the Steinhart-Hart parameters, and must be specified for each device. T is the temperature in Kelvin's and R is the resistance in ohms. To give resistance as a function of temperature, the above can be rearranged into:
e.beta..alpha..beta..alpha..alpha..beta..times..times..alpha. ##EQU00002##
The error in the Steinhart-Hart equation is generally less than 0.02.degree. C. in the measurement of temperature. As an example, typical values for a thermistor with a resistance of 3000 ohms at room temperature (25.degree. C.=298.15 K) are: a=1.40.times.10.sup.-3 b=2.37.times.10.sup.-4 c=9.90.times.10.sup.-8
More frequently for metals or alloys a first order equation approximated the coefficient of resistance where (R-R.sub.0)=k*(T-T.sub.ref) that is delta R=K delta T where K is the coefficient of resistance and can be positive or negative. For metals like Pt is can be 0.003 ohms per degree and for metal oxides can be much larger. It can be an advantage to select materials and designs that are very stable and can operate in the desired temperature range and in the desired matrix [air or liquid or other]. The resistor can be coated to give it resistance to corrosion and other robustness.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, encapsulation between active area and bond pads allows for easy placement of the functionalization layers without shorting of leads to the bond pads. The bond pads allow easy connection to the outside world, i.e. easy packaging into chip carriers, DIP (Dual inline package), TO-type header, and other type packages convenient for use to hook into electronic circuits.
One embodiment of the present invention, a sensor platform 100, is illustrated in FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the sensor platform 100 comprises a substrate 110 including a surface with a first insulating surface layer 112; a microstructure of first conductive layer 115 deposited in one or more patterns on the surface to make several devices, wherein the first conductive layer 115 comprises a first pair of filaments 120, wherein the filaments are disposed above and parallel to the semiconductor's substrate 110 with an air gap between the base of the filaments and the surface of the substrate; a second insulation layer 117, wherein the second insulation layer 117 is configured such that the first pair of filaments 120 on the first conductive layer remain exposed and are not covered by the insulation layer; and one or more functionalization layers 125 deposited on the exposed pair of filaments 120 of the polysilicon layer, when the functionalization layers 125 are adapted to provide one or more transducer platform classes selected from the group consisting of: radiant, electrochemical, electronic, mechanical, and thermal sensors.
Another embodiment of the present invention is a method of manufacturing the sensor platforms. In this embodiment, the sensor platforms are fabricated by p-type silicon wafers upon which a sacrificial layer of about two microns of polysilicon is deposited. In one exemplary embodiment, loop bridges can be fabricated on four edges of a square well and/or straight bridges, bridging long, narrow well can be fabricated. The polysilicon can be patterned to form loops or bridges of different sizes, such as 5 or 10 microns wide, and 25, 50, or 100 microns long. The conductive structures can be coated with aluminum to make them conductive and then passivated with a micron thick layer of SiO2 on top. The SiO2 passivation is etched away from the area above the filaments leaving the leads passivated. This etching creates a well above the filaments and allows them to be functionalized independent from the lead and bond pads. FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary structure containing 4 bridges or 16 bridges for a total of 32 leads. FIG. 2a illustrates a photomicrograph of the center of a chip area of straight bridges. FIG. 2b is a close-up photograph of straight bridges for one structure of the four. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, redundant structures allow for easy evaluation, and estimation of yield and process issues. In addition, the cost difference between building one or twenty structures on the substrate in the MEMS world is an insignificant difference. FIGS. 2c and 2d illustrate photomicrographs of loop bridges according to another embodiment of the present invention.
In one exemplary embodiment, active sensing areas are made to contain 4 bridges so that they could be operated in pairs or sequentially for longer lifetime for the device. There are generally multiple areas on each die so that there could be multiple devices on each die.
In an alternative embodiment, the nano-sensor platform can be functionalized with nanostructures such as carbon nanotubes or CNTs and/or composite materials like CNT/polymer mixtures to realize humidity and a large number of chemical and biochemical sensors. The functionalization of this MEMS structure with metal oxides can be used to create a versatile number of chemiresistor or chemicapacitor sensors for gases like ozone, CO, or hydrocarbons. Further, because of the multiplicity so easily achieved in MEMS, many of the same kind or many different sensors can be prepared on the same substrate by applying the required functionalizations to different areas of the MEMS die that is populated with one or more of the versatile sensing platforms. It has been shown that heterogeneous electronic noses (sensors) are more powerful that the homogenous ones, i.e. sensor platforms that can house more than one class of sensors simultaneously are more powerful than those with only a single type of sensor. In one exemplary embodiment, selective coatings for elevated temperature sensors are possible on the filament/bridge sensors, wherein the coatings are capable of operation at high temperatures with and without the conductor electrode over the insulation layers.
Other exemplary embodiments of the present invention include: The bridges configured with and without insulation; the bridges configured with and without functionalization layers; functionalization layers with electrolytes to make electrochemical sensors; functionalization layers with metals such as Pt to make combustible gas sensors; functionalization layers with metal oxides to make chemiresistors and chemicapacitors; functionalization layers with polymers to make chemiresistors and chemicapacitors; and functionalization layers with sorbents to make preconcentrators.
In one exemplary embodiment, the multiple areas on a single substrate are utilized to make arrays of the same of different devices including sensors, preconcentrators, transistors, etc.
In another embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 3, a nano-sensor platform 300 is used to fabricate a combustible gas sensor. Bridge number two 302 is functionalized with tin oxide (SnO.sub.2) layer. The sensor is then operated by passing current over bridges number one 301 and three 303 to heat the area and measuring the resistance of bridge two 302 (centered between one and three). In this exemplary embodiment, the sensor is configured for testing with methane. FIG. 4 illustrates the response of the sensor to 5% methane. As can be noted, the change in resistance is quite large and repeatable on two consecutive tests, but the recovery time is slow.
In a similar embodiment, a second nano-sensor platform was functionalized with platinum by applying high surface area platinum particles (submicrons or nano-particles) to one heater bridge. This bridge was then used as the sensor, while the adjacent bridges were used to heat the device. FIG. 5 illustrates the response of the sensor to 2% and 1% hydrogen at increasing temperatures (applied power). As can be seen by one skilled in the art, this sensor showed a very rapid response and recovery to hydrogen. The power indicated in the graph legend is total power, across three filaments. One filament consumed approximately 100-200 mW. In this experiment, the structures were not optionalized for power consumption or response time, magnitude or selectivity. But rather these experiments demonstrated the feasibility of multi-classes sensors on a platform.
There are many adaptations of these above devices that will allow a variety of sensors and sensing capabilities to be realized. For example the lock and key electrode configuration is particularly suited for chemiresistors and chemicapacitors. The bridges and filaments are convenient for physical sensors like flow and thermal conductivity or thermoelectric sensing films but also can be used as electrodes so that they also are amenable for electronic sensors [chemiresistors and chemicapacitors and active devices like chemically sensitive transistors]. The many different functionalization layers that are compatible with the MEMS structure to create the many device is truly surprising and novel. For example, functionalization with an electrolyte onto conductive filaments [not covered with insulator] or conductive patterns [lock and key] allow the realization of amperometric electrochemical sensors. Amperometric gas sensors [AGS] can be used for many analytes in gas and or liquid phases at room temperature and elevated temperatures [e.g. fluidic phases of matter].
In another experiment, an electrochemical sensor is created on the platform. In order to create an electrochemical sensor, the bridge is functionalized with a platinum deposition using a proprietary form of the composite. The platinum particles of one micron or less in size (nano-particulate platinum) can be deposited by micro-pipetting onto four different regions of the bridge structure. In this case, the bridge element serves as electrodes contacting the thin and discontinuous platinum particle film. A thin film of electrolyte (as the functionalization layer) is placed over the surface of the electrodes providing an electrolyte bridge between the platinum particle functionalized polysilicon electrodes. FIG. 6 illustrates the initial results for this functionalized electrochemical system when the sensor is challenged with samples of different electrochemically active gases. The sensor is optimized for H.sub.2S (sensing electrode bias=0 mW vs. Pt/air), and tested with four different gases--hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and hydrogen. The electrolyte used for these preliminary tests is a thin film of sulfuric acid, and no effort was made to isolate the referenced electrode. As shown in FIG. 6, the hydrogen sulfide response is quite stable and linear with concentration. Whereas the other three gases show responses of much lower magnitude. The carbon monoxide response on a per ppm basis is several thousand times smaller than the H.sub.2S response, providing excellent selectivity for this sensor. The CO response can be reduced even more with the use of a gold catalyst for the working electrode, and the NO.sub.2 response can be minimized with an appropriate sensing electrode bias.
Yet another experiment was conducted to create a conductive polymer sensor on the sensor platforms of the present invention. To test a third sensor class on the same micro-bridge platform, a polymer bridge with nano-particulate carbon and with single walled carbon nano-tubes was coated on the MEMS sensor platform. This sensor will absorb vapor molecules, for example toluene, and exhibited a change in physical properties such as resistance or capacitance. In this experiment, the resistance of the film was monitored when the sensor is exposed to toluene vapors. The change in resistance as measured across five of the eight bridge pairs while the device was exposed to approximately one percent (or 10,000 PPM). The response from these five functionalized layers is shown in FIG. 7. Signals were obtained from three carbon materials: nano-particles, nano-structured carbon, and purchased single wall carbon nano-tubes that are 90% pure. All formulations produced responses as illustrated in FIG. 6.
As can be seen from the experiments above, the polysilicon bridges form the foundation for multiple classes of sensors. In the experiments above, three classes of sensors were demonstrated, thermal (catalytic and thermal conductivity), electronic (heated metal oxide or mox, and polymer or polymer composite chemiresistors), and electrochemical (amperometric sensor for H.sub.2S and other electro-active gases).
The present invention comprises a single platform having an electrode array on a dielectric material compatible with several sensor classes in functionalization layers that enable different sensor classes and types to be built on the same platform. Thus, the same single platform can have multiple functionalization layers and different classes of sensors addressing different target analytes with different specifications. In one exemplary embodiment the devices formed on the platform are configured such that they operate in an elevated temperature at very low power, such as less than ten mW.
One embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 8. In this embodiment, a micro-bridge sensor chip platform is illustrated. FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-section of a bridge platform according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the universal microelectromechanical nano-sensor platform comprises a semiconductor substrate including a surface, such as a silicon wafer 200, a micro-structure polysilicon layer 210 deposited in a pattern on a surface to make several devices wherein the polysilicon layer 210 comprises silicon oxide which is deposited and utilized to create the bridges. The silicon nitride layer 215 is passivated over the silicon oxide 210 on which then a polysilicon layer 220 can further be deposited. The polysilicon layer 220 is conductive, and can be used as resistive heaters and as electrodes. The platform further comprises another layer of silicon nitride 225 over the polysilicon, etched to have an opening to allow an aluminum layer 230 to be an electrical contact with the polysilicon layer 220. In one exemplary embodiment, an encapsulation layer 240 is placed over the aluminum layer 230 to provide environmental and other protections to the layer.
In one exemplary embodiment, the sensor platform comprises one or more electrodes having polysilicon bridges and the electrodes are functionalized and have a width of one micrometer wherein the sensor platform has a power consumption below 50 mW. In another embodiment, the polysilicon bridge is functionalized with a catalyst, wherein the catalysts is configured such that the polysilicon bridge becomes a combustive gas sensor.
Illustrated in FIG. 9 is an exemplary universal MEMS nano-sensor platform according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the sensor contains electrodes on a substrate inert to analyte an electrolyte. In one exemplary embodiment, the substrate contains a heater and a temperature sensor. The universal MEMS nano-sensor platform has a thermal sync configured for optimal/minimum power use at a given temperature. The platform comprises one or more sensing layers which are designed for multiple use, such as electrochemistry, electronic and thermal sensing. One or more functionalization layers are added to the sensing layers, and these functionalization layers add sensitivity, selectivity, and encapsulation from environmental insult. The MEMS chemical platform can detect virtually all the chemical analytes required in coal gasification: methane and hydrogen in thermal sensors, H.sub.2S, carbon monoxide (CO), NO.sub.x, NH.sub.3, Cl.sub.2, electrochemically, and hydrocarbons with electronic sensors.
As illustrated in FIG. 10, the MEMS sensor platform 400 comprises a substrate 410 and one or more heater and temperature sensors 415 below the surface of the substrate 410. In one exemplary embodiment, the heater and temperature sensor are embedded in the substrate 410, whereas in an alternative embodiment, a portion of the substrate on the opposite side of the surface in which a platform will be built is removed, and a heater and sensor is placed on the underside of the substrate 410. One or more sensing layers 420 are deposited on the substrate. In one exemplary embodiment, the sensing layers are deposited in a pattern comprising bridges and loops to create one or more sensing layers. On the sensing layer, one or more functionalization layers 425 are applied on the sensing layer. The functionalization layers 425 may comprise one or more nano-structures which can add sensitivity, selectivity and encapsulation to the sensing layer. An overall encapsulation layer 430 may be applied depending on the type of sensor class being built.
In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the polysilicon layer is deposited in a pattern on the surface of the substrate in a lock and key electrode pattern. This lock and key pattern comprises an array and allow the electrodes to be used for capacitive and resistive measurements as well as a four-point probe. In one exemplary embodiment, the platform can have variable length polysilicon bridges. In this embodiment, the bridges can be used for heating and the sensing layer can be deposited onto an exposed aluminum lead forming a sensing layer.
One embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 11. In this embodiment, the center of the micro-bridge sensor chip platform is illustrated as an edge view. FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-section of the center to the bridge platform. In this embodiment, the universal microelectromechanical nano-sensor platform comprises a semiconductor substrate including a surface, such as a silicon wafer 200, a micro-structure polysilicon layer 210 deposited in a pattern on the surface to make several devices wherein the polysilicon layer 210 comprises silicon oxide which is deposited and utilized to create bridges. In this particular illustrated embodiment, the polysilicon layer 210 is deposited in a pattern to create a 5 micron air gap 211 in the center of the sensing element/device. A silicon nitride layer 215 is passivated over the silicon oxide 210 on which then a second polysilicon layer 220 is further deposited. The polysilicon layer 220 is conductive and can be further used as resistive heaters and as electrodes. The platform further comprises another layer of silicon nitride 225 over the polysilicon layer 220. An aluminum layer 230 is deposited on the silicon nitride 225 in a pattern as a single, double or other desire pattern to form one or more electrodes. In a further embodiment, a functionalization material 232 can be deposited on the aluminum layer, thereby creating a functionalized electrode, wherein the functionalization layers 232 are adapted to provide one or more transducer platform classes selected from the group consisting of: radiant, electrochemical, electronic, mechanical and thermal sensors.
The foregoing description of the various embodiments and principles of the invention has been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many alternative, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. It can be envisioned by one skilled in the art both how to make alternative devices and layers for different functionality and also how to make this structure out of different materials like plastics with different processing tools and capabilities. For example, some principles of the invention may be used in different sensor platform patterns other than bridges. Moreover, although multiple inventive concepts have been presented, such aspects need not utilized in combination, and various combinations of the inventive aspects are possible in light of the various embodiments provided above. We can further provide examples of specific sensors like TCD [thermal conductivity detectors] or ozone or CO or H2S or even antibody detection with the platform described herein. There have been books dedicated to physical, chemical, and biological sensors wherein the functionalization layers are described and these can be interfaced to the MEMS platform described here to provide sensing capability. Accordingly, the above description is intended to embrace all possible alternatives, modifications, combinations and variations that have been discussed or suggested herein, as well as all the others that fall within the principles, spirit and broad scope of the invention as defined by the claims.


Looking to purchase a new home, with some assistance?
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*Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is subject to change without notice. APR is based on a 30 year fixed rate mortgage in the amount of $203,500 for the purchase of a single-family, primary residence with a 3.5% down payment and a 1.75% financed FHA mortgage insurance premium. Closing Costs apply. Subject to credit approval. Homeowners Insurance is required. Flood insurance may apply. Other programs and terms may be available. Other terms and conditions may apply. Rate is available for 1-4 family primary residences. Rhode Island, Southeastern Massachusetts and Eastern Connecticut properties are eligible. Payments do not include taxes, insurance, or monthly mortgage insurance premiums, therefore your payments will be greater (actual payment amount will vary based upon credit history, rates in effect at the time of consummation, LTV, mortgage insurance premiums and other credit factors.). Please contact a BankNewport representative at 401.846.3400 or 800.234.8586 for details.


text:
Bests makuladystrofi, även kallad Älvdalssjukan, är en ärftlig ögonsjukdom som främst drabbar gula fläcken (macula lutea) i ögats näthinna. Sjukdomen leder oftast till gradvis försämring av synen och blindhet. En del personer med sjukdomen får bara lindrig eller ingen påverkan av synen, medan deras barn kan få sjukdomen i en allvarligare variant. Det finns idag inget känt botemedel mot sjukdomen.

Sjukdomen drabbar endast människor med afrikanskt, europeiskt och latinamerikanskt ursprung. I USA har fallen kunnat spåras till emigranter från just Älvdalen. Förekomsten i Sverige är ungefär 60–80 personer per en miljon invånare. Sjukdomen är vanligare i Dalarnas och Västerbotten län än i övriga Sverige.

Bests makuladystrofi har fått sitt namn efter den tyske ögonläkaren Friedrich Best som i en artikel 1905 beskrev en familj med en ärftlig nedbrytning av gula fläcken, som startade hos familjemedlemmarna redan i unga år.

Referenser

Ögonsjukdomar

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Asking the right questions: how to design market research questions that actually get you the information you need. Many new social entrepreneurs think that market research is easy; just pull together a few friends or colleagues, ask them their opinions and ta da!…you have the information you need to build a commercial empire. Not really. Asking a question of a potential customer is actually more of a science than a conversation. This course will help you refine your market research by asking the right questions. You'll understand how to write clear concise questions that restrict bias, avoid ambiguous answers, prevent leading the respondent, clarify assumptions, and get information that you really need to help you make business decisions.


text:
"Experiences are what people want," real estate broker Julie Vanderblue of the Higgins Group told the meeting at the Inn at Longshore. "If it's just another mall, it won't cut it. It needs to be exciting and if done right they will come, especially if walkable." She was responding a question about downtowns, malls and the future of retail asked by the moderator of the session, attorney Eric Bernheim.
Joining Vanderblue at the dais for the two-hour event attended by about 110 business people were Andy Pforzheimer, co-founder of Barteca, owners of Norwalk's Barcelona and Westport's Bartaco, developer David Waldman, and JohnHannigan, co-founder of Choyce Peterson, a commercial real estate brokerage firm.
"It's hard to pull off a project in a dense location, not in a mall, but we don't want to have DOT kill the charm of an area by widening roads," said Pfozheimer who has been expanding his restaurants to other states. But we also can't open a new location without parking variances, so planners need to make changes in their thinking."
The Inn at Longshore ballroom was filled for today's discussion. When asked about the proposed mall at the intersection of I-95 and Route 7 in Norwalk, Waldman said, "We don't need one million more square feet of retail in the area. "As a developer, I believe in competition, but I do fear the results of this on towns like Westport and Darien. Ultimately people want 'lifestyle retail,' and experiences in a walkable community, the Chamber and the Downtown Merchants Association are doing a good job of focusing on that."
Pfozheimer chimed in, "it will be a nightmare," referring to traffic, "it's hard to believe it will help SONO." Yet he also said, "no one shops anymore, they buy online." So he is finding that the malls are now renting to restaurants and medical firms instead to fill their spaces. "Not sure many people want to come out and see an urgent care location right after eating," he quipped.
Hannigan fielded the question related to business overall. "We don't define Fairfield County with RBC, UBS and GE," referring to three major companies who have left or threatening to leave the state. As to GE, "600 of the 800 jobs are staying here, a net loss of only 200," he said.
Vanderblue backed him up. saying "There were some initial buyer confidence issues, but it was not a catastrophe," as more people did not end up moving out.
All pointed to the need for planners and zoning officials to look to the future as things are changing. Their focus was in use of cars, even self-driving cars, Uber, and Zipcar.
"Millennials are interested in being close to downtown and may not need cars," said Vanderblue. People are interested in density and "street scapes and like to find things in the path of things they do," added Pfozheimer.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


The most valuable asset of the university, our students embody the creative and intellectual energy of The New School. With interests that extend across every field of human endeavor, they have an active role in all aspects of campus life.
The University Student Senate is the official student government of The New School. Elected from all schools of the university, the Senate works with the senior leaders, the faculty, and the staff to improve the university in all areas. The officers of the Senate meet at least monthly with the president and other senior leaders to discuss and work on critical issues affecting the quality of the academic and social life of the students. Guided by a constitution adopted in 2007, the University Student Senate welcomes participation from the entire student community.


text:
JN-1171
JN2
Jerusalem News (29 December 2015, 17 Tevet, 5776)
1. Research Links Being Religious with a Happy Life, Â but only for Jews By:Tzvi Ben-Gedalyahu
2. ISIS terrorists reveal: We only fear Israel By Gil Ronen
3. Terrorists know where to plunge the knife, says doctor By Gil Ronen
4. NGO Monitor Report: Christian Aid Organizations Financing Anti-Semitism [and subsidizing Israeli Traitors to the Jewish People] By Jonathan Benedek
5. List of Groups that Fund Activities Against Israel and Subsidize Israeli Traitors against the Jewish People.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1. Research Links Being Religious with a Happy Life, Â but only for Jews
http://www.jewishpress.com/news/breaking-news/research-links-being-religious-with-a-happy-life-but-only-for-jews/2015/12/25/
The Taub Center noted a link between being religious and being satisfied with aspects of living, but that it does not necessarily apply to non-Jews. Hareidim live longer
By:Tzvi Ben-Gedalyahu
Extracts:
Observant Jews are happier with life, and Jews living in Hareidi cities can expect to live longer than others, according to a new study by the Taub Center for Social Studies.
Relatively high percentages of Hareidim attest to being very happy with their relationships with family members: 80.2 percent versus 62.7 percent or less in other population groups.
A relatively low percentage of Hareidim report feelings of loneliness. Only 11.4 percent of Hareidim said that they were lonely, compared with at least twice that amount among other groups.
The link does necessarily apply to non-Jews. The researchers stated::
A rise in satisfaction levels moving up the religiosity scale does not appear among non-Jews. About 37.7 percent of non-Jewish respondents in the study who identified as very religious or religious felt lonely, Â more than the not very religious (30.7 percent) and the non-religious (30.0 percent).
The report also stated that Hareidim can expect to live three years longer than others in Israel.
A direct link was found "between a city's socioeconomic and the life expectancy of its residents" but the trend is different for Hareidim in Beit Shemesh, Bnei Brak and Jerusalem, according to the study.
The researchers also noted a study carried out in 1996 that showed that national religious Jews living on kibbutzim have a lower mortality write than secular kibbutzniks.
The 1996 study stated:
These findings indicate that, even in closed and highly-structured communities such as kibbutzim, level of religious observance has an impact on health status.
2. ISIS terrorists reveal: We only fear Israel
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/205528#.VoKBfvl9670
By Gil Ronen
First Publish: 12/27/2015, 3:28 PM / Last Update: 12/27/2015, 10:28 PM
Israel's military is the only army in the world that ISIS fears, according to the only Western journalist whom the sadistic terror group has allowed into its territory.
Jorgen Todenhofer, a former member of the German Parliament, spent ten days in ISIS territory in Iraq and Syria, accompanied by his son Frederic, and published a book about his experiences. He returned convinced that the group was 'preparing the largest religious cleansing in history' but told Jewish News: 'The only country ISIS fears is Israel. They told me they know the Israeli army is too strong for them.'
Todenhofer claimed that ISIS wants the West to send ground soldiers to the region, so that it can capture US and British soldiers. 'They think they can defeat US and UK ground troops, who they say they have no experience in city guerrilla or terrorist strategies. But they know the Israelis are very tough as far as fighting against guerrillas and terrorists,' the journalist said.
'They are not scared of the British and the Americans, they are scared of the Israelis and told me the Israeli army is the real danger. 'We can't defeat them with our current strategy,' [they said]. 'These people [the IDF] can fight a guerrilla war."
The terrorists were much more confident regarding western armies: 'In Mosul there are 10,000 fighters living among 1.5 million people in 2,000 apartments, not in one place, so it would be difficult [for western soldiers] to fight them. ISIS fighters are ready to die in a war against western soldiers.'
3. Terrorists know where to plunge the knife, says doctor
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/205650#.VoKDI_l9670
First Publish: 12/29/2015, 2:55 PM
Do Arab terrorists undergo some kind of preparation that teaches them how to cause maximum damage when stabbing Jews? One of the most prominent doctors treating terror victims in Jerusalem hinted Monday that this may indeed be so.
Dr. Ofer Merin, Director of the Trauma Unit at Shaare Tzedek Hospital and Deputy Director of the hospital, estimated that the terrorists know exactly what part of the body to plunge their knives into, in order to murder.
"The terrorists know where to strike, it's not something random," he told participants at a Magen David Adom Conference on emergency medicine, according to a report on Israel Hayom.
"Three weeks ago," he recounted, "a casualty who is still hospitalized was brought to us with four stab wounds: one in the lungs, one in the upper atrium, one in the right ventricle and one in the neck. It's as if someone read the manual, and then the casualty came in with two punctures in the heart. You learn from that, that they know where to strike."
Security officials in Israel have said, since the start of the current Arab terror wave, that the attackers are lone operators and are not trained or directed as part of a terror network. Dr. Merin's testimony implies that this may not be the case, and that the apparently spontaneous attacks may be part of a larger infrastructure after all.
4. NGO Monitor Report: Christian Aid Organizations Financing Anti-Semitism [and subsidizing Israeli Traitors to the Jewish People]
By Jonathan Benedek
November 9, 2015 , 9:30 am
http://www.breakingisraelnews.com/53380/ngo-monitor-report-christian-aid-organizations-financing-anti-semitism/#tLU2EjdR5SkMDgRu.99
A large number of Christian aid organizations are providing significant finances and support to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) which exacerbate the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, according to a recent report by NGO Monitor.
'Protestant and Catholic charities are funding highly politicized anti-Israel NGOs on a massive scale,' senior NGO Monitor researcher Yitzhak Santis told Tazpit Press Service.
'Many of these NGOs act against peace as they encourage conflict and tensions while supporting the goal of dismantling the State of Israel and thereby deny the Jewish people the right to national self-determination.'
Among the many Palestinian NGOs that are supported by Christian charities include Sabeel, Badil and Christ at the Checkpoint. NGO Monitor stated in its report that Sabeel is an active proponent of the Boycott Divest and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel and has occasionally engaged in classic anti-Semitic deicide imagery. Sabeel has also criticized Judaism as 'tribal,' 'primitive,' and 'exclusionary.'
A number of Christian charities finance Sabeel including Kerk in Actie, Diakonia, World Vision, Mennonite Central Committee, Church of Scotland, Presbyterian Church USA, Presbyterian Church of Canada, United Church of Christ and Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace.
NGO Monitor stated that since 2012, Christian charities have contributed approximately NIS 17 million shekels to 14 Israeli NGOs, some of which undermine Israel and its Jewish identity.
Brit-Am Comment:
Note the Churches listed above who are waging war against the Almighty:
Kerk in Actie [Netherlands Church specializes in missions to Black People]
Diakonia [Swedish Church specializes in missions to Black People]
World Vision [USA charity specializes in missions to poor people in general, especially those in Third World countries]
Mennonite Central Committee,
Church of Scotland,
Presbyterian Church USA,
Presbyterian Church of Canada
United Church of Christ [USA evangelical offshoot but left-wing, homo-loving.
Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace [Canadian group with Ukrainian input].
http://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/6266/europe-ngo-israel
The European Union, Misereor (Germany), Broederlijk Delen (Belgium), Norway,AECID (Spain), Dan Church Aid (Denmark), ICCO (Netherlands), CCFD (France), Human Rights and International Law Secretariat (joint funding from Sweden, Switzerland, Denmark and the Netherlands), Sigrid Rausing Trust (UK), SIVMO (Netherlands), Rockefeller Brothers Fund,Open Society Institute,
New Israel Fund .
 OXFAM
World Vision.Â


text:
Sunday Spotlight: Jonathan Coulton
If you recall my PAX East 2010 Recap, you know that, at least in one point in my life, geek musician Jonathan Coulton was a name to be spoken with disgust. Despite an agreeable musical style and clever lyrics about mad scientists and Swedish furniture stores, I found too many of his fun-loving songs to have undertones a little too dark or depressing for my tastes...but more importantly, his music had been completely ruined for me by venomous hecklers who, in my mind, were indicative of who Jonathan Coulton was and what kind of fans he attracted.
In other words, I wanted to have nothing to do with him or his music. Except "Mr. Fancy Pants." That song was awesome.
I owe much of my current tastes in music to what Pandora has introduced to me, and once again, I have Pandora to blame (or thank; I'm not sure yet) for reintroducing me to Coulton's music in a way that neither made me angry nor caused me to look down on him as a person because of the way I had been introduced. A few of his songs came up on my playlist here and there, and Pandora's vast knowledge of the kinds of songs I do and don't like were supremely helpful in picking out all the tunes in his repertoire that are up my alley. Not the zombie song; not anything that's fun on the surface but makes you feel bad about the human condition if you think about it too hard--all the songs that made me laugh, smile, and want to sing along the way Paul and Storm did at their part of the PAX East concert.
In other words, I gradually found myself liking Jonathan Coulton. Whoa. I still wouldn't call myself a fan, but I like enough of his songs now to not be an anti-fan. So there's that.
For your entertainment, here's a sampling of his music if you're unfamiliar with it (or just want to listen to it again):
Topics: Humor, Music, Stories of Fandom, Sunday Spotlight
We're Still Here
Sunday Spotlight: Netflix Recommendations
Exfanding Your Horizons on YouTube
Open Letter to the American Public
Double (Dungeons &) Dragon(s)
Exfanding Your Horizons Turns 4 Years Old!
Month in Review: August 2012
Coooool: Guy Turns Electric Fan Into Impressive Bass Instrument


Who doesn't want the kind of hair day that Supergirl flaunts every time she flies through the skies? You could argue that it is because of all the air drying she gets. Most of us ladies, unfortunately, don't have that option.
We have to go through the drudgery of washing our hair and then suffer through the misery of actively drying our hair because we just don't have the time. However, as you've already intuited, we don't have to spend as much time drying our hair as we do currently. There are ways through which we can speed up the process for ourselves.
In this guide, we'll show you all the little ways that you can reduce the time you spend in front of a mirror holding a pseudo gun that sounds like a jet plane. We promise you that by the time you're done reading this page, you'll know how to dry your hair fast and then some. Here is a quick overview of everything we'll be covering in this guide.
Every day, we mess up our efforts at drying our hair in hundreds of little ways. We do so by not following the basics of drying hair.It is only the hairstylists amongst us who have the right technique when it comes to drying hair.
However, there's no reason we can't use those techniques as well. It isn't rocket science. It's just about right movement and timing. Whether you view these technique-related tips as basicor advanced, they'll save you a lot of time. We challenge you to time yourself and tell everyone how much time you saved.
So, how does your shower normally go? You wet your hair, apply the shampoo, maybe put in some conditioner, rub the towel, and step out. Right? Well, if this is your routine, you've been skipping one of the simplest steps that can make drying your hair a breeze – wringing out excess water.
Sounds simple? It is. All you need to do is squeeze out excess water from your hair right in the shower. You do it to your clothes when you get caught in the rain. Why not to your hair after a wash? Just make sure you don't twist while wringing your hair. If you have extra-thick or extra-curly hair, we suggest sectioning them before wringing each section individually.
You don't really need us to tell you how this little action will help your hair dry faster, but we'll do it just to be sure. When you wring your hair in the shower, you're essentially taking away all the water that is trapped in your hair after they've absorbed all that they can. This makes the job of drying your hair much easier for your towel and your hair dryer.
Shaking off excess moisture can speed up the process too since you'll be using gravity to help you along. You don't even need to shake your hair too strongly. All you need to do is flip your head over and gently rub your fingers through the roots of your hair.
This will help the water in the scalp and root of your hair to move down the hair shaft, helped along by gravity. You can even help it along by moving your fingers through your hair from the roots to the tips.
This is another incredibly simple change that can make a huge difference in how quickly your hair dries. The rain analogy applies here too. You wouldn't try to pat yourself dry in the rain. You'll get indoors first, right? So, why are you trying to dry your hair in a humid environment?
The difference between rain and steam or even plain humidity is just the difference in the quantity of water in the air. Your hairs absorb moisture when in a humid environment and if you need proof of this you have personal experience in the way they get frizzy when it rains.
If you only step outside of your bathroom to dry your hair, it will make a huge difference in the amount of time you take.
Sectioning your hair is a great idea. Period. It doesn't matter what you want to do with your hair. By sectioning them, you'll make everything easier regardless of whether it is drying or creating an elaborate hairstyle. It may seem like you're spending extra time sectioning your hair, but you'll more than make up for it in how quickly your hair will dry.
How many sections you make will depend on the type of hair you have. For drying, four sections will be enough for most people. However, if you have very thick, coarse, or curly hair, then you may want to create multiple smaller sections.
The tips of your hair are the easiest to dry and the shafts easier than the roots simply because they don't get enough air circulation. This is why they take the longest to dry.
Therefore, you have to pay special attention to the roots. Focus on the roots and scalp when toweling your hair. Focus on them even when you're using your hairdryer.
However, while you need to give your roots more time with the towel and the hairdryer, you can't err on the side of excess.
When toweling, you need to be gentle because rough treatment will damage your follicles. Similarly, when using a hair dryer, you need to prevent yourself from focusing on one area because heat will damage the follicles. We'll delve into this in our hair dryer section below.
You may have seen hairstylists employ this trick in the salon but not realized its importance. You would have definitely seen movie scenes with this trick and figured that they're only there for style.
We're talking about an actual trick that professionals swear by. It is called rough-drying. While rough-drying your hair, you're tousling your hair roughly with one hand and pointing the hair dryer with the other.
Rough-drying has one purpose – to dry the roots as quickly as possible. You can get back to using the brush and hairdryer combination after you've achieved 50% dryness.
Imagine this. You've dried the outside layers first and are now focusing on the under layers. What happens? You realize that your outer layers aren't dry enough and either end up drying them again or letting it go because you don't have enough time.
This happens because the outer layers absorb water from the lower layers after you've dried them. To avoid this, dry the under layers before the outer layers. This should quicken things up for you.
Believe it or not, we make mistakes even while toweling our hair. It may sound silly, but it is very much true. Here are a few towel-related things that we can do and improvements we can make to speed up our hair drying process.
Change your towel. If you're like 90% of the women out there, you've been using a cotton towel. Cotton is good for absorbing a lot of water but is also quite accomplished at catching and tugging your hair free of your scalp.
Do you know which material doesn't pull hair out and is a better absorbent than even cotton? Microfiber. Simply by switching to microfiber towels, you can save tons of time. Microfiber towels are perfect for not only drying your hair fast but also protecting them from harm.
They have other benefits too. They dry much faster than traditional cotton towels. Further, they're even travel-friendly because once folded properly, they're incredibly compact and lightweight.
If you can't get a microfiber towel, there's a quick, affordable, and simple alternative – blotting paper or paper towels. These are easy to get and are even more effective at absorbing water than microfiber towels.
Further, they're affordable to use too since you can dry and reuse them a few times. Also, they'll force you not to rub your hair and instead blot the excess water. This way your hair won't get damaged either.
You can save time in your morning routine by performing other tasks before drying your hair. While you perform those tasks, you can wrap your hair in a turban with your towel. Making a turban wrap with your towel is very easy.
Flip your head so that your hair is hanging over the floor.
Horizontally arrange the towel at the nape of your neck.
Wrap your hair with the two ends of the towel.
Start twisting the two ends together with the hair inside.
Once the twist reaches your forehead, stop and stand back up.
Put the twisted towel on top of your head.
You can tuck in the hanging end at the back of your head or clip it in place.
If the towel gets too heavy, don't forget to replace it with a new one.
The towel turban will be absorbing water in your hair while you do other things like dressing up and makeup. Its power to absorb will be greatest if you're using microfiber towels.
Plopping does the same things that the towel turban does. However, it is meant for women with extra-curly hair because it keeps the curls intact while drying them. Plopping is even similar to wrapping a turban when it comes to the technique. The difference is that it is horizontal while the turban is vertical.
Lay a T-shirt or towel on the bed with the neck and sleeves facing away from you.
Flip your hair onto the T-shirt.
Take the bottom edge of the T-shirt and pull it to the back of your neck.
Take the top half of the T-shirt and lift it to the back of the neck where you're holding the bottom edges of the T-shirt.
Use the sleeves to tie down the turban. If they're short, tie them to the front and if they're long, pull them around your head once and tie them at the back.
The entire thing will seem wobbly to you, but it tends to stay put if you don't apply undue pressure on it. You can plop your hair as long as you want too. You can even sleep with it if you like to shower in the night.
If you don't want to go deep into the wrapping routine, whether vertical or horizontal, you can always get some towel hair caps. Hair caps are usually made up of absorbent material and worn on the head after a wash.
Hair caps are useful for many reasons.
They're more stable than wrapped towels and don't come undone with a sneeze.
They're compact and stick close to the head.
You can wear a shower cap over them and continue showering without any worry.
There are various types of hair caps that you can get, but we're particularly partial to this one – AuroTrends®Microfiber Hair Turban Wrap – for the following reasons.
The type of brush or comb you use while drying your hair can speed up the drying process as well. We should also mention that brushes and combs play an important role in how healthy your hair is.
We can use it while we're in the shower!
A microfiber brush is a hybrid of a good comb/brush and a good microfiber towel. In simple terms, it is a brush with bristles that are made of microfibers. These types of brushes are excellent at grabbing and removing water deep in the roots, closest to the scalp.
As a result, they have the potential to shave a few minutes off your hair drying routine. While there aren't many microfiber brushes out there, the Goody QuickStyle Paddle Brush does what it is supposed to do well. Here's why.
Detangling brushes are mainly used for removing knots, tangles, and kinks in the hair, but they're also capable of removing excess water from the hair. Further, they keep hair from clustering together and this allows air to reach the roots.
They work so well because their bristles bend and flex as you brush your hair with them. Therefore, they never force the hair apart and instead cajole them free by gently gliding through the most difficult parts.
The Crave Naturals Glide Thru Detangling Brush is a good option if you're interested in a detangling, wet brush. Here's why.
If you want to dry your hair fast, you can't do it without a reliable hair dryer. It is undeniable that hair dryers play the most crucial role in how quickly your hair dries.
So, it is only natural that we take them for granted and never think about our hair drying techniques. Of course, we take it one step further and think that any hair dryer will do the job. For the most part, this is true. It's just that better hair dryers do a better and faster job.
It's quite simple. If your hair dryer doesn't have enough power, then your hair won't dry fast enough. More powerful hair dryers can generate more heat and more blowing power. As a result, they dry hair much quicker than their weaker counterparts.
If you have very short hair, then a 500-watt hair dryer would probably be enough. However, if you have long hair, then you want a more powerful hairdryer.
For most women, a hair dryer with a power output rating of 1000 watts should be good enough. Of course, if you can get a more powerful hairdryer, you'll get even quicker results.
This is why we find the BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium 3000 Dryer to be a good choice. Here's why.
If you want to dry your hair fast, you need a powerful hair dryer. You also need to know how to use that hair dryer. One thing that many of us forget to do is keep our hair dryer moving. Whether it is because of fatigue or lack of concentration, when we do this, we slow down the drying process.
Essentially, by not ensuring that the hairdryer is constantly moving, we keep it where it is not needed. More importantly, we keep it from reaching where it is needed.
An added side-effect is that we end up frying our hair, particularly since we're using extra-powerful hair dryers. The solution is simple. Keep the hair dryer moving and vow never to let it be stationary over your head.
Ionic technology is incredibly important in a hairdryer. It is vital because it prevents frizz and flyaway hair from appearing. However, did you that it is also important because it can speed up the drying process?
The negative ions can break up larger water molecules into smaller ones. When this happens, their surface area increases. A greater surface area makes it easier for the molecules to absorb heat and evaporate.
The Conair 1875 Watt Full Size Pro Hair Dryer with Ionic Conditioning is specifically designed with ionic conditioning technology to counter frizzy and flyaway hair. Along the way, it will help you dry your hair faster too. Here are some of its benefits.
Far-infrared technology makes it possible for the heat generated by the hair dryer to reach deep into the hair. Since hair dryers with this technology dry hair from the inside out instead of just on the surface, they speed up the drying process considerably.
We should also add that far-infrared heat is comparable to the heat received from the sun. This means that it is much healthier than the heat received from hot air blown by basic hair dryers.
This Jinri Hair Dryer relies on far-infrared technology to dry hair, making it well-worth a quick consideration. Here are it's other benefits.
Supersonic hair dryers represent the future of hair drying. They dry hair the fastest of all hair dryers because they blow air at supersonic speeds. Their high-velocity blowing capacity means that they can reach the areas near the scalp much faster than other hair dryers.
Supersonic hair dryers, like the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer, have multiple other very useful benefits as well. As a sample, let us list the benefits of Dyson's hair dryer.
A hair drying brush is a combination of two devices – a brush and a hairdryer. It saves you time while drying your hair because you don't have to worry about drying your hair and then brushing it into some semblance of order. You just have to brush with it and it dries up your hair simultaneously.
Further, if you like blowouts, you can use hair drying brushes to reduce the effort you need to put into one. Since it is two devices in one, you can get a blowout with one hand. You can get hair drying brushes for curling as well as straightening your hair.
If you're only interested in drying your hair fast, though, then you should invest in straightening hair drying brushes. The Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer & Styler is a good example. Here's why.
You can also speed things along by changing the type of hair products you and how you use them.
It may be hard to believe, but conditioners can also help you dry your hair fast, especially if you apply them in the shower, itself. When you apply them in the shower, they coat your hair. They lock in the moisture absorbed by the hair and also repel excess water.
Therefore, when you wring your hair after your shower, you drop excess water much more easily. Similarly, when you try to shake off the excess moisture, it becomes easier. If you've applied a conditioner in the shower, every action you take to dry your hair afterward will be amplified.
You can save a lot of time by using a conditioner in the shower. However, you must apply it properly. We do recommend using a wide-toothed comb or a wet brush to ensure that your conditioner coats all your hairs properly.
Shower conditioners perform the same function that natural essential oils do. Natural essential oils are just healthier.
Natural essential oils like argan oil and sesame oil are both well-known for their ability to hydrate and coat hair. Further, since oil naturally repels water, you can also coat your hair with these natural and incredibly nourishing oils to ensure that your hair dries faster. To avail their nourishing properties, however, you'll need to find a high-quality organic oil.
You can go one step further and adopt the "No-poo" technique. No-poo is a technique where you give up shampoos completely and use only organic, naturally occurring substances to wash your hair, like oils.
Argan oil is, by far, the best option natural oil you can try. We suggest Viva Naturals Organic Argan Oil because of the following reasons.
If you tend to use a lot of hair products, then you can use them to help you dry your hair fast as well. All you need to do is select products that have "quick dry," "blow dry," or something similar on the label. Lotions, primers, and even masks these days are labeled with such terms.
These are specially formulated hair products that contain substances known for their heat conducting properties. As a result, they amplify the drying power of blow dryers.


Gaby is a dancer, a traveler, and overall a tea enthusiast and the founder of Teascopia, her lovely project as a tea sommelier. In 2011 Gaby became a sommelier, and after finding out that tea was an endless source of inspiration she decided to make this her new professional career. Teascopia is the place where she shares everything that she loves and the new things that she discovers about the tea world; from its rituals and ceremonies to blends, colors, storage tips and great collaborations with friends.
Where do you come from? I was born in Birmingham, UK but I grew up in Caracas, Venezuela. I've also spent the last few years living in London, New York and Buenos Aires.
Where do you (day)dream to go next? I'd like to go on a tea trip to Japan, Korea, China and Taiwan.
What do you like the most about traveling? To discover, to wonder… Everything but luggage!
Is there a thing/ritual that you always have to do when you travel? I always try to find some good local places to eat and flea markets.


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Home News Latest: The Sound Of The Bomb In This Terrifying Paris Attack Video...
Paris Attack
Latest: The Sound Of The Bomb In This Terrifying Paris Attack Video Is Distressing
Terrifying Paris Attack Video Is Distressing
What has humanity come to? Honestly, is there any humanity left? This Paris attack video is going to make you brood over the death of brotherhood all day. Yesterday's late night attacks on the Bataclan Concert Hall and the bombings outside the Stade de France, where a soccer match between France and Germany was in progress with French President Francois Hollande inside the stadium took the lives of 150 people. You can clearly hear the sound of the bomb going off in this video. The players and people were befuddled immediately after they heard it. They were later lead to safe exists. While leaving from the stadium each person understood the magnitude of what they are going to face.
Several Paris attack videos have been uploaded and world is constantly praying for its people. The latest news says that about eight attackers have been killed after they claimed the lives of at least 120 people. About 200 people have been injured and 80 are serious. Police is still searching for accomplices who may still be out there. It's extremely tense on the street and everyone's under tremendous stress.
When people were leaving from the soccer game after the attacks, many of them sang the National Anthem in order to stay positive and spread a sense of unity. Reports say that shooting has also taken place in restaurants and other sites in the centre of the city. The security at the country's borders has been tightened and a state of emergency has been declared.
Several countries have leant their support to France. Every country has expressed its pain and shock at the agony of France. Today it is Paris tomorrow it could be any other country. Let's keep Paris in our prayers today. This Paris attack video is testimony to that.
Stay strong, Paris!
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You'll find Bill's down on the Boardwalk, right at the heart of Rushden Lakes and my own Mudlets (two boys aged 11 and 9) even agreed to go shopping with me, which is a definite first. Although to be fair, once we got there they were only really interested in having a go in one of the swan pedalos, but I still managed a cheeky browse in a few of my favourite shops without the trip degenerating into the usual moans, groans and brotherly fisticuffs! After they had pedal-powered me and my sister around the lake for half-an-hour, they were definitely in need of some refuelling – I like to try and avoid 'hangry' Mudlets wherever possible, particularly when out in public, so we headed over to Bill's for some brunch delights as Anna-Lou (Muddy editor) had been and had raved about the decor and food on the Muddy Facebook page (some of her pics throughout the piece).
Let me say from the off, I'm a big fan of this place – and I'm not the only one, judging by the number of people queuing to get in! Bill's has a cool and quirky vibe, without being clichéd and pretentious. It's part of a chain, but that's not always a bad thing and on the positive side, can guarantee consistency of quality!
From cosy booths to larger sharing tables, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. Plus, outside there's a large terrace that surrounds the restaurant, truly making the most of the stunning lakeside views, which come summer will be perfect for dining al fresco, with a cheeky glass (or 3) of bubbly whilst watching the sun set over the lake.
Bill (yes, he is a real person) started out as a greengrocer, so you know that fresh, quality produce is going to be a must and we certainly weren't disappointed.
We went around midday so had the choice of the breakfast and lunch menu. I was feeling pretty hungry after sitting in a pedalo for half-an-hour – I guess it was all that fresh air – so I opted for the buttermilk chicken burger with sweet potato fries and creamy slaw from the lunch/dinner menu (12.95) and I wasn't disappointed – what's not to like, yum! The rest of the clan all went for something from the breakfast menu. My eldest Mudlet chose the 3-stack buttermilk pancakes with smoked streaky bacon, smothered in Bill's maple butter syrup (£7.95) A 5-stack version is also available, happy days, and judging by the speed in which he polished them off and lack of anything left on the plate, much to my disappointment, I would say they were a definite winner.
My youngest was a little more adventurous and had the baked spicy beans, chorizo and eggs (£9.95), whilst my sister went for avocado on toast with poached eggs and smoked streaky bacon (£9.50), bang on-trend. Both of which were very well received.
Good for: Lots! Bill's is a warm and friendly place to take a break from shopping or exploring the great outdoors, where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in between. Perfect for groups, couples and families – there's room for all.
Not for: I'm struggling to think of anyone who couldn't find something to satisfy their thirst/hunger pangs. I would recommend booking to avoid disappointment, which you can do by phone (01933 356748) or via their website.
£££ (the damage): I would put Bill's in the 'mid to high ish' price range. Breakfasts range from £3.50 to £9.95. On the lunch/dinner menu, starters range from £5.95 to £6.95, mains from £9.95 to £21.95 and puddings from £4.95 to £6.95. The kids menu offers 3 courses and a drink for £6.95.
Editor's note – Everything that Sarah said. It's got a great vibe, food is tasty and it's in fab surroundings (but on the medium to pricier side especially if you've got a fair few kidlets). I'd definitely book too, but if you go off the cuff, there are loads of good eateries to choose from.
Bill's Restaurant, The Boardwalk, Rushden Lakes, Rushden, NN10 6FA. Tel: 01933 356748.
Came for the first time today, food and service was excellent.


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Non-Destructive Evaluation of Concrete with Ultrasonic C-Scan and Digital Image Enhancement Techniques
Anthony Chukwujekwu Okafor, Missouri University of Science and TechnologyFollow
Amitabha Dutta
This paper presents the results of Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) of concrete slabs using Ultrasonic C-Scan and image-enhancement algorithms for the detection and extraction of damage information from raw data. Two fabricated concrete slabs, one undamaged and the other with three rectangular voids were used for the test. Damage was evaluated by using ultrasonic through transmission C-Scan method. A 500 kHz transducer with pulse rates of 100 Hz to 5000 Hz was investigated to determine the best pulse rate for scanning concrete. The amplitude scan shows accurately the position of the voids present in the damaged concrete with respect to the reference edge. The results also show the inherent in-homogeneity of the concrete slab due to the presence of air pockets that invariably arise during the fabrication. Three statistical filtering techniques (Median, Mean and Gaussian) and one wavelet filtering technique were comparatively evaluated to enhance the quality of the digital image. The results show clearly the presence of the rectangular voids. Median filtering technique was the best in enhancing the image obtained from the C-Scan in terms of removing noise and preserving the details of the defects. Wavelet filtering technique was good in terms of overall noise reduction, but it resulted in loss of details of the defects producing a comparatively blurred image. This technique can be used to determine the quality of concrete at any stage in its working lifecycle thus making it a useful tool in the field of health monitoring of concrete.
A. C. Okafor and A. Dutta, "Non-Destructive Evaluation of Concrete with Ultrasonic C-Scan and Digital Image Enhancement Techniques," AIP Proceedings, American Institute of Physics (AIP), Jul 2013.
40th Annual Review of Progress in Quantitative Nondestructive Evaluation: Incorporating the 10th International Conference on Barkhausen Noise and Micromagnetic Testing (2013: Jul. 21-26, Baltimore, MD)
Intelligent Systems Center
Nondestructive Testing; Ultrasonography; Image Enhancement; Medical Image Noise; Wavelets
© 2013 American Institute of Physics (AIP), All rights reserved.


Spring Opara is a project director for CompassPoint. As a project director, Spring leads (or co-lead) several kinds of offerings for CompassPoint program participants, including cohort leadership programs, consulting engagements, and public workshops. She also plays key program design, project management, and facilitation roles within CompassPoint's highly collaborative project teams.
She is a core team member of the HIVE (Healing, Inspiration, Voice and Equity) Leadership Development Program, a cohort program for reproductive justice leaders in Louisiana.
Spring has created a leading edge health, wellness, and self-care curriculum for Black women in leadership, which she delivers for CompassPoint through our public training workshops and cohort leadership programming. Spring is passionate about self-directed development and holds a coaching certificate from Leadership That Works in professional and personal coaching, which she uses extensively in support of her colleagues and CompassPoint's participants.
She has worked for several nonprofits in the Bay Area including WestEd, The Toigo Foundation, The Dental Health Foundation, and The Link to Children (TLC), all of which have allowed her to develop a plethora of skills and opportunities to support work that has a positive impact in her community.


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