Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Parasitic-Aware Modeling and Neural Network Training Scheme for Energy-Efficient Processing-in-Memory With Resistive Crossbar Array

This paper presents a parasitic-aware modeling method for fast and accurate simulation of Processing-in-Memory (PIM) neural network (NN) implemented in resistive memristor crossbar array. This work proposed an efficient and accurate crossbar line resistance estimation model named <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\gamma $ </tex-math></inline-formula>-compact model, and the associated NN training scheme that takes the impact of line resistance into consideration with time complexity of <italic>O(mn)</italic> for a <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\text{m}\times \text{n}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> resistive crossbar. The impact of the crossbar array parasitics to the vector-matrix multiplication (VMM) computation accuracy and multi-layer PIM NN inference accuracy are analyzed in detail. The advantage of the proposed model is demonstrated by a multilayer perceptron (MLP) of size <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$784\times 128\times 10$ </tex-math></inline-formula> implemented with resistive random access memory (RRAM) crossbar arrays for MNIST hand-written digits classification. The proposed method reduced the VMM computation error by 186 and 17 times compared to uncompensated method and the state-of-art compensation method, respectively. Maximum 98.1% inference accuracy is achieved with only 0.17% degradation compared to the ideal model.
Comptes Rendus Géoscience Sciences de la Planète in and melts: from in and ex situ Raman and 29 Si NMR spectroscopy

Water solution mechanism calcium aluminosilicate glasses insights Abstract. New Raman and NMR spectroscopy data on hydrous Ca aluminosilicate melts and glasses, with eutectic quartz–anorthite–wollastonite composition, are presented here. The glasses were obtained by rapid quench of melts equilibrated at high P and high T in a piston–cylinder apparatus. In situ Raman observations of the structure of the melts were also performed during hydrothermal diamond cell experiments. Using the intensities of the ∼ 860 cm − 1 and ∼ 1630 cm − 1 Raman signals, respectively assigned to vibrations of T–OH and H 2 O mol species, we determined the speciation of water in the glasses. T–OH and H 2 O mol values compare well with those determined from infrared (IR) spectra, except above ∼ 5 wt% total water where IR determinations actually underestimate the proportion of hydroxyl groups. The analysis of the polarized Raman spectra and of the 29 Si MAS NMR spectra of the hydrous glasses suggests limited changes in glass polymerization with variations in dissolved wa-tercontent.However,athightemperatures, insitu Ramanspectroscopyobservationsindicatethatthe hydrous melt structure di ﬀ ers very strongly from that of a glass containing a comparable concentration of dissolved water. Because of this, this study reinforces the fact that using glass data to try understanding high temperature processes in hydrous melts, like viscous ﬂow or water di ﬀ usion toward bubbles during volcanic degassing, may not be very appropriate.
A Dynamic Indicator to Model Students' Digital Behavior

During the first French Covid19 lockdown, students had to switch to a fully online learning mode. Therefore, understanding students' digital behavior becomes crucial for analysts serving public institution policy. In particular, they want to determine and interpret the evolution of students' digital behavior. This paper aims to offer them indicators. We propose to study generic student logs corresponding to standard digital workspace services. Therefore, this paper contributes to the scientific question: Can we give an easy-to-interpret and visual indicator to model students' behavior changes from poor and generic data? We first verify that we can extract epidemic-specific temporal patterns on these logs using Contrast Mining. These patterns represent students' behaviors and pace. Then, we propose a new method called Temporal Pattern Histories (TPH), representing the evolution of the temporal patterns' over time. It is a dynamic representation of students' digital behavior. Using this method, we present graphically abrupt changes during the Cov19 lockdown, and we give some hypotheses about these results. This case study proves the relevance of TPH to detect and analyze students' behavioral changes in an interpretive way. This approach has the advantage of representing the global evolution of students' behavior without giving students specific information.
Stretchable inkjet-printed electronics on mechanically compliant island-bridge architectures covalently bonded to elastomeric substrates

Herein, we present an approach that allows versatile combination of inkjet-printed electronics and stretchable substrates. For this, we created a hybrid platform made out of stretchable Ecoflex covalently bonded via silane monolayers to flexible polyethylene terephthalate islands interconnected by bridges. The islands served as platforms where conductive lines, capacitive sensors and electrochromic devices (ECDs) were fabricated by inkjet printing. The robustness of the approach is highlighted by the minor influence of strain on the conductivity of printed Ag electrodes, which changed the resistance only by 1.3% at an applied strain of 50%. Furthermore, we demonstrated capacitor sensors capable of responding to strain changing their capacitance from 0.2 to 1.6 pF. To further show the applicability of the approach for multilayer/multimaterial optoelectronic elements, we processed ECDs capable of displaying information on the stretchable platform. Thus, we demonstrate how this digital and additive concept can be applied for the scalable integration of printed optoelectronic devices onto stretchable systems without relying on lithographic processes.
Effects of Economic Partnership Agreements Between Ecowas and the EU on Trade, Revenue and Welfare of Agricultural Trade of Ecowas Bloc

This study examined the Effects of Economic Partnership Agreements between ECOWAS and the EU on Trade, Revenue and Welfare of Agricultural trade of ECOWAS bloc. The specific objectives of the study were to:(i) estimate the potential trade creation and diversion effects of EPA on agricultural trade of ECOWAS bloc, (ii) estimate the potential revenue effects of EPA on agricultural trade of ECOWAS bloc and (iii) estimate the potential welfare effects of EPA on agricultural trade of ECOWAS bloc. World Integrated Trade Solutions provided access to an online secondary data as classified by United Nations Harmonized system. The result on the potential trade creation and diversion effects of EPA on both trading blocs showed that ECOWAS will gain US$198.9million in trade creation and lose US$58.4 million in Trade Diversion. On the other hand, there will be no trade creation for EU with negligible trade diversion of – US$0.2million. The result showed total potential tariff revenue losses of US$366.4million for ECOWAS bloc post EPA. On the other hand, EU will lose (US$951.8million) its agricultural products post EPA. The result further showed potential welfare gain of US$27.6million for consumers of ECOWAS bloc. On the other hand, there will be welfare gain of the EU at US$243.5million for their consumers post EPA. Among all the recommendations, the study therefore points out that the on-going EPA negotiations between ECOWAS and the EU need not to be hurriedly signed by ECOWAS bloc. Also, ECOWAS needs to strengthen its agricultural production efficiency to be able to compete globally and encourage its individual countries to return to a single digit borrowing interest rate to encourage more investment by local agricultural producers if they want to enjoy the benefits of trade treaties at long run if EPA is eventually signed.
Anterior-posterior patterning of the avian neuraxis.

Nieuwkoop and Nigtevecht's (1954) model of anterior-posterior patterning of the neuraxis states that the naive ectoderm first receives an 'activation' signal giving it an anterior, neural character and subsequently a 'transformation' signal that progressively caudalises the axis resulting in the full rostro-caudal pattern. Stern (2001) proposed a modification to this model that divides the first step into two: a transient 'activation' step and a subsequent 'stabilisation' step. The hypoblast has been implicated as the transient inducer of a pre-neural, pre-forebrain state. In this thesis, the molecular nature of this induction is investigated by grafting the hypoblast into the area opaca to look at the induction of the genes Sox3, Otx2, ERNI and Cyp26Al. It was found that FGFs recapitulate the induction of the first three markers and retinoic acid (RA) can induce Cyp26Al whilst loss of function experiments show that both FGF and RA are required for hypoblast- mediated induction. In the epiblast, these induced genes are maintained as the future forebrain develops. Potential stabilising signals were tested by combining hypoblast grafts with cells secreting various proteins. By antagonising Wnts and/or BMPs and/or Nodal, Sox3 and ERNI can be maintained, whilst Otx2 maintenance requires combined Wnt- and BMP-inhibition, but the definitive neural marker, Sox2, is never induced. This suggests that a further 'neuralising' step might be required. Unlike regions of the epiblast fated to form head structures, the cells that will contribute to the remainder of the neuraxis reside within a small population of progenitors near the node. This indicates that a different mechanism might be responsible for patterning more caudal regions mediated by a qualitative or quantitative mechanism. To test this, secondary axes were generated by grafting progressively older donor nodes but the patterning of these ectopic axes suggests that the node might caudalise in conjunction with the pre-somitic mesoderm (PSM). Indeed, homotopic PSM grafts between different staged embryos do affect the neural tube boundary of Hoxb9. PSM can caudalise the neurectoderm, an effect that increases with age of the donor and decreases with the age of the PSM cells. An interesting conclusion is that some of the same signals are responsible both for the initial activation stages and for the subsequent transformation steps. This highlights the importance of timing as to the response of a particular cell to a particular signal.
Novel Role of AaMYBC1 in Regulating Actinidia arguta Vine Architecture by Elongating Internode Based on Multi-Omics Analysis of Transgenic Tobacco

The internode length affects the status of fruiting branches and shapes the vine architecture. MYB TFs (transcription factors) have been widely studied and reported to control many biological processes including secondary metabolism, abiotic stresses, growth and development, etc. However, the roles of MYB TFs in regulating internode length remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrated that a secondary metabolism-related R2R3-MYB TF AaMYBC1 from Actinidia arguta was involved in the regulation of internode length by combined analysis of transcriptome and metabolome of transgenic tobacco plants. The metabolome analysis of OE (over-expressed tobacco) and WT (wild-typed tobacco) showed that there were a total of 1000 metabolites, 176 of which had significant differences. A key metabolite pme1651 annotated as indole 3-acetic acid belonged to phytohormone that was involved in internode length regulation. The RNA-seq analysis presented 446 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between OE and WT, 14 of which were common DEGs in KEGG and GO enrichment. Through the combined analysis of metabolome and transcriptome in transgenic and wild-type tobacco, three key genes including two SAUR and a GH3 gene were possibly involved in internode elongation. Finally, a regulatory module was deduced to show the role of AaMYBC1 in internode elongation. Our results proposed a molecular mechanism of AaMYBC1 regulating internode length by mediated auxin signaling, implying the potential role in regulating the vine architecture.
Brain-computer interface combined with augment reality

The development of the Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) has provided humans with a novel channel to interact with the world directly, and the join of Augmented Reality (AR) makes it more natural and practical in an immersive experience. This paper aims to give a review of the research status of the BCI system combined with the AR environment. The fundamental introduction of the two techniques is illustrated at first. And the progress and application made in recent years are stated in three main dimensions about the interface, application field, and related testing work. Finally, it discusses the future challenge of the actual operation in a common environment covering various real-life scenarios, and summarizes its broad prospects.
The Role of Cumulative Mean Arterial Pressure Levels in First Stroke Events Among Adults with Hypertension: A 10-Year Prospective Cohort Study

Background Mean arterial pressure (MAP) has been proved to be an independent risk factor for stroke. In this study, we explored whether cumulative exposure of MAP in patients with hypertension is more associated with the occurrence of stroke. Methods In this prospective follow-up cohort study of hypertension from June 2010 to May 2020, 9136 participants without previous stroke at recruitment were included, of whom 492 (5.4%) had a first incident stroke during the study period (418 ischemic strokes and 74 hemorrhagic strokes). The study exposure factor was cumulative MAP, and was quartered from low to high (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4). We analyzed the risk of first stroke using multivariable adjusted Cox regression models and used stratified analysis to further explore the risk of stroke in hypertensive patients with different characteristics. Results Increased cumulative MAP in patients with hypertension were associated with risk for ischemic stroke (HR, Q2, 1.23 [95% CI, 0.91–1.67]; Q3, 1.35 [95% CI, 1.01–1.82]; Q4, 1.55 [95% CI, 1.15–2.10]; P=0.035). Furthermore, this trend persisted after stratified analysis in men (HR, Q3, 1.76[1.10–2.82]; Q4, 2.05[1.28–3.28]), aged 60 or above (HR, Q4, 1.63[1.13–2.35]) and higher body mass index (BMI) populations (HR, Q3, 1.48[1.02–2.14]; Q4, 1.59[1.09–2.32]). In contrast, cumulative MAP was not significantly associated with stroke in women, age under 60, and non-obese individuals. Conclusion Increased cumulative MAP is an independent risk factor of ischemic stroke in patients with hypertension. Special attention should also be paid to men, aged 60 or older, or those with a higher BMI.
Fault tolerant control for spacecraft attitude control systems

Future spacecraft are expected to achieve highly accurate pointing, fast slewing from large initial condition, and reliable maneuvers in the presence of environmental disturbances, unknown or uncertain inertia parameters, control input saturation, and component failures. Actuators play an important role of generating control torque/force in the desired direction under command from the controller to achieve specific aerospace objectives. However, an abrupt occurrence of an actuator fault/failure could significantly disrupt mission performance or even lead to totally loss of the spacecraft. In order to enhance the reliability and reduce critical failure of spacecraft, fault-tolerant capability should be addressed in the control system of spacecraft. Generally, the available fault-tolerant control (FTC) schemes can be classified into two categories: active FTC and passive FTC. In this thesis, both active and passive FTC approaches are developed for attitude control systems of spacecraft to enhance reliability and safety while achieving high precision attitude maneuver. Two control allocation (CA) based active FTC schemes are developed for overactuated spacecraft attitude control systems to accommodate actuator faults/failures. The active FTC approach reacts to the system component malfunctions by reconfiguring the controller based on real-time information from a fault detection and diagnosis (FDD) scheme. The proposed two active FTC schemes use the estimated fault information in the on-line CA to redistribute the virtual control efforts into Nanyang Technological University Singapore
Practical constitutive model for soil liquefaction

A practical constitutive model is presented that incorporates shear-induced effects in both loading and unloading as well as rotation effects. It is developed within a classical plasticity approach combined with a multi-laminate model. A multi-laminate model uses many mobilized planes, but the proposed model has only two mobilized planes; a maximum shear stress plane, and a horizontal plane. The application of more than one mobilized plane can intrinsically handle anisotropy as well as rotation of principal planes. The procedure focuses on simple shear conditions because they simulate field conditions under earthquake loading. The rotation effect associated with simple shear loading from a K0 consolidated state and its effect is incorporated with the Two Plane model. This constitutive model is incorporated into the dynamic coupled stress-flow finite difference program FLAC (Fast Lagrangian Analysis of Continua). It is verified by capturing the cyclic undrained behaviour of Fraser River sand. The numerical simulations under two different K0 conditions, 0.5 and 1.0 are compared with measurements.
A sensitive photodetector: Tuning the electronic structure of the Cu2O/MoS2 heterojunction by controlling the interlayer spacing or electric field

It is a significant challenge to enhance the band alignment sensitivity of MoS2-based optoelectronic devices by constructing semiconductor heterojunction. To solve the problem, we incorporate Cu2O into MoS2 to enhance the tunability of electronic structures for the first time by controlling interlayer spacings or electric field (Efield) using first-principles calculations. A stable van der Waals heterojunction forms between Cu2O and MoS2 based on the negative interfacial cohesive energy and the excellent lattice match. Noteworthily, the bandgap of Cu2O/MoS2 heterojunction varies about 0.2–0.3 eV with a 0.1 V/Å increase of Efield, which is more sensitive than that of pure MoS2. It is confirmed that the inhomogeneous charge redistribution of heterojunction enhances the tunability of electronic structures. Additionally, the detection wavelength of heterojunction expands from visible to infrared spectrum with Efield. These findings motivate more theoretical and experimental work to further study photodetectors with high sensitivity and low power consumption.
Impact of Theaflavins-Enriched Tea Leaf Extract TY-1 against Surrogate Viruses of Human Norovirus: In Vitro Virucidal Study

Using an effective natural virucidal substance may be a feasible approach for preventing food-borne viral contamination. Here, the virucidal efficacy of theaflavins (TFs)-enriched tea leaf extract (TY-1) against feline calicivirus (FCV) and murine norovirus (MNV), surrogates of human norovirus (HuNoV), was evaluated. The virus solutions were mixed with various dosages of TY-1 and incubated at 25 °C for different contact times. TY-1 reduced the viral titer of both surrogate viruses in a time- and dosage-dependent manner. A statistically significant reduction in the viral titer of FCV by 5.0 mg/mL TY-1 and MNV by 25.0 mg/mL TY-1 was observed in 10 s and 1 min, respectively. Furthermore, TY-1 reduced the viral titer of FCV and MNV on the dry surface in 10 min. The multiple compounds in TY-1, including TFs and catechins, contributed to its overall virucidal activity. Furthermore, the effect of TY-1 on viral proteins and genome was analyzed using Western blotting, RT-PCR, and transmission electron microscopy. TY-1 was found to promote the profound disruption of virion structures, including the capsid proteins and genome. Our finding demonstrates the potential of using TY-1 as a nature-derived disinfectant in food processing facilities and healthcare settings to reduce viral load and HuNoV transmission.
Religious Literacy in National Curricula of Estonia

Religious literacy may be seen as a prerequisite for religious freedom. This article analyzes how the development of religious literacy is supported in the curricula of Estonian primary and secondary schools and the extent to which these schools guarantee religious freedom. We assume that developing religious literacy is not limited to the lessons of Religious Education but can also be achieved in schools in which Religious Education is not taught. We analyze the national curricula for both basic and upper secondary schools to understand how religious literacy is represented, whether implicitly or explicitly. We are particularly interested in how the competencies of religious literacy are supported in the curricula and how freedom of religion is ensured in state-funded schools. The texts are analyzed according to the core curriculum analysis method and the religious literacy model, which identifies four stages in the development of religious literacy: examining religion as a category, engaging with a disposition towards religions, building up relevant knowledge, and promoting skills to interact well in multicultural society. This analysis shows that the dominant discourse related to religious literacy in the curricula focuses on social skills for future citizens, but religious literacy itself, a vital skill for operating in the modern multicultural world, is scarcely mentioned. Instead, it is present primarily as an implicit concept, and religion is portrayed as distant both in time and in space. Thus, this approach to education contributes insufficiently to the freedom of religion needed in a contemporary multicultural society.
Differences of corneal biomechanical parameters for keratoconus patients

Purpose: Keratoconus is an eye disorder that results in progressive thinning of the cornea. Corneal biomechanical data can be used for early diagnosis of keratoconus disease. Measurements show the first signs of corneal pathological changes while anterior surface topographic maps don’t. In cases of severe keratoconus, the measurements of corneal biomechanical parameters can be modified due to eye lid tension that can influence the evaluation of the keratoconus progression. Aim of this study was to determine differences in corneal biomechanical parameters in keratoconus patients depending on the stage of keratoconus. Method: In our research participated 144 keratoconus patients (256 eyes) and 61 control group patients (122 eyes). We evaluated the corneal thickness (Oculus Pentacam) and corneal biomechanical response with Oculus Corvis. We analyzed the Corvis biomechanical index (CBI), tomographic biomechanical index (TBI), and corneal elevation deviation index (BAD D). The results were compared between the control group and the different stages of the keratoconus patients and were analyzed with ANOVA (two factor) and linear regression. Results: As the keratoconus progresses, corneal thickness decreases (r=-0,98), corneal elasticity decreases (r=0,94), elevation height increases (r=0,77) and the deviation of the corneal elevation from the normative values increases (r=0,98). Conclusion: The results show a strong negative correlation between the stage of keratoconus and the decrease in corneal thickness. Corneal thickness, compared with the control group, decreases statistically significantly (p <0,05), starting with keratoconus stage 2, but CBI, TBI and BAD D corneal biomechanical index values - starting with keratoconus 0-1 stage.