Machine learning approach for predicting the effect of statistical variability in Si junctionless nanowire transistors

This work investigates the possibility to replace numerical TCAD device simulations with a multi-layer neural network (NN). We explore if it is possible to train the NN with the required accuracy in order to predict device characteristics of thousands of transistors without executing TCAD simulations. In order to answer this question, here we present a hierarchical multi-scale simulation study of a silicon junctionless nanowire field-effect transistor (JL-NWT) with a gate length of 150 nm and diameter of an Si channel of 8 nm. All device simulations are based on the Drift-Diffusion (DD) formalism with activated density gradient (DG) quantum corrections. For the purpose of this work, we perform statistical numerical experiments of a set of 1380 automictically different JL-NWTs. Each device has a unique random distribution of discrete dopants (RDD) within the silicon body. From those statistical simulations, we extract important figures of merit (FoM), such as OFF-current (IOFF) and ONcurrent (ION), subthreshold slope (SS) and voltage threshold (VTH). Based on those statistical simulations, we train a multi-layer NN and we compare the obtained results with a general linear model (GLM). Our work shows the potential of using NN in the field of device modelling and simulation with a potential application to significantly reduce the computational cost

Treatment of tetanus in childhood with MgSO4 - benefits and risks

Тетанус е остра инфекциозна болест, характеризираща се с клиничната триада мускулна ригидност, мускулен спазъм и дисфункция на автономната нервна система. Овладяването на болезнения, протрахиран мускулен спазъм и ригидност е основен момент в лечението. В кли-ничната практика са използвани редица медикаменти като бензодиазепини, опиати, пропофол, дантролен, баклофен, мускулни релаксанти. Алтернативно средство за контрол е MgSO4.Представяме клиничен случай на 12-год. Дете с тетанус, при който за първи път в нашето от-деление бе използвана продължителна интравенозна инфузия на MgSO4. Медикаментът бе при-ложен за контрол на мускулните спазми в комбинация с Dormicum, Tilidine и Baclofen. С добавянето към терапията на MgSO4 успяхме да овладеем мускулния спазъм и да намалим ригидността, избягвайки повишаване на дозите на седативи и опиати, както и провеждането на ендотрахеална интубация с последваща трахеостомия, изкуствена белодробна вентилация (ИБВ) и мускулна релаксация.Решението да представим нашия опит за управление на тетанус с прилагане на непрекъсната i.v. Инфузия с MgSO4 бе продиктувано от факта, че в литературата се откриха само единични клинични случаи. Посочените дози бяха твърде вариабилни, може би защото децата бяха с различна степен на тежест на заболяването, със или без подкрепяща ИБВ. Тези факти ни мотивираха да опишем подробно нашия клиничен случай с оглед подкрепа на бъдещата кли-нична практика у нас.Tetanus is an acute infectious disease characterized by clinical triad muscle rigidity, muscle spasm and dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system. The management of the painful, protracted muscle spasm and rigidity is a basic element in the treatment of tetanus. Numerous medications such as benzodiazepines, opiates, propofol, dantrolene, baclofen, muscle relaxants have been used in clinical practice. An alternative agent is MgSO4.We present a clinical case of tetanus in a 12-year-old child, in which a prolonged intravenous infusion of MgSO4 was used for the first time at our intensive care unit. The drug was used to control muscle spasms in combination with Dormicum, Tilidine and Baclofen. With the addition of MgSO4 to the therapy, we managed to control muscle spasms and to reduce rigidity, avoiding increase in the doses of the sedative and opiate, as well as endotracheal intubation followed by tracheostomy, mechanical ventilation and muscle relaxation.The decision to present our experience of managing tetanus by application of continuous i.v. infusion with MgSO4 was due to the fact that only single clinical cases were described in the literature. Furthermore, the indicated doses were too variable, perhaps because the children were with varying severity of tetanus, with or without supportive artificial lung ventilation. These facts motivated us to describe our clinical case in detail in order to support future local clinical practice

Quality of drinking water in the Black Sea coast Dobrich

Introduction: In 2008 the Law on Protection of public interest on the Black Sea Coast came into force. For the first time with statutable restrictions a separate legal status is introduced for the sensitive area of the coastal strip. The beach boundary between the sea and the coast is a strip - exceedingly state property. Therefore marine waters and territorial sea, as well as beaches and land part are subject to health control of RHI (Regional Health Inspections).Objective: Prioritizing activities in the maritime sector in Dobrich to minimize the health risks for the population.Aim: Study of the nature- geographic features of the Black Sea coast of Dobrich and characterization of the quality of marine waters - Balchik, Albena, Kranevo, Kavarna, Rusalka, Shabla, Durankulak.Materials and methods: Monitoring of bathing waters is made under the indicators included in Ordinance № 5 quality management of bathing water (SG, issue 53 / 2008): BS EN ISO7899-1 for „intestinal enterococci` and BS EN ISO 9308-3 for „E.coli` Observed are the requirements for minimum frequency sampling, samples are taken from the designated with geographical coordinates points. GPS is used for their exact determination.Results: The characteristics of points for sampling from № 1 to № 20 2008-2013 are analyzed by: geografic location,terrain, bathing area, access to the area, characteristic of the bottom, middle depth, attendance, pollution, water sports practice, sea water temperature, rainfall, point sources of pollution.Investigated are three Black Sea municipalities: Shabla, Durankulak and Balchik. Taken and analyzed are 880 sea samples for a 6-year / 2008-2013 / period from 20 bathing areas each with one point for sampling of sea water .Non-standard samples of sea waters are found from an average 17.04%, at a highest relative percentage of 32.14% for 2011 and 31.69% for 2009. After that it has declined rapidly to 0.70% for 2012 and 4.92% for 2013.Conclusions: Deviations from health norms by indicator „Escherichia col` are found in almost all points in the period 2008 to 2011, and in the last two years/ 2012-2013/ separate deviations are found in 6 points: Durankulak North 2 over year 2013, Bozhurets-Topolain 2013, in Albena 2013, Balchik Palace 2012 and 2013, Balchik -New beach in 2013 and Robinsonin 2013

Quality of drinking water in the Black Sea coast Dobrich - Part 2

Introduction: Water is essential to life, but it can also be a carriers of diseases in the countries of all continents - from the poorest to the richest. The most common and widespread health risks associated with drinking water are dependent upon geological conditions, natural and anthropogenic chemicals above certain levels, as well as upon pathogenic bacteria , viruses and parasites caught in it.Aim and tasks: To investigate the quality of drinking water in the coast municipalities in Dobrich area: Balchik, Kavarna and Shabla for a 6 -year monitoring period 2008-2013Materials and methods: Data from monitoring joint programs in areas which supply water for the Black Sea coast municipalities: Shabla, Kavarna, Balchik with total beam sampling and testing for chemical and microbiological parameters of drinking water at the tap of the consumer, according to Ordinance №9 regarding the quality of drinking water and such for household purposes (Prom. SG SG 30/2001. )Results: The water-supply network in the municipalities on the Black Sea coast Shabla, Kavarna and Balchik is more than 40 years old, great at length. Non-standard samples by municipalities are in a wide range from 6% in 2008 for Balchik to 70% for Kavarna in 2011. Non-standard samples in Kavarna Municipality are permanently deviated by indicator nitrates in 6 settlements, in the municipality of Shabla in two settlements, which affects the overall indicator of substandard for microbiological and chemical parameters.Conclusions: Deviations from the norm in Balchik municipality are 6% from 2009 to 13% in 2012 and 2013, in Shabla municipality deviations are in the range from 31% for 2009 to 12% in 2013. Kavarna municipality - from 25.4% in 2009 to 70% in 2011 and 38% and 22% for 2012 and 2013

Key factors and conditions for implementing the drop-shipping method as an alternative to traditional supply chain

The drop-shipping method is an innovative alternative to the traditional supply chain, rooted in the principles of e-commerce. Drop-shipping has gained increasing popularity over the years. The main objective of this research is to identify the key factors and conditions for its implementation as part of the traditional supply chain. An empirical study was conducted among Bulgarian Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) from various industries using survey and interview methods to gather the necessary data. Descriptive analysis was employed to examine the characteristics and distribution of the studied variables. Furthermore, regression analysis was conducted to explore the influence of various factors on delivery times and the average number of annual sales. Additionally, a correlation analysis was performed to examine the relationships between suppliers, delivery times, and levels of customer satisfaction when implementing the drop-shipping method. A variation analysis was also carried out to delve into the connections and changes between the two categories of factors – supplier-related and customer-related. The data from this study can serve as guidelines for implementing new innovative delivery methods within SMEs, aiming to provide the necessary factors and conditions for their successful operation

Phytochemical analysis of leaves and stems of Physalis alkekengi L. (Solanaceae)

Physalis alkekengi L. (Solanaceae) is encountered in different regions of Bulgaria as a wild growing or ornamental plant. The objective of this work was to characterize the phytochemical composition (macro and micro components) of the leaves and stems of two local phenotypes (PA-SB and PA-NB), with the view of revealing their use potential. The dry leaves contained (DW) protein (16.25 and 19.27%), cellulose (25.16 and 25.31%), and ash (18.28 and 16.16%) and the stems contained protein (6.83 and 7.35%), cellulose (39.34 and 38.25%), and ash (15.01 and 7.48%) for PA-SB and PA-NB, respectively. The dominant amino acids (by HPLC) in the leaves of both phenotypes were arginine (21.3-22.3 mg/g) and aspartic acid (8.8-18.4 mg/g), and those in the stems were proline and aspartic acid for PA-SB (8.8, 7.7 mg/g); isoleucine and tyrosine for PA-NB (12.8, 6.6 mg/g). Mineral elements, determined by AAS (K, Ca, Mg, Na, Cu, Fe, Zn, Mn, Pb, Cr), also varied between phenotypes and plant parts. The leaves alone were further processed by extraction with n-hexane, for the identification of leaf volatiles (by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry). The analysis identified 28 components (97.99%) in the leaf extract of PA-SB and 32 components (97.50%) in that of PA-NB. The volatile profile of PA-SB leaves was dominated by diterpenes (49.96%) and oxygenated sesquiterpenes (35.61%), while that of PA-NB was dominated by oxygenated aliphatics (40.01%) and diterpenes (35.19%). To the best of our knowledge, the study provides the first data about the phytochemical composition of the leaves and stems of P. alkekengi from Bulgaria, in a direct comparison of phenotypes from two distinct wild populations, which could be of further scientific interest.AlMaarefa University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; [2021-29]The authors deeply acknowledge the Researchers Supporting Program (TUMA Project-2021-29), AlMaarefa University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for supporting steps of this work

First line 5-FU-based chemotherapy with/without bevacizumab for metastatic colorectal cancer: one center experience results

Purpose: Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer mortality in the United States. According to the National Institute of Statistics in Bulgaria for 2012 there have been 2370 newly diagnosed colon cancer and 1664 rectal cancer cases and the total number of registered patients is 29995. Adding Bevacizumab to chemotherapy in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer improves progression-free survival but yet no predictive markers for patient selection have been described and proved in the clinical practice. In our study we examined two plasma biomarkers that may correlate with response to first line Bevacizumab containing chemotherapy in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.Patients and Methods: 54 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer were assigned to first line 5-Fubased chemotherapy with/without Bevacizumab. The primary end point was progression-free survival, with additional determination of response and toxicity. Blood samples were collected at baseline from all 54 patients prior to initiation of chemotherapy and Bevacizumab. Plasma samples were stored at -80º C until analysis at the Immunology Laboratory at the University Hospital `St. Marina` (Varna, Bulgaria) by a multiple-step sandwich immunoassay Human ELISA VEGF121 and VEGF165 kits.Results: The median progression-free survival for the group treated with CT/Bev was 8.8 months, compared with 5.4 months for the group treated with chemotherapy alone (95% CI, log-rank test P =0.003). The corresponding overall response rates were 19.3% and 10.2% respectively (P < 0.05 for CT/Bev vs CT).Conclusion: The addition of Bevacizumab to 5-Fu based chemotherapy improves progression-free survival duration for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. We could not find any association between pretreatment plasma levels of VEGF 121 and 165 and worse PFS

Bread and Home: Global Cultural Politics in the Tangible Places of Intangible Heritage (Bulgaria,Cuba,Brazil)

The dissertation "Bread and Home: Global Cultural Politics in the Tangible Places of Intangible Heritage (Bulgaria, Cuba, Brazil)" examines the local meanings and impact of a cultural policy model, understood ethnographically and defined conceptually as the "community culture model". This type of national policy focuses on developing community cultural centers, often called "houses of culture", imagined as spaces that would inspire people of all ages to develop their artistic creativity and/or preserve local traditions. The dissertation traces how this concept and policy strategy traveled from Bulgaria (where the centers are called chitalishte) and the Soviet Union (dom kulturyi) to Cuba (casas de la cultura) during the communist period, and then in the 1990s from Cuba to Brazil. The Cuban version of the Bulgarian/Soviet model inspired the Brazilian cultural policies of Gilberto Gil leading him to develop similar cultural spaces (pontos de cultura), particularly in low-income areas, in an attempt to improve the local quality of life. While the "houses of culture" model has been widely perceived as a form of socialist propaganda aimed at the masses, the research reveals that it has much earlier origins dating back to the 1850s when a network of grassroots organizations (chitalishte) started evolving in Bulgaria. These centers now number some 3500, reaching all across the country, thus making them the oldest non-governmental organization in Europe as recognized by the Council for Europe. Current ethnographic analysis is, therefore, fascinating for it shows how and why the network is still so meaningful and has persisted notwithstanding the political, economic, social, and cultural turmoil of the past century. One of the reasons why these cultural centers are so interesting is because they occupy space betwixt and between the professional, high arts and community social work, between the state (with its interest in national uniformity) and the local (with its potential for disturbing centralized control of the symbols and metaphors of cultural identity). Studying these centers in their local details allows us to see the negotiation of values over continuity and change, heritage and modernity, consumerism and activism, power and agency, personhood and society. Because the Bulgarian Ministry of Culture linked these cultural centers' activities to UNESCO's Convention on the Safeguarding of the Intangible Heritage of Humanity, the dissertation also traces how these international standards were developed by each country. Through such an analysis we can see the discrepancies among the interpretations of UNESCO's discourses at both the policy and communal levels. While UNESCO did not address "where" intangible cultural heritage might be locally situated and transmitted, the links between the Convention's goals and the community cultural centers were similarly perceived in the three countries by both the Ministries and the people. Intriguingly, however, in the three cases people's views on cultural heritage and community arts diverged from the national understanding, particularly on the contested issue of food. Sharing food, especially bread as a key symbol in the Bulgarian case, was not officially recognized by UNESCO as intangible heritage - not until one baker's persistent struggle for recognition narrated in the dissertation - or by the state as an activity befitting a "cultural center," even though food was perceived by the local people as central to their transmission of tradition. Ultimately, people's struggles to develop kitchen spaces within the cultural centers enacted creative forms of resistance to the political narratives and a tactic for appropriating public space made private. It is these shared experiences and reactions that point to the particular liminal space of the community cultural centers as friction zones between the global and the culturally specific. Thus, for all their local and evolving qualities, the centers proved to be defined by a few key common characteristics, symbols, and metaphors that make tangible the shared dynamics of these transnational networks. The very choice of where to "break bread" thus allows us the opportunity to assess social and cultural patterns as they are evolving within and across each of the three countries. Ultimately, people's bargains over global cultural politics were lived in multiple daily acts of resistance, often as symbolic and small yet real and powerful as breaking bread