Northpoint Bible College

Abstract According to standard thermodynamics, heat spontaneously propagates from hot to cold reservoirs as time progresses towards the future. Consequently, one might assume that for the purpose of describing thermodynamic machines, a world in which heat spontaneously propagates from cold to hot (i.e., a world in which the heat equation has a different sign) would be simply the time reversal of our world. In this article, we explain why this is not the case. Thermodynamics is characterized by the universal approach to equilibrium states from arbitrary initial conditions, such that the final state of a thermodynamic equilibration process does not contain the information necessary to recreate the initial state. In particular, the initial state cannot be recreated by evolving the final state via the rule “heat always propagates from cold to hot”, as this rule would lead to temperature gradients on arbitrarily small scales (which is not a feature that the initial state will generally have had). This toy problem illustrates some general features of the role of the direction of time in thermodynamics. These features are discussed mathematically using the Mori-Zwanzig projection operator formalism.

Abstract The letter of James’s structure, sources, thought, and frequent ambiguities present difficulties for interpreters. James 4.5 is difficult, first with respect to the referent of the citation and second with respect to the actual meaning of the statement. In an argument contrasting relationship with God and relationship with ‘the world’, James includes a saying he attributes to ‘Scripture’ about the envy or jealousy either or God or of ‘the S/spirit’ (πνεῦμα) which God ‘has made to dwell in us’. This saying supports James’s exhortations to humility and unity. Beyond its linguistic ambiguities, there is no consensus as to whose ‘S/spirit’ is in view, and if it is not the Holy Spirit, James joins only three other NT texts without reference to the Spirit. The first part of this article will explore the meaning of Jas 4.5 and its role in the broader argument of James 3.13–4.10. This exploration leads to the conclusion that it is unlikely that James refers to the Holy Spirit. The second part of this article will explore the possibility of a Pentecostal reading of James even without a direct mention of the Holy Spirit, thereby further developing contemporary Pentecostal hermeneutics.

Cases of Candida infection have been on the rise in recent years. A comprehensive and clear understanding of the mechanisms of antifungal resistance is fundamental for developing novel therapies to address the current and emerging threat of fungal diseases. Certain Candida species can cause superficial or invasive infections in immunocompromised hosts, and invasive Candida infections are major contributors to infectious disease deaths. As fungi are eukaryotes like humans, there are only a limited number of unique molecular targets available for antifungal drug development. Until recently, there have only been four primary classes of antifungals used to treat systemic fungal infections. Among these, azole antifungals are globally used because they are both inexpensive and effective. Due to various factors, resistance to antifungal drugs—especially azole antifungals—has developed in many Candida species, posing a significant public health threat. This review discusses the known mechanisms of azole antifungal resistance in Candida albicans, Candida auris, Nakaseomyces glabrata, Candida tropicalis, Candida parapsilosis and explores strategies to overcome the resistance problem.

BackgroundThe ability of health organizations in developing countries to expand access to quality services depends in large part on organizational and human capacity. Capacity building includes professional development of staff, as well as efforts to create working environments conducive to high levels of performance. The current study evaluated an approach to public-private partnership where corporate volunteers give technical assistance to improve organizational and staff performance. From 2003 to 2005, the Pfizer Global Health Fellows program sent 72 employees to work with organizations in 19 countries. This evaluation was designed to assess program impact.MethodsThe researchers administered a survey to 60 Fellows and 48 Pfizer Supervisors. In addition, the team conducted over 100 interviews with partner organization staff and other key informants during site visits in Uganda, Kenya, Ghana, South Africa and India, the five countries where 60% of Fellows were placed.ResultsOver three-quarters of Fellowships appear to have imparted skills or enhanced operations of NGOs in HIV/AIDS and other health programs. Overall, 79% of Fellows reported meeting all or most technical assistance goals. Partner organization staff reported that the Fellows provided training to clinical and research personnel; strengthened laboratory, pharmacy, financial control, and human resource management systems; and helped expand Partner organization networks. Local staff also reported the Program changed their work habits and attitudes. The evaluation identified problems in defining goals of Fellowships and matching Organizations with Fellows. Capacity building success also appears related to size and sophistication of partner organization.ConclusionPublic expectations have grown regarding the role corporations should play in improving health systems in developing countries. Corporate philanthropy programs based on "donations" of personnel can help build the organizational and human capacity of frontline agencies delivering health services. More attention is needed to measure and compare outcomes of international volunteering programs, and to identify appropriate strategies for expansion.

ABSTRACT Refined AOI technology in terms of ultra high accuracy and repeatability in combination with powerful software developments, have created broad possibilities for process management in electronics manufacturing. This is possible through the collection of assembly and inspection equipment critical data, and the subsequent consolidation and analysis of the same.These new methods combined with full SPC capability, will allow companies to see trends and find errors before they occur. These new capabilities are created by AOI manufacturers who are working with assembly equipment manufacturers, and with third party software providers, in order to close the loop using software which communicates from the AOI directly to the process.

ABSTRACT With the introduction of the 0201, the SMD industry is facing a new challenge: “How do we control this process?” Inspecting 0201s generally means high-density boards with little or no room for ICT pads and impossible to inspect using Manual Vision Inspection (MVI). From a process point of view, pads are smaller and the amount of solder paste is minimized, which means it is critical to have the right amount of solder paste in the right place. 0201 placement control is also very critical, because “the placement area” becomes very small: pads are 300 microns wide and tolerances are less than 100 microns. The combination of these two factors increases tombstone problems at the end of the line. So, AOI In-line control is the only solution to prevent defects and achieve the Zero Defect Line. To control solder paste and component processes, the AOI system needs to be able to detect variations on very small values and be able to find trends in placement analysis. To achieve this goal, the AOI system has to be extremely accurate. Today, most of the placement machines are accurate to 60 - 75 microns. In order to be able to control placement accuracy, the AOI system should be 10 times better or between 5 and 6 microns. Certain AOI companies understand the need for the Zero Defect Line and have developed the technology providing this AOI solution. The systems being brought to market today are required to have 5 micron accuracy. They also have the built-in SPC data collection tools and the capability to interface with the line management software supplied by either the Pick & Place manufacturers or third party software providers to “Close the Loop”. This article will help people to understand what the solution will be to future requirements for this state of the art process control. With 0201s, the challenge will not be only counting defects, but understanding your process with very high accuracy AOI measurement, the necessary trend analysis giving you the information you need, and the software communication tools working to close the loop achieving the Zero Defect Line.

ABSTRACT In parallel with the accelerated adoption of area array devices we have seen rapid growth in use of X-ray inspection of their otherwise inaccessible interconnects. While excelling in their unique inspection capabilities, these transmission and laminography systems lack the ability to inspect the surface condition of solder ball/column interconnects beneath these mounted packages. Recent development of visual inspection systems enables horizontal viewing of both edge and inner solder connections on area array devices. When used in conjunction with X-Ray inspection, visual inspection can verify both proper reflow of inspected connections and existence of an adequate intermetallic bond between the solder ball/column and its mounting pad.