Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mechanical Analysis and Assembly of MQYYM: A 90 mm NbTi Quadrupole Magnet Option for HL-LHC

For the HL-LHC project, a 90 mm double aperture NbTi quadrupole magnet is being developed as an option to replace the 70 mm aperture LHC quadrupole MQY. This cos2θ magnet has an operating gradient of 120 T/m at 1.9 K and a magnetic length of 3.67 m. A single aperture short model magnet with a magnetic length of 1.2 m has been designed at CEA and is being manufactured in collaboration with CERN. The magnet support structure is relying on self-supporting collars. We present here the mechanical analysis along with the assembly of the short model magnet from coil fabrication and mechanical characterization to collaring and yoking.
Classification of Skin Cancer Dermoscopy Images using Transfer Learning

Cancer is the second death causing disease in the world. Skin cancer is a major type of cancer and increasing speedily over the past decades. The major causes of skin cancer are Ultraviolet radiation, smoking, DNA mutation and bad lifestyle. Skin cancer is diagnosed by employing clinical screening, dermoscopic analysis, histopathological examination and a biopsy. Early prognosis of skin cancer can help to cure cancer easily and It is a difficult task to diagnosis and classify skin cancer even for expert dermatologists at an early stage. Recent studies have shown that deep learning and transfer learning is very useful in the classification of skin cancer and medical diagnosis. In this paper, we propose an efficient way to classify skin cancer using deep learning. We have tuned the pre-trained MobileNet convolution neural network and trained over the HAM1000 skin lesion dataset. This transfer learning method has shown remarkable categorical accuracy, the weighted average of precision and recall 0.97, 0.90 and 0.91 respectively. This model is lightweight, fast and reliable. It will be helpful for dermatologists to prognosis the skin cancer at its early stage.
Extending Automated FLTL Test Oracles with Diagnostic Support

Testing is a versatile and in practice also dominant technique when it comes to verifying whether a system meets our expectations. After executing a test case, we use test oracles to judge whether the execution should be considered to have failed or passed. Fully automated oracles considering properties in temporal logics like FLTL allow us to derive such a verdict in a fully automated process. In this manuscript, we will show how to extend such an oracle with diagnostic support. In particular, drawing on model-based diagnosis (MBD), we will isolate exactly which parts of the property were violated for a failed test case. Such data are orthogonal to MBD focusing on the system itself and where we isolate faulty system components. With our diagnoses, we thus provide valuable information for the subsequent debugging and repair process in respect of how the test execution violated the property. We show that a corresponding polynomially sized SAT model for deriving our diagnoses can be derived easily.
Outage Performance Analysis for SWIPT-Based Incremental Cooperative NOMA Networks With Non-Linear Harvester

This work studies a simultaneous wireless information and power transfer based downlink non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) network. The near user is equipped with a non-linear energy harvester, whose non-linear property is depicted by a piecewise linear model. An incremental cooperative NOMA (ICN) protocol is proposed to improve the performance of the considered network. Specifically, based on no more than 2-bit feedback from the far and near users, respectively, the network determines to work in the direct NOMA transmission (DNT), conventional point-to-point communications, or conventional cooperative NOMA (CCN) modes. The outage probabilities and throughput for both the far and near users are derived. Numerical results compare the differences among the proposed ICN, CCN, DNT and orthogonal multiple access protocols in terms of outage performance and system throughput, and exhibit the superior performance of the proposed ICN protocol.
OxRAM for embedded solutions on advanced node: scaling perspectives considering statistical reliability and design constraints

OxRAM technology is one of the strongest candidates for embedded solutions at scaled nodes (<= 40nm), thanks mainly to its low manufacturing cost. To scale the bitcell, both the OxRAM and the selector device must be taken into account. In this paper we first show how the OxRAM reliability is impacted by scaling down to 30nm in diameter, focusing on the forming voltage, BER and data retention on a large statistics (4kbit arrays). Several strategies are provided to reduce the BER leading to a projected 10-6 BER result. We then illustrate how thin gate oxide transistors (GO1/SG) can meet the OxRAM high voltage requirement as the memory bit approaches 100nm diameter, and we demonstrate an OxRAM (120nm) co-integration with FDSOI transistors with remarkably good performance (endurance up to 107 cycles on single bit). Eventually we illustrate a design example of OxRAM embedded solution in 40nm, 32Mb+ECC, featuring a 0. 120µm² bitcell and a 170nm OxRAM cell.
Novel forksheet device architecture as ultimate logic scaling device towards 2nm

To compensate for expected gate pitch scaling slowdown below 42nm, several scaling boosters are needed to reduce the logic standard cell height (CH). However, limited scaling benefits can be achieved using FinFET and Gate all around (GAA) nanosheets (NSHs) due integration limits in achieving tight PMOS to NMOS (PN) separation. Therefore, a novel forksheet (FSH) device architecture is proposed achieving extremely scaled PN space using limited additional processing complexity. The FSH achieves 10% frequency increase at iso-power and 24% power reduction at iso-frequency compared to GAA nanosheet with a combined area scaling of 20%. SRAM bit cell area scaling of 30% and read delay performance increase is shown.
Integrating Autonomous DC Microgrids on the basis of A Plant/Controller Modular Formulation of Individual DERs

The increasing number of dc loads, dc-based distributed energy resources (DERs) and energy storage systems (ESS) have spotlighted the dc microgrids as a strong candidate in the future distribution systems. Several factors, such as the higher efficiency and the lack of frequency and reactive power regulation, enforced the dc against the ac distribution. This paper presents a complete study on model-based dynamic nonlinear representation, control design and stability analysis of dc microgrids in stand-alone operation. By this way the dc microgrids are easily integrated into the distribution network in order to achieve: a) a systematic analysis and control of autonomous dc microgrids with different DERs units operating in desired power level, and b) the sharing of the ESS charging/discharging and the dc voltage regulation. Suitable current-mode cascaded controllers are implemented on the power converter interfaces which include droop-based feedback. The whole deployment is presented in an open and expandable formulation, while the theoretical stability analysis is conducted under the view of advanced Lyapunov techniques. Hence, now the analysis is globally valid opposite to the conventional small signal linear methods which are valid only for specific system conditions. Furthermore, the stability analysis is given in a generic form, while the entire methodology is applicable to every structure of dc microgrids with variable topology, number of DERs, loads, ESS and parameter values.
Understanding and Physical Modeling Superior Hot-Carrier Reliability of Ge pNWFETs

Hot-carrier degradation (HCD) of Ge pNWFETs has been shown to be significantly lower and different than that of Si pNWFETs. Here we accurately model degradation and the time-to-failure (TTF) measured during HC stress in Ge pNWFETs. For this, we use our HCD framework validated against hot-carrier degradation in Si devices, and first we show here that it thoroughly represents HCD Si pNWFETs. This framework is naturally extendable to incorporate new defects (O-vacancies) and their precursors (Ge-O bonds) which are involved in HCD in Ge transistors. These Ge-O bonds are present due to segregation of Ge through the Si cap into the SiO2 film of the high-k gate stack with subsequent formation of the SiGe/SixGeyO2(x + y) interface. The Ge-H bonds are argued to be unstable while a low concentration of Si-H bonds with a broad distribution of the bonding energy should still be considered. Our unified model has been demonstrated to accurately capture degradation and TTFs in both Ge and Si pNWFETs, with the superior slope of the TTF vs. drain current dependency in the Ge devices determined by the defect creation energetics, hereby supported by ab initio calculations.
Optimal Resource Allocation for Multicarrier NOMA in Short Packet Communications

In this paper, we study the resource allocation problem for downlink multicarrier non-orthogonal multiple access systems with short-packet communications (MC-NOMA-SPC). In contrast to long-packet communications in conventional wireless systems, SPC suffers from a transmission rate degradation and an unavoidable decoding error rate. Thus conventional resource allocation based on the Shannon capacity assuming infinite blocklength is no longer optimal. In this paper, we propose to use the effective-throughput as the performance metric to evaluate the tradeoff between the transmission rate and the decoding error rate. Building on that, we jointly optimize the subcarrier assignment, transmission power allocation, and transmission rate adaptation of each user to maximize the total weighted effective-throughput subject to transmission reliability and various practical constraints. Since the formulated problem belongs to a non-convex mixed integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) problem, we develop an efficient algorithm based on the dynamic programming (DP) recursion framework to obtain its optimal solutions. We further propose a low-complexity algorithm based on the principles of block coordinate descent (BCD) and concave-convex procedure (CCCP). Finally, the simulation results show that the proposed low-complexity algorithm can achieve similar performance as that of the optimal solution and outperform the other baseline schemes significantly.
Control Strategy Design and Dynamic Analysis of Grid-Connected Inverter Based on Virtual Synchronous Generator

In order to solve the shortcoming that the distributed generators cannot provide inertia for the power system and participate in the grid voltage regulation and frequency regulation when connecting to the grid by the grid-connected inverters, this paper designs a grid-connected inverter control strategy for simulating the characteristics of synchronous generators. Firstly, considering the corresponding relationship between the main circuit of grid-connected inverter and the equivalent circuit of synchronous generator, this paper proposes a virtual synchronous generator (VSG) outer loop controller for simulating synchronous machine rotor motion equation, active- frequency drooping characteristics and reactive-voltage droop characteristics. The virtual impedance controller is introduced in the strategy to simulate the electrical characteristics of the stator of the synchronous generator, which, combined with the inner loop controller based on the proportional integral (PI) controller forms the VSG control strategy for the grid-connected inverter. Then, the dynamic small-signal model of VSG power control is established, and the dynamic model of VSG participating in grid frequency regulation and voltage regulation is deduced. Moreover, the output active/reactive power characteristics of VSG are analyzed under the grid frequency/voltage fluctuations. Finally, the effectiveness of the VSG control strategy and the validity of the dynamic model of participating in the grid frequency regulation and voltage regulation are verified by the results of hardware-in-loop (HIL) experiments.
On the equilibrium points of a proposed SIMVW epidemic model with feedback vaccination effort

A SIMVW (involving susceptible human S, infectious human I, susceptible vector M, infectious vector V , and vaccinated human W subpopulations)— type malaria epidemic model which is coupled with the transmission mosquito vector host which consists of healthy and infectious subpopulations is proposed. The model incorporates also an optional vaccination effort on the susceptible which has a fefdback information on such a subpopulation. The dynamics, equilibria and basic reproduction number as well as their influence by the vaccination gain are studied. In particular, the model exhibits four disease- free possible equilibrium points.
Development of voice onset time in an ongoing phonetic differentiation in Austrian German plosives: Reversing a near-merger

Abstract Sound change in the form of plosive mergers has been reported for a variety of languages and is the result of a reduction of phonetic distance between two (or more) sounds. The present study is concerned with the opposite development of phonetic differentiation in plosives (akin to a phonetic split), a less commonly reported phenomenon that is taking place in Austrian German at the moment. A previously small (or null) phonetic distinction between fortis and lenis plosives – a presumed near-merger – is gradually developing into a clear phonetic contrast in younger speakers. In the present study, voice onset time of word-initial plosives was measured in two generations of Austrian speakers (born in the middle and at the end of the 20th century), yielding an ongoing phonetic differentiation where the voice onset time of lenis consonants is shortened while, at the same time, that of fortis consonants is lengthened. These results present an insight into the recent diachronic development of Austrian German and the changes in plosive production that are currently taking place.
FEMALE ADVANTAGE? MANAGEMENT AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE IN MICROFINANCE

The purpose of the article is to investigate whether female presence in microfinance institutions’ management team, i.e. board members, managers and loan officers, will improve their financial performance. We combine financial data on MFIs that is available from the MIX Market database with original data on the gender composition of MFIs’ management team, who include board members, managers and loan officers. This original dataset of 223 MFIs is analyzed using Logit-Tobit regression models with return on assets (ROA) as the dependent variable and proportion of female board members, female loan officers and female managers as the main independent variables. We find that a higher proportion of female managers and female loan officers improve financial performance in microfinance, while a higher proportion of female board members does not. Our results indicate that a major contributor to the financial sustainability of microfinance institutions is having a higher rate of women in vital decision-making roles, especially lower level management positions.
Reconstruction of multi-millennial summer climate variations in central Japan by integrating tree-ring cellulose oxygen and hydrogen isotope ratios

Abstract. Oxygen isotope ratios (δ18O) of tree-ring cellulose are a novel proxy of summer hydroclimate in monsoonal Asia. In central Japan, we collected 67 conifer wood samples, mainly Chamaecyparis obtusa, with ages encompassing the past 2,600 yr. The samples were taken from living old trees, excavated archeological wood, old architectural wood, and naturally buried logs. We analyzed stable isotope ratios of oxygen (δ18O) and hydrogen (δ2H) in tree-ring cellulose in these samples without using a pooling method, and constructed a statistically reliable tree-ring cellulose δ18O time-series for the past 2,500 yr. However, there were distinct age trends and level offsets in the δ18O record, and cellulose δ18O values showed a gradual decrease as an individual tree matures. This suggested it is difficult to establish a cellulose δ18O chronology for low-frequency signals by simple averaging of all the δ18O time-series data. However, there were opposite age trends in the cellulose δ2H, and δ2H gradually increased with tree age. There were clear positive correlations in the short periodicity variations between δ18O and δ2H, probably indicating a common climate signal. A comparison of the δ18O and δ2H time-series in individual trees with tree-ring width suggested that the opposite age trends of δ18O and δ2H are caused by temporal changes in the degree of post-photosynthetic isotope exchange with xylem water, accompanied by changes in stem growth rate (growth effect) that are influenced by human activity in the forests of central Japan. Based on the assumptions that cellulose δ18O and δ2H vary positively and negatively with constant proportional coefficients due to climate variations and the growth effect, respectively, we solved simultaneous equations for the climatological and physiological components of variations in tree-ring cellulose δ18O and δ2H in order to remove the age trend (growth effect). This enabled us to evaluate the climatic record from cellulose δ18O variations. The extracted climatological component in the cellulose δ18O for the past 2,600 yr in central Japan was well correlated with numerous instrumental, historical, and paleoclimatological records of past summer climate at various spatial and temporal scales. This indicates that integration of tree-ring cellulose δ18O and δ2H data is a promising method to reconstruct past summer climate variations on annual to millennial time-scales, irrespective of the growth affect. However, analytical and statistical methods need to be improved for further development of this climate proxy.
Blockchain Applications in the Agri-Food Domain: The First Wave

This study aims to investigate the application potential of blockchain technology in the agri-food industry, by following a case study approach focused on the early adopter companies. As the topic is emerging, there are not enough academic papers available to warrant a systematic literature review. To confirm this hypothesis and to inform to better understand guide this research, we first conducted a pre-literature review. Based on its outcomes, we formulated three research questions, and developed a protocol to identify case studies, and subsequently analyzed them to answer our questions. We identified and studied six case studies, in which blockchain has been used to address issues of trust and transparency, and to facilitate information sharing among agri-food chain stakeholders. While blockchain adoption is still in its infancy, governance issues are important, as broader partnerships are required for successful, sustainable applications.
Roles and Mechanisms of Hawthorn and Its Extracts on Atherosclerosis: A Review

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), especially atherosclerosis, is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally; it causes a considerable burden on families and caregivers and results in significant financial costs being incurred. Hawthorn has an extensive history of medical use in many countries. In China, the use of hawthorn for the treatment of CVD dates to 659 AD. In addition, according to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, it acts on tonifying the spleen to promote digestion and activate blood circulation to dissipate blood stasis. This review revealed that the hawthorn extracts possess serum lipid-lowering, anti-oxidative, and cardiovascular protective properties, thus gaining popularity, especially for its anti-atherosclerotic effects. We summarize the four principal mechanisms, including blood lipid-lowering, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and vascular endothelial protection, thus providing a theoretical basis for further utilization of hawthorn.
Tailoring Hydrothermal Vent Biodiversity Toward Improved Biodiscovery Using a Novel in situ Enrichment Strategy

Deep-sea hydrothermal vents are amongst the most extreme environments on Earth and represent interesting targets for marine bioprospecting and biodiscovery. The microbial communities in hydrothermal vents are often dominated by chemolithoautotrophs utilizing simple chemical compounds, though the full extent of their heterotrophic abilities is still being explored. In the bioprocessing industry, where degradation of complex organic materials often is a major challenge, new microbial solutions are heavily needed. To meet these needs, we have developed novel in situ incubators and tested if deployment of recalcitrant materials from fish farming and wood-pulping industries introduced changes in the microbial community structure in hot marine hydrothermal sediments. The incubation chambers were deployed in sediments at the Bruse vent site located within the Jan Mayen vent field for 1 year, after which the microbial populations in the chambers were profiled by 16S rRNA Ion Torrent amplicon sequencing. A total of 921 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were assigned into 74 different phyla where differences in community structure were observed depending on the incubated material, chamber depth below the sea floor and/or temperature. A high fraction of putative heterotrophic microbial lineages related to cultivated members within the Thermotogales were observed. However, considerable fractions of previously uncultivated and novel Thermotogales and Bacteroidetes were also identified. Moreover, several novel lineages (e.g., members within the DPANN superphylum, unidentified archaeal lineages, unclassified Thermoplasmatales and Candidatus division BRC-1 bacterium) of as-yet uncultivated thermophilic archaea and bacteria were identified. Overall, our data illustrate that amendment of hydrothermal vent communities by in situ incubation of biomass induces shifts in community structure toward increased fractions of heterotrophic microorganisms. The technologies utilized here could aid in subsequent metagenomics-based enzyme discovery for diverse industries.