Optimization and evaluation of variability in the programming window of a flash cell with molecular metal-oxide storage

We report a modeling study of a conceptual nonvolatile memory cell based on inorganic molecular metal-oxide clusters as a storage media embedded in the gate dielectric of a MOSFET. For the purpose of this paper, we developed a multiscale simulation framework that enables the evaluation of variability in the programming window of a flash cell with sub-20-nm gate length. Furthermore, we studied the threshold voltage variability due to random dopant fluctuations and fluctuations in the distribution of the molecular clusters in the cell. The simulation framework and the general conclusions of our work are transferrable to flash cells based on alternative molecules used for a storage media

A CT-study of the Cranial Suture Morphology and its Reorganization during the Obliteration

Obliteration of the cranial sutures is an age-dependent process. Its premature occurrence (craniosynostosis) causes different craniofacial deformations, dependent on the affected suture(s). The understanding of the suture morphology and the remodeling processes during the obliteration is essential for early diagnosis and treatment of the premature closure. This study aimed to investigate the morphology of open and obliterated sutures and to perform comparison analysis on the 3D images obtained by both industrial and medical computed tomography (CT) systems with various resolutions. A segment of the sagittal suture of dry skulls of known age and sex was scanned using Nikon XTH 225, an industrial CT system, developed by Nikon Metrology. The same section of the sagittal suture was observed on patients undergoing CT scanning with a multislice system Toshiba Aquilion 64 with 0.5 mm slice thickness. For 3D visualization, VGStudioMax 2.2 were used. The suture morphology was observed in coronal section on sequential 2D slices. Micro-CT (μCT) scanning of dry skulls enabled calculation of the morphometric parameters and visualization of the microarchitecture of the suture and its reorganization during the obliteration, unlike the CT imaging of patients, where the sutures were scarcely discernable. In the entirely open sections of the suture the bone edges were separated by a gap of various widths. As the obliteration proceeded, the gap gradually reduced and the bone edges got into a contact. In the fi nal stages, the traces from the contact faded away and the sutural area became a homogenous structure of increased integrity. The μCT scanning of dry bones is a powerful non-destructive technique for examination of the suture morphology. Remodeling of the suture during the obliteration leads to gradually diminishing of the gap between the bone edges to their entire coalescence

Assessment of patients’ awareness on drugs use and adherence to drug therapy as an element of Medication Review service

The administration of an excessive amount of or unnecessary drugs is a prerequisite for numerous drug-related problems, non-compliance, non-adherence to medicinal therapy, exacerbation and poor control of chronic diseases, and failure in achieving the treatment goals. The aim of this study was to assess patients’ awareness on drug use (administration, adherence to drug therapy) and to identify the possible drug-related problems with patients, using 5 or more medicines on Bulgarian territory. The data were collected implementing a structured study tool – a questionnaire for assessment of patients’ therapy using 5 or more drugs prescribed by a physician, including OTC and/or food supplements. The study provided an identification of factors affecting skipping of doses, modification of regime and analyzed the relationships and interdependencies between number of diagnoses and adverse drug effects rate; number of administered drugs and reported problems and unawareness of the medicinal product indications and health state. The results showed that it was necessary to introduce the Medication Review (MR) service in Bulgarian pharmaceutical practice. That will provide possibilities for development of pharmacists’ role in dispensing medical products, it will help in reducing drug-related problems and increasing the effectiveness of the treatment and adherence to medical therapy

Variety of transversus thoracis muscle in relation to the internal thoracic artery: an autopsy study of 120 subjects

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The transversus thoracis muscle is a thin muscular layer on the inner surface of the anterior thoracic wall that is always in concern during harvesting of the internal thoracic artery. Because the muscle is poorly described in the surgical literature, the aim of the present study is to examine in details its variations.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The data was obtained at standard autopsies of 120 Caucasian subjects (Bulgarians) of both sexes (97 males and 23 females), ranging in age from 18 to 91 years (mean age 52.8 ± 17.8 years). The transversus thoracis morphology was thoroughly examined on the inner surface of the chest plates collected after routine incisions.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>An overall examination revealed that in majority of cases the transversus thoracis slips formed a complete muscular layer (left - 75.8%, right - 83.3%) or some of the slips (left - 22.5%, right - 15%) or all of them (left - 1.7%, right - 1.7%) were quite separated. Rarely (left - 3.3%, right - 5.8%), some fibrous slips of the transversus thoracis were noted. In 55.8% of the cases there was left/right muscle symmetry; 44.2% of the muscles were asymmetrical. Most commonly, the highest muscle attachment was to the second (left - 53.3%, right - 37.5%) or third rib (left - 29.2%, right - 46.7%). The sixth rib was the most common lowest attachment (left - 94.2%, right - 89.2%). Most frequently, the muscle was composed of four (left - 31.7%, right - 44.2%) or fifth slips (left - 53.3%, right - 40.8%).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>This study provides detailed basic information on the variety of the transversus thoracic muscle. It also defines the range of the clearly visible, uncovered by the muscle part of the internal thoracic artery and the completeness of the muscular layer over it. The knowledge of these peculiar muscle-arterial relations would definitely be beneficial to cardiac surgeon in performing fast and safe arterial harvesting.</p

Characterisation of ground thermal and thermo-mechanical behaviour for shallow geothermal energy applications

Increasing use of the ground as a thermal reservoir is expected in the near future. Shallow geothermal energy (SGE) systems have proved to be sustainable alternative solutions for buildings and infrastructure conditioning in many areas across the globe in the past decades. Recently novel solutions, including energy geostructures, where SGE systems are coupled with foundation heat exchangers, have also been developed. The performance of these systems is dependent on a series of factors, among which the thermal properties of the soil play one of major roles. The purpose of this paper is to present, in an integrated manner, the main methods and procedures to assess ground thermal properties for SGE systems and to carry out a critical review of the methods. In particular, laboratory testing through either steady-state or transient methods are discussed and a new synthesis comparing results for different techniques is presented. In-situ testing including all variations of the thermal response test is presented in detail, including a first comparison between new and traditional approaches. The issue of different scales between laboratory and in-situ measurements is then analysed in detail. Finally, thermo-hydro-mechanical behaviour of soil is introduced and discussed. These coupled processes are important for confirming the structural integrity of energy geostructures, but routine methods for parameter determination are still lacking

THEORETICAL ANALYSIS FOR THE OPTIMISATION OF THE BELT CONVEYOR TENSIONING STATION OF AN SRs 2000 EXCAVATOR

ABSTRACT. In the present work, the rubber belt conveyor (RBC) of an SRs 2000 excavator is made on the basis of the main technical parameters influencing the dynamic performance of a conveyor belt for the transportation of opencast working in the conditions of “Maritsa-East Mines” Ltd. The analysis includes the most important parameters, such as: theoretical performance of the conveyor; power consumption of the electric motors (kW) at dénivеllation of the conveyor; starting torque (% Nmpl); running torque (kN); braking time (sec); braking torque (N-m); drift time (sec). When the belt conveyor is dénivellated, a number of changes occur in the main technical parameters which directly affect: yield; tension drum stroke; conveyor belt braking time; power required to drive the conveyor belt; weight required to tension the belt, etc. Downloading and reading of the basic technical parameters is necessary to determine the required tensioning force applied to the tensioning drum of the RBC. On the basis of these indicators, various conceptual variants have been developed of tensioning stations for integration to the RBC of the SRs 2000 excavator operating in the conditions of “Maritsa-East Mines” EAD

Bulgarian Experience with Adverse Drug Reaction Reports from Patients and Consumers – Retrospective Data-base Study

Background: Since 2012, in compliance with the changes in the European legislation, the Bulgarian Drug Agency (BDA) has been receiving adverse drug reaction (ADR) reports directly from patients as well as from healthcare professionals and marketing authorization holders (MAH). Adverse reaction reports from patients and consumers have different characteristics from those sent by healthcare professionals. Moreover, they may require specific algorithm and assessment methods in order to be informative and beneficial to the pharmacovigilance system

Multi-scale computational framework for the evaluation of variability in the programing window of a flash cell with molecular storage

We report a modeling study of a conceptual non-volatile memory cell based on inorganic molecular clusters as a storage media embedded in the gate dielectric of a MOSFET. For the purpose of this study we have developed a multi-scale simulation framework that enables the evaluation of the variability in the programming window of a flash-cell with sub-20nm gate length. Furthermore, we have studied the threshold voltage statistical variability due to the presence of random dopant fluctuations and polyoxometalate (POM) distribution in the cell. The simulation framework and the general conclusions of our work are transferrable to flash cells based on alternative molecules used for a storage media. © 2013 IEEE.Link_to_subscribed_fulltex

Timepix3 detector network at ATLAS experiment

We describe the technical design and show results of first measurements of a network based on the Timepix3 and the Katherine readout (with Gigabit Ethernet interface) installed in the ATLAS cavern in the LHC in January 2018. The network consists of four Timepix3 detectors, arranged in two two-layer telescopes. All detectors in the network are synchronized with each other and the LHC orbit clock. The technical solution and the concept of the project are described in details. Since the radiation field inside ATLAS is rather harsh, only the detector units (sensors with power supplies) of the system are placed in the cavern. The detectors are connected to the readout electronics (situated in a rack room with radiation levels comparable to the natural background radiation) by 80 m long cables. The technical design was tested for distances up to 120 m. First measurements are presented, which demonstrate the capabilities of the ATLAS-TPX3 network