Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Model Checking TileLink Cache Coherence Protocols By Murphi

TileLink is a standard interface used for on-chip communication within the RISC-V open-source processor ecosystem. It offers a scalable, low-latency, and coherent method of exchanging data between various components of a System-on-Chip (SoC) design, such as processors, accelerators, and memory controllers. Certain components within the SoC may include caches, and TileLink Cached(TL-C) coherence protocols are implemented to ensure cache coherence among these components. The TL-C protocols are hierarchical and can be configured to operate in either inclusive or non-inclusive modes. Due to the complexity and difficulty of these protocols, our investigation focuses on utilizing model checking techniques. In this paper, we present a novel approach to construct a simple and flexible cache hierarchy in the model checking tool Murphi. We verified the generic formal models that adhere to the recent TL-C specifications proposed by SiFive with inclusive or non-inclusive policies for the first time. In particular, we have examined the shapes of cache coherence trees and their generation within the aforementioned inclusion policies.
Deep Learning Defined Power Electronic Converters

In pursuit of achieving the sustainable development goals, significant transformations are underway in the energy and transportation sectors. Cyber-physical system (CPS), a component of Industry 4.0, enables real-time monitoring, efficiency enhancement, and data generation. However, it also introduces challenges and vulnerabilities, particularly the risk of cyberattacks [1]. Critical infrastructure sectors include power grids, transportation systems, data centers, and healthcare, among others. Managing the relationship between technology and critical infrastructure involves complex regulatory and ethical considerations. Overreliance on CPS can lead to single points of failure, where a disruption in one system can cascade into others, emphasizing the need for cautious implementation.
Design of a Small-Scale Locust-Inspired Robot Capable of Jump-gliding Locomotion

Small-scale robots are widely used in real-world rescue missions, but their mobility and movement range are still limited. One solution to improve their adaptability to complex environments is to introduce jumping and gliding strategies into the robot design. In this paper, we developed a small-scale locust-inspired robot capable of active (propeller-driven) gliding after launching from the ground, which had a body length of 19.1 cm and a weight of 97 g. On the basis of the locust’s musculoskeletal model, the jumping system was designed by a six-bar mechanism which can amplify the power. To improve the lift in gliding phase while reducing the draft in jumping phase, the gliding system with a folding wing and a front propeller was proposed corresponding to the fixed-wing principle. The results obtained through a series of experimental tests reveal that the robot achieves a jumping height of 0.15 m and a passive gliding distance of 1.5 m, which has a glide ratio of 1.13. Remarkably, actuating by a propeller, the robot can jump up to a height of 0.20 m, covering a gliding distance of 2.9 m. It is worth noting that the glide ratio of the robot improves by 91.2% in the propeller-driven jump-gliding mode.
A Multimodal Pipeline for Grasping Fabrics from Flat Surfaces with Tactile Slip and Fall Detection

In this work, we present a comprehensive multi-modal pipeline for grasping pieces of fabric from flat surfaces. The pipeline is capable of grasping the fabric with a success rate of 99% without the need for information on material or shape. Maintaining the pressure onto the fabric and surface while closing the gripper causes a fold in the material, which is firmly pinched between the fingers of the gripper. We present and evaluate several grasp policies in different configurations with various materials. The achieved pulling force of grasps and, therefore, their quality is analyzed. We demonstrate the versatility of the pipeline by transferring it to a different gripper. Further, it features a recurrent deep learning based slip and fall detection using tactile sensing.
Sub-quadratic (1+ϵ)-approximate Euclidean Spanners, with Applications

We study graph spanners for point-set in the high-dimensional Euclidean space. On the one hand, we prove that spanners with stretch $\lt \sqrt{2}$ and subquadratic size are not possible, even if we add Steiner points. On the other hand, if we add extra nodes to the graph (non-metric Steiner points), then we can obtain $(1+\epsilon)$-approximate spanners of subquadratic size. We show how to construct a spanner of size $n^{2-\Omega\left(\epsilon^{3}\right)}$, as well as a directed version of the spanner of size $n^{2-\Omega\left(\epsilon^{2}\right)}$. We use our directed spanner to obtain an algorithm for computing $(1+\epsilon)$-approximation to Earth-Mover Distance (optimal transport) between two sets of size n in time $n^{2-\Omega\left(\epsilon^{2}\right)}$.
DFGC: DFG-aware NoC Control based on Time Stamp Prediction for Dataflow Architecture

Coarse-grained reconfigurable architectures (CGRAs) have been regarded as promising accelerating paradigm for the ever-evolving algorithms in multi domains. Obtaining high energy-efficiency on CGRAs relies heavily on the combination of mapping, timing (issuing) and routing to decrease run-time idle. Statically configuration-driven designs are widely adopted, but the leak of hardware flexibility leads to a heavy reliance on burdensome scheduling of compiler to avoid over-serialization. This draw a trade-off between hardware/software co-design in CGRA scheduling.Unlike a static-schedule oriented approach, we propose DFGC (DFG-aware NoC Control), a dataflow-driven CGRA which takes the advantages of fully exploring data parallelism in different kernels by using dataflow dynamic firing with low overhead. The DFGC compiler is responsible for analyzing critical data paths and generating TimeStamp predictions instead of per cycle configuration. The rough predicted results enable router and PE to be sensitive to the entire dataflow graph, thereby accelerating the whole computation process. The DFG-aware NoC design realize a combined scheduling technique of hardware dynamic decision-making together with static prediction. DFGC represents a paradigm of CGRA that is worth exploring, achieving hardware/software co-design without relying on sophisticated designed compiler. Experiments show that DFGC achieves 1.32× energy efficiency improvement over a dataflow architecture and 1.8× energy efficiency improvement over a state-of-the-art static configured CGRA.
Scan Cell Segmentation Based on Reinforcement Learning for Power-Safe Testing of Monolithic 3D ICs

As Moore's Law approaches its physical limits, monolithic 3D (M3D) integration offers continued power, performance, and density improvements. However, M3D integration can lead to large power supply noise (PSN) in the power distribution network due to high current demand and long conduction paths, leading to PSN-induced voltage droop problems. The PSN-induced voltage droop is more severe for at-speed delay testing than for the functional mode. Power-safe testing is therefore essential to prevent good chips from failing on the tester (i.e., yield loss). We propose a scan cell segmentation framework to reduce power consumption during scan capture. We use reinforcement learning to insert scan cell segments that can minimize switching activity without any adverse impact on test coverage. Simulation results for benchmark M3D designs highlight the effectiveness of the proposed framework.
Remote Control of Bandits Over Queues - Relevance of Information Freshness

Sequential decision making for wireless networked control applications where the decision making agent is not colocated with the controlled system has been considered in prior work. The decision making agent obtains state observations and reward observations from the system through a communication network which may delay and lose such observations. Prior work has considered the relevance of information freshness for decision making agents which assume perfect knowledge of the system model. Motivated by the need to consider learning based decision making agents which have a fundamental exploration-exploitation tradeoff, we investigate the remote control of bandits over a bottlenecked communication network modelled as a Geo/Geo/1 queue. Using simulations, we investigate the regret performance of standard bandit algorithms such as $\epsilon$ -greedy, upper confidence bound (UCB), and Thompson sampling in this context. We also propose reward-queue based bandit algorithms and evaluate their regret via simulations. We study the regret as a function of the queue arrival and service parameters as well as of the queueing discipline and investigate whether information freshness is relevant for remote learning based control of bandits.
Noise and site response characterization in Makassar Strait and Celebes Sea based on Ocean Bottom Seismometer

To overcome the limited information in the northern waters of Sulawesi Island, ocean bottom seismometers (OBS) were installed in the northern part of the Makassar Strait and the Sulawesi Sea. OBS data were analysed using passive seismic methods to determine the characteristics of noise and site response in the Makassar Strait and the Celebes Sea. Probabilistic Power Spectral Density (PPSD) from OBS station showed microtremor in the period 0.06 – 0.7 s, secondary microseismic peak in the period 0.9 – 2 s, secondary microseismic peak in the period 4 – 8 s, and hum in the period more than 10 s. The amplitude of the noise power is in the range of New Low Noise Model (NLNM) and New High Noise Model (NHNM) for a period <10 s and slightly above NHNM for a period >10 s for OBS IGGCAS F-type. For OBS IGGCAS G-type, the noise power amplitude is in the period < 0.7 s in the NLNM and NHNM ranges. However, there is a tendency for the noise power amplitude to be flat with an amplitude above NHNM for a period > 0.7 s. The noise power’s amplitude depends on the station’s location, climate, instruments, daily variations, and seasonal variations. Horizontal-to-Vertical Spectral Ratio (HVSR) in the North Makassar Strait shows an H/V curve with an unclear peak in the middle of the strait and multiple peaks in the eastern part of the strait with a frequency range of 1.35 – 4.7 Hz. Between the Makassar Strait and the Celebes Sea, the H/V curve shows a flat peak and multiple peaks with a frequency range of 1.10 – 4.03 Hz. Meanwhile, in the Celebes Sea, the H/V curve shows an unclear peak (unclear peak) and several peaks (multiple peaks) with a frequency range of 0.65 – 6.25 Hz.
Determination of Porosity and Formation Resistivity Factor for a Leachate-Saturated Waste

The factors of porosity and formation resistivity have a strong influence on the process of electric current conduction through saturated porous media. In this study, laboratory experiments were carried out to calculate the resistivity formation factor from electrical resistivity measurements for leachate-saturated waste in samples collected from the Bakung landfill in Bandar Lampung. The formation resistivity factor is calculated using the Archie equation by calculating the representative value of the intercept (a) and the cementation factor (m) as used by Archie in the derivative relationship between the formation resistivity factor (F) and porosity (ϕ). This study investigates the impact of leachate spatial distribution on electrical resistivity. Electrical resistivity and porosity were measured in 27 soil samples. Each soil sample was subjected to three treatments: without leachate injection, unsaturated leachate injection (physical modelling), and fully saturated leachate injection (physical modelling). The results show that resistivity formation factors and porosity have a relationship. The values of ‘a’ and ‘m’ were determined at the study site based on the relationship between formation factors and porosity. The findings should create new insights into applied geophysics.
Trip Distribution and Modal Choice in the Taman Mini LRT Station Area

The surrounding Taman Mini LRT station boasts a diverse range of land uses, primarily characterized by residential zones, interspersed with dynamic activity hubs such as tourist attractions, shopping malls, and hospitals. The prevailing issue in this area relates to persistent traffic congestion, stemming from the overreliance on private vehicles, inadequate public transportation infrastructure, disjointed intermodal connections, and the lack of seamless integration between transportation modes and activity centers. This study endeavors to comprehensively analyze pedestrian and vehicular movement in the periphery of the Taman Mini LRT station. This analysis is pivotal in assessing the current mobility landscape. Notably, the intensity of activity within a particular land use directly correlates with its ability to draw vehicular traffic, consequently leading to prolonged waiting times for pedestrians at crosswalks. Employing a four-step model, this research methodically defines pedestrian and vehicular flow within the region. This model incorporates output distribution of trips and origin-destination graphs. Additionally, stated preference techniques are employed to discern respondents’ inclinations when making travel decisions. This involves evaluating key factors like travel time, fares, frequency, accessibility level, comfort, and safety – categories that significantly influence their preferences when selecting between LRT and other transportation modes.
Crustal Thickness and Vp/Vs Ratio Determination beneath Tangkuban Parahu Volcano, West Java, Indonesia using Receiver Function Analysis

Tangkuban Parahu, an active stratovolcano located approximately 15 km north of Bandung City in Indonesia, is the focal point of this study. The research aims to examine seismic structures within the crust beneath the Tangkuban Parahu Complex. To accomplish this, a teleseismic receiver function method was employed, utilizing broadband seismic stations along a seismological profile within the Tangkuban Parahu Volcano area. Waveform data were collected during the period from October 24, 2021, to March 31, 2022, for analysis. Various seismic wave phases, including P, Ps, PpPs, and PsPs, were identified in the recorded waveforms, within a time window extending from -2 seconds before the onset of the P-wave to 20 seconds after its onset. The analysis and modelling were conducted using the H-κ stacking receiver function technique. The findings of the H-κ stacking receiver function revealed notable variations in crustal structures, encompassing crustal thickness and the average crustal composition, as indicated by the Vp/Vs ratio, within the Tangkuban Parahu Volcano area. Preliminary results suggest that the crust beneath Tangkuban Parahu, estimated based on data from single seismic station, possesses a thickness of approximately 32.3 km, with a corresponding Vp/Vs ratio of around 1.746.
Green remediation of herbicides: Studies with atrazine

We report the use of higher plants to take up atrazine in hydroponic microcosms. The aquatic plant, hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum), together with its associated microorganisms, was effective in removing atrazine . Breakdown products of atrazine in the presence of plants included deethylatrazine, deisopropylatrazine, and a glutathione conjugate of atrazine. Autoradiography indicated that only a fraction of labeled material remained within the plant cells, indicating that microorganisms (probably bacteria) played an important role in the disappearance of atrazine. Other higher plants, algae, and fungi capable of atrazine degradation were identified. The deethyl- and deisopropyl derivatives were also formed by photochemical processes in the absence of plants.
Crustal properties investigation in the Meratus Complex Zone, Southeast Borneo, using H-κ stacking of receiver function analysis

We study crustal properties using teleseismic receiver functions extracted from two broadband seismic stations around the Meratus Complex region, Southeast Borneo. The two seismic stations, BBKI and KBKI, are distributed in the Meratus Mountains and Pulau Laut. We then employ the H-κ stacking technique to measure the crustal thickness (H) and the crustal average Vp/Vs ratio (κ). The method works quite well for receiver functions recorded on seismic station KBKI. The thickness of the crust and Vp/Vs ratio underneath this station are around 38 km and 1.64, respectively. On the contrary, the standard H-κ method fails in estimating the crustal properties beneath station BBKI due to significant sedimentary contamination on the receiver functions. Thus, we apply the sequential H-κ stacking analysis by removing the sedimentary effect and increasing the Moho Ps amplitude. The result shows the thickness of the crust is around 29 km, although the Vp/Vs is not well determined. The research findings from both stations are comparable to those derived from the previous receiver function study using inversion modelling. The crustal properties around this area may reflect the continental material part of the Sunda continental block.
Conceptual modelling to assess the influence of hydro-climatic variability on runoff processes in data scarce semi-arid Andean catchments

ABSTRACT Using hydro-meteorological time series of 50 years and in situ measurements, the dominant runoff processes in perennial Andean headwater catchments in Chile were determined using the hydrological model HBV light. First, cluster analysis was used to identify dry, wet and intermediate years. From these, sub-periods were identified with contrasting seasonal climatic influences on streamflow. By calibrating the model across different periods, impacts on model performance, parameter sensitivity and identifiability were investigated, providing insights into differences in hydrological processes. The modelling approach suggested that, independently of a dry or wet period of calibration, the streamflow response is mostly consistent with flux from groundwater storage, while only a small fraction comes from direct routing of snowmelt. The variation of model parameters, such as the groundwater rate coefficient, was found to be consistent with differing recharge in wet and dry years. The resulting snowmelt–groundwater model is a realistic hypothesis of the hydrological operation of such complex, data scarce and semi-arid Andean catchments. This model may also be a useful tool for predictions of seasonal water availability and a basis for further field studies.
Autopilot for Hawk-like Robot: Modeling and Trajectory Tracking Control of an Underactuated Ornithopter

This paper studies the modeling problems of a whole ornithopter in the Webots simulator. We introduce the quasi-steady aerodynamics and flapping mechanisms into the simulator. Then a trajectory-tracking project is carried out. With ROS2 integration, we have succeeded in designing a practical autopilot for flapping wing aerial vehicle research. The experimental results show that the ornithopter can not only reach steady flight with moderate thrust and attitude but also track the positional trajectory as expected.
Silicon Photonic Mach–Zehnder Modulator Architectures for on Chip PAM-4 Signal Generation

Four level pulse amplitude modulation (PAM-4) has become the modulation format of choice to replace on–off keying (OOK) for the 400 Gb/s short reach optical communications systems. In this paper, we investigate the possible modifications to conventional Mach–Zehnder modulator structures to improve the system performance. We present three different silicon photonic Mach–Zehnder modulator architectures for generating PAM-4 in the optical domain using OOK electrical driving signals. We investigate the transfer function and linearity of each modulator and experimentally compare their PAM-4 generation and transmission performance with and without use of digital signal processing (DSP). We achieve the highest reported PAM-4 generation and transmission without the use of DSP. The power consumption of each modulator is presented, and we experimentally show that multielectrode Mach–Zehnder modulators provide a clear advantage at higher symbol rates compared to conventional Mach–Zehnder modulators.
Plasmon-enhanced optoacoustic transducer with Ecoflex thin film for broadband ultrasound generation using overdriven pulsed laser diode

Abstract. Significance Ultrasonic transducers facilitate noninvasive biomedical imaging and therapeutic applications. Optoacoustic generation using nanoplasmonic structures provides a technical solution for highly efficient broadband ultrasonic transducer. However, bulky and high-cost nanosecond lasers as conventional excitation sources hinder a compact configuration of transducer. Aim Here, we report a plasmon-enhanced optoacoustic transducer (PEAT) for broadband ultrasound generation, featuring an overdriven pulsed laser diode (LD) and an Ecoflex thin film. The PEAT module consists of an LD, a collimating lens, a focusing lens, and an Ecoflex-coated 3D nanoplasmonic substrate (NPS). Approach The LD is overdriven above its nominal current and precisely modulated to achieve nanosecond pulsed beam with high optical peak power. The focused laser beam is injected on the NPS with high-density electromagnetic hotspots, which allows for the efficient plasmonic photothermal effect. The thermal expansion of Ecoflex finally generates broadband ultrasound. Results The overdriven pulsed LD achieves a maximum optical peak power of 40 W, exceeding the average optical power of 3 W. The 22 μm thick Ecoflex-coated NPS exhibits an eightfold optoacoustic enhancement with a fractional −6 dB bandwidth higher than 160% and a peak frequency of 2.5 MHz. In addition, the optoacoustic amplitude is precisely controlled by the optical peak power or the laser pulse width. The PEAT-integrated microfluidic chip clearly demonstrates acoustic atomization by generating aerosol droplets at the air–liquid interface. Conclusions Plasmon-enhanced optoacoustic generation using PEAT can provide an approach for compact and on-demand biomedical applications, such as ultrasound imaging and lab-on-a-chip technologies.
Effects of medical and surgical treatment on vitamin D levels in obesity

Introduction Persons living with obesity treated with bariatric surgery are at a high risk of developing nutritional deficiencies. The primary aim of this observational cohort study was to compare vitamin D levels in patients two years after bariatric surgery (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass/RYGB and sleeve gastrectomy/SG) with a very low-energy diet (VLED). The same subjects were also compared with a population sample from the same region at baseline. The primary hypothesis was that surgery, especially RYGB, would lead to an increased prevalence of vitamin D deficiency compared to subjects treated with VLED. 971 individuals eligible for surgical, RYGB (n = 388), SG (n = 201), and medical treatment (n = 382), in routine care, were included consecutively between 2015 and 2017. A random population sample from the WHO-MONICA project was used as a reference, (n = 414). S-calcium, S-25(OH)D (vitamin D), and S-PTH (parathyroid hormone) were measured in all persons with obesity at baseline and two years after treatment (n = 713). Self-reported use of vitamin D and calcium supplementation was registered. Results Vitamin D deficiency (S-25(OH)D <25mmol/l) was found in 5.2% of the persons with obesity at baseline versus 1.7% of the general population (SMD>0.1). S-25(OH)D increased for all treatment groups but was higher in RYGB and SG (SMD>0.1, standardized mean difference). Thirteen subjects (1.8%) had vitamin D deficiency after obesity treatment. Conclusion Surgical intervention for obesity followed by vitamin D supplementation was not associated with a higher risk for vitamin D deficiency, irrespective of surgery type, compared to individuals on medical treatment. However, persons living with obesity seeking weight loss treatment are more likely to have deficient vitamin D levels compared to the general population.